Arsenal transfer news LIVE – Viktor Gyokeres hint, Nico Williams update, Rafael Leao interest

 

 

Latest Arsenal transfer news as Nico Williams and Viktor Gyokeres continue to be heavily linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium with Mikel Arteta’s side keen to strengthen their ranks in the summer

 

footballlondon

 

Share

 

Bookmark

 

Viktor Gyokeres for Sporting CP at the Estadio Jose Alvalade

 

Hello and welcome to football.london’s coverage of the latest Arsenal transfer news on Tuesday.

 

Mikel Arteta’s side are all-but-out of the Premier League title race, but they do have a Champions League to fight for with Real Madrid in town this week for the first leg of the quarter-final between the two teams.

 

As for matters off the pitch, the Gunners are ramping up their summer transfer window plans with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres seemingly the club’s top targets.

 

We will bring you all the latest transfer news as Arsenal prepare for a shake-up come the end of the season with a number of players likely to depart as well as arrive at the club.

 

You can follow along throughout the day on our live blog below…

 

Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel

 



 

Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!

 

By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.

 

To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!

 

If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.

 

11:28Jake Stokes

 

Arsenal join race for AC Milan star

 

According to TBR Football, Arsenal would love to sign Nico Williams, who remains at the top of the club’s shortlist, but Rafael Leao has emerged as a target for the Gunners. The AC Milan forward has been linked with a switch to Chelsea in the past.

 

The report claims that Leao’s entourage are assessing his options ahead of the summer, with Barcelona said to be his ‘dream move’. TBR Football add that Arsenal have ‘done work’ on the Portugal international, but they face competition from the Blues…

 



 

Rafael Leao during AC Milan’s clash against Roma (Image: Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)

 

10:45Jake Stokes

 

Shearer previews Arsenal clash

 

Speaking to Betfair, Alan Shearer previewed Arsenal’s clash against Real Madrid. The Premier League legend said: “I’m doing Arsenal vs Real Madrid, which I can’t wait for – it’s going to be a cracking game.

 

“With the history of Real Madrid, then you have to say they’ll win, but Arsenal will give them a really, really good game and it isn’t going to be easy for Madrid.

 

“Arsenal will be a really tough game for Real Madrid – I just think because of who they’ve got up top and their history. I have watched them a few times this season.

 

“They didn’t qualify automatically from the league phase, but it’s a football club that has to win that trophy and so many times have gone out and done that.

 

“So, for me, they’re the team to beat, but I think that Arsenal will give them a really good game…”

 



 

Pundit and former Newcastle United player Alan Shearer. (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.)

 

10:15Jake Stokes

 

Gyokeres agent set for Arsenal visit

 

According to FootballTransfers, Viktor Gyokeres’ entourage will be in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night to watch Arsenal versus Real Madrid in the Champions League. The report claims that the Gunners have stepped up their interest in the Sporting CP striker following the appointment of a new sporting director.

 

It’s said that Berta is ‘leading the charge’ for Gyokeres, who has been identified as his ‘top striker target for the summer transfer window’. The Italian wasn’t afraid to splash the cash on strikers during his time at Atletico Madrid, spending big on the likes of Joao Felix, Julian Alvarez and Alvaro Morata.

 



 

Viktor Gyokeres made his name in the Championship before exploding to European prominence (Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

 

09:34Jake Stokes

 

Arsenal forward singled out

 

While analysing Arsenal’s recent draw with Everton on Sky Sports, Craig Bellamy singled out Leandro Trossard for special praise. The Wales boss, who could face the forward in June when his country play Belgium in a World Cup qualifier, said: “He’s an incredible player.

 

“He can play out wide or in the pockets. What I really like about him if he can do it on his left or right foot, he takes shots early too. I’m hoping my team don’t have to come up against him in the summer but he’s fully on my radar.

 

“He’s an outstanding player, there’s no two ways about it…”

 



 

Leandro Trossard in action for Arsenal against Everton (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

 

09:07Jake Stokes

 

Arsenal prepare swoop for ‘next Vardy’

 

According to The Sun, Arsenal are ‘ready’ to sign Harvey Higgins from Blackburn Rovers. The report claims that the Gunners have identified the 16-year-old striker as a target – and they’re hoping to secure his signature in the ‘next few weeks’.

