Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Bayern Munich star; club enter race for Stuttgart striker, and more - June 24, 2024
Arsenal have enjoyed a steady rise under Mikel Arteta recently. The Spanish manager registered back-to-back second-placed finishes in the Premier League and will be eyeing the top prize in the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich. Elsewhere, the north London side have set their sights on VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 24:
Arsenal eyeing Joshua Kimmich
Arsenal have set their sights on Joshua Kimmich, according to TEAMTALK. The Gunners are looking for a new midfielder this summer, with Mohamed Elneny gone and Thomas Partey also expected to depart.
Arteta is seeking an established face to anchor the midfield and pull the strings in his team. The manager has set his sights on Kimmich but is not the German's only suitor.
Liverpool are also in the race for the 29-year-old, while he's wanted at Manchester City as well. The German is under contract with Bayern Munich till the end of next season but hasn't agreed a new deal yet.
It now appears that Kimmich has decided against a renewal at the Allianz Arena and is even willing to leave next year as a free agent. The Bavarians, though, are likely to push for his sale this summer if he doesn't sign an extension.
The situation has prompted a melee for his services, with the Premier League trio eager to win the race. Kimmich could be the ideal partner for Declan Rice at Arsenal, but he could also be open to a reunion with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
Gunners enter race for Serhou Guirassy
Arsenal have entered the race to sign Serhou Guirassy this summer, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Guinea striker was on impeccable form for VfB Stuttgart in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 30 goals and setting up three in 30 games across competitions.
His efforts have caused a stir across Europe, with multiple clubs eyeing him with interest. Arteta is also looking for a new striker this summer and was previously pushing for Benjamin Sesko.
However, the Slovenian striker has decided to stay with RB Leipzig for now, prompting Arteta to consider alternate options. The Gunners have identified Guirassy as a target, with the club willing to deviate from their youth-centric transfer policy for the 28-year-old.
Guirassy finished behind Harry Kane in the Bundesliga Golden Boot race last season and could improve Arteta's team. However, the north London side face competition from AC Milan and Chelsea for his signature.
Arsenal suffer Joao Neves blow
Arsenal have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Joao Neves. According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Benfica will only let the Portuguese leave if one of his suitors triggers the player's €120 million release clause.
Neves exploded into the scenes at Lisbon in the 2023-24 season, registering three goals and two assists from 53 games in competitions. His efforts have made him a wanted man this summer, with Manchester United also eyeing the 19-year-old with interest.
The Gunners want a new defensive midfielder this summer to replace Thomas Partey, who is likely to leave. Neves could be ideal for the position, but his price tag makes a move difficult.
The north London side have no desire to break the bank for the Portuguese and will only consider a move if he's available for a reasonable fee. The teenager is under contract with Benfica till 2028, so the club are under no pressure to let him go.