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Arsenal are expected to seek squad improvements over the summer after stumbling in the Premier League title race in the 2023-24 campaign. Mikel Arteta's team came agonisingly close to the coveted prize but eventually finished second, behind champions Manchester City.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have set their sights on Feyenoord right-back Lutsharel Geetruida. Elsewhere, Barcelona are plotting a move for Gunners centre-back William Saliba this year.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 23, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Lutsharel Geertruida
Arsenal are interested in Lutsharel Geertruida, according to Fichajes. The Dutch right-back has caught the eye with Feyenoord in the 2023-24 campaign, registering nine goals and five assists in 47 games across competitions.
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His efforts have earned him admirers in the Premier League, with Liverpool also hot on his heels. The Reds have an advantage in the race, as the 23-year-old could be open to a reunion with his former manager Arne Slot at Anfield.
However, the Gunners are unwilling to give up without a fight. Arteta is eager to bridge the gap with Manchester City and wants to bring in the right players before the start of the new season.
The Spanish manager has targeted talented youngsters capable of carrying out multiple roles, and Geertruida fits the bill. The Dutchman is also comfortable operating as a centre-back or midfield, which makes him the ideal choice for the north London side.
Arsenal are already working on an offer for the 23-year-old and are hoping to usurp Liverpool in the race for his signature. Geertruida is under contract with the Eredivisie side till 2025, so he could be available for a cut-price deal this summer.
Barcelona want William Saliba
Barcelona have identified William Saliba as a target this summer, according to Football Transfers. The French defender was an indispensable part of Arsenal's setup in the 2023-24 campaign.
Saliba forged a rock-solid partnership with Gabriel at the heart of the backline, ensuring that the Gunners conceded just 29 goals in the Premier League. His efforts have apparently caused a stir at the Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana want a new defender this summer, amid the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde. The Uruguayan is a long-term target for Bayern Munich and could be on the move this year.
Kounde, meanwhile, is also linked with an exit, prompting the La Liga giants to consider their options. They have set their sights on Saliba, although prising him away from the Emirates would be a costly affair.
Barcelona's financial issues have stifled them in the market, but they are now close to a kit deal with Nike that would draw in £127 million per year. The Blaugrana are hoping to use this money to get their hands on the Frenchman.
Gunners initiate contract for Nico Williams, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal are working to secure Nico Williams' services this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish forward has earned admirers at the Emirates after helping Athletic Bilbao lift the Copa del Rey in the 2023-24 campaign.
Williams ended the season with eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games across competitions. The Gunners are looking for attacking reinforcements this summer and believe the 21-year-old would be a fine fit in Arteta's tactics.
On his YouTube channel, Romano added that Barcelona and Chelsea are also in the race for the Williams.
"One more detail on Nico Williams, and this is important. What I'm told some big English clubs made contact with people close to Nico Williams, (which was) two, three or four weeks ago.
"(They are) important clubs in the Premier League; for example he is appreciated by people at Chelsea, and he is appreciated by people at Arsenal too," said Romano.
He continued:
"Many clubs have moved to understand the situation of Nico Williams. But not only that, it is a very open story.
"Around Nico, even in Spain there is interest from Barcelona, we know that - but we will have to see the financial situation. It is not easy for Barca, but the appreciation of Nico Williams from Barca is also very clear."
The transfer guru went on to add that Williams' salary would play a crucial role in deciding his next destination.
"When all of these clubs moved to understand the situation of Nico Williams, it was about his release clause but also about his salary, which is an important topic.
"Obviously, the clause is €58million, but probably the value of the player is higher than this," said Romano.
He concluded:
"And when you enter these kind of situations, similar to Joshua Zirkzee where the player is worth more than his €40million release clause, you have to pay more probably in terms of salary and other costs of the deal."
Williams is under contract at San Mames till 2027, so Athletic Bilbao would have the upper hand in negotiations.
