Mikel Arteta had identified two key signings ahead of this summer’s transfer window
Mikel Arteta has suffered two transfer setbacks(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has suffered a blow in his quest to sign two strikers whose combined value exceeds £200million.
Arsenal are already mapping out their plans for the summer transfer window, even as their current squad stands just three matches away from a historic league and European Cup double.
The Gunners know the fate of the title is in their hands following the weekend victory over West Ham, as the north Londoners look to end a barren run stretching back to 2004. Their immediate focus turns to Monday’s home fixture against Burnley, before a final-day trip to Crystal Palace.
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Arguably the most important month in Arsenal’s recent history reaches its climax with the Champions League final on May 30, where Arteta’s side hope to settle the score against last season’s winners Paris Saint-Germain and lift the trophy for the very first time.
football.london now takes a look at two of the biggest stories surrounding the Gunners.
PSG join race for Julian Alvarez
PSG are also keen to sign Julian Alvarez(Image: THOMAS COEX, AFP via Getty Images)
PSG have already looked to land a blow on Champions League final opponents Arsenal by ramping up their pursuit of Gunners target Julian Alvarez. The Argentine, who found the net against Arsenal in the semi-finals of the competition, is understood to be high on the wish list of sporting director Andrea Berta.
Berta is already familiar with the forward’s talent, having brought him to Atletico during his tenure as director of football there in 2024. However, Arsenal now face competition from the Parisians in their pursuit of the 26-year-old’s signature.
Spanish publication AS reports via The Standard that PSG head coach Luis Enrique has specifically requested the club’s board to sign Alvarez, having unsuccessfully attempted to land him two years ago. The report claims PSG could table the most appealing proposal to the former Manchester City forward, who is also a target for Barcelona.
The French champions are understood to have the financial muscle to land Alvarez, with Atletico valuing him between £100m and £148m. PSG are among the few clubs in the world with greater spending power than the Gunners.
Atleti boss Diego Simeone recently acknowledged interest from all three clubs, stating: “I understand it’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona. It’s normal because he’s very good.”
Club make statement on £85m star
Eli Junior Kroupi is not for sale(Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
In another setback to Arteta’s ambitions of securing a top forward, Bournemouth chief Tiago Pinto has made it clear that Eli Junior Kroupi will not be leaving this summer. The 19-year-old Frenchman has attracted interest from Arsenal and numerous other top clubs following his impressive displays over the past year.
But Pinto insists the Cherries are not prepared to sell their most valuable asset, even if they are offered a whopping £85m for Kroupi, who has scored 12 league goals this campaign.
He said: “Junior Kroupi will not be leaving the club. His contract is for more than four years, there is no release clause in the contract, and he will not be going anywhere.”
When pressed on whether a specific sum might persuade Bournemouth to part ways with the forward, Pinto responded: “We will not sell Kroupi even if we receive offers of €100million (£85m).”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.