Tag: Arsenal

Arsenal star fears being priced out of summer departure

Folarin Balogun is reportedly concerned that the money Arsenal is demanding from Inter Milan for his signature is too much and will cost him a move this summer.

The Arsenal striker is wanted by Inter this summer, with the Serie A side keen to bring him in after making him their number one number nine option.

They have reportedly opened talks with Arsenal for the 21-year-old, who spent last season successfully on loan at Reims.

Read more: Fabinho leaves Liverpool for Al-Ittihad

However, Arsenal have placed a £45 million price tag on Balogun, causing Inter Milan to pause their negotiations to focus on West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca.

Balogun is unhappy with Arsenal’s demand, as he considers it too much. According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, “Balogun feels Arsenal have added £10m extra to fee, and it’s pricing him out the market. #AFC argue their valuation is more than fair given his 22 goals last season at Reims and his potential. Some at the club want £50m as a minimum.”

Meanwhile, the American international will inform the Gunners to lower their asking price to avoid denying him a permanent move this summer.

Balogun has already told Arsenal he won’t be sitting on the bench nor going on another loan, so a move away this summer is the most likely outcome.

Per Jacobs, West Ham could bid for Balogun should they sell Scamacca, while RB Leipzig are also interested in the US international.

Burnley leading the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan

Premier League, new boys Burnley are reportedly leading the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan.

The Belgian midfielder, who spent six months on loan at Crystal Palace last season, is one of the several players Arsenal are looking to sell or send out on loan this summer as he does not feature in his plans.

And according to The Evening Standard, Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is eager to reunite with the 23-year-old after managing him at Anderlecht.

Read more: ‘These things, it needs time’-Jurgen Klopp calls for patience for Liverpool summer signing

Lokonga joined Arsenal from Anderlecht in 2021 and has made 39 appearances for the Gunners. But his time at the Emirates has been unproductive, and Mikel Arteta wouldn’t mind if he departed before the transfer window’s closure.

Burnley have already brought in a host of players to ensure they are prepared to impact the Premier League.

The Clarets have signed Dara O’Shea, James Trafford, Jordan Beyer, Zeki Amdouni, Nathan Redmond, Lawrence Vigoroux, Michael Obafemi and Luca Koleosho this summer alone. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal are focusing on outgoings after already signing Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.

Other players like Nicolas Pepe, Auston Trusty, and Cedric Soares are among those who could depart. Trusty is the subject of interest from Sheffield United, while clubs in France want Pepe.

David Raya

Arsenal EXPLORING signing Brentford goalkeeper 

Arenal are reportedly considering signing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya this summer.

The Gunners have one of the Premier League’s best shot-stoppers in Aaron Ramsdale. However, according to the latest reports by 90min, they are interested in bringing Raya to the Emirates this summer as a backup for Ramsdale.

The Spanish goalie has entered the final twelve months of his contract at the Brentford Community Stadium and has told the club that he is keen on a summer move. 

Top European clubs have expressed an interest in his services, with Bayern Munich being one of the interested parties.

Read more: RB Leipzig gives Manchester City DEADLINE to complete deal for defensive target 

But according to Fabrizio Romano, talks between Raya and the Bavarians have broken down, and there is no chance the goalie will sign for the Bundesliga giants.

As such, Arsenal are now considering making a move for him as they want him to provide more competition for Ramsdale. The Gunners wanted Raya before they struck a deal to sign Aaron Ramsdale in the summer of 2021.

Per the report, Raya is happy to battle Ramsdale for a starting spot – a message he also conveyed to Manchester United when the Red Devils enquired earlier this year.

Arsenal Sign Declan Rice for £105m

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham in a British record £105 million deal.

The England international becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the week following the capture of Jurrien Timber from Arsenal on Friday.

Rice joins the defender, and Kai Havertz, who arrived from Chelsea earlier this summer at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta’s side look to regroup and compete for the title again after narrowly missing out last season.

West Ham and Arsenal had agreed on a deal over Rice last week. However, the official announcement was delayed because both clubs were still finalising the payment structure, with Arsenal expected to pay an initial £100m and an extra £5m coming in add-ons.

Read more: Al-Ahli offer £30m for Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez

Rice was one of Europe’s most highly sought players this season, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City all interested. 

