Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners suffer Riccardo Calafiori blow; club eyeing La Liga ace, and more - July 16, 2024
Arsenal are determined to add more quality to their squad this summer after faltering in the Premier League title race once again last season. Mikel Arteta's team lost out on the league on the final day of the campaign, with Manchester City picking up a record fourth title on the trot.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori. Elsewhere, the north London side have their eyes on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 16, 2024:
Arsenal suffer Riccardo Calafiori blow
Bologna have turned down Arsenal's player-plus-cash-offer for Riccardo Calafiori, according to Il Resto del Carlino. The Italian defender has emerged as a priority target for Arteta this summer following a string of impressive outings with the Serie A side.
The player has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners, who are now locked in talks with their Italian counterparts. The north London side have offered to include Jakub Kiwior as part of their proposal for Calafiori, but it has been turned down by Bologna.
The Serie A side are holding out for a premium for their star man, as FC Basel is set to receive 50% of the fee as per a clause in the player's contract. The 22-year-old would be an upgrade on Kiwior, who's no longer indispensable at the Emirates.
However, Arsenal's plans to include the Pole as part of their offer is unlikely to work. The Gunners will have to match Bologna's asking price if they want Calafiori this summer.
Gunners eyeing Nico Williams, says Fabrizio Romano
Nico Williams has admirers at the Emirates, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish forward is hot property this summer following his exploits with club and country.
Williams helped Athletic Bilbao win the Copa del Rey last season and followed it up with a starring role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. The player signed a new contract with the Basque side in December but remains heavily linked with an exit this summer.
Arteta is apparently a huge fan of the 22-year-old and is eager to see him at the Emirates. Barcelona are heavily linked with the player as well, with recent reports suggesting that new boss Hansi Flick is prioritising a move for Williams.
On his Playback channel, Romano added that Chelsea and Liverpool are also monitoring the Spaniard.
“Premier League clubs are still there because Chelsea still appreciate Nico Williams, but they don't want to pay crazy money in terms of salary commission, and obviously the release clause in one solution. So this is one topic," said Romano.
He continued:
“Arsenal still appreciate Nico Williams, but they also don't want to pay in that kind of structure.
"They wanted something different in terms of money, but the appreciation of Arsenal and especially of Mikel Arteta for Nico Williams is real. Liverpool also like the player, but Liverpool never started any concrete contact to advance so far.”
Williams reportedly has a €58 million release clause in his contract.
Southampton want Aaron Ramsdale
Southampton have set their sights on Aaron Ramsdale, according to The Sun. The English goalkeeper's future at the Emirates remains uncertain following David Raya's permanent move.
The Spaniard initially joined Arsenal from Brentford last summer on loan and enjoyed an outstanding campaign. He relegated Ramsdale to the bench, registered 20 clean sheets across competitions in 41 games and won the Premier League Golden Glove.
The Englishman's situation is unlikely to improve next season, so he's now considering his options. Newly promoted Southampton are looking for a new goalkeeper and have zeroed in on the 26-year-old.
The Gunners would prefer to keep hold of Ramsdale but are willing to let him go for £30 million. Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga - who was on loan at Real Madrid last season - has been identified as a possible replacement.