Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Richarlison, Youri Tielemans and other summer 2022 window player signings, loans & deals

By | June 8, 2022
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Two defeats in their final three Premier League games of 2021/22 meant Arsenal fell short of Champions League qualification, returning to Europe after a season away by earning a place in the UEFA Europa League.

Manager Mikel Arteta signed a new contract during the final weeks of the season and is certain to reinforce his squad in a bid to ensure the progress that earned them fifth spot is not lost in 2022/23.

Arsenal’s failure to finish in the top four could prove a major blow to Arteta’s ambitions of signing star names accustomed to playing Champions League football on a regular basis.

Arteta has lost goals and experience as Arsenal could not agree a new contract with Alexandre Lacazette, although academy product Eddie Nketiah is said to be ready to sign fresh terms after scoring five goals in seven starts at the end of the season.

The Sporting News is rounding up the key updates — all day, every day — below. 

ARSENAL CONFIRMED DEALS: Transfers in | Transfers out | Updated squad list

ARSENAL ANALYSIS: Who is William Saliba? | Arteta contract details | Arsenal to land Lautaro Martinez?

Latest Arsenal transfer news

Last update: Jun 08, 10:40 ET / 15:40 BST 

Alexandre Lacazette on the verge of Lyon return

Alexandre Lacazette will complete a medical and return to former side Lyon in the coming days as per reports from Sky Sports.

Alexandre Lacazette Lyon Guingamp Ligue 1 22102016

The Gunners confirmed Lacazette will move on from the club this summer with his contract at the Emirates Stadium expiring next month.

Lacazette leaves North London after netting 71 goals in 206 appearances across all competitions since joining the club in 2017, with Mikel Arteta set to go all-out to secure a replacement in the coming weeks.

Arsenal now favourites as Aston Villa withdraw Yves Bissouma interest

Arsenal have been offered a boost in their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma with rivals Aston Villa not interested in the Malian.

Bissouma has sent Arsenal fans into overdrive after reposting an Instagram story linking him with the Gunners and Villa’s correspondent from The Athletic Gregg Evans confirmed Villa are no longer in the race.

The Seagulls could push for around £35m (€41m/$43.9m) for the 25-year-old but Arsenal will be aiming for closer to £30m (€35.2m$37.6m).

Youri Tielemans hints at Leicester interest as Arsenal links grow

Leicester City star Youri Tielemans has dropped a major hint over his future at the King Power Stadium next season.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a swoop for the Belgian international, due to his desire to play European football next season, but the Foxes are under no pressure to sell.

Arteta has highlighted the former AS Monaco midfielder as his No.1 transfer target ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

UPDATE (JUN 8): Tielemans has given an update over his future whilst on international duty with Roberto Martinez’s Red Devils.

“Leaving is not out of the question. I feel very good at Leicester, I was welcomed with open arms from day one. I will give everything for the club until the last day”, as per reports from the Daily Mail.

“But, you have to listen to other opportunities, you have to look at your career and sometimes you have to make choices. Maybe one will come my way.”

His comments will heighten the speculation over a switch to the Emirates Stadium with Arteta considering a opening £35m (€41m/$43.9m) offer.

(Jun 1): Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Arteta is willing to stay patient over the deal and a possible transfer is unlikely to be completed until next month.

Arsenal linked to move for Oleksandr Zinchenko

While Oleksandr Zinchenko helped Man City to the Premier League title as a squad player, the 25-year-old played a much more central role in Ukraine’s push for a 2022 World Cup place that fell just short. Playing left-back for Man City, Zinchenko moved centrally and played as a number eight in international competition, excelling against both Scotland and Wales in that role.

In the wake of the Ukraine games, reports have begun to pop up linking Zinchenko to Arsenal, with the Gunners impressed by his displays in midfield and potentially tabbing him as an option in the center of the pitch.

The Mirror and The Evening Standard both pushed the possible move, with The Mirror’s report stating that Arteta has already spoken to Zinchenko and promised him a chance to play in midfield at Arsenal.

Manchester City and Liverpool keen on Bukayo Saka

As one of England and the Premier League’s best young players, it’s little surprise that Arsenal are keen to extend Bukayo Saka’s contract as it enters its final two years.

That could be scuppered by champions Manchester City, who see Saka as a long-term target and will be rivalled for his signature by Liverpool, according to MailOnline.

Saka’s dwindling contract, as the outlet points out, suits teams eyeing the wide man in 2024, with Arsenal certain to set a huge asking price to prise him away before the end of the 2022/23 season.

UPDATE (JUN 8): Despite the speculation over the England star’s future, reports from the Daily Mirror claim City are not tracking the 20-year-old, with Arsenal increasingly confident of securing a extension for the Hale End graduate until 2025.

Hector Bellerin ‘has no plans’ to stay at Arsenal

Hector Bellerin’s Real Betis return is ‘complicated’, according to Fabrizio Romano. The right-back is set to go back to Arsenal following a season out on loan at Betis but he doesn’t plan to stay with the Gunners. Roma have also been linked with Bellerin recently.