But the midfielder chose to go to Arsenal, where he will be guaranteed regular game time and more influence in the team.

Speaking to Arsenal’s website after completing the deal, Rice said: “I’m so excited – he (Mikel Arteta) speaks for himself. You see how he works – you got a real insight into how he works on the Amazon documentary, how he works with his players and, not only as a coach but psychologically, how good he is with players, how he improves players. He’s a massive factor in the reason why I’ve come here.

“I know he’s going to get the best out of me. I know I’ve got more levels to go up in my game, and I feel like he’s the manager to take me to those next levels. I’m really excited to be working with him.”

Granit Xhaka leaves Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal have confirmed the departure of Granit Xhakaz, with the midfielder joining German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder spent seven successful years at the Emirates after joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach in May 2016. He made 297 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring 23 goals and assisting 29 times. Xhaka, who came close to winning the Premier League title last season, won two FA Cup titles and the FA Community Shield twice during his seven seasons at the Emirates.

Xhaka was rumoured to be on his way out of the club last season after falling out of favour with the fans. But he stayed back and played a huge role in the club’s exciting title challenge. But he now leaves this summer, with the club confirming that he will join Xabi Alonso’s side.

Read more: AC Milan makes $24m offer for USA star Christian Pulisic

A club’s statement read: “Granit Xhaka has joined Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent transfer.”

“Everyone at Arsenal thanks Granit for his contribution during his seven years with us and wish him and his family the best of health and happiness in the future.”

Meanwhile, the club’s Sporting Director, Edu, wished the Switzerland international the best for his future after the move was confirmed: “Granit has been a big part of our club for a long time,” he said.

“He has given us great commitment and quality over the years, playing such an important role in our progression and success. He leaves us with our huge respect and thanks. We wish Granit all the best for the future.”

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta added: “We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us. It has been an incredible journey together for him, and he has given absolutely everything for this club. The influence Granit has had on his teammates on the pitch and colleagues at the club will tell you just how popular he is.

“We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.”

Kai Harvetz joins Arsenal in £65m deal

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Kai Harvetz from Chelsea in a £65 million deal.

The German international becomes Mikel Arteta’s first summer signing as the Spaniard looks to push on after the Gunners’ second-place finish last season.

Harvetz leaves Chelsea after three largely successful years in which he won the Championship League and Club World Cup. The 24-year-old made his name in Bayer Leverkusen as an attacking before sealing a £75 million deal to Stamford Bridge, where he played predominantly as a striker.

According to reports, Arteta is eager to use him as an attacking midfielder instead of as a number nine, as he’s used at Chelsea.

Read more: Tottenham confirm £17m signing of Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on a five-year deal

Speaking about his signing, the Gunners boss pointed out that Harvetz will play in the midfield for Arsenal.

“Kai is a player of top quality,” he said. ‘He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.

“We welcome Kai and his family to Arsenal Football Club, and we are all excited to start working with him when we start pre-season training soon.”

Meanwhile, Harvetz shared his delight at joining the North London club, stating he is eager to begin.

“It’s super exciting for me to be joining this amazing club and to be part of the Arsenal family,” the German said after sealing his move to the Emirates.

“This club has such a long history, and I hope we can achieve lots of things.

“The mentality in the Arsenal squad is very high, and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons it has been so hard to play against Arsenal recently.

“The aim is to win trophies, and I’m going to give everything to do that for the supporters and everyone at the club. I’m now looking forward to meeting all the players and the staff when we come back for pre-season.”

Harvetz has been handed the number 29 shirt at Arsenal and is expected to join the club when they begin their pre-season in two weeks.

Romeo Latvia

Liverpool contact Southampton over £50m signing of Romeo Lavia 

Liverpool have become the latest side to join the race for Southampton teenage midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The Reds join Arsenal in enquiring about the 19-year-old, who is highly appreciated at Saint Mary’s. Stadium.

Lavia joined Saints from Manchester City last summer and impressed in his first full Premier League season despite the club’s relegation to the Championship. 

Read more: Ilkay Gundogan joins Barcelona

But he’s expected to leave the club this summer, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and now Liverpool interested.

