Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners receive Federico Chiesa boost; club eyeing Manchester City ace, and more - August 5, 2024
Arsenal are working to assemble a capable squad this summer as they look to lay siege on the Premier League next season. Mikel Arteta's team were a whisker away from winning the league last campaign but lost out to Manchester City on the final day.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have received some good news in their efforts to bring Juventus midfielder Federico Chiesa to the Emirates this summer. Elsewhere, the north London side have set their sights on Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on August 5, 2024:
Arsenal receive Federico Chiesa boost
Arsenal have received a boost in their efforts to sign Federico Chiesa this summer. According to Tutto Juve, Juventus are willing to offload Federico Chiesa for just £13 million this summer. The Italian forward is no longer part of Thiago Motta's plans at Turin and will be allowed to leave.
Chiesa is coming off a decent campaign with the Bianconeri, scoring 10 goals and setting up three in 37 games across competitions. The north London side are looking for attacking reinforcements this summer, and the Italian is an established face in Europe.
The Bianconeri were previously demanding £25 million for the 26-year-old but have now slashed their asking price. However, the Gunners face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa for the player.
Gunners eyeing Julian Alvarez
Arsenal are keeping a close watch on Julian Alvarez, according to The Mirror. Arteta is looking for a new No. 9 this summer, with Gabriel Jesus failing to impress and Eddie Nketiah close to a move to Marseille.
The Spanish manager was previously interested in Benjamin Sesko, but the Slovenian has opted to stay at RB Leipzig beyond the summer. Arteta is now scouting the market for an alternative and will be enticed by the prospect of signing Alvarez.
Alvarez is coming off a Copa America 2024 triumph, although his run in the Olympics is over. Alvarez is a proven name in the European circuit at a young age, having won the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
He has also been a vital cog in Manchester City's success in recent seasons. However, the 24-year-old is a frustrated figure at the Etihad, as he's behind Erling Haaland in the pecking order.
Alvarez has already said that he will take a decision on his future after the Olympics. City have now apparently decided to let him go for £80 million this summer.
It represents a tremendous opportunity for Arteta to station a proven No. 9 as the focal point of his attack. However, the finances involved could make a deal difficult to materialise. City will also be wary of strengthening Arsenal, who pushed them right upto the final day in the Premier League title race last season.
Arsenal confident about Mikel Merino move, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal have entered the final phase of negotiations to sign Mikel Merino this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Arteta is looking to revamp his options in the middle of the park this summer.
The manager has bid adieu to Mohamed Elneny this year, while Thomas Partey could also follow suit. Jorginho has signed a new contract at the Emirates but is in the final phase of his career.
The situation has prompted Arteta to turn to Merino. The Spanish midfielder was in top form for Real Sociedad last season, registering eight goals and five assists in 45 games across competitions. He's also coming off a Euro 2024 win with La Roja.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that the north London side are confident of securing a deal this summer.
“Arsenal remain confident about closing the Mikel Merino deal in the next few days as the Premier League club have an agreement with Real Sociedad on the package for the player, which will be around €30m.
"The clubs are still discussing the structure of the deal and the payment terms, so there are still some things to clarify before it can be announced,” wrote Romano.
Romano added that Merino has turned down Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in favour of a move to the Emirates.
“The transfer is progressing very well and the expectation is that the deal will get done because the player has already said yes to Arsenal. Merino is no longer negotiating with Spanish clubs as he had opportunities with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona," wrote Romano.
He continued:
"He wants to go to the Premier League and he wants to play for Arsenal to work under Mikel Arteta, who has been really influential in the market for the Gunners. This deal is at the final stages and is advancing very well with Merino expected to be a new Arsenal player very soon.”
Merino has entered the final year of his contract this summer, and Sociedad are eager to cash in on him.