Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Viktor Gyokeres boost, major Rodrygo update, Eberechi Eze competition

 

 

The latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours on Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and much

Arsenal continue to be linked with a summer transfer swoop for Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres.

 

Hello and welcome to football.london’s Arsenal transfer live blog on Saturday, July 19.

 

Arsenal confirmed their fourth signing of the summer transfer window on Friday with confirmation of the arrival of Noni Madueke. The England international has signed a five-year contract with the club.

 

In doing so he has become the second player to make the switch from Chelsea to Arsenal this summer, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga completing his move earlier in the window.

 

Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard are the other two players to move to the Emirates Stadium so far. But the Gunners are also closing in on the signing of Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.

 

He may not be the final arrival with Arsenal continuing to work on a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners appear to be edging closer to the transfer.

 

With that being said, stay right with us on football.london as we bring you all the latest Arsenal news and transfer rumours…

 

13:18Amie Wilson

 

Merson’s Gyokeres verdict

 

Former Arsenal man Paul Merson has given his thoughts on a potential transfer of Viktor Gyokeres.

 

Writing for Sky Sports, he said:

 

“On the whole, Arsenal have done good business this summer.

 

“Martin Zubimendi is a top buy. Viktor Gyokeres is also a good buy, but we’ll have to see whether his form from Portugal translates to the Premier League.

 

“How many players have ripped it up in Portugal and Holland but then not ripped it up in England? I’m sure people will be screaming examples at me where the form has translated, but he’ll have to prove it.”

 

Big Rodrygo update

 

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo will not be joining Arsenal this summer, according to reports in Spain.

 

Cadena SER, via Football Espana report that the Emirates Stadium will ‘definitively not be his destination’, despite links throughout the window.

 

It now seems that Liverpool could be the most likely destination for the Brazilian, with Luis Diaz a candidate to move on from Anfield this summer.

 

Rodrygo celebrates during a Real Madrid game

 

Rodrygo ‘conversations’

 

Hournalist Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on the situation surrounding Rodrygo, amid interest from Arsenal.

 

The winger has found himself behind both Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe in the pecking order at Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants said to be open to a sale this summer.

 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said:

 

“Rodrygo and Real Madrid will have more rounds of conversations. Rodrygo is in front of a big change, a big opportunity. He got the impression while speaking to Real Madrid that the club are not closing the doors on him. If he wants to go, for Real Madrid, the player can go. Those are the conditions of the deal.

 

“Seeing reports of €80m, from what I am hearing, Real Madrid want way more than this. They will probably start over €100m, then this price could be reduced. Real Madrid are opening the exit doors to Rodrygo. At the same time, Rodrygo has to decide. On one side, there is the opportunity to go abroad and experience a new club, another chance to be a star elsewhere.

 

“On the other hand, Rodrygo is still in love with Real Madrid. It is not easy for Rodrygo to make this decision. Rodrygo loves the club, he loves Real Madrid, he feels that he can still give a lot to the club. So it is a complicated moment, where he has to make a big decision. If Rodrygo decides to leave, there will be a lot of movements around him, for sure. From Premier League clubs, and not only. So, the Rodrygo case will continue in the coming days. More than by Real Madrid, this may be decided by Rodrygo himself.”

 

Gyokeres boost

 

Arsenal have been handed a potential boost in trying to breach a transfer stalemate with Sporting CP, with the club facing the possibility of missing out on their replacement if things don’t move soon.

 

Sporting have reportedly identified Almeria’s Luis Suarez as their replacement for Gyokeres, but face competition from other clubs.

 

Speaking to CNN Portugal, Ameria chief Joao Goncalves has now sent a warning to the club.

 

“Luis has had his best season, he’s in the best moment of his career. 31 goals is a number any forward wants to achieve,” he said.

 

“We haven’t had any official contact with Sporting to date. We haven’t received any formal or informal contact, but we have with other clubs, and we’re moving forward with negotiations with other clubs. We’re managing our timing.

