Berta much closer to Guimaraes and two other signings

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Apparently Arsenal have been told that the only way to get the Morgan Rogers deal done this summer is to meet Aston Villa’s full valuation.

The Midlands club demand £130 million even to consider opening talks with the Gunners over their talisman, so it remains to be seen whether the English champions will break their transfer record.

It appears that Villa have set a mammoth valuation on Rogers so that they can get to their dream transfer fee of around 100m.

Manchester City's purchase of Anderson for 116m has unfortunately set the bar at an inflationary level. The sooner City are told of the panel's decision on the 115+ charges the better....

Meanwhile, with Leandro Trossard expected to join Besiktas, Arsenal appear to have already lined up his replacement. The Gunners are now close to completing an agreement with Club Brugge to sign Christos Tzolis for a fee in the region of £35 million.

It looks an exciting capture, given the winger’s impressive tally of 22 goals and 29 assists in just 52 appearances last season. But 35m implies that he will not be a nailed on starter. Rogers may be that...

Elsewhere in a major development on the Bruno Guimaraes front, the Brazilian has asked Newcastle United to let him join Arsenal. Transfer guru Ben Jacobs has revealed that Guimaraes has already verbally agreed terms with the Gunners.

Newcastle still insist their captain is not for sale and deny any direct negotiations so far, but Arsenal are expected to lodge a formal bid shortly. This is definitely one to watch. And what a midfield we will be able to field the coming season.

With the player keen and Arsenal ready to commit, the Magpies may have little choice but to give in, given their captain’s head has been turned.

That said, Arsenal have signed another goalkeeper. The Gunners have brought in Illan Meslier, their ninth keeper arrival since Mikel Arteta took charge. With Kepa Arrizabalaga set to leave, the former Leeds man will arrive as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper.

Besiktas announce agreement with Arsenal for Trossard

By 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal did not include Leandro Trossard in their plans for next season and have agreed to transfer him to Besiktas. 

The Belgian international forward is under contract until the summer of 2027, but Arsenal informed his agent last month that he was available for transfer. 

Although Trossard had offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Besiktas reached an agreement with the English champions after making a €25 million (£21.4m) offer for the player. According to the report, Arsenal confirmed the agreement. 

The 31-year-old joined Arsenal from Brighton in January 2023. Last season, he scored 8 goals and provided 11 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.

Trossard has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with Besiktas, worth €7 million per year (£6.0m).

Rayan creeps into Arsenal's transfer plans, Trossard deal agreed and truth of £34m Odegaard exit

By Danong 

Rayan is a man on the rise. Having joined AFC Bournemouth in the winter, he played so well that the club barely felt Antoine Semenyo's absence.

In 15 games, he racked up seven goal contributions for the Cherries. Unsurprisingly, his bright form has also earned him a key role in Brazil's World Cup campaign.

Now fully unleashed to the world, the versatile attacker is attracting plenty of interest, and Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to prise him away from the Vitality Stadium.

Interestingly, Rayan is not the only target on Arsenal's radar at Bournemouth; the Gunners are also actively pursuing Alex Scott.

Meanwhile, Ayyoub Bouaddi may have dropped off Arsenal's list of midfield targets. As Caught Offside explains, "Lille's desire to keep the Morocco international for one more season does not suit Arsenal, and, from what the outlet understands, no deal exists to loan him back there or sign him in 2027."

That said, Trossard seems to have played his last game for Arsenal. He turned into some player for the Gunners, racking up 36 goals and 34 assists in 174 appearances.

The Belgian winger is set to join Besiktas after the Turkish side agreed a €20 million deal to sign the 31-year-old.

Given that his contract in North London was set to expire next summer, this represents a great deal for Arsenal. Hopefully, Trossard's departure has now opened the door to a signing of Morgan Rogers or Bradley Barcola.

Like Trossard, Martin Odegaard has also been linked with an Arsenal exit, with some suggesting that everything has been agreed for him to join Galatasaray.

Worrying as that seemed for some Gooners, though, those claims have now been rubbished.

GOAL has labelled the claims "completely false", insisting that the playmaker will not be joining the Turkish giants on a £34.3 million deal.

City hijack Monga deal, Konsa eyed as Saliba cover, plus £60m Guimaraes bid

 By Danong 

Jeremy Monga to Arsenal is off the table. The Gunners thought they had won the race for the young winger's signature, but Leicester's asking price didn't sit well with the English champions. As the two clubs struggled to agree a fee, the door opened for a hijack, and Manchester City have duly obliged.

