Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Serie A ace agrees to join Gunners; Sevilla eyeing Belgian ace, and more - July 5, 2024
Arsenal are expected to invest wisely in the squad this summer after finishing second in the Premier League last season. Mikel Arteta's team narrowly lost out on the trophy on the final day of the campaign, with Manchester City pipping them to the title.
Meanwhile, Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori has given his green light to a move to the Emirates. Elsewhere, Sevilla are in talks to bring Gunners midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga to Spain.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 5, 2024:
Riccardo Calafiori agrees to join Arsenal, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal have received a green light from Riccardo Calafiori to complete a move this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Italian defender has become a sought-after man this year following a series of impressive performances for Bologna in the 2023-24 campaign.
Calafiori registered 37 appearances across competitions, most of which were from the start. The player is now expected to take the next step in his career and is being pursued by Chelsea as well as the Gunners.
Arteta is looking to add more quality to his backline despite boasting one of the best defences in the Premier League last season. In Gabriel and William Saliba, the manager has a settled back-four, but Calafiori could add an extra edge to his tactics.
The 22-year-old can operate as a centre-back as well as left-back, and his versatility could be an asset for Arteta. Oleksandr Zinchenko remains heavily linked with an exit from the Emirates, so a move for Calafiori makes sense.
However, on his Playback channel, Romano said that the Italian is also willing to join Juventus this summer.
“Arsenal are really attacking the situation for Riccardo Calafiori. After interest was confirmed last week, the same also for Chelsea, Arsenal have presented their project to Calafiori and his agents.
"There is a proposal in terms of the players’ side on the table from Arsenal – they are very serious for Calafiori, and it is a long-term proposal," said Romano.
He continued:
“There is still no formal proposal to Bologna from Arsenal, it’s just a negotiation at the moment on the players’ side.
"All we can see is that Arsenal feel Calafiori is open to joining them this summer. So the player is ready to give green light to Arsenal as well as he did for Juventus.”
Calafiori's contract with Bologna expires in 2027.
Sevilla eyeing Albert Sambi Lokonga, says journalist
Sevilla are in talks to bring Albert Sambi Lokonga to La Liga, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The Belgian midfielder is a peripheral figure at the Emirates and spent last season on loan at Luton Town.
Sambi Lokonga registered just 19 appearances across competitions but caught the eye at Kenilworth Road. However, he's no longer a part of Arteta's plans, with the manager in the market for a new midfielder.
Sevilla are offering the Belgian a chance to get his career back on track. The 24-year-old is under contract with the Gunners till 2026, but they are ready to cash in on him this year.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth said that Sambi Lokonga could leave on loan or in a permanent move.
“The latest development of one of their players is Albert Sambi Lokonga. He was on loan at Luton Town and had a very good loan spell as well. Sevilla are in talks now with Arsenal over a potential deal.
"The ideal scenario for Arsenal, we think, would be a permanent deal if the offer was right," said Sheth.
He continued:
“But we think that they would consider a loan that would come with an option, that would almost become an obligation, depending on appearances and other kinds of conditions, because that's how these deals are usually done.”
The Belgian has appeared just 39 times across competitions for the north London side since arriving in 2021.
David Raya completes permanent move to the Emirates
David Raya has permanently joined Arteta's squad this summer, as confirmed by the Gunners. The Spanish custodian arrived at the Emirates from Brentford last summer on loan and enjoyed a fantastic 2023-24 campaign.
Raya pushed Aaron Ramsdale to the bench and made the No. 1 position his own. The 28-year-old registered 20 clean sheets in 41 games across competitions, including 16 in the Premier League, which won him the Golden Glove.
It was always expected that he would make his stay permanent this summer, and the north London side have now confirmed the news. Speaking to the club's website, Raya thanked fans for their support.
“After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years. I’m excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present," said Raya.
He continued:
“It’s a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year.”
Raya's stay is likely to prompt Ramsdale to consider his future this summer.