 

“Fair value? He has a €40million release clause. To paraphrase Frederico Varandas – we’re not asking for the value of the clause, but we’re going to defend our interests.”

 

Dragging out the eixt of Gyokeres could lead to them missing out of Suarez, and could therefore prompt things to move a little more quickly.

 

Arsenal reunion possibility

 

An Arsenal reunion could be on the cards in Italy with Serie A side Parma reportedly showing interest in Fabio Vieira.

 

The midfielder spent last season on loan with Porto, with his future at the Emirates Stadium uncertain. Gazzetta di Parma now report interest from Parma, who are managed by former Arsenal assistant manager Carlos Cuesta.

 

Arsenal are set to want €20 million (£17.3m) for the player, but that asking price could be reduced.

 

Fabio Vieira spent last season on loan at Porto

 

Full pre-season schedule

 

Here’s a look at what lies ahead for Arsenal over the next few weeks as they step up preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season:

 

Wednesday, 23 July – Vs AC Milan at Singapore National Stadium – 12.30pm kick off.

 

Sunday 27 July – Vs Newcastle United at Singapore National Stadium – 12.30pm kick-off.

 

Thursday 31 July – Vs Tottenham at Kai Tak Sports Park – 12.30pm kick-off.

 

Wednesday 6 August – Vs Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium – 6pm kick-off.

 

Saturday 9 August – Vs Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium – 5pm

Eberechi Eze competition

 

It’s no surprise, but it seems that Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this summer.

 

CaughtOffside claim that Chelsea have now made their interest known and have held ‘new talks’ with the player’s representatives.

 

The same reports say that Arsenal were thought to be heading towards an agreement with Palace over the player. But the latest update could throw a deal into doubt.

 

 

Eberechi Eze has been strongly linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal

 

Viktor Gyokeres latest

 

There remains a lot of talk over Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal work to complete a move for the striker this summer.

 

The Sweden international has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for some time, but the last couple of week has seen some movement on a potential deal.

 

But what is the latest on the striker and him moving to Arsenal?

 

Aubameyang makes decision over his future

 

Former Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is closing in on a move to a new club.

 

The striker is available on a free transfer after being released by Al-Qadsiah. He was linked with a move to Al-Ettifaq, but it seems he has opted for a return to Europe.

 

According to FootMercarto, Aubameyang has turned down an offer from the Saudi Pro-League side and is lkely to return to French side Marseille.

 

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 01: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal celebrate with the Heads Up Emirates FA Cup Trophy following their team’s victory in the FA Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors.

 

Xavi Simons boost

 

Arsenal have been handed a boost in a potential move for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with the player reportedly prioritising a move to the Premier League.

 

German outlet Bild report that the player is eyeing a move to England due to clubs being able to offer bigger salaries.

 

Arsenal have been named as one of the clubs showing an interest in recent days. They however face competiton from the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

 

Xavi Simons pictured on international duty with Netherlands

 

Saturday morning catch-up

 

I think now is the perfect time to have a catch up on some of the things that you may have missed from last night and first thing this morning.

 

Arsenal miss Gyokeres deadline

 

A deal for Viktor Gyokeres will not be concluded in time for the player to take part in the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, according to reports in Portugal.

 

Despite an agreement between Arsenal and Sporting being close, A Bola report that there are still disagreements over the structure of the deal.

 

It is said that both the bonus payments and schedule of installments as well as solidarity payments and training compensation are currently holding up the deal.

 

Arsenal’s squad make the hourney to Asia from London today, but Gyokeres remains in Sweden.

 

The future of Viktor Gyokeres is close to finally being

 

Morning

 

Greetings and welcome to the latest instalment of the LIVE Arsenal transfer blog, brought to you by football.london!

 

We’ll be on hand throughout the day to provide you with the latest Gunners transfer news, rumours and gossip.

