Arsenal Transfer News Today: Eze WANTED, Williams BLOW, Merino PURSUED

Cameron Smith

• 9 Jul 2024 16:30 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are reportedly among a number of clubs interested in signing Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze.

The 22-year-old is currently on international duty at Euro 2024, but he could be the subject of a transfer tug-of-war this summer.

FootballTransfers understands that Tottenham Hotspur are extremely interested in Eze, while Manchester United are known admirers.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

According to The Guardian, Arsenal are also interested in Eze as they look to bolster their first-team squad ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Crystal Palace have already lost Michael Olise this summer, following his move to Bayern Munich, and they will be eager to retain Eze if possible.

READ MORE: Arsenal Transfer News LIVE

Nico Williams unlikely to join

Arsenal target Nico Williams is eager to join Barcelona if he leaves Athletic Club this summer.

The 21-year-old is wanted by numerous European clubs after an impressive 2023-24 campaign, but he wants to stay in Spain, as per Matteo Moretto.

As a result, a move to Arsenal now seems unlikely.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently admitted that the Blaugrana are able to fund a summer move for Williams, with a deal certainly a possibility.

Arsenal want Mikel Merino

Arsenal are interested in signing Spain midfielder Mikel Merino, according to The Athletic.

The 28-year-old has just one year left on his current Real Sociedad contract and he is yet to sign a new deal with the club.

Mikel Arteta is reportedly an admirer of the ex-Newcastle United player and with the Gunners chasing a new central midfielder, Merino has emerged as a legitimate target.

Barcelona are also interested in Merino, while Juventus have been linked with a move too.

Riccardo Calafiori to break record

Riccardo Calafiori’s move from Bologna to Arsenal is close to being finalised, with the Italy international expected to cost around €50m, plus add-ons.

The deal could be announced this week and Calafiori is expected to sign a five-year contract upon his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

In the process, he will become Bologna’s biggest ever sale. Simone Verdi is currently the Italian club’s record departure following his €24.5m move to Napoli in 2018.

However, Calafiori is set to smash that record when he completes his transfer to Arsenal.