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

Cameron Smith

9 Jul 2024 10:30 CDT
3 min read

Eberechi Eze, England, Crystal Palace, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

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

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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.

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.

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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.

© IMAGO - Arsenal are set to miss out on Nico Williams

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.