David Raya is the only official arrival so far, but Arsenal are closing in on a move for Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori. They are also looking to sign a midfielder before the deadline, with emphasis on bringing in a long-term partner for Declan Rice.
According to the Athletic , the Gunners are closely following three players; Joao Neves, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi. Neves currently plays for Benfica while Merino and Zubimendi are both with Real Sociedad and were part of the victorious Euro 2024 Spain squad.
There is however one step that Arsenal may have to take if they are able to sign any of the three this summer. The report says that a significant midfield arrival may see Thomas Partey sold.
The Ghanaian has one year remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium. He played 14 times in the Premier League last season with his season disrupted by a hamstring injury.
Partey has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia over the last year. The Gunners are looking for a fee of around £30 million for the midfielder, which would provide a big financial boost for the transfer window.
That cash injection could then help Arsenal to make a move on one of the three midfield targets. Benfica are said to be standing firm over Neves, and won’t sanction a sale unless his £100 million release clause is met.
Merino is said to have a £55 million release clause in his contract, but is expected to be available for a lot less than that. He has just one year remaining on his contract at Real Sociedad. Zubimendi is also said to have a £51 million release clause in his contract.
If Arsenal are unable to sell Partey, then it is said that the club could make the decision to go into the new season with Partey and Jorginho as the options to play a deeper role. That then allows Rice the freedom to play further up the pitch.
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