Arsenal transfer news LIVE with £42m Calafiori green light and Rashford reality (2024)

Arteta on new Arsenal contract

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has remained coy over talk regarding a new contract at Emirates Stadium.

"There is no update [on his contract] at the moment," he told ESPN. "The thing that hasn't changed is how happy I am and how valued I feel here and how much I love representing this club."

Pushed further for an update considering he has just one year remaining on his current deal, Arteta said: "I understand that [clarity over my future is needed for new signings], but the focus now is, 'OK, how we can improve things around the team, how we can improve now the things in the transfer window that we have.' We have time to sit down and discuss that."

Arteta on Arsenal transfer plans

Mikel Arteta has offered a brand new verdict on Arsenal's summer transfer window plans.

Speaking to ESPN, he said: "We are looking to improve in every possible department. With the new regulations, there are certain things we have to respect and be conscious of and then obviously the Euros and Copa America are slowing everything down. Hopefully now it is going to pick up a little bit.

"I think both ways [players coming in and going out of the club]. There are things that we have to improve, that's for sure and we are going to try to. But the market is tricky.

"We have been very aggressive, we are very determined and we have a clear idea obviously of what we want to do. It will come down to finding the right agreements at the right time."

Calafiori Arsenal bid 'accepted'

Contrary to reports elsewhere, Arsenal have seen a €50million (£42.3m) offer for Ricardo Calafiori accepted, according to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, via Sport Witness.

Their new update claims that, after initially seeing a €47m bid turned down, the Gunners increased it their offer by €3m, which ‘satisfied’ Bologna, who have ‘said yes’ to the improved proposal.

Rashford Arsenal transfer message

Arsenal have been linked with a sensational move for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.

Paris Saint-Germain, in the market for a Kylian Mbappe replacement, are one club interested in signing the England international.

Alongside the French giants, Arsenal has been mooted as a potential destination for Rashford, although Silvestre believes he is better of staying at United. "Letting Rashford go would not be the right decision because you need to go in the market and find someone better than Marcus, if that's the case," he told bettingexpert.com.

"If you find that player he will be very expensive. Marcus is a senior, experienced Mancunian from the academy. I think he wants to stay. The manager likes him. I just hope Marcus bounces back this season.”

Arteta stance on Calafiori transfer

Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of Arsenal transfer target Riccardo Calafiori, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with some clarity given on why the Gunners want the Italy defender.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “Mikel Arteta already approved the player and is a big fan of Calafiori and keen on bringing him to the club.

“Arsenal have a shortlist with three names for that position: a left footed talented defender, playing as a left back, playing as a centre back. Calafiori is exactly what Arsenal need in that position, and what Arsenal want to bring in in the summer transfer window.

"Now waiting for the next steps, something between Arsenal and Bologna, this is the crucial step, this is the crucial point. For sure Calafiori gives his green light to Arsenal because he also knows that Juventus are almost no longer in the race. Juventus are considered out.”

Arsenal sitting on £134m goldmine

Mikel Arteta and Edu could raise up to £134million this summer which could drastically help Arsenal seal marquee signings. As football.london has reported over the last few months, the Gunners' priority remains to sign a new midfielder .

Amadou Onana and Youssouf Fofana have been just two of numerous options linked with Arteta aiming to find a perfect Declan Rice partner. Towards the final stages of the 2023/24 season, Thomas Partey was selected in midfield but he looks set to move on over the coming months.

Interest from Saudi Arabia and Italy is present in the experienced midfielder, valued at €18million (£15.2m), as per transfermarkt. Aaron Ramsdale is another linked to a departure with at least six more players potentially on the chopping block that could help Arsenal raise funds.

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Arsenal sent cleat striker transfer message

Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit has advised his former club to sign Napoli's Victor Osimhen instead of RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.

With Sesko committing his future to Germany by signing a new deal, Petit feels the striker shouldn't be top of Arsenal's list. Even with Kai Havertz's goals bolstering Arsenal's attack, the team has been missing a definitive number nine for years.

While Sesko was initially the top target before his contract extension, Petit is convinced that Osimhen is the key to enhancing Arsenal's forward line. He also highlights Nico Williams, one of the standout players at Euro 2024, as another potential asset to Mikel Arteta's squad, reports the Mirror.

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Arsenal sent clear Calafiori message

Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has been left surprised by the Gunners' transfer pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori.

Mikel Arteta and Edu appear to be leading the race for his signature with a potential deal gathering significant pace on Wednesday. However, Silvestre has urged his old club to focus on the options they already have and look to strengthen elsewhere.

Speaking to bettingexpert.com, he said: "You have Timber, Kiwior, Tomiyasu who can play at CB. Gabriel and Saliba haven't shown any signs of weakness. They've been super fit.

