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Arsenal are working to add more quality to their squad before the start of the new campaign. Mikel Arteta's team narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in the 2023-24 campaign, so the manager is eager for reinforcements this summer.
Meanwhile, the Gunners' pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi will not be a straightforward affair. Elsewhere, midfielder Thomas Partey is not actively discussing a move to the Middle East.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 20, 2024:
Arsenal face Martin Zubimendi challenge, says journalist
Arsenal have a job on their hands in trying to convince Martin Zubimendi to join them this summer, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. Arteta is eager to bring in an established midfielder this year to partner Declan Rice.
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The manager is a big fan of Zubimendi and believes Zubimendi is the ideal candidate for the job. The 25-year-old appeared 45 times across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign for Real Sociedad, registering four goals and one assist.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs also added that Zubimendi's age could be a cause of concern for the Gunners.
“Midfield is still a high priority, and we know that Arsenal have had a long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi.
"And the challenge there is about persuading the player to leave Real Sociedad because he's very much in love with the club and the culture, lifestyle, so he's settled," said Jacobs.
He continued:
“But because he's in his mid 20s, not early 20s or a teenager, it's kind of a crossroad, because once you turn 26, even though that's your peak, a lot of clubs like to buy a little bit younger. So we wait and see whether Arsenal move in that direction.”
Zubimendi is under contract with the La Liga club till 2027.
Thomas Partey not in talks to leave, says Fabrizio Romano
Thomas Partey is not in talks regarding a move to Saudi Arabia, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Ghanaian midfielder enters the final year of his contract this summer but hasn't been offered a new deal yet.
Partey is no longer a first-team regular under Arteta, who is looking for a new midfielder this year. Recent reports have suggested that the 30-year-old is close to a move to the Middle East, but Romano has refuted those claims.
In his column for Caught Offside, the transfer guru said that Saudi clubs are yet to decide their budget for the summer.
“Thomas Partey has been linked again with Saudi clubs, and interest has been there since last summer.
"However, nothing concrete is happening yet because Saudi clubs are still waiting to learn what kind of budget they are working with this summer,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“So, there’s no concrete update on Partey yet, and we’ll have to wait for budgets to be approved before this has the possibility to go any further, with Saudi clubs not closing deals for any players at the moment – so far any interest or discussions are only verbal and nothing more."
Partey missed 34 games for club and country due to injuries in the 2023-24 campaign.
Kieran Tierney likely to leave, says Fabrizio Romano
Kieran Tierney is likely to leave the Emirates this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Scottish left-back spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Sociedad, missing much of the season due to injuries.
Tierney appeared 26 times across competitions, registering two assists, but is not part of Arteta's plans for the upcoming campaign. Arsenal remain linked with a new left-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko also expected to leave.
Recent reports have suggested that Newcastle United are working to take the 27-year-old to St. James' Park, but Romano has rubbished those rumours. In his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that the north London side remain eager to cash in on Tierney.
“Kieran Tierney, meanwhile, is back at Arsenal after his loan spell at Real Sociedad, but he’s expected to leave again. Tierney’s departure seems a real possibility, but whether it’s permanently or on another loan will depend on the proposals that come in for him," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Despite links, I’m not aware of concrete proposals now from Newcastle, but his future is open because Arsenal consider him among players who could leave this summer to make profit.”
Tierney's contract with the Gunners runs till 2026.
