Arsenal have spent over £200million on new signings in the summer transfer window so far – but Mikel Arteta is keen to continue reinforcing his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign
Arsenal are set to miss out on signing Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo after Barcelona agreed personal terms with the Portugal international. Mikel Arteta is hoping to sign another midfielder and a new right-back to provide competition for Ben White in defence before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners signed both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus from City last summer, with both players having a huge impact at the Emirates Stadium. A report from the Telegraph stated that Arsenal are interested in Cancelo, although they fear that the Citizens won’t be so willing to sell to them this summer following deals to sign Jesus and Zinchenko.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Cancelo has now agreed personal terms with Barca. The Portuguese defender wants the move and Xavi has wanted him since January as a priority target.
Talks between Barcelona and Manchester City are now ongoing over the structure of the deal. Spanish outlet Sport claimed City would sanction an exit if an interested club pays €40million (£34.6m) for the 29-year-old – who is no longer in Pep Guardiola’s plans ahead of the new season.
This has now left Arteta with less options in the market as he looks to sign a new right-back. The Telegraph’s report stated that the Gunners could revive their interest in Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda.
football.london understands that the Gunners held a genuine interest in Fresneda during the January transfer window, although a deal never went through. Jurrien Timber has arrived from Ajax and the Dutchman has the versatility to be able to play at full back and centre-back.
A report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo stated that the Gunners are keen on activating Fresneda’s release clause after Real Valladolid’s relegation – with Barcelona thought to be out of the race now after pushing to sign Cancelo. Another option for Arsenal is Galatasaray defender Sacha Boey.
Despite reports from Turkey claimed Arsenal had made a bid for Boey in recent weeks, transfer guru Romano has reported there is yet to be a proposal from Arteta’s side. He wrote on Twitter: “Arsenal have not made any proposal for Sacha Boey at this stage, despite reports.
“Been told there was no meeting with his new agents, just one of many players appreciated but not a negotiation as things stand. Galatasaray want more than €20million (£17.2m) for their right back.”
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