Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners want Real Madrid star; club eyeing Everton ace, and more - June 19, 2024
Arsenal were in brilliant form under Mikel Arteta in the 2023-24 campaign as they narrowly missed out on the Premier League title. Manager Mikel Arteta is likely to invest in his squad over the summer.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have set their sights on Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Elsewhere, the north London club are interested in Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 19, 2024:
Arsenal want Andriy Lunin
Arsenal are ready to offer £25 million for Andriy Lunin this summer, according to SPORT. The Ukrainian goalkeeper enjoyed a fabulous campaign with Real Madrid, helping the club deal with Thibaut Courtois' injury.
However, the Belgian remains the established No. 1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, so Lunin's heroics are unlikely to guarantee him regular game time next season. The Ukrainian, whose contract expires in 2025, is frustrated by the situation and is considering his options.
The Gunners are plotting to prise him away this summer. Arteta is likely to bid adieu to Aaron Ramsdale, who dropped behind David Raya in the 2023-24 campaign.
The north London side signed the Spanish goalkeeper on loan from Brentford last year and he is expected to stay permanently at the club. However, Lunin might not be too keen to play second fiddle to the Spaniard at the Emirates.
Newcastle United are also willing to offer £25 million for the Ukrainian, and a move to St. James' Park could appeal to the player.
Gunners eyeing Amadou Onana, says journalist
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Amadou Onana, according to club insider Charles Watts. The Belgian midfielder has been in fine form for Everton in the 2023-24 season, registering three goals and one assist in 37 games across competitions.
Arteta is looking for a new midfielder this summer and has identified the 22-year-old as an option. The manager wants a long-term partner for Declan Rice at the heart of his midfield, with Thomas Partey's future up in the air.
The Ghanaian's contract at the Emirates expires in 2025, but he hasn't been handed a new deal yet. The 30-year-old remains heavily linked with a move to the Middle East, and Onana could be his replacement.
In his column for Caught Offside, Watts admitted that the Belgian could be a decent option for the Gunners this summer.
“Amadou Onana is a player who has consistently been linked with Arsenal over the past 12 months.
"There were strong reports in January that talks were at an advanced stage, although I was always told that wasn’t the case and that nothing was close to happening at that stage. Whether that changes this summer remains to be seen, but it may be one to keep an eye on," wrote Watts.
He continued:
“We know Arsenal are in the market for at least one midfielder this summer and Onana is one of a number of players they have been monitoring.
"A price tag of around £50m is being mentioned and that could be appealing to interested clubs given his age and profile.”
Onana is also wanted at Barcelona, but they might not be able to afford him due to their poor financial condition.
Xavi Simons not being discussed at the Emirates, says journalist
Arsenal are not in talks to sign Xavi Simons this summer, according to Charles Watts. The Dutch attacking midfielder caught the eye while on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain in the 2023-24 campaign.
Simons registered 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 games for the Bundesliga side and is being eyed by multiple clubs this summer. Arteta is looking to inject a shot of creativity to his team after faltering in the Premier League title race.
Simons has been named as an option, and recent reports have suggested that the Gunners are hot on his heels, but Watts has refuted those claims. In his column for Caught Offside, the journalist added that Crystal Palace's Michael Olise would be a better option for the north London side.
“Xavi Simons is another player who seems to be constantly being linked with Arsenal.
"I have to say, I’ve heard nothing yet to suggest that they will make a move for him, but if PSG are open to letting him out on loan again then I really do think Arsenal should at least enter the conversation," wrote Watts.
He continued:
“He wouldn’t be my first choice. I think I would prefer someone like Michael Olise to take that role in the squad. But Simons could be another of those tempting market opportunities to keep an eye on this summer.”
Chelsea are leading the race to sign Olise, who is expected to leave Selhurst Park this summer.