Arsenal will be very busy in the summer transfer window, with players moving in all directions, fan favourites heading for the door and big questions over star loanees and their futures.
Here are five of the stories doing the rounds this week.
Missed domino effect: Arsenal scrambles after Mbappé move
Kylian Mbappé’s likely move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid next June is a bit of a headache for Arsenal. The club was hoping Mbappé would stay put because it might have given them a chance to sign Xavi Simons, a promising young player from PSG currently shining on loan at RB Leipzig.
But with Mbappé heading off, PSG is expected to hold on tightly to Simons, especially as he’s had a great season on loan and is valued by their coach, Luis Enrique. [Maxifoot]
Loan success, uncertain future: Biereth’s return to Arsenal discussed
After a successful loan spell at SK Sturm Graz where Mika Biereth has scored eight goals in 11 games, the Austrian club is keen on making the Arsenal striker’s move permanent. Sturm Graz’s sporting director, Andreas Schicker, mentioned that an Arsenal official will be visiting Austria to discuss the future of the Denmark U21 international.
Although Sturm Graz would like to keep Biereth longer, Schicker acknowledges the challenge in doing so due to the high interest in the player. Talks are ongoing between the player’s advisors, Arsenal, and Sturm Graz, but as things stand, Biereth is set to return to Arsenal after his loan ends this summer. [Tipsbladet]
Big-money Lisbon duo: Arsenal eyes €180m+ double swoop
Arsenal is eyeing two players from Sporting Lisbon, defender Ousmane Diomande and striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners have shown a longstanding interest in Diomande and are impressed with his progress since joining Sporting in January 2023.
Gyokeres has also caught Arsenal‘s attention, thanks to his impressive tally of 36 goals and 14 assists. However, snagging both players won’t be easy or cheap, as they’re on the radar of several top European clubs.
With Diomande’s release clause at €80m and Gyokeres’ at €100m, Arsenal would need to flex their financial muscle to secure their signatures. [O Jogo]
Turkish full-back target: Arsenal looks to strengthen defence with Kadioglu
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their defence this summer and have reportedly set their sights on Turkish full-back Ferdi Kadioglu. Kadioglu, 24, is a versatile player who can play on both the left and right side of defence. He’s been a key player for Fenerbahce this season, contributing with goals and assists.
The Turkish club isn’t keen on selling Kadioglu, but Arsenal‘s interest, combined with potential bids from other clubs, could tempt them to let him go for a big fee. This isn’t the first time Arsenal have been linked with Kadioglu, and with injuries plaguing their current full-backs, a summer transfer seems more likely than ever. [Daily Cannon]
Ramsdale’s uncertain future: Likely sale, but fee may be a challenge
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale seems likely to leave the club this summer, but the Gunners might not get the fee they’re hoping for. Arsenal will sign David Raya on a permanent deal as their number one goalkeeper.
While they want a big fee for him, strict financial regulations and the open secret of his availability could make selling him for what they want difficult. On the other hand, Ramsdale’s contract runs until 2026 with an extension option, giving Arsenal some leverage in negotiations.
They could choose to keep him as a backup if suitable offers aren’t made, although it’s hard to see how RAmsdale would be happy with that. With Arsenal out of the cup competitions, his opportunities for playing time until the end of the season rest on an injury to Raya. [Daily Cannon]