The Cityzens have convinced Monga to join them, agreeing to meet the Foxes' asking price. According to The Athletic, Arsenal could have tried to compete by matching the offer, but they chose not to.

That said, Arsenal now have a clear idea of who they will target if they do make a defensive signing. William Saliba may need back surgery, and if he does, Mikel Arteta, according to the Telegraph, is pushing the club to sign Ezri Konsa.

The Gunners are warming to the idea of landing the Aston Villa star, though the move could end up affecting their pursuit of Morgan Rogers.

Meanwhile, two major sales at Newcastle- Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur- may spell doom for Arsenal's chase of Bruno Guimaraes.

With Newcastle's finances in the healthiest state they've ever been, the Magpies may no longer need to sell.

Still, according to Simon Jordan, there is a belief that a deal for Guimaraes can be struck. Behind the scenes, talks continue, with the Premier League champions convinced they can get a deal done for around £60 million.

On top of that, Kepa Arrizabalaga has asked to leave Arsenal, and his wish may soon be granted.

The leading name under consideration to replace him is free agent Illan Meslier. Should the former Leeds man accept a role as understudy, Arsenal could capture him to deputise for David Raya.

Guimaraes conditions set, Lille open Bouaddi door, Saliba concern grows as Arsenal look at other centre backs

By Danong 

Last week, links to Bruno Guimaraes came back in full swing, with claims that behind-the-scenes talks had taken place to gauge the possibility of a deal being struck for him to join Arsenal.

On Sunday, Chronicle Live's Lee Ryder spoke of what would be needed to get this deal done. He admits, "Newcastle have made it clear they only want to sell on their terms." And those terms are steep. Talks suggest it would take £80 million or more to convince the Magpies to sell.

Meanwhile, Fabrice Hawkins the French Journalist claims Lille have now made their own terms clear regarding a potential sale of Arsenal target Ayyoub Bouaddi. He says:

"Lille would prefer a sale with a one-year loan included, with club president Olivier Letang demanding between €80m-€100m."

Elsewhere, Ben White could be allowed to leave this summer. Club insider The Hand Of Arsenal says inquiries have come in over his availability, though none have yet progressed beyond that stage as he continues working his way back to full fitness. 

Should an offer that excites White, however, come through, the club will let him go. Whether that opens the door for a Tino Livramento swoop, we will have to wait and see.

Interestingly, alongside that White update, Hand of Arsenal also flagged that William Saliba, not 100 per cent, is being closely monitored. 

When asked wether the club feel he needs specialised treatment or even surgery for his back issue (!) he said "Arsenal have also made checks on numerous centre-backs, including Maxence Lacroix, Ezri Konsa and others."

If this comes about then there's something serious with Saliba.

Newcastle's Stance on Guimaraes, Fight for Scott and £17m Offer for Trossard opens the door for Morgan Rogers

By Danong 

According to the Daily Mail's Craig Hope, Arsenal have Newcastle braced for their approach for Bruno Guimaraes, with the UK representatives of the Brazilian already holding talks with the Gunners over a transfer.

David Ornstein has since reported that Arsenal made a verbal offer through intermediaries to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle, with a proposal below £60m turned down. Newcastle, meanwhile, insist the Brazil international is not for sale.

Beyond Guimaraes, Arsenal are also reportedly keeping tabs on Alex Scott, with the English champions expected to rival Manchester United in a £60 million-plus battle for the Englishman, per the Daily Mail.

Elsewhere, Arsenal have offered £5m for Leicester prodigy Jeremy Monga (16), plus a 10 per cent sell-on clause, but the Foxes have rejected the bid. 

While Leicester have reduced their initial £15 million valuation, they are still holding out for £10 million plus a 15 per cent sell-on clause. With Monga only wanting Arsenal, the Gunners are likely to return with an improved offer until a deal is struck.

On a more positive note, Arsenal have confirmed they have activated their option to buy to sign Piero Hincapié permanently from Bayer Leverkusen, with the £34.5 million deal expected to go through on 1 July.

While Hincapie arrives on a permanent deal, Gabriel Jesus could be heading in the opposite direction. Talk Juve reports that Juventus want the Brazilian, though the club will only sanction his exit if he agrees to a pay cut.

As for Leandro Trossard, Al-Diraiyah are keen to sign him from the Saudi Pro League, with the Middle Eastern club prepared to offer around £17 million to secure the Belgian's signature, per Nieuwsblad. 

