Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing PSG ace, club preparing to move for Raphinha, and more - July 28, 2024
Arsenal are working to improve their squad over the summer after falling short in the Premier League title race once again. Mikel Arteta's team finished second in the league table last season, two points behind champions Manchester City.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder. Elsewhere, the north London side are preparing to submit their opening offer for Raphinha.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from July 28, 2024.
Arsenal eyeing Fabian Ruiz
Arsenal have set their sights on Fabian Ruiz, according to Caught Offside. The Gunners are in the market for a new midfielder this summer and are eyeing multiple candidates for the job.
Mikel Arteta initially had his eyes on Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and was eager to take him to the Emirates. However, the Spanish midfielder is not too keen to leave the Reale Arena at the moment, prompting the north London side to seek alternate targets.
Arteta shifted his focus to Zubimendi's teammate Mikel Merino, who has been in impressive form of late as well. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the La Liga side and is likely to be available for a reduced fee.
However, Merino would prefer to stay in Spain, which has forced further changes in plans. Arsenal have now shifted focus to Ruiz, who could become surplus to requirements amid PSG's pursuit of Joao Neves.
Recent reports have suggested that the Parisians have already got hold of the Benfica youngster, which could prompt them to cash in on Ruiz. The Gunners are planning to take the player on loan this summer, with an option to buy. The Ligue 1 giants are likely to demand €45m to let Ruiz leave.
Gunners preparing to move for Raphinha
Arsenal are preparing to submit an offer for Raphinha, according to SPORT. The Brazilian forward is no longer indispensable to Barcelona's plans, thanks to the emergence of Lamine Yamal.
However, Raphinha remains a superb choice for clubs across Europe and is coming off a decent season as well. The 27-year-old already has the experience of playing in the Premier League with Leeds United and could hit the ground running with a return to England.
The Gunners are looking for attacking reinforcement this summer after faltering in the Premier League title race last season. The north London side initially had their eyes on Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams. However, it appears that the Spaniard is on his way to Camp Nou.
Arsenal have turned to Raphinha as an alternative. Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of the Brazilian and wanted to sign the player from Leeds. He could finally get his man this summer, with the Gunners reportedly working on a robust offer for the 27-year-old.
Arsenal eyeing Ezequiel Fernandez
Arsenal have set their sights on Ezequiel Fernandez, according to Bolavip. The 22-year-old has been in fine form for Boca Juniors in recent seasons and has turned heads at multiple clubs across Europe.
The Gunners are also on the list of his admirers. Mikel Arteta is looking for a new defensive midfielder to take Thomas Partey's place in the squad. The Ghanaian has entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates and is likely to leave this summer.
Meanwhile, Jorginho is already in the final phase of his career and Arteta wants a new face to partner Declan Rice in the middle of the park. Fernandez has popped up on his radar. The north London side have already established contact with the South American club, who are likely to let the Argentinean leave for £13m.