Latest Arsenal transfer news with Mikel Arteta hoping Edu can complete two marquee transfers to form his dream attack
Mikel Arteta will be hoping for two more new signings to complete his dream Arsenal attack for the 2024/25 season. Despite scoring a stunning 91 goals in the Premier League last term, the Gunners will undoubtedly want to be more clinical to usurp Manchester City as Premier League champions.
In the early stages of the summer window, Arsenal took a keen interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko because of the excellent market opportunity his release clause provided. Though several others were in the race for his signature, Arsenal appeared to be leading the way until the Slovenia international chose to stay at Leipzig and sign a new contract.
Following that, links to other potential striker additions diminished with the Gunners’ focus back on strengthening in midfield and defense. With exactly that in mind, the Gunners are closing in on a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, football. London understands.
An agreement between the two clubs is said to have been reached which will see Arsenal pay £33.7milion plus a potential £4.2million in add-ons. In midfield, Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino appears to be the target Arsenal will push for after losing out on the likes of Amadou Onana, Douglas Luiz, and potentially Youssouf Fofana.
The Spain international is said to have already decided he will leave Real Sociedad and with his contract expiring next summer, it is likely a departure will arrive ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. While those two signings look to be the focus, Arsenal’s push to sign more attackers cannot necessarily be ruled out.
Though bringing in a right-sided attacker is an aim, Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams is a dream option that Arteta may not be able to turn down. Barcelona are the club currently pushing for his signature having made it clear they can activate his €58million (£49m) release clause.
Kai Havertz impressed in a false nine role last season but it remains clear that Arsenal need a natural finisher and there is perhaps no better option than Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins. The 28-year-old, who is an Arsenal fan, has been linked to an Emirates Stadium switch in recent months despite signing a new contract at Villa Park in late 2023.
However, Villa’s troubling financial situation is well known and therefore another marquee exit may still yet occur and that could be with Watkins, especially if Jhon Duran does not sign for West Ham. Though Martin Odegaard will have some defensive responsibilities, he will undoubtedly get forward and help the other three attackers.
Bukayo Saka, of course, will remain as the starting right winger and if sporting director Edu can complete sensational deals for Williams and Watkins, Arteta would have a dream Arsenal attack for the upcoming campaign.