Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Real Madrid ace; club want Nico Williams, and more - June 13, 2024
Arsenal are working to improve their squad ahead of the new summer. Manager Mikel Arteta has invested wisely in recent transfer windows, helping the team develop in leaps and bounds.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have set their sights on Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Elsewhere, the north London club are interested in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 13, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Andriy Lunin
Arsenal are planning to move for Andriy Lunin this summer, according to COPE. The Gunners are all set to tie David Raya down to a permanent deal this summer, as outlined by acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Raya arrived on loan from Brentford last summer and won the Premier League Golden Glove after registering 16 clean sheets in 32 games. He pushed Aaron Ramsdale out of the starting XI, and the Englishman is likely to leave this summer.
The north London side have apparently identified Lunin as Ramsdale's replacement. The Ukrainian enjoyed an outstanding 2023-24 season with Real Madrid, helping the club deal with Thibaut Courtois' near season-long absence.
Deapite Lunin's best efforts, the Belgian remains the established No. 1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 25-year-old is understandably frustrated by the situation and is considering his options this summer.
Lunin's contract with Los Blancos expires in 2025. While the club want him to stay, he hasn't signed a new deal yet. Arsenal are eyeing the situation with interest and want him this year. However, the Ukrainian might not be too keep to leave the Spanish champions simply to warm the bench at the Emirates.
Gunners want Nico Williams
Arsenal have turned their attention to Nico Williams after missing out on Benjamin Sesko, according to The Standard. The Slovenian striker was a target for Arteta this summer, but he has apparently decided not to leave RB Leipzig for now.
The situation has forced the Gunners to consider alternatives, so they have decided to sign a winger instead. Williams has popped up on their radar after a fruitful campaign with Athletic Bilbao.
The 21-year-old registered eight goals and 17 assists in 37 games across competitions, helping the club win the Copa del Rey. The Basque club are reportedly willing to cash in on the Spaniard this year amid interest from the north London side and Barcelona.
Williams reportedly has a £43 million release clause in his contract but wants a big salary to move out of San Mames. Arsenal need more depth in their squad to compete with Manchester City, and the Spaniard could be a fine addition to Arteta's roster.
Arsenal interested in Joao Neves
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Joao Neves ahead of the summer, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT. The Portuguese caught the imagination of clubs across the continent after a fabulous 2023-24 campaign with Benfica.
Still only 19, Neves registered 55 appearances across competitions, all but six of which were starts. Arteta wants a new partner for Declan Rice this summer and has set his sights on the teenager.
The Gunners have already parted ways with Mohamed Elneny, while Thomas Partey could also follow suit this summer. Neves could be a stellar replacement for the Ghanaian, but prising him away from the Estadio da Luiz won't be a walk in the park.
There's tremendous interest in the 19-year-old from the Premier League. Benfica are also know to be shrewd negotiators, and the player reportedly has a massive release clause in his deal.