"I'd be surprised if Arsenal goes for another CB of that calibre (referring to Riccardo Calafiori). I don't think the club needs another CB. If you have to spend money you go ahead and do it on a No. 9."

Grealish to Arsenal transfer verdict

Manchester City star Jack Grealish has become a trending topic for Arsenal with Mikel Arteta previously full of transfer surprises.

With that in mind, football.london has got the perspective from both our Arsenal-focused writer Tom Canton and the Manchester Evening News' Simon Bajkowski. The subject of Grealish certainly sparked some interesting responses.

Click here to read a brutally honest Grealish to Arsenal verdict

Calafiori Arsenal bid 'rejected'

Arsenal have seen an opening offer for Riccardo Calafiori rejected by Bologna, it has been claimed.

According to a report from Italian outfit Corriere dello Sport, the Gunners have seen £40million offer for Calafiori rejected, but it has been added they are only £2million away from Bologna's valuation.

Club chief gives transfer update on Arsenal's own Haaland

Arsenal are reportedly open to offloading promising forward Mika Biereth during the upcoming transfer window.

Sturm Graz's director has expressed interest in signing the young talent, who previously compared himself to football heavyweights Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, on a full-time basis.

Despite Arsenal's ongoing search for a prolific striker, with attempts to bring in players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus falling short of expectations in their quest to outdo Manchester City, Biereth hasn't managed to make his mark on Mikel Arteta's squad and with it likely he is sold, the Austrian club appear keen to have him back.

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Arsenal's double Calafiori secret weapon

Arsenal look to be leading the race to sign Riccardo Calafiori and their advantage could increase futher with a double secret weapon emerging.

Two years ago, the Gunners were in negotiations with Bologna for Takehiro Tomiyasu and as such the relationship between the two club's has been described as very strong.

There is also a clear advantage on the player side with Calafiori spending the last few weeks playing alongside Arsenal's Jorginho at the European championships with it possible the latter spoke to Calafiori about a potential move to Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's dream signing as Arteta sanctions nine transfers

With the month of July upon us, Arsenal finally look set to make some big moves in this summer's transfer window. The opening few weeks of the trading period have been rather quiet for the Gunners with the European Championships in Germany dominating the footballing headlines.

Because of that, it was also somewhat difficult to engage in negotiations with any potential transfer targets as most were still in action. However, the season for most players has well and truly ended, and with that, movement in the transfer market is likely to increase.

For Mikel Arteta and Edu, the priority is to sign a new midfielder, despite the links to strengthening in attack and defence. Riccardo Calafiori and Marc Guehi are the two names primarily being linked with a move to Arsenal, though they will certainly face competition for both.

New signings certainly won't be the only thing on the summer agenda with a squad reshuffle very likely which could see several core squad members depart. With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at what could happen before the current window closes on August 30.

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Riccardo Calafiori 'agreement'

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Riccardo Calafiori on personal terms, it has been claimed.

The Gunners have been strongly linked to the 21-year-old for the past few days with it now appearing as though a deal is moving very quickly.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, an agreement has been reached in principle between Arsenal and the Bologna defender which will see him sign a contract until 2029 and earn €3.5million (£2.9m) which will see his total earnings hit £14.5million.

Good morning

Hello and welcome back to today's Arsenal transfer live blog here on football.london. Yesterday appeared rather busy for the Gunners with some huge Riccardo Calafiori updates coming to light.

To ensure you don't miss anything, stay glued to this page with regular updates set to come throughout the day!

Chido Obi Martin latest

Mikel Arteta and Co are understood to be pushing Chido Obi Martin to stay at Arsenal this summer.

Although there is no agreement yet, Arsenal have improved their offer to the player. The Danish forward is subject of transfer interest from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and other clubs.

Garcia interest

Arsenal have identified Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as a potential summer transfer target, according to The Athletic.

It has been claimed that the Gunners are eyeing the Spaniard as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale this summer.

Ajax tracking Cedric

Ajax are eyeing a move to sign Cedric Soares following his departure from Arsenal. The Portuguese right-back left the Gunners after four-and-a-half years at the end of last month.

According to the Daily Mail, the 32-year-old is being pursued by the Eredivisie outfit, who are looking to add experienced players to their squad.

Arsenal reach Calafiori agreement

Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to Sports Zone.

The 22-year-old is now increasingly likely to join the Gunners this summer. Calafiori had agreed to move to Juventus in May but Bologna are unwilling to let him move to a fellow Serie A side and would prefer him to move abroad.

Chelsea remain in the race to sign the Italy international, as are Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen, but the Gunners are closing in on signing him for around £40million.

