Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Spanish star; club remain in Viktor Gyokeres hunt, and more - June 27, 2024
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League in the 2023-24 campaign, two points behind champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's men lost five league games all season, scoring 91 goals and conceding 29.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have set their sights on Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Elsewhere, the north London side have retained their interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 27, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Joan Garcia
Arsenal are interested in a move for Joan Garcia this summer, according to Football Espana. The Spanish goalkeeper rose through the ranks at Espanyol and made his senior debut in 2021.
Garcia made a name for himself in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 12 clean sheets in 21 games and helping the club gain La Liga promotion. His efforts have reportedly convinced Tottenham Hotspur, who want him in London this year.
The Gunners have now entered the race. Arteta signed David Raya on loan last summer from Brentford and is expected to make his move permanent ahead of the new campaign. Aaron Randale, meanwhile, is expected to leave in search of greener pastures, so Arteta wants a new face to replace the Englishman.
Garcia has forced the Emirates hierarchy to sit up and take note following his recent performances. The player is likely to cost €25 million this summer.
Gunners remain in Viktor Gyokeres hunt, says journalist
Viktor Gyokeres is a target at the Emirates this summer, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. Arteta is looking for a new No. 9 this year, and the Swede has emerged as an option following a stunning season with Sporting.
Gyokeres score 43 goals and set up 15 in 50 games across competitions. He could be an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, both of whom have underperformed for the Gunners recently.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth warned that the 26-year-old is likely to cost a fortune this summer owing to his £85 million release clause.
"He (Gyokeres) would cost a lot of money, though, because his release clause is reported to be around £85 million. But it's definitely an area that Arsenal are looking at," said Sheth.
He continued:
"It seems quite quiet. There's not much coming out of Arsenal just now, but I think that they will be busy both ins and outs during this transfer window."
Arteta was previously eager to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer, but the Slovenian appears set to stay at RB Leipzig for now.
Nico Williams not in talks for Emirates move, says Fabrizio Romano
Nico Williams is not in talks to move to the Emirates this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish forward is hot property this year following an impressive campaign with Athletic Bilbao.
Williams registered eight goals and 19 assists in 37 outings across competitions, generating widespread interest in his signature. Recent reports have suggested that the Gunners are considering a move for the 21-year-old this year.
However, speaking recently as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, Romano said that the Premier League giants are wary of the finances of a potential deal.
“The problem for Nico Williams is the same for all the clubs. They don't want to pay this crazy money, so it has to be a good opportunity, and at the moment, I can guarantee that Arsenal are aware of the situation of the release clause for Nico Williams, but Arsenal are not in a concrete negotiation today for Nico," said Romano.
He continued:
“They know the situation, they know the clause, they know the agents of the player. But Arsenal have still not decided whether they want to advance on this deal, to start an operation for Nico Williams or not.”
Williams reportedly has a £58 million release clause in his deal and is likely to demand exorbitant wages to leave San Mames.