Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Sporting ace, club not in talks for PSV forward, and more - July 2, 2024
Arsenal are looking to add more quality to Mikel Arteta's roster after faltering in the Premier League title race for the second season in a row. The Spanish manager finished second behind Manchester City once again in the 2023/24 campaign and is now looking to use the summer transfer window to the fullest.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. Elsewhere, the north London side are not in negotiations to take PSV forward Johan Bakayoko to the Emirates this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from July 2, 2024.
Arsenal eyeing Viktor Gyokeres, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Viktor Gyokeres, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. Mikel Arteta is looking for a new No. 9 this year as he looks to bridge the gap with Manchester City and Gyokeres has emerged as an option.
The Swedish striker exploded onto the scene at Sporting CP in the 2023/24 campaign and is a wanted man this summer. Gyokeres scored 43 goals and set up 15 more from 50 games across competitions for the Portuguese champions.
The 26-year-old could be an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah at the Emirates, with neither player managing to convince so far. The Englishman is already being linked with an exit, so his departure could also be used to fund a move for Gyokeres.
However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano insisted that the Gunners are yet to submit an official proposal for the Swede.
"I think it could be an interesting situation for all the clubs looking for strikers around Europe, and not only Europe, maybe also with Saudi for example. I still remember last summer, there was strong interest from Saudi for Victor Osimhen," said Romano.
He added:
"So for both Gyokeres and Osimhen, the situation is quite interesting. For Gyokeres, Sporting still want a release clause. They want a package of €100m (£85m) for Victor Gyokeres."
Romano concluded:
"This is an expensive deal, and this is why Arsenal have shown interest in the recent months but, at the moment, are still not advancing, because they want to understand how much is going to be the final package. We know that sometimes, in the market, the price can change. In June, you have a price, and then in July and August, it can change. So let's see what Arsenal will decide to do."
Gyokeres has a contract with Sporting until 2028.
Gunners not in talks for Johan Bakayoko, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal are not in talks to sign Johan Bakayoko this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Belgian winger earned rave reviews with his efforts for PSV Eindhoven last season, scoring 14 goals and setting up 14 more from 48 games.
The Gunners are in the market for attacking additions this summer and have been linked with the 21-year-old. Mikel Arteta is apparently eager to add more firepower and creativity to his squad to lessen the burden on Bukayo Saka.
Recent reports have suggested that the north London side are already working to take Bakayoko to the Emirates this summer.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano has refuted those claims.
“I saw these links, but at the moment I have no confirmation anything is advanced or concrete at this stage between Arsenal and Bakayoko. He's been scouted by several clubs. He is, for sure, one of the most talented wingers available on the market," said Romano.
He continued:
“But at the moment, Arsenal have not started a concrete negotiation with the player or with the club for Bakayoko, so it's still early. I think Arsenal will take their time before deciding what they want to do in that position. But at the moment, for Bakayoko, it is not something imminent or something close.”
Arteta also has his eyes on Pedro Neto this summer, according to reports.
David Raya set for permanent stay at the Emirates, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal have activated the option to sign David Raya permanently this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish goalkeeper arrived at the Emirates last year on a season-long loan from Brentford.
Despite the presence of Aaron Ramsdale, Mikel Arteta opted to bring in Raya for the No. 1 role in his team. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with the Spaniard relegating the Englishman to the bench and winning the Premier League Golden Glove.
Raya finished the campaign with 20 clean sheets from 41 games and the Gunners are delighted with his efforts. The north London side have now decided to exercise a £27m purchase option to keep the 28-year-old at the club permanently.