Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners leading Adrien Rabiot race; Englishman's future hangs in the balance, and more - August 2, 2024

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season, with Manchester City pipping them to the title on the final day of the campaign. Manager Mikel Arteta is working to improve the squad to end City's dominance in the league.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are leading the race to sign former Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot this summer. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale's future with the north London side remains uncertain.

On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on August 2, 2024:

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Arsenal leading Adrien Rabiot race

Adrien Rabiot

Arsenal are the favourites to sign Adrien Rabiot this year, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The French midfielder is a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Juventus last season.

Rabiot is an established face in the European circuit, so multiple clubs are already hot on his heels right now. Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United are also eyeing the player with interest.

However, it appears that the Gunners are leading the race for his signature. Arteta is looking for a new midfielder this summer and is apparently close to securing the services of Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino.

However, the north London side need further reinforcements to compete with the best teams in Europe, and Rabiot could be a fine addition to their relatively inexperienced squad.

The Frenchman would prefer to play in the UEFA Champions League next season, which also give Arsenal an advantage over the Red Devils. However, the Gunners also face competition from Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid for the 29-year-old.

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Aaron Ramsdale's future hangs in the balance, says Fabrizio Romano

Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale's future remains open at the moment, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The English goalkeeper dropped down the pecking order last season following David Raya's arrival on loan from Brentford.

Ramsdale registered just 11 appearances across competitions, picking up three clean sheets. With Arteta signing the Spanish goalkeeper permanently this summer, Ramsdale's situation is unlikely to change.

The Gunners would like him to stay, but the player could push for regular football this summer. While there has been interest in the 26-year-old, none of his suitors have submitted a formal bid yet.

In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the north London side could sign a new goalkeeper if Ramsdale leaves.

“It’s completely quiet now with regards to Aaron Ramsdale. There have been no new movements or updates for a while now, so we will have to see what happens later in the window, based on a goalkeepers domino.

"If he does end up leaving Arsenal, then yes guys, they could need one more goalkeeper,” wrote Romano.

Recent reports have suggested that Arteta has his eyes on Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka as a possible replacement for Ramsdale.

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Gunners remain in talks to offload Eddie Nketiah, says journalist

Eddie Nketiah

Marseille are engaged in negotiations to sign Eddie Nketiah this summer, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The English forward's development hasn't gone according to plans at the Emirates.

Last season, Nketiah registered six goals and three assists in 37 games across competitions. The 25-year-old is no longer indispensable under Arteta, who is ready to let him go this summer.

Marseille are in talks regarding a move for the Englishman. The Ligue 1 giants are preparing to usher in a new era under new boss Roberto De Zerbi, who apparently has his eyes on Nketiah.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth added that the French club have submitted an improved £17 million offer for the 25-year-old.

"We do know Marseille are interested (in Nketiah). Their initial offer a few weeks ago was effectively laughed at by Arsenal.

"That offer had such a massive gap to Arsenal's valuation, so big in fact that we didn't know whether Arsenal were expecting Marseille to come back in," said Sheth.

He continued:

"The information that I was given was that we were expecting Marseille to go back in, and they have done that.

"We think the offer that has gone in now is around £17m. Now, that still may not be as much as what Arsenal would want, but it is enough for them to at least continue the conversation."

He concluded:

"So the fact that the two clubs are still talking would imply that there is a possibility that a deal can be done there."

Marseille have already signed Mason Greenwood from Manchester United this summer.