Should Trossard depart, his exit could open the door for a left-winger signing, with a big-money move for Morgan Rogers potentially on the cards.

Morgan Rogers talks set to begin, Igor Thiago Arsenal interest and Martin Odegaard decision to be made

Between the World Cup and the summer transfer window, most Gooners are struggling to keep up, so here are the Arsenal transfer murmurs doing the rounds over the weekend.

By Danong 

Arsenal have won the race for Georgian playmaker Andria Bartishvili. The 17-year-old is set to join on a £4.5 million deal, though the switch will not be completed until 30th March next year, when he turns 18. An attacking midfielder capable of featuring as a winger too, he will be Arsenal's other attacking signing of the summer.

While the Bartishvili deal has been agreed, Arsenal insider The Hand of Arsenal has dropped another Morgan Rogers update, claiming talks between Arsenal and Aston Villa are set to kick off. Last week, we covered a report that the playmaker prefers Arsenal among his many suitors, and, according to the insider, personal terms are never going to be an issue in this deal.

Reports have also emerged from Brazil claiming Arsenal want to sign one of the league's most in-form strikers. Apparently, Mikel Arteta has asked for Igor Thiago to strengthen his striking department. The Spaniard is potentially anticipating Gabriel Jesus' exit, and who better to target than the second-best Premier League striker? With 22 goals, Thiago was the second-highest scorer in the league last season. If he can bring those numbers to the Emirates, it will be scary times for Arsenal's rivals.

Beyond Rogers and Thiago, Arsenal have entered the race for Crysencio Summerville. The West Ham winger is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer, with offers in the £50 million region suggested as enough to seal a move. A dangerous left winger currently taking the World Cup by storm, Summerville could be a worthy alternative to Rogers.

That said, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel said "There have been some whispers over the summer that Arsenal might be interested in letting Martin Odegaard go for the right price." It will be interesting to see whether that one has legs.

The perfect left-winger to transform Arsenal as Trossard and Martinelli decision made

The left wing is one position Arsenal must finally fix if the ambition is to dominate the Premier League and hold the title hostage.

For the last few summers, the Gunners have entered the transfer window hell-bent on upgrading that wing, but have repeatedly fallen short.

In 2024, they were heavily linked with Nico Williams, but could never strike a deal. Last summer, it was Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Rodrygo whom they persistently pursued, but also failed to strike a deal.

Rather than landing a natural winger, the English champions ended up signing Eberechi Eze to fill the role. Yet for all his technical brilliance, Eze never truly elevated the position; his best performances as a Gunner came as a number ten.

Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli did their bit, but both struggled. Watching them, one cannot help but feel Arsenal would be better served upgrading on the pair.

So who can Arsenal turn to?

Morgan Rogers

The Aston Villa talisman has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, with Hand of Arsenal recently claiming he has made clear to Arsenal and his other suitors that he prefers Mikel Arteta's project.

He should be Arsenal's marquee summer signing. Rogers' power, ability to carry the ball and drive into danger areas, whether through dribbles, passes or shots, makes him a genuinely difficult force to contain.

He scored against every Premier League big six side apart from Arsenal. His top-flight experience, goal threat and ability to fashion chances from nothing should make him an instant hit at the Emirates. With the title defence on the line, the Gunners need someone who will hit the ground running from day one.

Crysencio Summerville

Should Rogers not materialise, Arsenal ought to take advantage of Crysencio Summerville being available for £50 million.

Even in a struggling West Ham side, the Dutch international showed he is a technically gifted, direct winger, comfortable on either flank. Those attributes, transferred into a better squad, could produce world-class output capable of taking Arsenal's game to the next level. He managed only five league goals in 31 games last season, but unlock his finishing, and you unleash a different animal entirely.

The chaos he is causing for the Netherlands at the World Cup, with two goals in two games, strongly hints at the threat he could pose to Arsenal's opponents.

Moreover, the fact that PSG, whose winger signings, Desire Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, rarely disappoint, are reportedly asking about him is the ultimate seal of approval. Summerville has every hallmark of the next deadly wide man.

Bradley Barcola

The PSG winger is another outstanding left-wing option on Arsenal's radar and arguably the finest true winger available among those linked with the club. His end product can be erratic, but the goals are there, 11 in 29 Ligue 1 appearances, and he brings incredible transition threat alongside a blistering burst of pace in 1v1 situations.

Should Arteta get to work on his finishing, Barcola could become a devastating attacking asset. The issue, unlike Rogers or Summerville, is that he may need time to adapt.

