Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners suffer Alexander Isak blow; club consider Fabio Vieira sale, and more - May 27, 2024
Arsenal are preparing for a key summer transfer window after coming short in the Premier League title race once again. Mikel Arteta's men were very close to ending their two-decade wait for the coveted trophy but lost out to Manchester City on the final day of the season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak this summer. Elsewhere, the north London side are ready to offload midfielder Fabio Vieira this year.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on May 27, 2024:
Arsenal suffer Alexander Isak blow
Arsenal have suffered a setback in their plans to bring Alexander Isak to the Emirates this summer.
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle United have slapped a €200 million price tag on the Swedish striker to ward off his suitors. Isak has been on fire this season, scoring 25 goals and setting up two in 40 outings across competitions. His efforts have pleased the Gunners, who are looking for a new striker this summer.
Arteta is seeking an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah and wants an established candidate to lead the line next season. Isak fits the bill, is proven in the Premier League and also matches the profile of players the Spanish manager is looking for. However, the Magpies are adamant that he will only be sold for an astronomical fee.
Newcastle's demands are likely to leave the north London side unimpressed, and they could switch to alternate targets. Arteta also has eyes on RB Leipzig's rising star Benjamin Sesko and VfB Stuttgart hitman Serhou Guirassy. Both players have had impressive seasons and are likely to be available for reduced fees.
Gunners consider Fabio Vieira sale
Arsenal are willing to consider Fabio Vieira's exit this summer, according to The Athletic.
The Portuguese midfielder has struggled for chances this season, registering just 17 appearances across competitions, most of which have been from the bench. With Declan Rice an undisputed starter at the moment and Arteta looking for the Englishman's ideal partner, Vieira's future with the Gunners could be over.
The 23-year-old has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from Porto in 2022. Arteta is looking to streamline his squad this summer and could offload fringe players to make space for new faces.
Vieira could also consider an exit in search of regular football to get his career back on track. The player's contract with the club runs till 2027.
Fabrizio Romano updates on Emile Smith Rowe future
Arsenal are set for showdown talks with Emile Smith Rowe in the coming days, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The English midfielder is a peripheral figure at the Emirates and remains heavily linked with an exit this summer. Smith Rowe has appeared just 19 times across competitions this season, only four of which have been starts. He's no longer a first-team regular under Arteta.
With the Spanish manager expected to sign another midfielder this year, the 23-year-old could drop further down the pecking order. Despite his struggles with the Gunners, the Englishman's stock remains high, and he won't be short of suitors if he decides to leave. Recent reports have suggested that the north London side are willing to consider his exit this year.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that no decision has been made yet regarding the matter.
“I’m aware of talk of a meeting being scheduled between Emile Smith Rowe and Arsenal, but my understanding is that nothing has been decided on this yet.
"I think it’s an open situation based on proposals, but at the moment I’m still hearing it’s a quiet situation. Let’s see in the next weeks if clubs join the race,” wrote Romano.
Smith Rowe's contract with Arsenal runs till 2026.