Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Victor Osimhen & more – Latest Arsenal transfer news round-up
Arsenal are set to kick their summer transfer business into high gear, with manager Mikel Arteta eager to strengthen his squad further ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Gunners have had a relatively quiet transfer window thus far, but Riccardo Calafiori’s arrival could be the start of a summer spending spree as the club prepares to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Arsenal got their summer business underway by securing David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford following a successful initial loan spell.
Calafiori is the latest acquisition, but Arsenal are far from done with strengthening their squad.
The Gunners have been linked with a number of players, including a striker, with Arteta keen to land a prolific marksman to help bridge the gap to Man City.
With that in mind, here are the few transfer rumours making the rounds this summer.
Fabian Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain
There have been contrasting reports about Arsenal’s interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz, but it appears the Gunners have added the European Championship winner to their extensive shortlist.
The 28-year-old played an important role in helping PSG retain their Ligue 1 crown for the third consecutive season, contributing a goal and three assists in 21 league appearances.
PSG are overwhelming favourites to retain the league crown next season.
The anticipation has fuelled a surge in Paris Saint-Germain tickets purchases, with fans flocking to seatsnet.com to secure their spot in the stands ahead of another potential title-winning campaign.
Despite his exploits in France and Euro 2024, Ruiz may not stick around to help PSG defend their Ligue 1 crown next season amid interest from Arsenal.
The Spaniard only joined PSG from Napoli in the summer of 2022. He has featured 72 times for the French giants, contributing six goals and ten assists, but could leave the club before the window slams shut.
Ruiz is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in a number of midfield roles, so his acquisition would be a major boost to Arteta’s options in the middle of the park.
The Gunners have reportedly initiated contact with PSG regarding a potential deal for the Spanish midfielder, although he may not come cheap as he still has three years left on his contract.
Arsenal will likely propose a season-long loan for the two-time league winner with an obligation to buy, but the deal depends on the club offloading some of their fringe players.
Arteta wants to add quality and depth to his squad as the Gunners prepare to challenge on multiple fronts, and Ruiz, with his creativity and decent defensive attributes, would be an ideal signing.
He showed his class at Euro 2024, registering two goals and two assists while creating three big chances at the tournament.
Arsenal are open to adding experience to the squad, so signing Ruiz on loan with an obligation to buy on certain conditions would be a smart move.
Mikel Merino – Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad ace Mikel Merino remains a key target for the Gunners, and reports suggest they are ahead of Spanish giants Barcelona in the race to land the energetic and combative midfielder.
While Arsenal have registered interest in Ruiz, they’re unlikely to move for him unless their pursuit of his international teammate proves futile.
Arsenal have already made initial contact regarding a potential deal for the Euro 2024 winner and are prepared to formalise their interest in his signature with an offer.
Arteta is reportedly a huge fan of Merino. The former Newcastle United midfielder has been earmarked as a priority, although Sociedad’s demands will determine whether or not the Gunners act on their interest.
Merino was one of the stars of the Spanish national team that won the Euro 2024 tournament. He featured seven times and netted a crucial winner in the 2-1 victory over Germany in the quarter-final.
The 28-year-old also helped Sociedad finish sixth last term, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 32 La Liga games.
Like Ruiz, Merino’s versatile skill set means he can be utilised in a number of midfield roles. Having such a player within their ranks will significantly strengthen Arteta’s squad.
Merino is one of the leaders in the Sociedad dressing room, but he has one year left on his contract, and the Basque club would rather sell him this summer than let him leave on a free transfer next year.
Victor Osimhen – Napoli
While Arsenal are sorting out their midfield targets, bolstering their attacking options is also on the summer agenda, and they have rekindled their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The Gunners have decided to step up their pursuit of the Nigerian striker despite having reservations regarding his injury record.
PSG have been in negotiations to sign the Nigerian ace this month, but they’ve yet to find common ground with the Serie A giants.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is famous for being a tough negotiator and is holding out for a fee worth more than £84m.
PSG’s reluctance to close a deal for Osimhen paves the way for Arsenal to potentially snatch him from their grasp, although the Gunners may also struggle to meet Napoli’s demands.
Arsenal is also interested in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, but the Swedish phenom will command a transfer fee similar to Osimhen’s valuation.
Nico Williams – Athletic Bilbao
Signing a wide player is also on Arsenal’s to-do list this summer, with Arteta keen to reduce the workload on Bukayo Saka and a number of players have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, Athletic Bilbao remains Arsenal’s top target to strengthen that position, but they’re facing serious competition from La Liga giants Barca.
The Spanish winger has a £49m release clause in his contract, and Bilbao are unwilling to negotiate a lesser fee. To further complicate matters, the Basque club want the fee paid upfront rather than in instalments.
Bilbao’s demands play into Arsenal’s hands, but they need to raise funds from player sales before launching a move for the Euro 2024 winner.
They’re still keeping an eye on Williams, whose future at Bilbao hangs in the balance.
Leroy Sane – Bayern Munich
Arsenal are already making contingency plans in case their pursuit of Williams proves futile and have set their sights on Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.
According to reports, the Gunners are keeping an eye on the German’s contract situation at the Allianz Arena.
The 28-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his contract with the Bundesliga juggernauts, and they’re keen to keep him at the club beyond next summer.
However, if they fail to agree a contract extension, they could decide to cash in on the former Man City forward to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
Arsenal are already waiting to see what happens with Sane in the coming weeks. If they can somehow pull off a deal for the German, it would be a massive statement of intent ahead of another potential title challenge.
