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Arsenal are working to improve their squad after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title in the 2023-24 campaign. Mikel Arteta's team won 28 games, losing five but finished two points behind Manchester City.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are not planning a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich this summer. Elsewhere, the north London side are unlikely to break the bank for Athletic Bilbao striker Nico Williams.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 26, 2024:
Arsenal not eyeing Joshua Kimmich, says journalist
Joshua Kimmich is unlikely to move to the Emirates this summer, according to club insider Charles Watts. The German midfielder's contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of next season, but he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
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Recent reports have suggested that the player is likely to leave the Allianz Arena amid interest from multiple clubs in Europe. It has also been mentioned that Arsenal have their eyes on the 29-year-old.
Arteta is looking to upgrade his squad this summer, and a new partner for Declan Rice is high up on his agenda. Kimmich is be tailormade for the job and could also be a fine replacement for Thomas Partey, who has one foot out of the Emirates.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Watts said that there's no truth to the rumours linking Kimmich to the north London side.
“The links between Joshua Kimmich and Arsenal have been going on a for a while, but it’s not something I’ve really heard anything about myself yet,” wrote Watts.
He continued:
“A lot of the links seem to suggest that Arsenal are a club he would consider joining should he leave Bayern, rather than Arsenal actually making a move for him. When I look at Kimmich though, as good as he is, I’m not sure he’s the player Arsenal really need this summer.”
Barcelona and Manchester City have also been linked with the German recently.
Nico Williams move unlikely, says journalist
Nico Williams is not a priority target at the Emirates this summer, according to Charles Watts. The 21-year-old forward has earned rave reviews with his performances for Spain at Euro 2024.
Williams is coming off a stellar 2023-24 campaign with Athletic Bilbao, registering eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games across competitions. He's a sought-after man this summer, and recent reports suggest that Arsenal are willing to trigger his £58 million release clause.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Watts outlined why a move for the Spaniard is very unlikely this summer.
“On paper, the release clause of around £50million for Williams looks a very appealing one, but as far as I’m aware it’s not as simple as that.
"You have to remember that release clauses in Spain have to be paid in full and that makes deals very expensive as clubs can’t spread the transfer fee out over the length of the contract like they usually do," wrote Watts.
He continued:
“Williams is on good money and the word is that interested clubs have been surprised by the wages he would want to move this summer.
"Arsenal are good payers, but they have a wage bill that they have worked hard to get in check in recent years. So they won’t do anything stupid and undo that hard work."
Williams is also being eyed by Barcelona and Chelsea and is under contract at the San Mames till 2027.
Eddie Nketiah likely to leave, says journalist
Eddie Nketiah could be on the move this summer according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The English striker struggled to impress in the 2023-24 campaign, registering six goals and three assists in 37 games across competitions.
Arteta is already looking for a new striker this year and has been linked with multiple names for the job. Benjamin Sesko was a target for the manager before he decided against a move away from RB Leipzig this summer.
Meanwhile, Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres is another name heavily linked with the Gunners recently. Nketiah is already behind Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order, and the arrival of a striker could spell doom for the 25-year-old.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth admitted that the Englishman's time at the Emirates is all but over.
"If you add to that, that Eddie Nketiah is very likely to move on from Arsenal this summer, then there will be not least squad space for them to bring someone like that in," said Sheth.
He continued:
"There have been all sorts of links; we know about the link with Benjamin Sesko, but he signed a new contract with RB Leipzig - and the link with Viktor Gyokeres doesn't go away either from Sporting Lisbon."
Recent reports have suggested that the north London side want £50 million for Nketiah this summer.
