Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gunners ‘prepare’ swap deal for Lookman, Mikel Merino edges closer, Nketiah EXIT updates

  • Gunners linked to £85m star

    Arsenal have revived their interest in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to Corriere dello Sport.

    The striker has a buyout clause of £111million but Napoli could let him leave for closer to £85m.

    The Serie A giants look set to bring in Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea which could pave the way for Osimhen to leave.

  • Arsenal seek attacking reinforcements

    Arsenal are reportedly lining up a shock move to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.

    And according to Sportitalia, the Gunners think that Lookman could be the right man to add to their ranks in order to take them one step further in the league.

    They claim that Arsenal are planning a £43m bid for the Nigerian international.

    It's also said that the north London club would be willing to throw out-of-favour defender Jakub Kiwior into the deal as a makeweight.

  • Wright wants duo to improve

    Ian Wright has identified the two Arsenal players he wants to see improve this season as the Gunners look to pip Man City to the title.

    He said on the Wrighty’s House Podcast: "Do you know what I’m praying for? I think we were five goals off City last season.

    "What I’m saying is, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have to bring more. We’re talking about them having half-decent seasons, they have to have more goals in them than what we saw, that’s what I would say."

  • Ed-ing off

    Eddie Nketiah has reportedly agreed personal terms with Nottingham Forest ahead of quitting Arsenal.

    The striker appears set on a move to the East Midlands after nine years with the Gunners.

    Forest have been keen on signing a striker this summer to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo's attacking options.

    Nketiah, 25, appears to be the man arriving at the City Ground to lead the line.

    Fabrizio Romano claimed that the striker has agreed terms with the Reds.

    It is suggested that a deal is entering the final stages to be fully agreed with Arsenal.

  • New Arteta deal

    Mikel is reportedly set to sign a new long-term contract at Arsenal.

    Arteta, 42, currently has a deal with the North London outfit that expires in 2025.

    He is now expected to commit his long-term future to the club, according to Sky Sports.

    The report added that the Spaniard's relationship with sporting director Edu and the ownership is strong.

    Credit: Getty
  • Toney Transfer Touted

    Former Spurs hitman Gary Lineker reckons Ivan Toney would be a good fit at the Emirates.

     I like Ivan Toney a lot," he said on his Stick to Football podcast. "I think he’s super talented and gives you a completely different from what else they’ve got.

    "He’s a real threat and technically a really good footballer so I think he would fit in at Arsenal.

    " Once you’re at the stage where a player is left out, the writing does appear to be on the wall."

  • Ramsdale decision questioned

    Geoff Stelling has publicly questioned Mikel Arteta's decision to demote Aaron Ramsdale.

    “He has done nothing wrong," the former Sky Sports presenter said. "He is a good goalkeeper and we all accept that.

    “He deserves and he is good enough to be playing in the Premier League for a decent side.

    “He has been linked with Wolves, I get that completely. The question for Arsenal is you can’t go into a season just having a number one goalkeeper, you need a quality back-up as well.

    “Have they got that now? I honestly don’t know.”

  • Lookman eyed

    The Gunners are reportedly considering a late move for Ademola Lookman.

    That's according to SportItalia, who claim the North Londoners are "preparing" to table an offer for the former Charlton Athletic star.

    They claim the Prem giants are set to table a £42.5million offer for the 26-year-old's services.

    Credit: Getty
  • Viera praises Rice

    Gunners legend Patrick Vieira has heaped praise on midfielder Declan Rice.

    He said: “I like him because he is a team player, and I think when you play in that position you have to be the one who sacrifices yourself for the team.

    “You have to win the ball, and you have to give it to the players who can make the difference.

    "And it is a really difficult position, because you work hard for the team but you may not get a lot of credit like the guys who score those goals.”

  • Third time's the charm

    Former Gunners star Theo Walcott believes Mikel Arteta's troops with pip Manchester City to the Premier League at the third time of asking.

    He told The Daily Mail: "I was with them in preseason. 

    "I’ve seen how structured they are as a unit and, mentally, the way Mikel has hammered his team. I feel like it’s going to be third time lucky.

    ‘I feel like they want it more and they are ready. I just feel like they’re more equipped as a structure.

    "They’ve learned a lot. They have got a few more experienced players that know the hurt and I just feel like this year could well be their year."

  • The Wright stuff

    Ian Wright has revealed he wants Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson to "do more" in the Gunners' bid to win their first Prem title in 21 years.

    “Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have to bring more,” Wright said on his podcast.

    “They both had half-decent seasons, they’ve got to have more goals in them than what we saw last season.

    "I think it’s a big season for them.”

    He added: "For me, Reiss Nelson has a massive season coming up.

    “We saw Saka come off the other day and Reiss Nelson needs to step into that and deliver.

    “He’s been around the squad and the manager for long enough now. He needs to produce the performances.

    “Our bench is going to be very important. If Reiss goes another season where he’s just in the wings, I don’t understand what that’s going to do for him and his career.

    “This is a massive season for him and I really pray he can kick in and do something.”

    Credit: Getty
  • No keeper bid

    Arsenal have yet to table an offer for Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia.

    Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly interested in making the Spanish stopper his new No.2 ahead of Aaron Ramsdale.

    But the North Londoners, nor any club for that matter, haven't tabled an offer for his services.

