Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners receive Raphinha boost, West Ham not in talks for English ace, and more - July 20, 2024

Arsenal are working to add more quality to their squad after finishing second in the Premier League two seasons in a row. Mikel Arteta is expected to focus on multiple positions this summer as he attempts to bridge the gap with Manchester City.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have received a boost in their efforts to sign Raphinha this summer. Elsewhere, West Ham United are not in talks to sign an English forward.

On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from July 20, 2024.

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Arsenal receive Raphinha boost

Raphinha is likely to be on the move this summer

Raphinha is willing to return to the Premier League this summer, according to HITC. The Brazilian forward dropped down the pecking order at Camp Nou last season following the emergence of Lamine Yamal.

Raphinha finished the campaign with 10 goals and 13 assists from 37 games across competitions. He is highly regarded at Barcelona, but the club are apparently willing to let him go to address their financial woes.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old and wanted to sign him during his Leeds United days. Raphinha reportedly turned down a return to England last summer, but is more accepting of a move this year.

TEAMtalk have added that the Gunners are prioritizing a move for the Brazilian this summer, with Mikel Arteta pushing for a move. Raphinha is proven in the Premier League and could be a fine addition to the Spaniard's roster.

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West Ham United not in talks for Reiss Nelson, says Fabrizio Romano

Reiss Nelson

West Ham United are not in talks to sign Reiss Nelson this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The English forward is a forgotten man at the Emirates and is expected to be on the move this year.

Nelson registered just one goal and three assists from 24 games across competitions. The Gunners are apparently ready to let him go as they look to raise funds for new signings.

Recent reports have suggested that the Hammers have their eyes on the 24-year-old. Jugen Lopetegui took charge at the London Stadium this summer and Nelson could be a fine addition to his roster.

In his column for Caught Offside, Romano acknowledged West Ham's interest in the Englishman.

“West Ham have been busy in the current transfer window and are still working as usual on several deals, including for a new striker and one more centre back. It’s not ‘close’ yet but for sure Reiss Nelson is expected to leave Arsenal this summer and he’s one of the names on West Ham’s list. They like him, but nothing is imminent yet as still at initial stages,” Romano wrote.

Nelson's contract at the Emirates expires in 2027.

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Gunners struggling to agree Riccardo Calafiori deal, says journalist

Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal are struggling to strike a deal with Bologna for the services of Riccardo Calafiori, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. Mikel Arteta has identified the Italian defender as a priority target early this summer and the player has already agreed to move to the Emirates.

Calafiori enjoyed a solid 2023/24 campaign with the Serie A club and fits the profile of players targeted by Arteta of late. The 22-year-old is capable enough of operating at centre-back and left-back, and could be an upgrade on Jakub Kiwior.

However, in his column for Caught Offside, Moretto added that the two clubs are yet to agree on a transfer fee for the Italian.

“For some time we’ve known that Arsenal are after Riccardo Calafiori, and while things looked like they were moving quickly at one stage, it’s not over the line yet. Calafiori has an agreement with Arsenal, but the clubs have not yet reached an agreement,” Moretto wrote.

He continued:

“Bologna want a fixed fee of €50m with bonuses on top of that. Arsenal want to do the deal for less money. They are currently suggesting a deal with a fixed fee of €45m with bonuses on top of that."

Moretto added that negotiations have hit a standstill, with Bologna refusing to budge from their asking price:

“One of the key things to consider is that Basel have a percentage of the deal coming their way, so Bologna have to give some of the money from the sale to Basel. Arsenal are trying to discount the percentage that would go to Basel, but the negotiations are not advancing at the moment, they’re completely at a standstill right now. The player is on standby waiting for them to solve the issue. Let’s see what comes of it.”

Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid have entered the race for Calafiori after missing out on Leny Yoro, who has joined Manchester United for a reported fee of €62m.