Arsenal’s wait to complete a significant summer signing goes on. As they continue in their endeavours to complete a transfer for Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna it appears to be coming to a close, but for now, there have been no meaningful changes to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
With initial pre-season preparations now underway for the Spaniard and some of his group, the expectation is that deals are to follow. Both in and out of the club, there is work to be done.
Arsenal are already aware that the foundations of a title-winning squad are more than in place but now it is about fine-tuning and adding high-quality depth that has caused issues in each of the past two seasons. With Manchester City’s juggernaut still the standard to hit, there is little room for error.
Guirassy statement
Borussia Dortmund have delayed the expected transfer of Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy due to a possible injury. In a statement on Wednesday, the German said: “During a medical examination of Serhou Guirassy, an injury was discovered that requires further investigation.”
Guirassy had been touted as a target for Arsenal this summer as he entered the window as one of the cheapest options on the market. With a release clause of just under £17million, the French-born forward was eyed by a host of top sides.
He scored 28 times in just 28 Bundesliga appearances last term (25 starts), in one of the most clinical hot streaks of any player across Europe. Dortmund appeared to have snapped him up though, but the total package for a deal is thought to be closer to £50million after wages reportedly are set to triple, and a significant signing on bonus as well.
Olmo clause
RB Leipzig expect clubs across Europe to trigger the £51million release clause in Dani Olmo’s contract before the Monday, July 15 deadline, the Mirror reports. It comes after the Spain forward secured a place in the Euro 2024 final following a nervy 2-1 win over France on Tuesday.
Olmo starred for his team and continued his impressive form from throughout the tournament with his first-half goal. As one of the smoothest attacking players out there, he has been a long-term target for Arsenal.
After Barcelona’s play to try and sign Nico Williams added a spanner in the works for Edu and Arteta, Olmo has emerged as a timely alternative. Although Arsenal are not specifically named, English and Spanish sides are said to be in the mix for Olmo, with Chelsea and Liverpool as fellow admirers not expected to act on their interest.
