Arsenal are reportedly pursuing several targets to reinforce their squad, with renewed interest in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. The Gunners have contacted PSG regarding a potential move for the France international. Liverpool also hold an interest in Barcola and are currently considered to be leading the race for the 23-year-old, with talks reportedly underway. PSG is said to be seeking around £130m for Barcola, which would require a significant investment from Arsenal.
In defence, Arsenal, along with Manchester United and other Premier League clubs, are interested in signing Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys. The 21-year-old Belgian full-back has an asking price of £30m. Arsenal scouts are reportedly monitoring Seys, who has impressed with his versatility.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are finalising defensive reinforcements, having reportedly agreed a loan deal with Barcelona for captain Ronald Araujo. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has commented on Araujo’s departure, stating that the team’s style of play differs from the Uruguay international’s preference.
Arsenal’s attacking and defensive pursuits
Beyond Barcola, Arsenal continues to target attacking options. While Viktor Gyokeres has featured in pre-season friendlies, he remains linked with a potential summer exit. There have been reports that Arsenal might reignite their interest in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. However, Atletico boss Diego Simeone has stated that Alvarez is not for sale, expressing satisfaction with the striker’s contributions over the past two years.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has expressed his satisfaction with the recent signing of Bruno Guimaraes. Arteta highlighted Guimaraes’s energy, hunger, and desire to contribute to the club’s history. He also noted the player’s versatility to operate in two different positions, his ability to win the ball back, and his goal-scoring threat.
Arsenal had previously signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge earlier in the transfer window, making Seys a potential second acquisition from the Belgian club this summer.
Other notable transfer developments
Chelsea is nearing a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria. The fee for the 28-year-old is expected to be around £16.3m, with potential add-ons. Chavarria is anticipated to provide competition at left-back as Chelsea continues to reshape its squad under Xabi Alonso. An injury setback to Mamadou Sarr during a pre-season friendly against Johor Darul Ta’zim could impact Chelsea’s transfer plans.
Tottenham has agreed to sell Manor Solomon to West Ham for £7million. Spurs also maintain an interest in Cody Gakpo and Savinho. Liverpool, however, is currently reluctant to sell Gakpo, but reports suggest they might reconsider if they secure two new forwards before the transfer window closes. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keen to add another attacking option to his squad.
In other news, Ousmane Diomande has arrived in England for a move to Nottingham Forest and is scheduled for medical tests. Manchester City’s Rodri is due back with the club next week, amid ongoing speculation about his future. Manchester City recently rejected a €45million (£38.5m) offer from Barcelona for the midfielder, who is in the final year of his contract. City is reportedly unwilling to sell unless bids reach approximately £68.5m.
Manchester United is still seeking a new left-back, with Lewis Hall reportedly unavailable. The club has been linked with Antonee Robinson, Jorge Salinas, and Joaquin Seys. Marcus Rashford is expected to be given the No 14 shirt by Manchester United.
Aston Villa is in talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, facing competition from Newcastle. Filip Jorgensen is also expected to move to Strasbourg on loan.
The summer transfer window has a little over three weeks remaining.
Source: standard.co.uk