Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Riccardo Calafiori ‘personal terms AGREED’ for £27m switch, Nico Williams latest updates

  • Saka’s royal approval

    Prince William has congratulated England for reaching the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

    Saka was Man of the Match after spearheading the Three Lions’ victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

    Writing on Instagram in a joint post with the England team, it said: “What a #EURO2024 quarter-final win.”

    The Prince of Wales, who is the President of the Football Association met the stars in the tunnel after the national team’s victory in the Dusseldorf Arena.

    At the end of the thriller, the heir to the throne was seen fist pumping the air in Germany.

    The 42-year-old has hailed the epic win as “nail biting to the very end” after he jetted over to join fans in Germany.

  • Saka history

    Bukayo Saka made history with his goal in England's Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.

    The 22-year-old became the first Arsenal player to score for the Three Lions at both the Euros and the World Cup.

    Saka scored three goals at the 2022 World Cup, with a brace against Iran and a strike in the last 16 win over Senegal.

    He has also now opened his Euros account, scoring his first goal in nine appearances across the last two tournaments.

    Credit: Alamy
  • Calafiori's 'heart set on Arsenal'

    Riccardo Calafiori has his "heart set on a move to Arsenal", according to Sky in Italy.

    The report claims other clubs remain interested in the Bologna defender, but he only wants to join the Gunners.

    Arsenal are understood to have agreed a deal with Calafiori to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

  • Rice praise

    Declan Rice has been hailed by Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker for his performances at Euro 2024.

    The Arsenal midfielder has played every minute of England's run to the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

    Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer admitted: "Quietly, under the radar, I thought without being spectacular but did a really good job [vs. Switzerland], Declan Rice."

    Meanwhile, Lineker added: "I think he is under appreciated. I don’t think they see the work that he does with his interceptions & all that.

    "Could he improve his passing, breaking the lines? Yes, but when you have Mainoo go forward, Bellingham & Foden, you need that anchor."

  • Arteta's Calafiori plan

    Riccardo Calafiori is set to slot into Arsenal's defence at left-back if he completes his transfer to the Gunners.

    The Italian defender is edging closer to moving to the Emirates Stadium following his side's exit from Euro 2024.

    Calafiori starred in a three-man defence for Bologna last season but has also previously played at left-back in his career.

    According to the Guardian, Mikel Arteta is keen to deploy Calafiori as an inverted full-back, moving into midfield from left-back, as well as competition for Gabriel and William Saliba at centre-back.

    Credit: Getty
  • Arsenal pre-season schedule

    Arsenal are gearing up for the start of their pre-season fixture list later this month.

    The Gunners will play five friendlies before their Premier League opener against Wolves on August 17.

    Mikel Arteta's side will face three league rivals during their USA tour, followed by a pair of matches at the Emirates Stadium.

    Here are Arsenal's pre-season fixtures:

    • July 25 - Bournemouth - Carson, USA
    • July 28 - Manchester United - Los Angeles, USA
    • August 1 - Liverpool - Philadelphia, USA
    • August 7 - Bayer Leverkusen - Emirates Stadium
    • August 11 - Lyon - Emirates Stadium
  • More from Odegaard

    Martin Odegaard has discussed the importance of "setting the tone" in pre-season ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

    The Arsenal captain told The Athletic: "It is a good chance to gain an advantage.

    "You need a break but it is also a good chance to work on things you can’t normally work on. You have some more time to recover and you can work on different things. It is a good chance to improve.

    "It always takes a bit of time for new players to adapt, but they (last season’s signings) did really well from the start to come into the group.

    "Throughout the whole season, we connected more and more, and this season is going to be even better (because) we know each other even more.

    "We were struggling a little bit before Christmas and then we had the little break, went away, and got even more together as a group.

    "After that we came back so strong and consistent. The aim is to do that for the whole season."

  • Martin Odegaard revelation

    Martin Odegaard admits he has struggled to switch off after Arsenal’s Premier League heartbreak left him feeling “flat” and “empty”.

    But the Gunners skipper is confident the club can make it third time lucky thanks to a Mikel Arteta-inspired pre-season getaway to Marbella.

    The North Londoners took Manchester City to the Prem final day last season only to come up agonisingly short in their search for a first league title since 2004.

    Arteta’s men had a record-breaking term but still finished two points behind City in second, having blown an eight-point lead in the 2022/23 campaign.

