Arsenal dealt blow as transfer target set to join LaLiga giants this summer: Reports
Arsenal have suffered a blow as their rumored transfer target Artem Dovbyk is on the verge of signing for Atletico Madrid, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano (via The Boot Room). The Gunners are reportedly in the market for a new forward after Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah struggled to impress last season.
They were linked to Girona forward Artem Dovbyk last month, reportedly making contact over a possible transfer after it emerged that the Ukrainian striker had a release clause of €40 million.
Unfortunately, Arsenal look set to miss out on the 27-year-old's signature as Romano tweeted:
"Atlético Madrid are closing in on deal to sign Artem Dovbyk from Girona. Final details being sorted on payment structure to match €40m release clause then agreement sealed. Dovbyk has already agreed on personal terms, ready to move. Here we go, soon."
This would be a massive blow for the Gunners as Dovbyk had a sensational 2023-24 campaign for Girona, scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. He scored 24 goals in LaLiga, winning the Pichichi Trophy in the process.
"Perfection in this league requires different standards" -Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides Riccardo Calafiori transfer update
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a transfer update on Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori, admitting he isn't sure when the move will be completed. However, the Spaniard stressed the importance of upgrading his current squad, hinting they could make further signings.
Arsenal have been linked with a reported £42 million transfer for the 22-year-old defender in recent weeks. Calafiori had a brilliant 2023-24 campaign for Bologna, making 37 appearances across all competitions. He helped the Serie A outfit qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1964-65 with a fifth-place finish. In addition, he impressed with Italy at Euro 2024, despite their Round of 16 exit.
Arteta recently provided an update to reporters, saying (via METRO):
"I don’t know [if anyone will join us]. It’s still a lot of time to go in the window but that’s more of a question for Edu and the board I think. When you are so close you want to grab it. We are very close."
When asked if he could provide a date, he replied:
"No, unfortunately not but obviously we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers where we are short. We will try our best but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have and make them better."
He added:
"We have to [upgrade]. Perfection in this league requires different standards. To relate that word perfection to winning the Premier League then that’s what we have to do. We need to upgrade in everything we are doing. We have to improve in every area and that is what we are trying to do."
Arsenal have also been linked with transfers for Mikel Merino, Nico Williams, Joao Neves, and Martin Zubimendi and are expected to complete three more deals after Calafiori joins the club, per Standard Sport.