Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Serie A star, club interested in Portuguese ace, and more - June 30, 2024
Arsenal will be hoping to be third time lucky in their quest for the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta next season. The Spanish manager helped them finish second in the league in two back-to-back campaigns and is working to improve his squad over the summer.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in a Serie A defender. Elsewhere, the north London side have set their sights on a Portuguese midfielder.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from June 30, 2024.
Arsenal eyeing Ricardo Calafiori, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal have set their sights on Riccardo Calafiori, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Italian defender was very impressive with Bologna in the 2023/24 campaign, registering 37 appearances across competitions.
He was part of the third-best defense in the league, conceding just 32 goals in 38 games. Calafiori's performances have earned him admirers at multiple clubs across the continent, including the Gunners.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano added that the north London side have already enquired about the availability of the 22-year-old.
“For Calafiori, Arsenal made an enquiry to understand the situation of the player. I mean, it’s also normal when you are looking for a left-footed player, a left-foot defender. Riccardo Calafiori is one of the best available now on the market,” said Romano.
He continued:
“So Arsenal have been showing their interest in the situation. But at the moment, it's not a negotiation. There is no bid, there is no contact with Bologna, so it's just an enquiry to understand the situation of Calafiori.”
Calafiori is under contract with the Italian club until 2027.
Gunners interested in Joao Neves, says journalist
Arsenal are eyeing a move for Joao Neves this summer, according to journalist Duncan Castles. Mikel Arteta is expected to revamp his midfield this summer, with Thomas Partey expected to be on his way.
The Ghanaian's contract expires at the end of next season and he hasn't been offered a new deal. The Spanish manager is already laying down succession plans for Partey and has apparently identified Neves as his ideal replacement.
The 19-year-old appeared 55 times across competitions in the 2023/24 campaign for Benfica, scoring three goals and setting up two more. Despite being only 18, Neves started in all but six of those games, endearing himself to clubs across the continent.
Speaking on The Transfer Podcast, Castles added that Manchester United also have their eyes on the Portuguese.
“The Transfers Podcast understands that in addition to interest from the Premier League – Manchester United have already made an offer – we’ve reported on that several weeks ago and Arsenal also have interest in him,” said Castles
Castles went on to name Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as another of his suitors but warned that Benfica could demand at least €100m to let him go.
“PSG have also expressed their interest in signing Joao Neves and placing him in a new midfield alongside fellow Portuguese midfielder, Vitinha. PSG are looking for a new midfielder and want a special type of midfielder,” said Castles.
He continued:
“The problem of course is whether you can get him out of Benfica. He has a €120m release clause in his contract and the word from Portugal is it will take at least €100m to sign him. My understanding is PSG don’t want to go that far. Neves recently rejected a new contract which would have doubled his salary.”
Neves is under contract at the Estadio da Luz until 2028.
Emiles Smith Rowe wants to stay at the Emirates
Emile Smith Rowe wants to continue his stay at the Emirates, according to The Sun. The English midfielder is no longer a first choice under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and he remains heavily linked with an exit this summer.
Smith Rowe appeared just 19 times across competitions in the 2023/24 campaign, only four of which were starts. With Arteta looking for further reinforcements this summer, the player's situation is unlikely to change.
Despite his struggles at the Emirates, the 23-year-old is not short of options this year. Crystal Palace are planning to take him to Selhurst Park, but the player is not too eager to leave. The Englishman wants to stay with the Gunners and fight for a place in the starting XI next season.