Here is your Arsenal transfer round-up on Friday, June 3.
Joao Cancelo transfer update
Arsenal have been handed a huge blow in their transfer hopes of signing Joao Cancelo from Manchester City this summer. The 29-year-old appears to have no future at Etihad Stadium which has made Mikel Arteta, who worked with Cancelo in Manchester, interested in acquiring his services.
The Portuguese international spent the second half of the season on loan with Bayern Munich after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola. The Bavarian side haven't triggered his £60million clause in the deal though, meaning that the race is still open over his future.
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Given his ability to play as an inverted full-back and Arteta's keen desire to play football in that way, a move to Emirates Stadium makes logical sense. However, German newspaper Abendzeitung claim that Cancelo is not interested in joining the club. Instead, he is more focused on moving to another league, giving an answer to whether he would join the north London outfit.
Xavi Simons can solve Mikel Arteta issue
Arsenal are once again being linked with a move for PSV forward Xavi Simons ahead of the summer transfer window. From 48 games across five competitions, Simons has scored 22 goals and grabbed 12 assists which has seen his value sky-rocket to €50million (£43m) according to CIES Football Observatory.
Dutch outlet Voetbal International are now reporting that despite several top European clubs showing an interest, Arsenal are the most concrete option for a transfer. In the 2022/23 season, Simons featured on the left of attack 19 times, scoring seven goals, on 17 occasions behind the striker where he netted 11 times and then a further 11 appearances on the right and playing as a central striker.
On paper the attacking depth is strong, but having another player who can seamlessly transition across the pitch to play in every attacking role provides Arteta with more than adequate depth for Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
£100m Declan Rice decision
Arsenal have been told how they structure their deal to try and sign West Ham star Declan Rice this summer will be crucial. The Gunners are currently preparing to submit a £92million opening offer but the Hammers' valuation is around £120million, with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs now giving his verdict on how add-ons can be used by the Gunners to obtain favourable terms.
Speaking on The Done Deal Show, via The Boot Room, he said: “I think Arsenal are the frontrunners for sure because Rice would like to stay in London. The initial offer that Arsenal are preparing is for below £100m.
“In the end it won’t be as much about the number as the structure. If it’s £100m, Arsenal will lean towards it being made through add-ons and bonuses, but if it’s under £100m, which is the expectation from Arsenal and other suitors, then Arsenal may have to pay more up front.”
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