Silvestre urges new attackers

Mikael Silvestre has urged Mikel Arteta and Arsenal to look at strengthening their attack this summer, as they bid to close the gap and overtake Manchester City next season.

He told bettingexpert.com: "I think that should be an area that they should look at improving and to bring competition to the squad. No. 9 would be the priority in my view.

"Yeah they are on the right path. The problem is that you have to be able to continue and maintain the pressure on Manchester City and whoever is going to come into the race next season, if somebody can. You have to be resilient.

"Mikel has the desire to achieve something with Arsenal. He's fully committed. It's going to be tough but I'm sure he'll try hard."

Arsenal 'open' Calafiori talks

Arsenal have opened talks with Bologna over a deal for Riccardo Calafiori and are discussing personal terms with his representatives, according to the Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for the Gunners after impressing for Italy at Euro 2024. Mikel Arteta has already approved of the transfer as he tries to add another defender to his squad.

Priority target revealed

Arsenal are interested in signing Italian international Riccardo Calafiori, football.london understands.

The Gunners have had a quiet start to the summer transfer window and besides the youth addition of Lucas Nygaard, with more academy reinforcement expected, there has yet to be any major acquisitions. This time last year, Kai Havertz was already an Arsenal player with strong links to both Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber in the mainstream ahead of their imminent arrivals.

However, in 2024 the standout options have not been forthcoming due to a number of reasons. The club have had to deal with both the summer tournaments of the Copa America and European Championships, while the Profit and Sustainability Rules deadline only just passed at the end of last month meaning that July should start more movement for the Gunners.

Read the full story here.

Silvestre on Calafiori

Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has admitted his surprise over why the Gunners want to sign Riccardo Calafiori this summer.

He told bettingexpert.com: "You have Timber, Kiwior, Tomiyasu who can play at CB. Gabriel and Saliba haven't shown any signs of weakness. They've been super fit."

"I'd be surprised if Arsenal goes for another CB of that calibre (referring to Riccardo Calafiori). I don't think the club needs another CB. If you have to spend money you go ahead and do it on a No. 9."

The latest on Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori has recently emerged as a target for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his backline. The 22-year-old defender continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Premier League following his impressive performances for Italy at Euro 2024.

Despite diving out of the tournament in the first round of the knockout stages, Calafiori caught the eye. The centre-back started each of Gli Azzurri's group stage matches, but he missed the round of 16 due to suspension.

In his absence, Switzerland stormed past Luciano Spalletti's side and won 2-0. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Calafiori and his future at Bologna.

Read more here

Kai Havertz can be the best of the best

Former Germany star Didi Hamann believes Havertz can become a world-class player after glipses of improvement at Arsenal last season.

He told Gambling Zone: "There isn’t a player in the squad that divides opinions as much as Kai Havertz. So far, he’s done OK.

"I think he's in form now. He looks like he’s in a place where he could play a big role for the team in the coming games.I think Kai Havertz definitely has the potential to be one of the best players in the world if he can tidy up parts of his game.

"I think we could see some of that potential realised at this tournament, especially if he can do the business against Spain. He's capable of producing something where everybody goes, wow.

"That's the kind of player he is and that is why you've got to give him a bit of leeway and a bit of peace sometimes."

Arsenal pre-season games confirmed

Arsenal will jet off to America next month, and will play Manchester United and Liverpool in Los Angeles and Philadelphia respectively.

They will also host two games at the Emirates Stadium in August before the Premier League season gets underway.

• Arsenal v Bournemouth: July 24, Los Angeles
• Arsenal v Manchester United: July 27, Los Angeles
• Arsenal v Liverpool: July 31, Philadelphia
• Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen: August 7, Emirates Stadium.
• Arsenal vs Lyon: August 11, Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta contract talks

Fabrizio Romano claims that the Arsenal boss could pen a new long-term deal at the Emirates.

He said on his Here We Go podcast: "Contacts continue between Arsenal and the agents of Mikel Arteta to extend his contract.

"Talks ongoing, talks going very well — Arteta wants to stay and wants to continue. Arsenal are super excited about this project with Arteta."

Real Madrid plot Marc Guehi move

The Spanish giants are said to be the latest team to join the race for the Arsenal target.

The Sun claims that Madrid are 'ready to launch' a summer bid while Barcelona and Juventus are also keeping tabs on the Crystal Palace star.

Arsenal 'approve' transfer exit

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have allowed Sambi Lokonga to depart the Emirates this summer, with talks ongoing with Sevilla.

Romano says: "Value of the buy clause being negotiated between clubs as player has given initial green light to the destination."

More info on Riccardo Calafiori

Although Chelsea are also pursuing a deal for the Bologna defender, Arsenal have a good relationship with the Italian side after previous negotiations for Takehiro Tomiyasu.