Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners want Girona ace; club eyeing Crystal Palace star, and more - June 18, 2024
Arsenal are looking to upgrade their squad after failing to get their hands on the Premier League trophy for the second season in a row. Mikel Arteta's team finished second, behind Manchester City once again, in the 2023-24 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in Girona striker Artem Dovbyk. Elsewhere, the north London side have set their sights on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 18, 2024:
Arsenal want Artem Dovbyk
Arsenal are planning to move for Artem Dovbyk this summer, according to Diari de Girona. The Ukrainian striker was a revelation for Girona in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 24 goals in 36 La Liga games.
The 26-year-old's efforts won him the La Liga Golden Boot and helped the club finish third in the league. Dovbyk ended the campaign with 25 goals and 10 assists in 41 games across competitions.
His efforts have turned heads at the Emirates, with Arteta desperately seeking a new No. 9 this summer. The Spanish manager had his eyes on Benjamin Sesko, but the Slovenian decided against an exit from RB Leipzig this summer.
Recent reports have suggested that the north London side have identified Napoli's Victor as an option, but he's likely to cost a fortune. Dovbyk has emerged as a cheaper alternative.
The 26-year-old reportedly has a release clause in his deal, which is less than £42 million. However, there's likely to be a rush for his signature this summer, with Atletico Madrid and Napoli also in the race.
Gunners eyeing Marc Guehi
Arsenal have set their sights on Marc Guehi, according to Caught Offside. The English defender has been rock-solid of late for Crystal Palace, and his efforts have earned him admirers across the league.
The Gunners are well stocked at the back, with Gabriel and William Saliba forming one of the best defensive partnerships in the country. However, Arteta is apparently keen to add depth to his squad, and Guehi could be stellar option for the job.
Crystal Palace will only let him leave for £50 million, but the north London side are likely to try and negotiate a reduced fee. Guehi is willing to take the step up from Selhurst Park this summer and is also wanted at Newcastle United.
A move to the Emirates might not guarantee him regular game time, but the 23-year-old could be an automatic starter at St. James' Park.
Thomas Partey's future uncertain, says journalist
Thomas Partey's future is yet to be sorted, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The Ghanaian midfielder will enter the final year of his contract this summer but hasn't signed an extension yet.
Arteta is eyeing a new midfielder this year, and Partey is no longer a first-choice at Arsenal. The 30-year-old remains heavily linked with an exit from the Emirates, with a move to the Middle East apparently on the cards.
However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth hinted that a stay with the Gunners cannot be entirely ruled out.
"(There are) question marks as well, maybe over Thomas Partey. He's into his 30s, it will be interesting to see what Arsenal will do there,” said Sheth.
He continued:
"He's only got a year left on his contract, but he did play in some of Arsenal's big games towards the end of last season. It will be very interesting to see what happens in his situation."
Partey appeared 16 times across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign, missing much of the season with injuries.