  • Major Nketiah update

    Eddie Nketiah's move to Nottingham Forest is edging closer, it's been claimed.

    Forest moved a step closer to signing the striker on Wednesday when they tabled an offer closer to Arsenal's valuation of the player.

    And according to reports, the 25-year-old has "agreed personal terms" with the club.

  • Ramsdale bids rejected

    The Gunners are said to have turned down multiple offers for Aaron Ramsdale

    Fabrizio Romano recently stated: “Aaron Ramsdale also remains one to watch before the end of the summer.

    “To be clear, Arsenal want a permanent sale for Ramsdale – they keep rejecting loan possibilities.

    “Wolves and also Bournemouth are interested, both are attentive to the situation but neither club are submitting a permanent transfer proposal so far.

    “My expectation is still for Ramsdale to leave Arsenal, in any case.”

  • Toney Transfer Talked Up

    Former Tottenham man Dimitar Berbatov has revealed he likes the idea of Ivan Toney joining the Gunners.

    He told Futbin: “Toney to Arsenal? Why not?

    "I think he made the most of his playing time at the Euros and gave everything and the best that he could with such a limited amount of playing time.

    "The way he plays the game. The way he moves, scoring goals, taking penalties and taking responsibility means it’s time for the next step but which direction that is we will have to wait and see.”

  • Major Merino update

    Mikel Merino is edging closer to moving to the Emirates, it's been claimed.

    The Gunners have been pushing a £40million deal for the Spain international. Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has held talks with the Gunners during his stay in London.

    And according to reports, Merino has "asked" the San Sebastian club to let him move on to pastures new.

  • Osimhen pursuit

    Arsenal have sensationally re-entered the race to sign Victor Osimhen, it's been claimed.

    That's according to Corriere dello Sport, who the Gunners are "back on the trail" of the Nigeria international.

    Arsenal will have to break the bank to sign the 25-year-old, who Napoli value at £85million.

  • Patino exit

    Charlie Patino is set to leave the Emirates, it's been claimed.

    The Gunners are set to have agreed to sell the midfielder to Deportivo La Coruna, according to the Daily Mirror.

    Patino is set to join the La Liga side in a deal worth around £1mlillion.

  • Garcia breaks silence

    Reported Gunners target Joan Garcia - who is said to be being lined up as Aaron Ramsdale's replacement - has addressed speculation surrounding his future.

    The goalkeeper said: “I am very calm.

    “I am a person who isolates himself from all this and I am focused on next Saturday’s game [against Real Sociedad].

    “In football, these things do not depend on oneself, but I am very happy here.”

    Credit: Splash
  • Nketiah exit draws near

    Eddie Nketiah's Emirates exit is edging closer.

    The striker is wanted by Nottingham Forest, whose efforts to acquire his services have so far been rebuffed.

    But according to Sky Sports, Forest are "nearing" Arsenal's valuation of the England international.

    Credit: Rex
  • Pickpocket theory

    Theo Walcott reckons he knows the reason Mikel Arteta hired pickpockets to steal his players' phones.

    The Arsenal boss shocked fans after recruiting a team of sleight of hand artists for a team dinner with his squad.

    Gunners stars had valuable items including phones and watches pinched whilst they ate by Arteta's secret guests.

    When asked for his thoughts on the bizarre act, former Arsenal winger Walcott told the Daily Mail: "Well, it gets you lot talking, doesn't it.

    "It gets us distracted from the actual football side of things and it gets us talking about something completely different and out of the ordinary.

    "That's what Mikel does. He gets people to think in a different way. So now people are always going to be alert in that dressing room.

    "That's the message he sent. That was just a pure sort of exercise, and it worked, but now you go into everyday work and life alert."

  • Arsenal set to tie down Arteta

    Mikel Arteta is expected to commit his long-term future to Arsenal soon, report Sky Sports News.

    The relationship between the manager, sporting director Edu, and the Kroenke ownership is so strong that formal talks are not seen as necessary.

    There has been a flowing conversation, and there is conviction that the club will be an even greater force in the years to come under Arteta's guidance.

    The 42-year-old's current terms are up in 2025, but there has been no rush from his side or the club's in boxing off a new deal as there in total alignment in vision, and so no pressure to force negotiations.

  • Merino frustration

    Arsenal are frustrated with Real Sociedad for delaying Mikel Merino's move to the Emirates.

    That's according to GiVEMESPORT, who claim the La Liga side have "slowed down" the transfer on their end.

    The Gunners, however, are said to be confident of sealing the signing of the Spain international before the transfer window closes on Friday.

  • Nektiah closes in on transfer

    Nottingham Forest are getting closer to Arsenal's valuation of over £30m for striker Eddie Nketiah.

    Forest remain in talks over a deal to sign the Arsenal forward, while negotiations over personal terms are thought to be moving positively too.

    Nketiah is not the only player Forest are looking at. They retain an interest in Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez.

  • Arsenal transfer target speaks out

    Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has insisted he’s very happy at the club amid reports he’s agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

    “I am very calm,” he told reporters in response to questions over his future.

    “I am a person who isolates himself from all this and I am focused on next Saturday’s game [against Real Sociedad].

    “In football, these things do not depend on oneself, but I am very happy here.”