Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners confident of Riccardo Calafiori move; club want £50m for English ace, and more - July 9, 2024

Arsenal will hope to be third-time lucky in the Premier League title race next season. Mikel Arteta's men finished second, behind Manchester City, twice in a row, so the Spaniard is working to improve his squad before the new campaign.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are looking to complete a deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori in the coming days. Elsewhere, the north London side have set their asking price for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 9, 2024:

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Arsenal confident of Riccardo Calafiori move

Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal are increasingly confident of securing the services of Riccardo Calafiori, according to Football Insider. The Italian defender caught the imagination of clubs across the continent after a stellar campaign with Bologna.

Calafiori helped the club finish fifth in Serie A, registering 37 appearances across competitions. There's a rush for his services this summer, but the Gunners are apparently in the driving seat in the race.

Arteta wants to strengthen his options at the back this year despite having a settled centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel. Calafiori could be a fine backup for the Brazilian and would also be an option for the troubled left-back position.

The north London club have agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old and are now negotiating a move with Bologna. Talks have progressed smoothly, and a breakthrough is expected soon.

A transfer fee is yet to be agreed, but it's likely to be in the region of £42 million. Arsenal are working on the structure of the deal and payment terms. The player is under contract till 2027, but Bologna are ready to let him go this year.

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Gunners want £50 million for Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal want £50 million to let Aaron Ramsdale go this summer, according to The Sun. The English goalkeeper endured a difficult 2023-24 campaign, dropping behind David Raya in Arteta's pecking order.

The Spanish goalkeeper arrived on a temporary deal from Brentford last summer and enjoyed an exceptional season. Arteta has opted to sign him permanently, leaving Ramsdale in a limbo.

The Englishman appeared just 11 times across competitions last season, picking up three clean sheets. In contrast, Raya was one of the stars of the show at the Emirates, registering 20 clean sheets in 41 games and winning the Premier League Golden Glove.

As such, Ramsdale's situation at the club is unlikely to improve any time soon, and the player is considering his options. It was previously believed that the Gunners would prefer him to stay, but it now appears that they are open to his exit for a premium.

Ramsdale is under contract till 2026, which gives the north London giants the upper hand in any negotiations, but their asking price is likely to keep suitors away.

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Three players likely to be offloaded this summer, says journalist

Eddie Nketiah

Eddie Nketiah, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Reiss Nelson could be at the end of their stay at the Emirates, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The Belgian midfielder spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan with Luton Town and was quietly impressive at Kenilworth Road.

However, he's no longer part of Arteta's plans, with the manager looking for a new midfielder this summer. Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah failed to impress last season, registering just six goals and three assists in 37 games across competitions.

With a new striker almost certain to arrive at the Emirates this summer, Nketiah is likely to become surplus to requirements. Elsewhere, Nelson is already a forgotten man under Arteta and is expected to leave in search of regular football.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth added that Sambi Lokonga is close to moving to Sevilla this summer.

"Talks have obviously started, talks are ongoing, and we could see (Albert Sambi) Lokonga on his way from Arsenal to Seville.

"There are other players who we've talked about before who don't seem to have a future at Arsenal, and if the price and the offer was right, then I think Arsenal will consider sales," said Sheth.

He continued:

"The likes of Eddie Nketiah, he looks like he will definitely be leaving Arsenal in this transfer window. Reiss Nelson has asked Arsenal to be kept abreast of all of the offers that come in, because he wants to assess all of his options."

Recent reports have suggested that the north London side want £20 million to let Nelson leave.