Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Saka and Rice return, Gunners ‘eye huge £80m Julian Alvarez move’, Mikel Merino deal ‘close’

  • Arsenal fixtures

    Arsenal have a tricky start to the season
    Arsenal have a tricky start to the season
  • Isak update

    Arsenal had made Newcastle striker Alexander Isak their top target this summer.

    However, the Gunners did not want to be drawn into a transfer saga, report The Independent.

    Newcastle have rebuffed Arsenal's advances, with Mikel Arteta's side now looking at alternative targets.

    The report adds that Ivan Toney was considered before Euro 2024 but is a move is not currently being pursued.

  • Merino returns

    Mikel Merino has returned to Real Sociedad training this morning.

    The Spanish midfielder was given an extended break after winning Euro 2024 earlier this summer.

    Merino continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal amid strong interest from the Gunners.

  • Arsenal pair back in training

    Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have returned to Arsenal training.

    The duo were given extended time off over the summer after their Euro 2024 exploits for England.

    Both players have now been spotted back at London Colney, though, alongside Three Lions team-mate Aaron Ramsdale.

    Credit: Getty
  • Chiesa chase

    Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal are all being linked with Federico Chiesa.

    Juventus are looking to offload eight players this summer, including Chiesa, according to the Daily Mail.

    Both United and Arsenal are eyeing a cut-price deal for the 26-year-old Italian, who is into the final year of his contract.

  • Arsenal's fixtures

    Arsenal have a tricky start to the season
    Arsenal have a tricky start to the season
  • Solanke chase

    Arsenal have dealt Tottenham a blow by joining the race for Dominic Solanke.

    The Bournemouth forward is reportedly available for £65million, as per a release clause in his contract.

    The Gunners are chasing a new striker ahead of the season, and could turn to Solanke, say CaughtOffside.

    They add a deal for Victor Gyokeres is unlikely now.

  • Fernandez blow

    According to Fabrizio Romano, 'Al-Qadsiah has informed Boca Juniors that they will trigger Ezequiel Fernandez's €20M release clause'.

    Arsenal were said to be interested in the midfielder star.

    Fernandez appeared for Argentina in the Olympics.

  • Alvarez talks

    Arsenal have reportedly held talks with the reps of Julian Alvarez.

    The Gunners are said to be interested in the unhappy Man City ace, who starred for Argentina in the Olympics.

    According to HITC, Edu has spoken with the forward's entourage about the deal.

    He could cost over £70million.

  • Alvarez latest

    Pep Guardiola has no intention of losing Julian Alvarez.

    The Argentine has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

    Regarding Alvarez's future, Pep said: "No news. I don't have anything to say.

    "He will come back I count on him, but he said in the news that decisions will be made all together. Now he has to rest and when he feels ready to come back he will come back.

    "I'm sure when he comes back I'll hug and congratulate him for the Copa America, for the Olympics and we will start to work together."

  • Arsenal haven't given up on Guimaraes

    The Gunners could return to a deal for Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.

    CaughtOffside claim that Arsenal are still considering making a bid for the Brazil midfielder.

    And they could use Aaron Ramsdale as a makeweight in their offer.

    Mikel Arteta's side are reportedly close to sealing a deal for another midfielder, Mikel Merino.

  • Jorginho on Calafiori

    It’s a really good signing.

    “He’s a really good young player that will give a lot to the team. He’s a very professional guy, he is hungry to learn and humble. He has a lot to add and grow and learn and I think it’s going to be a good connection.

    “To be fair I didn’t know him that much but when I got to know him and see him up close, it’s been great. He has great qualities.

    “I sent him a few messages while we were there at the tournament and I spoke with him and said if he wants to take himself to the next level and grow, this is the right place for him to go.

    “It’s nice to have a fratello here! We always try to help each other here and that’s what we’re going to do with him as well to make sure he feels at home straight away. It’s great that he’s here, hopefully he enjoys it and we’ll achieve big things together.”

    Jorginho on CalafioriArsenal.com
  • Merino latest

    According to Marca, Mikel Merino will return to training with Real Sociedad tomorrow.

    However, the report adds that Merino could be asked to train alone and away from the first team as transfer talks continue.

    The Spain Euro 2024 winner is expected to sign with the Gunners, after agreeing terms.

    Fabrizio Romano claimed the deal is close, with just payment structure needed to be finalised.

  • Ruthless Arteta

    MIKEL ARTETA proved he is as ­“ruthless” as mentor Pep Guardiola by selling yet another Arsenal academy star.

    But Gunners legend Ray Parlour urged Fulham-bound Emile Smith Rowe to prove the club’s boss wrong by reclaiming a spot in the England team.

    Smith Rowe, 24, joined the Cottagers for £27million — plus £7m in add-ons — after falling out of favour with Arteta owing to injuries and a drop in form.

    His is the latest homegrown exit from the Emirates during Arteta’s tenure, following Joe Willock’s £25m switch to Newcastle in August 2021 and Folarin Balogun’s £35m Monaco deal in August last year.