If Arsenal can land any of the three, the left-wing issue is resolved. However, that would likely trigger further movement; one of their current wide options would probably need to make way.

Trossard is the most logical departure. He is entering the final phase of his career, and with Besiktas reportedly keen, moving him on makes sense.

Martinelli, still with years ahead of him, can stay and provide cover for whoever Arsenal bring in.

Further down the line, when youngsters like Jeremy Monga, tipped to sign from Leicester, are ready to step into a key role, Martinelli's future can be reassessed. Whether that means a positional reinvention at striker or left-back, or ultimately a sale, the Brazilian has options. For now, though, he remains a useful asset.

Arsenal's Monga bid, Morgan Rogers decision and Bartishvili contract offer

By Danong 

The summer transfer window is in full flow, and as a Gooner, here is what the grapevine has served up.  

Arsenal have finally submitted their first bid for Leicester’s teenage sensation, Jeremy Monga. The hope was to swiftly close the deal, given the attacker’s eagerness to sign for the Gunners, but they remain his first choice despite interest from several big clubs. Yet Leicester have rejected the opening offer, seemingly trying to delay the inevitable. Arsenal are expected to return with another bid.  

It isn’t just Monga who is sold on joining Arsenal. Morgan Rogers, too, has set his sights on North London. According to an insider, The Hand of Arsenal, Rogers has chosen Arsenal as his preferred destination. Even Chelsea and Manchester United, his other serious suitors, are aware of his leaning towards Mikel Arteta’s project. What remains now is for Arsenal and Aston Villa to agree terms.  

A deal for Rogers looks increasingly likely, though the Gunners also hold a £40 million option to sign Marcus Rashford.

Barcelona failed to activate their £26 million option to make his loan permanent, leaving the United winger’s £40 million release clause open for Arsenal to trigger. Intriguingly, Liverpool and Manchester City cannot activate it. Rashford’s name has surfaced in Arsenal conversations, and it will be fascinating to see if interest turns into a concrete approach.  

Meanwhile, Arsenal will make a pre‑contract offer for Georgia Under‑21 international Andria Bartishvili. As BBC’s Sami Mokbel, the Gunners want to bring the playmaker to the Emirates, even though the race is far trickier, with other clubs also in pursuit of the 17‑year‑old.  

And beyond transfers, today brings the release of Premier League fixtures. Word on the street is that the Gunners will open their title defence against Coventry.

Arsenal push ahead with Tzolis and Bouaddi deals, Gibbs-White links refuse to fade, as Real Madrid's plan A rejected by Arsenal player

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Watching Gabriel Magalhaes carry Brazil's defence against Morocco, brace hero Kai Havertz light up Germany's attack, and Viktor Gyokeres score for fun at the World Cup must have seen you miss some transfer rumours doing the rounds at Arsenal.

Well, here they are.

Links to Ayyoub Bouaddi have come in thick and fast, fuelled, no doubt, by the masterclass he dropped against Brazil in Morocco's World Cup opener. The Times are reporting that Arsenal have initiated talks with the midfielder's entourage, looking to sign the 18-year-old, while Sacha Tavolieri adds that the Gunners are "convinced of their ability to rival PSG for the Morocco international's signature."

Lille want around €70 million (£60m) for the midfield prodigy.

Beyond the Moroccan midfielder, Arsenal are also eyeing deadly Greek winger Christos Tzolis. The Club Brugge man was such a hit last season: 22 goals and 29 assists in 52 games, and is now seen as a potential replacement for Leandro Trossard, who is tipped to join Besiktas.

David Ornstein is reporting that Arsenal are pushing to strike a deal, hoping to land the Greek international for £34.5 million.

In addition to Bouaddi and Tzolis, links to Morgan Gibbs-White have not gone away. He is seen as someone who could offer the X-factor in attack: the creativity and goal threat between the lines that Arteta has long craved. 

Much will depend on Forest's stance of not wanting their two best players (the other is Elliot Anderson) leaving in the same season. Arteta will also have his work cut out to convince the Kroenkes that he needs an additional number 10 when Odegaard is there but also Eze who was bought for big money.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has dropped an interesting update that will have Arsenal talking. Before striking a deal with Chelsea for Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid had approached Ricardo Calafiori in a bid to lure him to the Bernabeu. He turned them down flat; the Italian firmly sees his future at the North London club. Arteta's project is certainly where everyone wants to be.