Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners face competition for Italian ace; club set Emile Smith Rowe price, and more - July 1, 2024
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League, behind Manchester City in the 2023-24 campaign, losing out on the coveted trophy on the final day of the season. Manager Mikel Arteta is working to improve his squad to help go all the way next campaign.
Meanwhile, the Gunners face competition in their pursuit of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. Elsewhere, the north London side have set their asking price for midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 1, 2024:
Arsenal face competition for Riccardo Calafiori, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal face competition from Chelsea and Juventus for the services of Riccardo Calafiori, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Italian defender has become hot property in European football following a stellar campaign with Bologna.
The Gunners have a stable defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel, but Arteta wants to add more competition to places in his squad. Calafiori has been identified as an option and fits the profile of players targeted by the manager recently.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that the 22-year-old prefers to join the Bianconeri.
“Riccardo Calafiori’s future could now be one to watch as the Euros are over for the Italian national team after a surprise defeat to Switzerland yesterday,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
"In May and the beginning of June, Bologna were hoping for Calafiori to stay at the club, while back in February/March, Calafiori was giving his preference to Juventus, and my understanding is that his preference remains Juventus. He would love to play for Juve and also for Thiago Motta, who was his manager at Bologna last season."
Romano added that the Gunners are monitoring the situation, while the Blues have already scouted Calafiori this year.
“Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the situation – it’s not a negotiation as of now, but let’s see how they will move. Meanwhile, Chelsea also want to add a talented left-footed centre-back, and Calafiori is one of the best around,” wrote Romano.
He concluded:
"He’s been scouted by Chelsea this year so that could also be one to watch, while let’s also wait and see if other clubs will join the race.”
The Italian is under contract with Bologna till 2027.
Gunners set Emile Smith Rowe price
Arsenal will allow Emile Smith Rowe to leave for £25 million this summer, according to The Sun. The English midfielder is a peripheral figure at the Emirates, registering just 19 appearances across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign.
Despite his struggles, the Gunners want him to stay, as Arteta is looking to maintain squad depth ahead of the new season. However, the club haven't completely closed the door on his departure, amid the rising interest in his signature.
Crystal Palace are eyeing the 23-year-old with interest and are planning to move for him once Michael Olise's proposed move to Bayern Munich is completed. Arsenal are willing to let Smith Rowe leave if the Eagles match their asking price.
Gilberto Silva wants Casemiro at the Emirates
Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has advised the club to target Casemiro this summer. The Manchester United man endured a forgettable 2023-24 campaign and is likely to be offloaded this summer.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are looking for a new midfielder to take the place of Thomas Partey, whose time at the Emirates could be coming to an end. The Ghanaian's contract expires next summer, but he's unlikely to be handed a new deal.
Speaking to Bet365, Gilberto Silva said that his countryman could be a fine replacement for Partey.
"It would be very interesting if Thomas Partey left the club. If that spot becomes available then it would be interesting to see Casemiro there, he would bring a very strong and stable option to their midfield," said Gilberto Silva.
Casemiro doesn't fit Arteta's youth-centric transfer policy, so a move is highly unlikely this summer.