Arsenal are set to end the second week of the summer transfer window without completing any business. It’s not a massive surprise, but there is work to be done.
Had their first-choice striker come through – Benjamin Sesko – then there may have been more to shout about at this stage. As it is, the chances of anything major happening before the end of Euro 2024 are slim.
The Gunners have plans for the coming months in which they can complete their squad alterations. Midfielders, left-backs, and forwards are the name of the game. It’s easier said than done, though, with plenty of teams scouring the market for top options.
Simons demand
Xavi Simons has told Paris Saint-Germain that he wants to leave this summer. Fabrizio Romano reports that he has made the demand clear, with the plan still for him to move on loan.
The Dutchman won’t make a decision until after the Euros, it is said, with Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig currently leading the race to sign him. Barcelona have also been linked, having seen him pass through the academy.
Simons has been a long-term Arsenal transfer target. Talk of a move to the Emirates Stadium has been quiet for quite some time now, especially compared to the previous noise.
football.london says: Simons really does have a lot of Arsenal about him. His flair, creativity, and confidence for a young player are all top draw and seem to suit exactly what Arteta has going on.
David hijack
Chelsea have held talks with Lille forward Jonathan David, according to the Athletic. The Blues are looking to bolster their frontline and have turned to David, having seen things stall over Jhon Duran and Samu Omodorion only proving to be a non-starter.
Arsenal have again long been linked with a move for the player due to his impressive goalscoring record in France. He has 71 in 146 Ligue 1 matches with 11 assists since moving from Belgium in 2020, although 14 of those were penalties.
It was also reported earlier this week that, more recently, David was offered to a host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool. He could be available for as little as £25million too, with just one year left on his contract.
