Arsenal Transfer News Today: Calafiori '99%' DECIDED, wonderkid SHOCK, Zinchenko BOMB

Cameron Smith

19 Jul 2024 16:31 CDT
6 min read

FootballTransfers runs through the latest Arsenal football transfer news updates, including the latest on Riccardo Calafiori, Chido Obi-Martin and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

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Man Utd trying to pinch Arsenal wonderkid

Manchester United are trying to sign Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein have reported.

The 16-year-old was prolific last term for Arsenal's U18 side but faces a major decision this summer as he finds himself out of contract.

Ornstein reports that Chido will leave the Gunners and has several interesting proposals.

FootballTransfers previously reported interest from Bundesliga sides Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich was particularly interesting to the family.

Calafiori deal '99%' off

The Gunners' attempts to sign Riccardo Calafiori are virtually dead, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport's Michele De Blasis, who has revealed why Arsenal refused to match Bologna’s valuation of the Italy centre-back.

“The negotiations between Arsenal and Bologna for Calafiori are 99% surely over,” the transfer news expert reported via X.

“The Gunners don’t want to spend €50m on a player they don’t consider physically fit.

“On 20 July, he will return to Emilia and leave with the squad on a training camp.”

Current ETV

R. Calafiori

D (CL)

Bologna

R. Calafiori

D (CL)

Bologna

ETV Range

€12.9M - €21.5M

Zinchenko in transfer hint

Could Oleksandr Zinchenko's time at Arsenal be growing short? The Ukraine international left-back lost his position as an automatic starter in Mikel Arteta's side last summer and now the Gunners have been shopping around for a left-sided centre-back capable of playing in his position.

Certainly, Zinchenko appears keen to be assessing his options, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that the former Manchester City player has changed agents - a sure sign that all is not well.

Taking to X, he reported: "Olexandr Zinchenko signs with new agency as he will be represented by Unique Football Agency to decide his future steps."

Current ETV

O. Zinchenko

D (L)

Arsenal

O. Zinchenko

D (L)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€24.4M - €40.6M

Arsenal want Illia Zabarnyi

Arsenal are interested in signing Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi as their pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori continues to stall, according to CaughtOffside.

The Gunners want Italy international Calafiori, but they have been unwilling to match Bologna’s €50 million asking price so far.

As a result, the move has somewhat stalled and although Arsenal remain confident, there are small doubts over whether a deal will be finalised unless Mikel Arteta’s side decide to increase their offer.

Regardless, the Gunners are now interested in a potential summer move for Ukraine international Zabarnyi.

Bournemouth are naturally reluctant to sell, but it is claimed that they could be brought to the negotiating table with an offer in excess of €50 million.

The report asserts that the Ukrainian could head to the Emirates in addition to Calafiori, but it seems for this to be possible, Arsenal will need to sell first.

READ MORE: Arsenal Transfer News LIVE

Barcelona hold Nico Williams talks

Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest regarding Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal.

“Deco has had a meeting with Williams’ agent in Zaragoza," Romano revealed on YouTube. "Barcelona are trying to be fast on agreeing personal terms with Nico Williams because they believe that reaching an agreement on the project, on the salary and on the contract is important.

“Barca know that Premier League clubs are coming, Barca know that big Premier League clubs are already trying to understand what will happen.

“We know there is interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, but he is still very expensive as his €58m release clause must be paid in full. There is also a big commission and a big salary, which is why Chelsea decided to move slower one month ago.

“Chelsea and Arsenal are attentive, so Barcelona know how important it is to reach an agreement with the player to make the deal happen.

“Contacts are ongoing with Barcelona and his agent because they know Premier League clubs are coming and could be really aggressive.”

Ivan Toney latest

Brentford are reportedly ready to lower their asking price for Ivan Toney to less than €60 million following the arrival of Igor Thiago.

However, Arsenal have now pulled out of the race to sign the England international, according to The Sun.

The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for Toney, but he is unlikely to join the club as Arteta focuses on Calafiori.

Marc Guehi competition

Juventus, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all tracking Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to Sky Sports.

Arsenal are also interested in the England international, although The Times have reported that Palace’s €83m asking price has put Arsenal off

However, Guehi staying at Selhurst Park is still likely following Michael Olise’s departure.

Reiss Nelson to West Ham?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that West Ham United are interested in Reiss Nelson.

The Arsenal academy graduate struggled for game time last season and he is set to leave the club this summer.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano insisted that West Ham are indeed keen but that a deal is not as close as some have made it out to be.

“West Ham have been busy in the current transfer window and are still working as usual on several deals, including for a new striker and one more centre-back,” he said.

“It’s not ‘close’ yet but for sure Reiss Nelson is expected to leave Arsenal this summer and he’s one of the names on West Ham’s list. They like him, but nothing is imminent yet as [it is] still at the initial stages.”