Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners trailing AC Milan in Joshua Zirkzee race; club eyeing Javi Guerra, and more - April 27, 2024
Arsenal are putting together final preparations ahead of their game against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates on Sunday, April 28, in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's team are leading the title race after 34 games, two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, who have played a game more.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are the frontrunners in the race to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee this summer. Elsewhere, the Gunners have set their sights on Valencia starlet Javi Guerra.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on April 27, 2028:
Arsenal trailing AC Milan in Joshua Zirkzee race
Arsenal are lagging behind AC Milan in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee, according to journalist Matteo Moretto.
The Dutch striker has been in fine form for Bologna this season, registering 12 goals and seven assists in 34 outings across competitions. His efforts have caused a stir across Europe, and mutiple clubs are lining up for his services.
In his column for Caught Offside, Moretto added that the Gunners enjoy a cordial relationship with the player's agent but haven't initiated talks to sign him yet.
“Currently Milan are focused on sorting out the managerial situation, but Zirkzee is their top target, and the contacts are regular.
"In Italy, Inter and Juventus have been linked by other outlets, but it is Milan who have made movements. Zirkzee is very, very attracted by Milan, they have history, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a project for him," said Moretto.
He continued:
“With the Arsenal links, basically Zirkzee’s agent Kia Joorabchian has a very strong relationship with Arsenal, so no doubt, there have been talks about him. But so far, it hasn’t gone beyond that.”
The north London side are expected to sign a new No. 9 this summer and are eyeing multiple candidates for the role.
Gunners eyeing Javi Guerra
Arsenal have set their sights on Valencia starlet Javi Guerra, according to Caught Offside.
The 20-year-old has been in exquisite form this season for Los Che, registering four goals and one assist in 34 outings across competitions. Arteta is impressed by his compatriot and has been following him closely. The Gunners are planning midfield reinforcements ahead of the summer and are looking at multiple candidates for the job.
Arteta invested heavily on Declan Rice last summer and is now keen to station another quality midfielder by his side. Jorginho and Thomas Partey could be on their way at the end of this season, while Mohamed Elneny future also remains up in the air.
The north London side are eyeing a move for Guerra but face competition from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
David Ornstein backs Thomas Partey to leave
Thomas Partey could part ways with Arsenal at the end of this season, according to acclaimed journalist David Ornstein.
The Ghanaian midfielder's contract with the club expires in 2025, but he hasn't been handed a new deal yet. The 30-year-old's injury issues have posed a problem for the Gunners, with the player appearing just 12 times this season.
In a Q&A with The Athletic, Ornstein also tipped Jorginho to leave the Emirates this summer.
"I'd expect one of Partey and Jorginho to leave this summer. Perhaps that might be Partey because he could potentially raise some money. But I don't say that with certainty because when he plays we know how important he is," said Ornstein.
He continued:
"We also don't know yet what Jorginho will decide to do himself, given his contract is expiring. I'm sure Arsenal would love to keep him but this is one of many areas that needs to be resolved."
The Italian midfielder's contract with the Gunners expires at the end of the season, but he hasn't signed a new deal yet.