Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners want Barcelona ace; Real Madrid eyeing William Saliba, and more - July 7, 2024

Arsenal narrowly missed out on a Premier League triumph last season, ending the campaign in second place. Mikel Arteta is working to improve his squad to go a step further in the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are eyeing a move for Barcelona forward Raphinha this summer. Elsewhere, Real Madrid have set their sights on Gunners centre-back William Saliba.

On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 7, 2024:

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Arsenal want Raphinha

Raphinha is wanted at the Emirates.

Arsenal are eager to secure the services of Raphinha this summer, according to TEAMtalk. The Brazilian forward is surplus to requirements at Barcelona, who are ready to cash in on him this summer.

Raphinha dropped behind the sensational Lamine Yamal in the pecking order at the Camp Nou last season. He's wanted in the Middle East this summer, but Arteta is determined to bring the Brazilian back to the Premier League.

Raphinha rose to prominence with Leeds United and was a target for the Spanish manager before he left for Spain. Arteta has retained his interest in the South America ace and believes that the 27-year-old could add another dimension to his attack.

The Gunners are plotting a player-plus-cash proposal to get their man this summer. The north London side will offer €35 million in cash along with Eddie Nketiah to secure a move for Raphinha.

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Real Madrid eyeing William Saliba

William Saliba

Real Madrid are planning a move for William Saliba in 2025, according to GIVEMESPORT. The French defender was indispensable for Arteta's team in the 2023-24 campaign.

Saliba has carried that form into Euro 2024, where he has played every minute for Les Bleus, helping them reach the semi-finals. Los Blancos are pleased with his efforts and are plotting to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The La Liga giants are in the market for a new defender following Nacho Fernandez's departure. However, Lille starlet Leny Yoro is the priority target for the summer, and the club are working on a move for the 18-year-old.

Real Madrid also have Saliba on their agenda but will target the player next year. With David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger on the wrong side of 30, the club could be forced to further reinforce their backline next summer.

Los Blancos have identified Saliba as the ideal man for their project and will initiate a move at the end of next season. However, the Frenchman is a key part of Arteta's plans at the Emirates, and the manager is likely to do everything to keep hold of him. Saliba's Gunners contract expires in 2027.

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Gunners leading race for Riccardo Calafiori, says journalist

Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal are the favorites to lap up Riccardo Calafiori this summer, according to Ben Jacobs. The Italian defender has become a household name following his exploits with Bologna last season.

Calafiori registered 37 appearances across competitions for the Serie A side, helping them register the third best defensive record in the league. The Gunners are pleased with his efforts and are pushing to secure his services.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs added that Chelsea also have their eyes on the 22-year-old.

“Arsenal are frontrunners and it’s likely the fee is somewhere in the region of €50million.

"It could move relatively quickly as well. Arsenal will be wary because they've dealt with Chelsea before with Mudryk. They also looked like frontrunners [for him] as they started all the negotiations first, and then Chelsea started a hijack," said Jacobs.

He continued:

“I think the difference, at this point, is that Arteta has apparently been very hands-on, has pitched the project, and the player is relatively sold at this stage on Arsenal.

"So, if Arsenal choose to proceed and can agree a fee with Bologna, they are relatively confident that they won't be hijacked by Chelsea.”

Recent reports have suggested that Juventus are also in the race for the Italian defender.