Arsenal information: £140m switch struggle vs Man Utd and Liverpool as Gunners need World Cup stars
Arsenal are targeting two midfielders also wanted by Manchester United and Liverpool as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his Premier League title-winning squad in the summer transfer window
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, celebrates with the Premier League trophy, as Arsenal are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2025/26 Season, after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)
Arsenal are keen to capitalise on their triumphant season by making strategic moves in the transfer market.
As Premier League champions, Mikel Arteta’s squad will be looking to widen the gap between themselves and their competitors. The Gunners are in a strong position, but while Arteta has a well-balanced team at his disposal, he recognises there is room for improvement after coming up short in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
With the summer transfer window officially opening on Monday, Arsenal can ramp up their recruitment efforts. A number of players have already been associated with a potential move y to North London. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
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New development in Mateus Fernandes transfer saga
West Ham United’s midfielder Mateus Fernandes is rumoured to be on Arsenal’s radar.
The 21-year-old has been linked with a switch to Arsenal following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, with many observers suggesting he could be available for a cut-price fee.
However, his value has skyrocketed to £80million amid interest from the Gunners and Manchester United. Despite West Ham’s relegation, shareholder Daniel Kretinsky has asserted the Hammers are not under pressure to sell their top players.
“We have a very credible strategy,” Krtinsky revealed to The Times. “We don’t need to sell the players for financial reasons.
“We are doing this to ensure we secure immediate promotion back to the Premier League. That is our sole objective.
“Key players are waiting for us. They want to see there is a genuine chance of keeping the squad intact. What matters is funding, strategy and consistency. We have spoken to all of them. They need to see that our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only goal.”
Fernandes made 36 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists last year, after the Portuguese international moved from Southampton for an initial £38m last summer.
World Cup star set for discussions
Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has sparked interest after his standout performance against Brazil in the World Cup.
Following his performance in the 1-1 draw, the Lille midfielder has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool. The Gunners were previously rumoured to be interested in the teenager ahead of the winter transfer window.
Sky Sports suggests Arsenal have been actively pursuing a deal for the 18-year-old and have maintained contact with his representatives since early 2025. Further talks are reportedly scheduled post-World Cup.
Lille have allegedly slapped a £60m price tag on Bouaddi, who has already racked up 96 appearances for the club.
The midfielder is believed to be keen on joining the Gunners, but they face stiff competition from PSG for his signature.
