Arsenal transfer news LIVE £21m Lunin ‘call’ with Williams and Calafiori twist

Bayern Munich have been very busy in this summer’s transfer window and while that looks set to continue, they need to sell some senior players first.

Michael Olise has already officially joined with Joao Palhinha and Jonathan Tah expected to follow. Xavi Simons and Desire Doue have also been linked but it has been claimed by Kicker that the German giants must raise funds before looking at more new signings.

They have subsequently listed Kingsley Coman, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies and Matthijs de Ligt as players that could depart with the latter seeming destined to join Manchester United.

However, the other five names could definitely be of interest to Arsenal with Kimmich already being linked to an Emirates Stadium switch. A sensational return for Gnabry to north London also cannot be ruled out.

Barcelona have made a huge transfer decision in the race to sign Athletic Club star Nico Williams.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked to the Spanish winger, though Barcelona president Joan Laporta is confident the club can afford his release clause €60million (£51m).

Speaking to Catalunya Radio, Laporta said: “Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams.

“Nico’s a player I like, I like him a lot. We are working with [coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on.

“Shortly we will be able to announce some good news with regard to the financial [issues] and we will be back within La Liga’s Fair Play limits. And that will allow further good news in terms of [signings].”

Arsenal look set for much more business in the goalkeeping department following the permanent arrival of David Raya.

Aaron Ramsdale has been linked to an exit this summer with Mikel Arteta already lining up some potential replacements.

With contact recently made for Dan Bentley of Wolves, the Gunners have also been linked to Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow, Real Madrid ‘keeper Andriy Lunin and Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia with an update on the latter duo coming to light.

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Arsenal put in a ‘call’ to Lunin but currently prefer the addition of Garcia as a back-up option to Raya. The Ukraine international, following on from starring in Madrid’s Champions League triumph, is said to be valued at €25million (£21m).

Arsenal are already planning further transfers in the hope a deal for Riccardo Calafiori is wrapped up soon.

The 22-year-old is Mikel Arteta’s defensive priority with Calafiori also keen on the move to Emirates Stadium and talks with Bologna ongoing. The Gunners are also keen to strengthen in midfield with one surprise Arteta target being brought up again.

According to The Athletic, Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino is admired by Arteta because of his talent and physicality. The 28-year-old, who is outside of Arsenal’s usual recruitment strategy, scored the winner for Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Germany.

Though the focus is on Riccardo Calafiori, Eberechi Eze remains of interest to Arsenal in the summer transfer window, as per the Guardian.

The Crystal Palace star is also a top target for Tottenham with Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City mentioned as other interested clubs.

A £60million release clause is thought to be in his contract though the Eagles are far from keen on him leaving given Michael Olise has already joined Bayern Munich this summer.

Fulham are preparing their third and final bid to sign Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe, it has been claimed.

According to TeamTalk, Marco Silva is keen to sign the 23-year-old and remains focused on bringing him in despite seeing several offers turned down.

The Cottagers are on the verge of selling Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich in a £47million deal with Arsenal potentially able to use that fee to their advantage in negotiations for Smith Rowe.

Riccardo Calafiori looks set to become Arsenal’s second summer signing, however there is some concern that will need ironing out before a transfer is completed.

Talks between the Gunners and Bologna have progressed in recent days with a full agreement appearing close but there are some stumbling blocks that still need overcoming.

As pointed out by the Athletic, because of his Euro 2024 displays with Italy, Calafiori will have likely increased in value. As such, Bologna will want to ensure they receive a fee that matches up with his quality especially as 50 per cent of it will be going to his former club Basel.

Calafiori’s injury record is also a slight concern with a serious knee injury having already been suffered by the 22-year-old. Due to muscular issues, Calafiori has already missed 541 days of action in his career with the bulk of that made up from the serious knee injury he suffered back in 2018.

Arsenal have contacted Wolves over the possibility of signing goalkeeper Dan Bentley, as per Alan Nixon. It has also been claimed Wolves want £1million to sanction an exit but Arsenal do not want to pay that fee.

Considering the Gunners have just signed David Raya on a permanent deal, Bentley would be brought in as a back-up option. With the future of Aaron Ramsdale uncertain, Arteta could bring in another shot-stopper or have Bentley as his second-choice with an academy star making the jump up.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is a big fan of Nico Williams and would be his favoured target should the club choose to pursue a winger, according to the Athletic.

The Gunners are currently focused on strengthening in defence with talks for Riccardo Calafiori taking place. However, plans to recruit elsewhere are in full motion with Williams attracing interest from Emirates Stadium.

Though he has spoken boldly about wanting to stay at Athletic Club, the Spain international could be tempted by a move upon learning he seems to be a transfer priority for Arteta.

Hello and welcome to football.london‘s Arsenal transfer live blog!

The Gunners appear set for a busy few weeks with more summer signings on the agenda and pre-season commencing. Riccardo Calafiori is the defensive priority for Mikel Arteta with the Gunners boss also keen to sign Mikel Merino and Nico Williams.

Edu is also aiming to sanction several exits ahead of the 2024/25 campaign with Jakub Kiwior joining the likes of Thomas Partey, Aaron Ramsdale and Oleksandr Zinchenko as a player leaning towards a departure.