It has now been over one month since the summer transfer window opened and Arsenal’s wait to conduct a serious piece of business goes on. With the real start of pre-season just around the corner – as players return from international competitions and Mikel Arteta gets to true work with his squad – there is a growing sense of urgency.
The Gunners were proactive in their dealings last summer and it led to a successful campaign. Although not the be-all and end-all for Arteta, there is a general correlation between early activity and having a settled group to start things off.
Dan Bentley bid
Arsenal could return with a second bid for Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley in the next week as they look to bring in a new backup option this summer, the Athletic writes. A first offer of just £50,000 was rejected for the former Bristol City man.
With Aaron Ramsdale looking for a way out to secure more first-team football, David Raya established as No.1, and Karl Hein signing a new contract at the club, the situation in goal is flexible. Hein is currently the most experienced ‘keeper at Arteta’s disposal ahead of the tour of the USA with Ramsdale and Raya only just finishing off at Euro 2024.
Wolves are said to be after closer to £1million for Bentley, who only arrived in the Midlands recently. Gary O’Neil’s side are keen to get money back from Bentley that would allow them to find their own rotation shot-stopper.
Viktor Gyokeres game
Arsenal have been given a boost in their attempts to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, Football Transfers report. With a chase for the Swedish goal machine, Arsenal are now one of just two teams said to be in the running.
Along with Chelsea, Arsenal are still interested in bringing in Gyokeres and any hopes of getting him have been improved this week. It is suggested that Napoli, who are already looking for alternatives to Victor Osimhen, have backed out of pursuing Gyokeres for good.
The Italian side are also eyeing Romelu Lukaku as a replacement for their Nigerian forward but so far any incomings have been halted by a lack of available money. Chelsea remaining one of the few teams still in the mix for Osimhen had complicated matters as they were only willing to let Lukaku go for £38million.
