Arsenal transfer news: Gunners to go in for Gundogan after Arteta dealt blow over Fulham target, Rice gets Arsenal fans excited
Transfer rumors are intensifying at the Emirates Stadium as the summer transfer window is about to commence within a day.
The pursuit of Declan Rice has been ongoing for a while, and there was a recent development suggesting a potential transfer to Arsenal after West Ham owner David Sullivan indicated his departure from the club.
However, considering the imminent departures of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, and Jorginho, Arsenal manager Arteta is now considering several other players as potential transfer targets.
One player that Arsenal is reportedly considering as a transfer target is Ilkay Gundogan, who has not yet reached an agreement on a new contract with Manchester City, despite leading the team as captain to victory in the Champions League. Despite this, Arsenal fans can expect a period of significant activity in the upcoming transfer window.
Here are the latest updates from the Emirates Stadium.
Gunners in a ‘good position’ to sign Gundogan
Per Mertesacker, the Arsenal academy boss, has expressed that Arsenal is in a favorable position to secure the signing of Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Manchester City’s treble-winning team, on a free transfer this summer.
Mertesacker, who played alongside Gundogan for the German national team from 2011 to 2014, has hinted that the midfielder may consider his time at Manchester City as a successful mission following their achievement of winning the treble. Speaking as a pundit for German broadcaster ZDF, the former Arsenal defender stated that Arsenal is certainly in contention to acquire Gundogan’s services.
Mertesacker further revealed that Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has been in contact with Ilkay Gundogan. He stated, “I think the clubs are interested, and because Arteta knows him and we have probably maintained contact, we are in a favorable position. I believe Gundogan will take some time to process everything and then make a decision among the four clubs.”
Arsenal is expected to make significant changes to their midfield during the summer transfer window, especially with the anticipated departure of Granit Xhaka. This means that at least two new players are likely to join the team. Gundogan is now considered a primary candidate for the midfield revamp, with Declan Rice from West Ham also reportedly interested in a potential club-record transfer to Arsenal.
Following Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Inter, Gundogan told ESPN, “I haven’t made a final decision about my future yet.”
Barcelona is also reportedly interested in signing Gundogan, as the former Borussia Dortmund player has multiple options available to him following the pinnacle achievement of his career.
Transfer plans dealt a blow by Fulham
Fulham is determined to retain Joao Palhinha, who is also being pursued by Arsenal, during the upcoming summer transfer window. Tony Khan, the club’s chief, has dismissed rumors suggesting that the talented midfielder has a release clause in his contract.
In response to a talkSPORT article claiming that Palhinha’s Fulham contract includes a release clause that could be activated by West Ham, vice-chairman Khan took to Twitter to state, “There is no release clause.”
Palhinha, who joined Fulham from Sporting for £20 million in July of last year, has proven to be an exceptional acquisition. The 27-year-old was one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League last season, leading the league in terms of tackles made.
Rice gets Arsenal fans excited
Declan Rice has arrived at St. George’s Park for England national team duties, which has further fueled speculation of a potential move to Arsenal.
The official England Twitter account contributed to the speculation by sharing photos of Rice embracing Arsenal players Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka upon his arrival, with the caption, “Look who’s arrived at SGP! @_DeclanRice.”
This post has garnered the attention of Arsenal fans, who are hopeful that the meetings between Rice, Saka, and Ramsdale could become a regular occurrence, as Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is believed to be the frontrunner in securing the signing of the highly valued £90 million-rated midfielder.
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners to go in for Gundogan after Arteta dealt blow over Fulham target, Rice gets Arsenal fans excited
