A round-up of the latest Arsenal news including contact with a Euro 2024 winner, the latest on player plus cash offer for Calafiori and two confirmed first-team exits.
Albert-Sambi Lokonga completes move to Sevilla
Arsenal have officially confirmed the departure of Albert Sambi Lokonga, who will join Sevilla on a season-long loan deal with some performance-based clauses.
The Belgian midfielder had impressed at times on loan for Luton Town last season, but clearly, he is no longer in Arteta’s plans as a move to Spain was finalised.
The club recently told Lokonga to seek a new club. It seems as though there may have been few suitors for a permanent move outright.
Sporting director Edu Gaspar has received some criticism for not being able to secure a deal for the 24-year-old.
According to journalist Simon Collings, reporting on X, Sevilla will have the option to sign Lokonga permanently for a fee in the region of £10 million. If that offer is taken up, then Arsenal will retain a 25% sell-on clause.
Read more on Edu Gaspar criticism and Albert Sambi Lokonga’s move to Seville here
READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window
Arteta ditches transfer plan to contact Euro 2024 winner
Arsenal are now set to go head-to-head with La Liga giants Barcelona for the signing of Mikel Merino, who has been touted as the perfect Granit Xhaka replacement.
Signing a midfielder also remains a top priority for Arsenal. The North London club lack depth beyond Declan Rice in this part of the pitch. Arteta is also keen to move on Thomas Partey
With Rice’s return from a long season after a difficult Euro 2024 final uncertain, Arteta seems to have ditched his youthful transfer policy to join the race to sign the 28-year-old in time for the pre-season tour.
His physical qualities are said to have impressed the board, but the interest in Merino is high after his consistent performances in the Real Sociedad midfield.
According to TeamTalk, Arsenal have made contact with Merino, amid interest from Barcelona in the Real Sociedad star. Arsenal have ‘reached out’ to begin negotiations, but Euro 2024 celebrations may come first.
Read more on Arteta’s plan to sign MIkel Merino from Real Sociedad here.
Player plus cash offer for Calafiori rejected by Bologna
Bologna have rejected the latest player swap offer from Arsenal for Riccardo Calafiori, as Mikel Arteta continues to seek deal for the Italian international.
The pursuit of Calafiori seemed to be gathering momentum as financial terms were agreed according to reports in Italy, but the clubs are yet to come to an agreement.
Having told Chelsea that he prefers Arsenal, it seems like the move could be a matter of time.
As reported by Il Resto Del Carlino Sport, the Gunners’ latest offer to Bologna included Jakub Kiwior making the switch in the opposite direction, with Calafiori coming to Arsenal.
Kiwior has attracted plenty of interest from Italy, evidently Bologna are not one of those clubs after the big was rejected with the ball now in Arsenal’s court if they want to get the 22-year-old on their books before pre-season.
Bologna’s asking price for Calafiori is £43 million, and it seems that the Serie A club will hold out for that at the current stage.
Elsewhere, Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares is also Italy-bound as he has completed a season-long loan to Lazio after falling out of favour at Emirates Stadium. He will be remembered for his chaos and mixed performances, but the game against Manchester United will live long in the memory.
“Arsenal have accepted Lazio final proposal to sign Nuno Tavares on loan with obligation to buy, fee around €7/8m (£5.9m/6.7m). Arsenal will also have sell-on clause. Negotiations are ongoing with Tavares agents on personal terms,” Fabrizio Romano posted on X.
Read more on Arsenal’s latest offer for Riccardo Calafiori here.