Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Riccardo Calafiori; club retain Martin Zubimendi interest, and more - July 4, 2024
Arsenal are working to add more quality to their squad after faltering in the Premier League title race last season. Mikel Arteta's team lost out to champions Manchester City on the final day of the campaign, finishing second.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have set their sights on Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. Elsewhere, the north London side remain keen to bring Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi to the Emirates.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 4, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Riccardo Calafiori, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal have set their sights on Riccardo Calafiori, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Italian defender enjoyed a stellar campaign with Bologna, registering 37 appearances across competitions, most of which were starts.
His efforts have apparently turned heads at the Emirates. Arteta has a settled centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel but is looking to add competition for places this summer. Calafiori has been identified as the perfect candidate for the job.
The 22-year-old is perfectly capable of slotting into the left-back position when required. His versatility makes him a fine fit in Arteta's tactics, so the manager now wants to add the Italian to his kitty.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that Chelsea also have their eyes on Calafiori.
“Arsenal’s interest in Riccardo Calafiori is there, and negotiations could be something to mention in the next days. Arsenal and Chelsea are the two clubs interested in Calafiori, though we’re waiting for a bid and for formal steps,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Still, the interest is there, because both clubs are looking for a similar player – left-footed, and someone who can play either left-back or centre-back.
"For now, they’re still waiting to understand the player’s preference and also how much is needed for Bologna; the price tag is not clear yet, some sources suggest around €45-50m because his former club Basel will receive almost 50% on the future sale.”
Calafiori is under contract with the Serie A side till 2027.
Gunners retain Martin Zubimendi interest, says journalist
Martin Zubimendi remains a target at the Emirates, according to journalist Charles Watts. The Spanish midfielder is one of the finest in his position in the world and is coming off an impressive campaign with Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi registered four goals and one assist in 45 games across competitions. He's currently with La Roja at Euro 2024, and although he's not a first choice for his country, his stock remains high.
Arteta is eager to rope in a new defensive midfielder this summer to partner Declan Rice. Thomas Partey has entered the final year of his contract but is unlikely to be handed a new deal.
The Ghanaian is linked with an exit amid interest from the Middle East. Meanwhile, Mohamed Elneny has left after the expiry of his contract this summer. So, Arteta is eager to sign a replacement and has Zubimendi on his agenda.
In his column for Caught Offside, Watts said that the Gunners remain hopeful of prising Zubimendi away from Reale Arena.
"It will be interesting to see what happens with Martin Zubimendi once the Euros comes to an end. His future will be decided one way or the other and we know Arsenal are long-term admirers," wrote Watts.
He continued:
"Getting him out of Real Sociedad won’t be easy, as he has suggested this himself given his love for the club, but I don’t think Arsenal have totally given up hope on that one yet."
Zubimendi is under contract with the Spanish giants till 2027, so he's likely to cost a premium fee.
Mikel Arteta close to renewal, says Fabrizio Romano
Mikel Arteta is close to committing his future at the Emirates, according to Fabrizio Romano. The manager has transformed his team since taking charge in December 2019.
Arteta has registered a 59.05% win ratio, winning 137 of his 232 games in charge. The Spaniard also won the FA Cup in the 2019-20 campaign. However, his contract with the Gunners expires at the end of next season.
The situation has prompted interest from multiple clubs across the continent. Barcelona were heavily linked with the Spaniard but eventually opted to appoint Hansi Flick as Xavi's replacement. Arteta has always maintained that he wants to stay at the Emirates.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano has confirmed that the Spaniard is close to signing a new deal.
“Meanwhile, more good news for Arsenal is that the contract extension for Mikel Arteta is getting closer.
"He has one year left on his contract, but it’s a work in progress, and there is confidence to get it done as Arteta wants to stay at Arsenal, and they want to keep him," wrote Romano.
He continued:
"When Arteta was linked with the Barcelona job, the truth is he was never tempted – his mission is to continue at Arsenal with a new contract.”
Arteta will be desperate to wrestle the Premier League title away from Manchester City next season, after finishing second in the last two seasons.