 

Make sure you stay

 

“I want to win everything”

 

Noni Madueke has admitted he wants to win everything at Arsenal after becoming the Gunners’ fourth signing of the summer.

 

“To win all the competitions we’re in, I feel like we’re definitely capable of doing that,” he said. “And also to help the team in every way I can and grow as a player, but also as a person.”

 

Madueke’s first words

 

Speaking publicly after his move to north London, Madueke said: “I’m somebody who goes with my gut feeling a lot of the time and I feel like it’s steered me in the right direction so far. So, I don’t think it’s going to be any different here. I think it’s going to be a great success and I’m really happy to be here.

 

“I’ve just been relaxed, waiting for the green light and when I came in today, it all felt real. I’m really happy and really proud, so it’s a great moment for me. It’s great to go back home, be with my mum, my dad. I know my mum misses me in the house!

 

“It’s already a great team with a clear identity and I can’t wait to bring my style to the team and try and help the boys as much as possible to take that next step.”

 

Rodrygo offer ‘being readied’

 

CaughtOffside claim Arsenal are prepared to act swiftly to sign Rodrygo whilst rivals Liverpool are distracted.

 

The report says the Gunners will send an €80m (£69m) proposal for Real Madrid to consider, significantly ramping up the race to sign the Brazilian.

 

Meanwhile Liverpool are currently attempting to sign striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, so have their hands full with that operation.

 

 

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo during the Club World Cup. (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt –

 

Takehiro Tomiyasu on Arsenal exit

 

Takehiro Tomiyasu says he feels ‘free’ after agreeing to terminate his contract with Arsenal a year early.

 

The defender, 26, officially departed the Gunners sooner than anticipated. He signed for the club in 2021 for £17m and made a total of 84 appearances.

 

“It wasn’t a sudden decision to leave,” he told DAZN Japan. “First of all, I want to make it clear that my contract wasn’t terminated unilaterally, and I didn’t unilaterally say: ‘I’m leaving’.

 

“We had a proper discussion and came to the conclusion that: ‘This decision is best for me, for the club, and for everyone’. So I’m leaving. It all ended amicably.

 

“From my perspective, it’s the best timing. I’ll be free, and most importantly, the most positive thing about this decision is that it will allow me to focus on my rehabilitation and on myself.

 

“I was there for four years, but I only played five minutes in the 2024-25 season, and I spent a whole year in rehabilitation.

 

“I was under a lot of stress and anxiety. To be honest, I wasn’t feeling like I was there anymore, and I was wondering: ‘Is this where my future is?’

 

“After I decided to leave, I said my final goodbyes to the players, coaches, and staff. I went to the locker room or staff room one by one and said: ‘I’m leaving’.

 

“As I said my goodbyes to each and every one of them, I was reminded that I was loved, and that was when I was able to leave.

 

“I think that was a good thing. The players were surprised, too, as I still had time left on my contract and I was injured.”

 

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu

 

Madueke returned mapped

 

Madueke is not expected to join up immediately on the pre-season tour due to his involvement with Chelsea in the Club World Cup.

 

He is entitled to three weeks of rest before then returning and could therefore feature at the Emirates Stadium in friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Club before the Premier League season starts the week after.

 

 

Madueke signs!

 

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea.

 

The forward has signed a five-year contract and becomes signing number four of the summer transfer window in north London

 

Noni Madueke goodbye message

 

Noni Madueke has taken to Instagram to post a goodbye message to Chelsea supporters, thus seemingly confirming he will be joining Arsenal imminently.

 

The winger’s message reads:

 

Dear Chelsea Football Club,

 

“I want to thank you for the Last 3 or so years. To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you. To my teammates thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys. We achieved so much this season and I honestly wish you guys nothing but the best. To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you, thank you for trying to better me as a player and as a person. Lastly thank you to every single Chelsea fan. Thank you for the love, the praise and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories.

