Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners in talks for Real Madrid ace; club not eyeing Victor Osimhen, and more - July 12, 2024
Arsenal are preparing to fight for multiple trophies under Mikel Arteta next season. The manager was close to a Premier League triumph last campaign and is working to make the upgrades to his roster to get over the line this time.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are engaged in conversations to secure the services of Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Elsewhere, the north London side are not considering a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 12, 2024:
Arsenal in talks for Andriy Lunin
Arsenal are already in contact with Real Madrid to chalk out a move for Andriy Lunin this summer, according to journalist Graeme Bailey. The Ukrainian goalkeeper's future at the Santiago Bernabeu is subject to speculation this summer.
Lunin is in the final year of his contract with Los Blancos but hasn't agreed a new deal yet. The 25-year-old was exceptional last season, playing a key role in the club's success.
The Ukrainian racked up 12 clean sheets in 31 games across competitions but was relegated to the bench once Thibaut Courtois returned from his long-term injury. The Belgian remains the No. 1 under Carlo Ancelotti, and Lunin's situation is unlikely to change next season.
The 25-year-old is ready for a new adventure this summer, and the Gunners are offering him an escape route. Arteta is looking for a new goalkeeper amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Aaron Ramsdale.
Lunin has been identified as an option but is also wanted by Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool. However, with David Raya the No. 1 at the Emirates, the Ukrainian might not be too keen for a bench role under Arteta.
Gunners not eyeing Victor Osimhen, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal are not planning to bring Victor Osimhen to the Emirates this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Arteta is in the market for a new No. 9 and was eager to sign Benjamin Sesko.
However, the Slovenian striker has decided against a move away from RB Leipzig this summer. The Gunners manager has been forced to consider alternatives as a result and is a long-term admirer of Osimhen.
Despite signing a new deal with Napoli in December, the Nigerian is expected to be on the move this summer. It has been suggested that the Gunners are already eyeing a move for the 25-year-old, but Romano has rubbished those claims.
In his column for Caught Offside, though, the transfer guru added that the club remain open to reinforcing the striker position this summer.
“There has been some suggestion that Arsenal will no longer necessarily be making a striker a top priority target after missing out on Benjamin Sesko, but I’d keep this situation open. No decision has been made yet, it will also depend on the opportunities," wrote Romano.
He continued:
"Sesko was an opportunity, but then he decided to stay at Leipzig. Let’s see how Arsenal decide to move on the market in the next days and weeks.
"There are other big names up front that we’ve heard a lot about this summer, but at the moment there is still nothing close or concrete for Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres.”
Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed a blistering 2023-24 campaign with Sporting, scoring 43 goals and setting up 15 in 50 outings across competitions.
Youssouf Fofana not a target at the Emirates, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal are not considering a move for Youssouf Fofana this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. Arteta is expected to bolster his options in midfield before the start of the new campaign.
A new partner for Declan Rice is high up on his agenda, with Thomas Partey likely to be on his way. Recent reports have named Fofana - who is in the final year of his contract with Monaco - as an option. The Frenchman enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign with the Ligue 1 side, registering four goals and as many assists in 35 games across competitions.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that the 25-year-old is on his way to AC Milan.
“AC Milan have agreed terms with Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, and now talks are ongoing between the clubs to reach an agreement. I’m aware there have been some reports and rumours about Arsenal, but I’ve never been aware of any talks, in all honesty,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Of course, Arsenal, like all clubs, like to monitor opportunities on the market, and Fofana looks like an opportunity.
"Still, they never sent any proposal, and now things are happening with Milan, and I can see him being a really good fit for Serie A, so it’s a smart signing by Milan if they manage to complete it.”
The Gunners also have their eyes on Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi this summer.