Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Juventus ace; club suffer Amadou Onana blow, and more - June 29, 2024
Arsenal are working to add more quality to Mikel Arteta's roster before the start of the new campaign. The manager has taken his team from strength to strength recently and narrowly missed out on a Premier League triumph in the 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have set their sights on Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot. Elsewhere, the north London side have encountered a roadblock in their efforts to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana this year.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 29, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Adrien Rabiot
Arsenal are planning to bring Adrien Rabiot to the Emirates this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport. The French midfielder's contract with Juventus expires this week, but he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
The Bianconeri want him to stay, but negotiations for a new deal haven't been fruitful yet. The situation has alerted multiple clubs across the continent, including the Gunners.
The north London side have targeted talented youngsters recenlly and have been quite successful in their approach. While Rabiot doesn't fit into their age limit, there's no doubt that his experience and expertise could be a big boost for their relatively young side.
The 29-year-old's availability on a Bosman move could be an icing on the cake, as it could help Arsenal invest in other transfers. Rabiot could also help get the best out of Declan Rice.
However, the player is likely to demand a hefty pay package to agree a move. Meanwhile, the Gunners also face competition from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea for the Frenchman.
Gunners suffer Amadou Onana blow
Arsenal have suffered a setback in their efforts to secure the services of Amadou Onana this summer. According to journalist Christian Falk, Bayern Munich have set their sights on the Belgian.
The Gunners are looking for a new midfielder this summer, despite investing heavily on Declan Rice last year. Mohamed Elneny has already left the Emirates, while Thomas Partey is also likely to be on his way out.
The north London side have apparently set their sights on Onana, who enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign with Everton. The 22-year-old registered three goals and one assist in 37 games across competitions.
In his column for Caught Offside, Falk added that the Bavarians have identified Onana as an alternative to Joao Palhinha.
“FC Bayern would still like to sign Joao Palhinha from Fulham. The third offer should still be the last. The club does not want to pay a total of more than €46m for the player. Bayern is therefore continuing to look for alternatives if Palhinha doesn’t work out. Amadou Onana from Everton is now an issue again," wrote Falk.
He continued
“The Munich team now knows that Onana can leave for £52m [€61.4m at the current exchange rate]. The sum is higher than Palhinha, but Onana is also younger at 22 years old. The money would therefore be invested for the longer term.”
Arsenal also have their eyes on Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi for their midfield position, as per reports.
Albert Sambi Lokonga in talks to join Sevilla
Arsenal are in talks to loan Albert Sambi Lokonga to Sevilla this summer, according to Football London. The Belgian midfielder has failed to live up to expectations since arriving at the Emirates in 2021.
Sambi Lokonga spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Luton Town and had a mixed time. His efforts haven't managed to convince the Gunners, who are ready to let him go.
Sevilla are working to offer him an escape route and have already agreed terms for a €3 million loan deal. However, Arsenal want a mandatory purchase option in 2025, while the La Liga giants want more flexibility regarding a permanent stay.