William Saliba to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place

One man who doesn’t look likely to be on the move this summer despite speculation is William Saliba, who will stay at Arsenal next campaign and fight for his place according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian transfer guru reports that Saliba will be back at the Emirates Stadium for the new season, despite never making a competitive appearance for the Gunners.

There were suggestions that the 21-year-old was keen to stay on loan at Marseille where he spent 2021/22 in order to play in the Champions League, however, these claims have since been quashed, as the Mirror suggests.

He will now report to London Colney for the start of pre-season.

UPDATE (Jun 7): Napoli are exploring a move for Saliba, say Tutto Mercato Web. Journalist Daniele Longari adds that a deal would be “very expensive”, potentially ruling the club who finished third in Serie A last season out of the reckoning.

Gunners may miss out on Raheem Sterling

The Mirror claims that Arsenal target Raheem Sterling could run down the last year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and move abroad upon the expiration of his deal on a free transfer, which would come as a major blow to the Gunners’ pursuit of the winger. 

The 27-year-old is currently in a contract stalemate at Manchester City, whilst was rotated heavily within the 2021/22 campaign despite scoring 18 times. Arsenal is reportedly keen on the England international, whilst London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea have also expressed an interest in his services. 

Nevertheless, he has stated his openness to a move abroad, which may impact the likelihood of any potential deal to bring him to the Emirates Stadium. The FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year may have an impact on Sterling’s immediate future, with the notion of changing clubs just before the tournament being deemed as a risk by the ex-Liverpool man.

Arsenal are willing to almost double the salary of Gabriel Jesus

Mikel Arteta is willing to double the salary of Gabriel Jesus in an attempt to convince the 25-year-old to move to Arsenal from Manchester City. 

He is currently on international duty just now with his native Brazil, however, bosses at his current employers plan to speak to his representatives in the coming days. The Gunners have been admirers of Jesus for a while now and now could be set to offer him lucrative financial terms to try and seal the deal. 

The Sun claims that Arsenal is willing to offer the former Palmeiras striker a starting wage of £190,000 per week, with bonuses attached. Currently, Jesus is on around £110,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium, representing a significant increase in his pay packet which could tempt him to make the transfer. 

Clubs in Spain and Italy are also keen on the Brazilian forward.

UPDATE (Jun 6): Fabrizio Romano says that Arsenal are ‘leading the race’ to sign Jesus despite the forward also being linked with Real Madrid. 

UPDATE (Jun 7): Chelsea will join the race to sign Jesus once incoming owner Todd Boehly completes his takeover of the club from Roman Abramovich, according to AS.

Jesus is said to have been offered to Real Madrid but the Spanish champions have already reached their limit of three registered non-EU nationals with Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.

Gunners withdraw their interest in Victor Osimhen

According to CalcioMercato, Arsenal has withdrawn from the race to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.

The Serie A side is said to be holding out for over £80 million for his signature, making it impossible for the Gunners to compete at the negotiation table with other interested suitors. 

The Nigeria international is contracted to Napoli until 2025, putting Gli Azzurri in a strong position to maximize their income on any potential sale. Bayern Munich and Newcastle United are also believed to be monitoring his situation.

Gianluca Scamacca reportedly turns down Arsenal 

Sassoulo frontman Gianluca Scamacca has reportedly turned down a move to Arsenal, as reported by La Gazetta dello Sport. 

The Gunners reportedly submitted a bid of £35 million for the 23-year-old, though were eventually rebuffed by the striker as he seeks a move to an Italian giant this summer. In the original report by Italian publication La Gazetta dello Sport, it was stated that Scamacca ‘wants to give priority to any proposals from Serie A’. 

Arsenal are currently low on offensive options after the departure of Alexandre Lacazette earlier this week, leaving Eddie Nketiah as the only senior recognized striker at the Emirates Stadium.

UPDATE – June 6: Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali speaking to Sky Sport about suggestions that Arsenal have bid for Scamacca. “There’s nothing concrete yet for Scamacca, just some contacts with some clubs.

“Of course, after playing with the National team the interest is now growing.’

Hope in Paulo Dybala chase for Arsenal?

After Juventus changed their mind about offering Paulo Dybala a new deal, the Argentina striker was thought to be set for a move to Inter Milan.

The deposed Serie A champions want Dybala but the forward has suggested he wants to test himself in the Premier League as much as he wants to extend his stay of more than 10 years in Italy.

Manchester United are also reported to be interested in Dybala, and Arsenal and the Red Devils could find their hopes of signing the 28-year-old scuppered if Tottenham offer him Champions League football.

“In Italy, I am very comfortable,” Dybala tells ESPN via MailOnline, speaking in the week when he scored a clinical late goal in the Finalissima against Italy at Wembley.

“I would still like to know other leagues like the Premier League, La Liga… but I’m happy in Italy. I am quite calm. The people who I work with are taking care.”

Arnaut Danjuma ‘will do everything possible’ to leave Villarreal

Dutch international Arnaut Danjuma scored as many goals – six – as Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Darwin Nunez in the 2021/22 Champions League as Villarreal became dark horses for the trophy.

The forward, whose early strike in the first leg proved the only goal of Villarreal’s quarterfinal tie against Bayern Munich, has attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and PSG, according to El Periodico Mediterraneo.

