Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Newcastle United ace; club end Viktor Gyokeres pursuit, and more - August 4, 2024
Arsenal are working to improve their squad over the summer as they look to sustain their impressive growth under Mikel Arteta. The Spanish manager has transformed his team into title contenders and was close to a Premier League triumph last season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have set their sights on Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Elsewhere, the north London side have ended their pursuit of Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on August 4, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal are planning a player-plus-cash offer for Bruno Guimaraes, according to Caught Offside via TeamNewsAndTix. The Gunners are in the market this summer for midfield reinforcements, having parted ways with Mohamed Elneny.
Thomas Partey's time at the Emirates could also come to an end this year, so Arteta is eyeing replacements. Guimaraes is a long-term target for the Emirates hierarchy, who are hatching a plan to secure his signature this summer.
The north London side are apparently ready to include Aaron Ramsdale in their offer to convince Newcastle United. The English goalkeeper is no longer a first-team regular under Arteta, who has signed David Raya on a permanent deal this summer.
However, Ramsdale could be an upgrade on the options available to Eddie Howe at St. James' Park.
Gunners end Viktor Gyokeres pursuit
Arsenal have ended their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, according to Caught Offside. The Gunners are in the market for a new No. 9 this summer and have the Swedish hitman on their radar.
Gyokeres was outstanding for Sporting last season, scoring 43 goals and setting up 15 in 50 games across competitions. His efforts have made him a sought-after man this year, and the north London side were considering a move.
However, the Portuguese side reportedly want a colossal fee to let him go. Moreover, the player's wages and agent fees could make the entire operation extremely costly. The situation has forced Arsenal to consider alternatives, and they have reportedly set their sights on Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
The Englishman apparently has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which could be activated by the 'Big Six' of the Premier League. However, the Cherries have no desire to let him go this summer, so the Gunners may have to look elsewhere.
Mikel Merino backed to excel at the Emirates by former player
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has backed Mikel Merino to excel at the Emirates. The Spanish midfielder is reportedly close to joining the Gunners this summer. Arteta has apparently set his sights on his countryman to strengthen his midfield.
Merino is coming off an excellent campaign with Real Sociedad and was also part of the Spain team that won Euro 2024. His efforts have earned him admirers at multiple clubs across the continent, but he's reportedly on his way to London.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Parlour said that Merino's arrival could help Declan Rice hit a higher gear.
“They’re looking at Thomas Partey, he might be on his way out, so they do need a little bit of strengthening in that midfield.
"It (Merino transfer) gives Declan Rice a little bit more license to go forward if you’ve got another holding midfielder in there. I know he plays like that for England in that holding role, but I like to see Declan get forward," said Parlour.
He continued:
“And as I’ve said before, I’m a little bit of an old-fashioned midfielder. I like the box-to-box players.
“It’s just using your common sense as a midfielder, if someone runs past you that is playing alongside you and gets forward, you just fill in for him, and vice versa, it’s very, very straightforward.”
Parlour went on to add that his former side are getting a decent deal for the 28-year-old.
“Merino, he’s a top player, he’s played well for Spain and Real Sociedad. He’s a good age at 28; it’s perfect.
"He should be in his prime at that sort of time. And Arsenal have said, ‘at £25m, it’s a decent deal.’ I think they have a good relationship with Real Sociedad anyway with (Kieran) Tierney going there on loan,” said Parlour.
Merino's contract at the Reale Arena expires at the end of next campaign, but he has no desire to sign a new deal.