Arsenal have had a quiet opening two weeks of the summer transfer window, but needless to say, work will be ongoing behind the scenes at London Colney. Mikel Arteta’s side will reconvene for their preparations ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, but there is plenty of work to be done before the curtain rises in August.
Unlike some of their top-flight rivals, the Gunners aren’t bowing to the pressure of Profit and Sustainability sanctions as clubs sweat over straying over the line and into the danger zone. Spending at the Emirates Stadium will have to be shrewd in order to stay within the parameters of the financial restrictions, which Arteta has eluded to previously, but it hasn’t stopped links in and out of North London.
Marbella will reportedly be the destination for Arsenal to begin their preparations as they look to dethrone Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City after suffering at the hands of the Citizens in the previous two campaigns. On the last day, City’s win over West Ham United thwarted their hopes of ending a two-decade wait for Premier League success, with the East Manchester club earning a record-breaking fourth consecutive crown in the process.
Johan Bakayoko subject of Arsenal enquiry
Arsenal have reportedly enquired over PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko. Reports in Holland suggest that the Gunners have made a move to sound out the availability of the Belgian attacker.
It has been claimed that the 21-year-old is expected to leave the Dutch champions this summer as speculation mounts over his future in the Eredivisie. Arteta’s side are said to be at the front of the queue, with admirers gathering from across Europe, with Liverpool previously reported to be among them.
Rik Elfrink has claimed that the club have done nothing more than enquire with no offer tabled with no indication that the North London club will take further action. It is likely that any decision over Bakayoko’s future will be determined upon the conclusion of Euro 2024 due to his involvement with Domenico Tedesco’s side.
Arsenal learn Dovbyk release clause
Arsenal have emerged as a possible destination for Artem Dovbyk. The Ukranian striker took the Spanish top-flight by storm last season as Girona defied the odds and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history.
In an interview with ‘Diario de Girona’, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Quique Cárcel confirmed that Artem Dovbyk has a €40m (£33.9m) release clause in his contract. The Girona sporting director said: “We don’t have to buy to sell, we have to buy to consolidate the project.
“I don’t want to sell Dovbyk, but if they pay 40 million you can’t do anything – he has to be sold. The most important thing is to take advantage of all this to consolidate Girona in the elite.”
According to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico Madrid and Napoli are also interested in signing Dovbyk. The report states that Diego Simeone’s side have recently lodged a €25m (£21.2m) bid, while Napoli have submitted a €35m (£29.7m) offer, both of which remain some way from Girona’s asking price.