 

Noni Madueke is closing in on a move to Arsenal

 

Xavi Simons interest

 

Fabrizio Romano names Arsenal alongside Chelsea as two of many clubs ‘attentive’ to Xavi Simons’ situation this summer.

 

The Dutch attacking midfielder only signed for RB Leipzig permanently in January but had spent 18 months prior on loan with them from Paris Saint-Germain. The 22-year-old has been reported since before the summer as wanting to move on from Germany.

 

 

Viktor Gyokeres remains waiting on his move to Arsenal as talks with

 

Viktor Gyokeres update

 

Via The Express, Viktor Osimhen is reportedly on with clearing out his belongings in Portugal in the hope of a transfer to Arsenal being finalised.

 

They cite a report from CNN, which showed pictures of what was alleged to be the striker’s house on Thursday and a removal van out front. A friend was sorting things for him.

 

Portuguese publication Record have verified the location as the 27-year-old’s home in their own report stating all belongings, including furniture, have been moved.

 

 

The future of Viktor Gyokeres is close to finally being resolved

 

Joao Palhinha rumours shut down

 

Arsenal invincible Ray Parlour, speaking on talkSPORT, is not a fan of rumours linking the club to Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, 31.

 

“Yes absolutely [I like him as a player]. He was very good at Fulham, gone to Bayern Munich – big money move – but I don’t think they need him.

 

“They’ve got [Martin] Zubimendi coming in, in central midfield, whose gonna be that holding player, and now they’ve got [Christian] Norgaard. Reasonably good cover, experienced player, captain of Brentford, so he knows how to deal in Premier League games.

 

“For me, Palhinha, not saying he’s a bad player but I don’t think they need him. They can spend their money elsewhere.”

 

Do you agr

 

Joao Palhinha could leave Bayern Munich in the summer (Image: FC Bayern

 

Rodrygo ‘hope’

 

Jesus Vallejo, who has just completed a move from Real Madrid to Albacete, has reportedly named Rodrygo the most talented player at the Santiago Bernabeu and hopes that he will stay there.

 

The defender, speaking at his presentation via Madrid Universal, said: “In tight spaces, he’s the best by far. I hope he stays at Real Madrid for a long time.”

 

The Brazilian winger is being linked with Arsenal and Liverpool if he leaves the Spanish capital.

 

 

Rodrygo before a Real Madrid game

 

Gyokeres transfer alternatives

 

Arsenal are still negotiating with Sporting CP for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres despite two key agreements being reached.

 

Despite that, there appears to be some fear setting in that that may not happen with it looking as though a back-up plan has been hatched by Arsenal in case the Gyokeres deal collapses.

 

According to Italian journalist Orazio Accomando, Arsenal could make a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson or Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa if they fail to bring in Gyokeres. Manchester United have been linked to both players with the Gunners’ interest in Watkins well-documented.

 

Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP

Xavi Simons to Arsenal transfer claim

 

German outlet Bild have claimed that top Premier League clubs in London are in contact with Ali Berat, the agent of RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

 

It’s claimed that he has very strong connections in England with Arsenal mentioned as a team showing an interest as the Netherlands international is expected to be on the move this summer.

 

Considering their move for Eberechi Eze, it makes sense that Simons could be an option given his versatility. North London rivals Tottenham have also been linked but are currently focused on a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.

 

Xavi Simons pictured on international duty with Netherlands (Image: Pieter van der Woude

 

Gyokeres feelings clear amid Arsenal transfer delay

 

Viktor Gyokeres is said to be furious at Sporting CP as the Portuguese club continue talks with Arsenal over potential add-ons in his transfer.

 

The Gunners look set to pay €73.5million (£63.7million) for his signature but negotiations are still taking place over the exact structure of that proposal.

 

With an agreement in principle reached last week, it has been claimed by CNN Portugal that Gyokeres hates Sporting currently.

 

Pictures from outside his house, which showed his belongings being moved, emerged on Thursday with that outlet claiming it was his relatives clearing out his house.