    It was a bit flat, bit empty. We had the big dream and we were so close. We had it on the last day and I really had the feeling something special would happen.

    You can see it there, the trophy was there, it was emotional.

    After that, it is hard to switch off. It takes some time. It’s important to disconnect from the football world, rest is always good, but you think about it more.

    It’s always there, always on your mind, in the back of your head. After a week or two, I started to work again.

    Martin Odegaard
  • Saka on Toney

    Arsenal star Bukayo Saka says the England squad are “in awe” of Brentford ace Ivan Toney’s no-look penalty technique.

    Toney fired home the fourth spot-kick in Saturday’s shoot-out victory over Switzerland without even glancing down at the ball.

    Fans were left staggered - but it turns out the striker's team-mates have been blown away too by his confident approach.

    When we see him practising in training, he does the same thing.

    It’s crazy. We’re all just in awe, I don’t know how you can not look at the ball

    Bukayo Saka
  • Saka's royal approval

    Prince William has congratulated England for reaching the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

    Saka was Man of the Match after spearheading the Three Lions' victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

    Writing on Instagram in a joint post with the England team, it said: "What a #EURO2024 quarter-final win."

    The Prince of Wales, who is the President of the Football Association met the stars in the tunnel after the national team's victory in the Dusseldorf Arena.

    At the end of the thriller, the heir to the throne was seen fist pumping the air in Germany.

    The 42-year-old has hailed the epic win as "nail biting to the very end" after he jetted over to join fans in Germany.

    Moment Prince William fist pumps after England's thrilling Euros win as he hails victory as 'nailbiting to the very end'
  • Kane's Saka faith

    Harry Kane knew there would be no penalty scars holding Bukayo Saka back against Switzerland because of the Arsenal star’s elite mentality.

    What a performance. The whole game. Playing in a position that he’s played before but that he’s not used to playing.

    He was our real outlet with the ball, he caused them problems all game. He got the goal he fully deserved with a fantastic finish, got us back in the game when we needed it most.

    Then without the ball as well, the work he put in, the shift he put in. The blocks, the tackles, right up until the 120th-minute.

    And then to step up the way he did. I know the mentality he’s got and I knew he’d be comfortable at that situation even though what happened in the past.

    He prepares really well for moments like that. A fantastic night for him and he deserved it.

    Harry Kane
  • Southgate on Saka

    England manager Gareth Southgate - who was seen giving Arsenal star Bukayo Saka a massive hug amid the celebrations - couldn't have been more proud of his winger.

    Bukayo was so brave. He is one of our best so we were never in any doubt that he was going to take one.

    We all know what he went through so to deliver the way he did… I gave him a massive cuddle on the pitch. He’s a special boy, he’s a dream to work with.

    It takes courage but we had belief in him. We had belief in him previously. He’s now got a lot more experience of those pressure moments.

    His all-round performance was exceptional. So yeah, I'm proud of myself as well for that.

    Gareth Southgate
    Credit: Getty
  • Saka on penalty triumph

    Arsenal star Bukayo Saka couldn't stop smiling after helping fire England into a Euro 2024 semi-final clash with the Netherlands.

    It’s something I embrace. It was special, very special, how we fought back. The last time we went to penalties we all know what happened.

    You can fail once but you have a choice whether you put yourself in that position again or not. I’m a guy who is going to put myself in that position. I believed in myself.

    Hopefully in the next game we can win in 90 minutes. But if this is what it takes we will do anything.

    Bukayo Saka
  • Arsenal target Bentley

    Arsenal are plotting a shock move for Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley 15 years after he left their academy.

    The Gunners want Bentley as cover for his former Brentford team-mate David Raya.

    Bentley is behind Jose Sa in the pecking order at Molineux and made just five Premier League appearances last season.

    And Wolves manager Gary O’Neil is in the market for a new reserve — with Kasper Schmeichel an option.

    Bentley may fancy the Arsenal move even if it is to be third choice as Aaron Ramsdale is priced at £50million and unlikely to find a suitor.

    The Gunners academy graduate left the club aged 15, joining Southend in 2009.

  • Pepe linked with Olympiacos

    Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe has been linked with a shock move to Olympiacos during the summer transfer window.

    Pepe is currently a free agent after his departure from Trabzonspor and is looking for his next club.

