Arsenal were on the cusp of Premier League glory last season, but ultimately lost out on the top prize on the final day of the campaign. Mikel Arteta is now expected to make necessary upgrades to his squad to go all the way next season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are not planning to offload Gabriel Jesus this year. Elsewhere, the north London side have accepted a £35m offer for an English midfielder.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from July 27, 2024.
Arsenal want Gabriel Jesus stay
Arsenal are not looking to offload Gabriel Jesus this summer, according to Football Insider. The Brazilian has blown hot and cold since arriving at the Emirates from Manchester City in 2022.
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With Mikel Arteta already in the market for a new No. 9, Jesus' future has been subject to speculation. There has been no dearth of interest in the 27-year-old, who registered eight goals and eight assists from 36 games last season.
Clubs from Saudi Arabia reportedly have their eyes on the Brazilian as well. Al-Ahli have been named as a potential suitor, while other parties could enter the scene as the summer progresses.
The Gunners are prepared for bids from the Middle East but have no plans to offload the player at the moment. Mikel Arteta wants the Brazilian to stay to ensure there's enough cover in his squad.
However, the situation could change if the north London side end up signing one of their striker targets this summer. A move to the Middle East could entice Jesus, who is no longer a first team regular at the Emriates.
Gunners accept £35m offer for Emile Smith Rowe
Arsenal have accepted a £35m offer for Emile Smith Rowe from Fulham, according to The Evening Standard. The Englishman rose through the ranks with the Gunners and was once tipped to become an Emirates legend.
However, his development hasn't gone according to plans, with injuries and poor form hurting his chances under Mikel Arteta. The 23-year-old is no longer a first team regular under the Spanish manager, who has apparently sanctioned his departure.
Fulham have been hot on Smith Rowe's heels for a while and have reportedly struck a deal to take him to Craven Cottage this summer. Crystal Palace had their eyes on the Englishman as well, but it now appears that the Cottagers have beaten their local rivals in the race.
Arsenal appreciate Mikel Merino, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal have a genuine interest in Mikel Merino, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spaniard has recently emerged as a target for Mikel Arteta, who is in the market for a new midfielder.
The Spanish manager has targeted younger footballers in recent transfer windows, but is willing to make an exception for the 28-year-old. Merino is under contract with Real Sociedad until 2025 and is expected to leave this summer.
The Gunners failed in their recent pursuit of Martin Zubimendi and have set their sights on his teammate now. With Thomas Partey likely to leave this year, the north London side are looking for a new partner for Declan Rice. Merino could be ideal for the job.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, however, Romano added that Arsenal are yet to submit an offer for the Spanish midfielder.
"Mikel Arteta was the one who was pushing to have Riccardo Calafiori this summer. So Arteta is having an important influence, obviously, together with Edu (Gaspar) in Arsenal's strategy," said Romano.
He continued:
"So this is the idea also for Mikel Merino, the appreciation is 100% confirmed, but again, we can't guarantee that it's going to be him, because at the moment, there is still no bid or concrete negotiation."
Merino appeared 45 times across competitions for the La Liga side last season, registering eight goals and five assists.
