Arsenal remains active in the transfer market, seeking to enhance Mikel Arteta’s squad as the transfer deadline approaches. While incoming players are crucial, outgoings also hold significance for the Gunners.
After a triumphant start to their Premier League campaign, Arsenal supporters now shift their attention back to the transfer landscape.
Although the signing of David Raya as Arsenal’s fourth summer addition is yet to be officially confirmed, Brentford manager Thomas Frank acknowledges that an announcement is imminent. The Spanish goalkeeper, initially arriving on loan, witnessed his future teammates secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday from the Emirates stands.
While Mikel Arteta celebrates the win, he recognizes room for improvement and believes that new signings could propel his team to new heights. Regrettably for Arteta, two setbacks appear to have impacted his quest to bolster the squad and contend for the Premier League title.
Here is a summary of the latest transfer updates from the Emirates:
Setback in Veiga pursuit
Arsenal’s target Gabri Veiga remains of interest to Napoli, despite Piotr Zielinski retracting his move to Saudi Arabia. Zielinski, the Napoli midfielder, was on the verge of joining Al-Ahli before his wife halted the transfer. Speculation arose that the Italian champions would abandon their pursuit of Veiga and concentrate on extending Zielinski’s contract.
Napoli will continue to target Gabri Veiga even if Piotr Zielinski stays (Image: Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
However, Calciomercato, via Football Italia, reports that Napoli will persist in their pursuit of Celta Vigo’s young talent, dealing a blow to Arsenal’s prospects. Although Veiga, 21, has also been linked to Liverpool, Serie A champions Napoli seem to be leading the race for his coveted signature.
Monaco considers Lokonga
Monaco has shown interest in Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga and could disrupt Burnley’s efforts to secure his services. A recent report from Belgium reveals that Ligue 1 side Monaco had expressed interest in Lokonga two years ago when Arsenal signed a deal worth approximately £18 million with Anderlecht.
Presently, however, the 23-year-old is considered surplus to requirements in North London. Burnley had been the favored destination, particularly due to Lokonga’s prior collaboration with Clarets’ manager Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht. Nonetheless, discussions regarding personal terms with Burnley reportedly fell short of Lokonga’s expectations, leading Monaco to explore a potential move.
Kudus transfer prospects face setback
New Ajax manager Maurice Steijn has quashed rumors about a potential Premier League move for Mohammed Kudus, a forward linked with Arsenal. Valued at £34 million by Ajax, the versatile Ghanaian had been associated with Brighton and Manchester United.
Following Kudus’s goal in Ajax’s season opener, Steijn has indicated that there are no advanced developments. “I’ve come across numerous reports about Kudus this week”, explained the Dutchman. “However, there is currently no indication of him leaving.”