    According to Sport FM, the winger’s name is now “on the table” for the Europa Conference League winners.

    The Ivory Coast international is said to be looking for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

  • Sancho's Saka praise

    Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was saluted by Manchester United's Jadon Sancho, who shared his pain when they were targeted by trolls.

    Saka, Sancho and United star Marcus Rashford all suffered vile racist abuse after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.

    The former Borussia Dortmund star has now hailed the winger's courage after he scored a late equaliser before exorcising his spot-kick demons to help knock out Switzerland.

    Sancho wrote on Instagram: “I’m so proud of this guy! You did it for me and Marcus brother.”

    Credit: PA
  • Brian Brobbey Exclusive

    Manchester United and Arsenal are set for a £30million bidding war over Ajax star Brian Brobbey.

    United boss Erik ten Hag knows Brobbey from his time at the Dutch giants and is eyeing a summer move.

    The Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta also feels the striker can provide an alternative option to injury-prone Gabriel Jesus in attack.

    A host of Italian clubs are keen on the Netherlands international too but it is understood the player has his heart set on a Premier League switch.

  • Nico Williams transfer blow

    Arsenal are set to miss out on the signing of Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams.

    Williams has been linked with the Gunners this summer after starring at Euro 2024 with Spain.

    Chelsea are also interested in a move for the exciting 21-year-old.

    However, Barcelona are now the frontrunners according to Football Insider, with the Premier League giants likely to miss out.

  • Raya becomes first signing

    Arsenal completed the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford.

    Raya joined the Gunners from the Bees on loan last summer for a fee of £3million, replacing Aaron Ramsdale as the starting goalkeeper

    And after an impressive debut season at the Emirates, conceding just 24 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets to win the Golden Glove in 32 Premier League outings, the goalkeeper joins on a long-term contract.

    That is after the North Londoners triggered a £27m buy option.

  • Riccardo Calafiori reminder

    Arsenal are said to have agreed a deal with Bologna over the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.

    The Gunners will reportedly pay the Serie A outfit £45million for Calafiori, claim Sports Zone.

    The same report adds an agreement was reached on Sunday between the two clubs.

    The North Londoners have beaten Juventus to the signing of the centre-back, who is believed to have already agreed terms with the Premier League giants.

    Credit: Getty
  • Bentley contacted

    Arsenal have reportedly contacted Wolves and expressed an interest in signing Dan Bentley.

    David Ornstein, via the Athletic, has taken to X to write: "Arsenal contact Wolves to express interest in signing Dan Bentley. 30yo goalkeeper identified by #AFC as back-up option - homegrown + great character. #WWFC would only sell if suitable bid lands so they can reinvest."

    Bentley was a former Arsenal youth star.

    He made five appearances for Wolves last season.

  • Turkish talent eyed

    Arsenal reportedly sent their scouts to watch Turkish star Ferdi Kadioglu.

    The left-back was pivotal in his country's run in the Euros, reaching the quarter-finals.

    CaughtOffside adds that Napoli and Newcastle United also scouted the Fenerbache full-back.

    The Gunners are particularly impressed by Kadioglu's versatility to play in midfield.

  • Gunners target South American

    Arsenal are reportedly in the market for a wideman.

    And their attentions have turned to South American, Yaser Asprilla.

    The winger, 20, starred for Watford last campaign - scoring six goals and providing eight assists.

    According to the Mirror, a £15million fee has been suggested for the youngster.

    The Gunners will be rivalled by Everton for his signature.

  • Arsenal 'agree deal'

    The Gunners are said to have agreed a deal with Bologna over the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.

    Arsenal will reportedly pay the Italians £45million for the defender, claim Sports Zone.

    The report adds an agreement was reached on Sunday.

    Mikel Arteta's side have been Juventus to the signing of Calafiori, who is believed to have already agreed terms with the North London club.

  • Brobbey chase

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal are set for a £30million  war over  Brian Brobbey.

    Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag knows the Ajax striker, 22, from his time at the Dutch club and is eyeing a summer move.

    Gunners chief Mikel Arteta  also feels Brobbey can provide an alternative option to injury-prone Gabriel Jesus in attack.

    A host of Italian clubs are keen on the ex-RB RB Leipzig man, too.

    But it is understood the player has his heart set on a Prem switch.
    Brobbey, who netted 21 times last season, is part of Holland’s Euros  squad.