    Academy product Parlour — who lifted three Prem titles and four FA Cups in 15 years at Arsenal — wants the Spaniard to give more kids a first-team chance.

    But the former midfielder compared Arteta to Manchester City chief Guardiola in refusing to let sentiment cloud his judgement.

  • Henry talks about brawl

    THIERRY HENRY has broken his silence on France’s “unacceptable” behaviour during their 30-man brawl with Argentina at the Paris Olympics.

    Henry’s young French side narrowly beat two-time gold medallists Argentina 1-0, but the game was marred by boiling tensions on the full-time whistle.

    The Arsenal legend told Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports: “I do not agree with what happened at the end.

    “I apologise for the final disturbance. It’s not what I wanted and I couldn’t control it.

    “One of my players got a red card and I don’t accept that, it shouldn’t happen. I went to shake (Argentine coach Javier) Mascherano’s hand and, when I turned around, it had happened.”

  • Parlour backs Merino signing

    Arsenal are on the verge of adding Spain Euros winner Mikel Merino to their ranks.

    It a move that is backed by former Gunner Ray Parlour, who believes it will allow Declan Rice to get forward.

    Romford Pele revealed: "“It [signing Merino] gives Declan Rice a little bit more license to go forward if you’ve got another holding midfielder in there.

    "I know he plays like that for England in that holding role, but I like to see Declan get forward. And as I’ve said before, I’m a little bit of an old-fashioned midfielder, I like the box-to-box players."

  • Ex-Gunners signs on a free

    Arsenal's record signing Nicolas Pepe has signed for Villarreal on a free transfer.

    The Ivory Coast winger was released by Trabzonspor, scoring five goals in 19 games.

    Now a free agent agent again, he has been snapped by the LaLiga outfit.

  • Arsenal's pre-season

    Arsenal have two matches remaining this summer before they return to competitive action in the Premier League.

    The Gunners have already played three matches after jetting to the USA for a pre-season tour.

    Here are their pre-season results and fixtures:

    • July 24 - 1-1 D vs Bournemouth
    • July 27 - 2-1 W vs Manchester United
    • July 31 - 1-2 L vs Liverpool
    • August 7 - Bayer Leverkusen - Emirates Stadium
    • August 11 - Lyon - Emirates Stadium
  • Calafiori compares himself to Stones

    Arsenals new signing Riccardo Calafiori has compared his style of football to Manchester City ace John Stones.

    In May he said: “John Stones is my reference.

    "His style of play is closest to mine. It’s not off the cuff when I go into midfield, it’s following the guidelines of the coach.

    "He saw me in this role."

  • Arsenal ‘to raid Man City for Alvarez’ 

    Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Julian Alvarez after Manchester City dropped a big hint about his future.

    The striker has been a big success at The Etihad after joining the club two years ago.

    Arsenal are now on red alert according to The Mirror.

    The Gunners are big admirers of Alvarez but may be unwilling to match City's asking price.

  • Gunners eye Pedro

    According to reports, Arsenal are interested in buying Joao Pedro.

    The Brighton forward, 22, scored 20 goals in all competitions for the Seagulls last campaign.

    And Football Transfers claim the Gunners have added the Brazilian to their list of targets.

    It is thought he could cost as much as £50million.

  • Arsenal deal for Euro 2024 winner 'closing in'

    Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and are “confident” that move will take place in the next few days. 

    Arsenal are now closing in on a second signing as Merino is close to completing a move to the Emirates Stadium from Real Sociedad in a deal worth £25m.

    Fabrizio Romano has revealed talks are “progressing very well” but the two clubs are still discussing the structure of the deal.

  • Arsenal icon explains how Arteta is 'ruthless'

    Arsenal icon has claimed Mikel Arteta is "ruthless" for letting Emile Smith-Rowe go.

    Parlour, 51, said: “Arteta is ruthless. He has learned that from Pep. If you’re not doing your job, you’re out.

    “It could be argued that in my time, Arsene Wenger was too loyal and wanted continuity with the same players — but Arteta is fearless.

    “Managers live by decisions and he hasn’t made many bad ones.

    “I doubted him for dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya but now no one talks about it.

    “Fair play to him for having the balls to leave people out and sell them.”

  • Merino deal

    Arsenal's pursuit of Mikel Merino is set to be finalised in days.

    The Spain midfielder starred in his country's Euros win and has been a standout player for Real Sociedad in LaLiga.

    Now, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said the Gunners and Merino have agreed personal terms.

    The deal is expected to cost Mikel Arteta's side £25million.

  • Smith Rowe farewell

    Arsenal fans were saddened to see one of their own leave in Emile Smith Rowe.

    Mikel Arteta echoed those sentiments, while wishing the midfielder the best of luck moving forward.

    “Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him,” said Arteta. 

    “He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us. He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud.

    “I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.

    “Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.”