The outlet says the 25-year-old has a release clause of around €40m ($43m) and wants to leave Villarreal this summer. It also suggests that Liverpool have already spoken to him.

“His departure in this summer transfer market is just a question of money, but everything indicates that Danjuma will do everything possible to leave, since he is not comfortable in Spain,” their report claims.

There is a potential note of caution for Arteta: Danjuma is said to have had “problems” integrating in the dressing room.

Gunners scouting mission at Scotland v Ukraine

Arteta and Gunners technical director Edu are expected to be at Hampden Park tonight as Scotland host Ukraine in a crunch FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final.

The rearranged tie comes alongside the UEFA Nations League matches this month with Arsenal fans taking an extra interest despite Kieran Tierney missing out through injury.

UPDATE (Jun 1): According to reports from Football London, Arteta and Edu will be running the rule over Bologna’s Aaron Hickey and Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko in Glasgow.

Despite both stars playing predominantly in Tierney’s position, Areteta is looking to reinforce his squad options, with Zinchenko able to play in midfield and Hickey a cover option for Takehiro Tomiyasu at right back.

UPDATE (Jun 6): The Evening Standard report that Arsenal are interested in signing Zinchenko but West Ham are also targeting him. 

Arsenal to enter Richarlison race

Arteta’s quest for a new striker could lead him to Goodison Park in the coming months as the Basque coach looks to boost his attacking options this summer.

The Gunners have previously been linked with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin but they may now switch their attentions to his strike partner Richarlison.

The Brazilian netted six Premier League goals in the Toffees’ final nine games of the season to ensure top-flight survival for Frank Lampard’s side, but he hinted at a move away during an interview on international duty.

“I’ve made it clear to the board. I’ve already talked to Lampard too, with my agents and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June,” he said, as per an interview with Globo Esporte.

UPDATE (May 31): Richarlison’s comments will intensify speculation over his future with Everton, and according to reports from the Daily Mail, Arsenal will now battle it out with rivals Chelsea and Tottenham for a player valued at around £40m (€46m/$50.5m).

Alvaro Morata rejects Arsenal switch

Spain international Alvaro Morata has apparently ruled out a potential move to Arsenal this summer despite an uncertain picture for him at Atletico Madrid.

Morata is set to return to the Wanda Metropolitano in the coming weeks after an inconsistent two-year loan spell with Italian giants Juventus.

Diego Simeone is aiming to offload the striker, but Juve are unconvinced over a purchase option, with Morata trapped in between both clubs ahead of the 2022/23 season.

UPDATE (May 31): As per reports from the Daily Mirror, Arsenal have registered an interest in the 29-year-old, if Atletico are open to a cut-price deal. However, Morata is rumoured to be unwilling to return to England, after a mixed spell with Chelsea between 2017 and 2019.

Nketiah set to extend Arsenal stay

England Under-21 international Eddie Nketiah will be offered a chance to continue his Arsenal revival with a contract extension offer on the table at the Emirates Stadium.

Nketiah enjoyed his best goal return in the first team at the back end of 2021/22 and Arteta is open to retaining the 23-year-old on a two-year deal in north London.

However, Alexandre Lacazette’s own future at the club looks less clear, with Arteta edging towards allowing the French star to move on this summer.

UPDATE (May 31): Sky Sports are reporting Nketiah will reject interest from Bournemouth and Leeds United to stay at his boyhood club as part of Arteta’s project.

Arsenal Transfers: Summer 2022 transfer window

Players In:

Date Player Position Age Club Transfer/Loan Fee
July 1, 2022 Matt Turner GK 27 New England Revolution £7.5m
           
           

Players Out:

Date Player Position Age Club Transfer/Loan Fee
           
           
           

Below is the updated Arsenal first-team squad. New additions during the summer 2022 window are noted in bold:

Goalkeepers (3): Bernd Leno, Arthur Okonkwo, Aaron Ramsdale

Defenders (9): Cedric, Calum Chambers, Gabriel, Rob Holding, Pablo Mari, Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White

Midfielders (7): Mohamed Elneny, Alberto Lokonga, Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Granit Xhaka

Forwards (5): Folarin Balogun, Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Nicolas Pepe

CB = centre back; LB = left back; RB = right back; CM = central midfielder; CAM = attacking midfielder; CF = centre forward; LW = left wing; RW = right wing

The current Arsenal projected first-choice starting lineup, when completely healthy, currently looks like:

Arsenal projected starting XI (formation): Ramsdale (GK) — Tierney, Gabriel, White, Tomiyasu — Partey, Xhaka — Smith Rowe, Odegaard, Saka — Nketiah.

Arsenal back-ups: Leno (GK), Okonkwo (GK), Holding (CB), Tavares (LB), Cedric (RB), El Neny (CM), Lokonga (CM), Balogun (CF), Lacazette (CF), Martinelli (LW), Pepe (RW).

(GK = goalkeeper; CB = centre back; LB = left back; RB = right back; CM = central midfielder; RM = right midfielder; CF = centre forward; LW = left wing; RW = right wing)

Source