Jurgen Klopp’s side want to sign another midfielder this summer after completing the deal for Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35 million. According to Sportsmail, they have asked about the conditions of a deal for Lavia, as the club took to refresh their midfield. 

Liverpool’s interest is a blow to Arsenal, who have been working on a deal for the Belgium youngster for the last two weeks, although they have made no official bid.

Lavia made 34 appearances across all competitions for Southampton last season, scoring his only goal in the 2-1 win over Chelsea – becoming the first player born in 2004 to score in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s opening £30m bid for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is REJECTED

Ajax have rejected Arsenal’s opening £30million bid for highly-sought defender Jurrien Timber.

Ajax values the 22-year-old defender at around £50million and have asked the Gunners to up their bid for the Dutch international, who is reportedly keen on a move to Arsenal.

The Premier League side are keen on the player, too, with Mikel Arteta keen on a versatile defender who is good on the ball and can start at right back and then fill in in midfield just as Oleksandr Zinchenko does at left-back.

According to a report by Sportsmail, Arsenal are confident that a deal can be reached between the two clubs for Timber. 

Read more: Luke Shaw reveals he is encouraging Declan Rice and Harry Kane to join Manchester United

Meanwhile, Arteta’s side are not the only side interested in Timer. The Holland international was a target for Manchester United last summer, while Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in recent months.

But Arsenal feel they can secure the deal. The North London club reportedly have a budget of around £180m this summer and are already working on deals for Chelsea forward Kai Havertz and West Ham’s Declan Rice.

They are also considering Southampton’s Romeo Lavia as they await offers for Thomas Partey, while Granit Xhaka has an offer from Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea forward Kai Havertz ‘agrees personal terms with Arsenal and is keen on a move to the Gunners’

Chelsea striker Kai Harvetz has reportedly agreed to sign for Arsenal this summer.

The German international is one of the several players Chelsea are willing to sell this summer after he rejected a new contract offer at Stamford Bridge.

The 24-year-old was earmarked to be a key player under the new leadership of Mauricio Pochettino. But his reluctance to commit to a new deal beyond the summer of 2025, when his current deal will expire, means that the Blues put him up for sale to avoid losing him for cheap next season when he will have just one year left in his contract.

Read more: Newcastle INTERESTED in Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella 

Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were considered keen on signing him. But now, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have stolen a march on the other teams in the race for his signature.

According to Romano, a deal has been agreed between the player and Arsenal, with the Gunners expected to submit a bid soon.

Mikel Arteta has long been an admirer of the forward and sees him as a perfect fit for his attack.

While a fee between the two clubs is yet to be agreed upon, Arteta’s side is said to be confident of getting the deal over the line after the international break.

According to reports, the North London club opened talks earlier this week with a £60million bid valuation while offering Harvetz a wage packet said to be in the region of £ 200,000 per week.

The 24-year-old is currently on international duty with Germany and played the full 90 minutes as Hansi Flick’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Poland in a friendly on Friday.

Arsenal ‘OPEN talks with Leicester to sign defender Timothy Castagne

Arsenal have reportedly begun talks with Leicester City to sign defender Timothy Castagne.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri via Sportsmail, the Gunners will target the Belgian if they miss out on first-choice target Ivan Fresneda, who Borussia Dortmund also wants.

Mikel Arteta’s side are looking for an extra right-back and have identified the Real Valladolid defender as top of the list. But Borussia Dortmund’s interest in his services has pushed them towards signing Castagne, who could also come cheaper.

Read more: Inter Milan REJECT a £40m offer from Chelsea for goalkeeper Andre Onana

Leicester City want to sell some of their players following their relegation from the top flight, and Castagne could be amongst the players to leave the King Power Stadium this window.

The Foxes value at about £ 24 million and will be willing to let him leave if Arsenal meets their valuation.

Castagne made 37 league appearances for Leicester this season. The 27-year-old has played 112 times for the club since joining Atalanta in 2020.

The Belgian is capped over 30 times for his country and can also play left-back if required, making him a valuable asset for any club that will sign him.

Arsenal appears well-stocked in that area of the pitch, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu fighting for the right-back berth. At the same time, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney occupy the left-back position.

But with Tomiyasu struggling last season and Tierney likely to leave this summer, and interest strong from Newcastle United, Arsenal are looking in the market for a strong cover.