 

While Arsenal will be able to sign Higgins for free, having not yet signed his first professional deal, the Championship outfit will be entitled to compensation – which could be worth around £1.5m. The Sun add that teenager has drawn early comparisons to Jamie Vardy.

 



 

Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium (Image: Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

 

08:36Jake Stokes

 

Shearer sends Arsenal warning with Cunha claim

 

Andrea Berta could think twice before launching a bid to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves this summer following Alan Shearer’s latest comments.

 

Speaking on Match of the Day, the Premier League legend suggested that his side have looked better without the Arsenal target in the starting lineup.

 

Shearer said: “The question was how were they going to get on with the four games without their best player, Cunha. Well, I actually think they’ve looked like a better team and the manager actually said it there.”

 



 

Wolves’ Matheus Cunha has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal. (Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

 

08:06Jake Stokes

 

Sporting boss heaps praise on Gyokeres

 

Viktor Gyokeres has been described as the best in the Portuguese top flight by Rui Borges. Speaking to reporters after the Arsenal target scored for the fifth consecutive game, the Sporting boss said: “He is the best in the league, clearly.

 

“There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team, he has helped the team to grow with confidence, quality of play, he passes it on to his team-mates.

 

“Today the team responded great, we played a game with great quality, always connected. That’s what I asked for, and that’s what they did. He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn’t want to rest.”

 

Borges added: “Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are. Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional…”

 



 

Arsenal are big admirers of Viktor Gyokeres (Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

 

Jake Stokes

 

Good morning!

 

Hello and welcome to football.london’s coverage of the latest Arsenal transfer news!

 

The Gunners have been tipped to splash the cash in the summer after a pretty underwhelming January window. Mikel Arteta voiced his concern with the lack of depth on numerous occasions following injuries to key players – yet he wasn’t given any reinforcements.

 

With Andrea Berta in the building, the Arsenal boss will be hoping to finally strengthen his side at the end of the season. Viktor Gyokeres, Nico Williams and Alexander Isak have all been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium recently…

 



 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Image: Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

 

21:26Kieran Horn

 

Courtois injury update

 

Thibaut Courtois himself has provided an update on his fitness ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.

 

The Belgian has missed the last few games with a knee issue but he has been named in the squad to face the Gunners. And at the club’s pre-match press conference, Courtois gave a clear response to questions over his condition

 

“[I’m] at 100 per cent,” he said. “We’ll have to ask the coach if I’ll start, but I’m ready. I’ve been in the gym and on the pitch these days. I’m ready to play.”

 



 

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. (Image: Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images)

 

20:25Kieran Horn

 

Bellingham message before Arsenal

 

Jude Bellingham has demanded more from his teammates ahead of Real Madrid’s clash against Arsenal. The Gunners will host Los Blancos at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal.

 

Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at the weekend, meanwhile, Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Valencia. Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Vinicius Junior from 12 yards inside the opening 10 minutes before Mouctar Diakhaby fired Carlos Corberan’s side ahead with a brilliant header.

 

Shortly after half-time, Vinicius redeemed himself with an equaliser. Then, in the dying embers of stoppage time, Valencia found space behind the reigning La Liga champions’ backline and scored a late winner courtesy of Hugo Duro.

 

Following that, Bellingham sent a clear message…

 

Click here to read more

 



 

Jude Bellingham after Real Madrid’s La Liga clash against Valencia (Image: JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

 

19:22Kieran Horn

 

Ferdinand reveals transfer demand for Arsenal star

 

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed he told the club to sign Declan Rice before he joined Arsenal.

 

‘Declan Rice didn’t make a choice [between Manchester United and Arsenal,’ Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. ‘Man United didn’t bid for him.

 

“I wanted Declan and I advised a couple of people there to get Declan at all costs. And they didn’t even bid. They didn’t even bid. He’s the man, I love him. I would have taken him.”

 

With Rice now a hugely important player for the Gunners, a move to another Premier League club is highly unlikely.

 



 

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

 

18:19Kieran Horn

 

Sporting CP boss drops Gyokeres transfer hint

 

Sporting CP boss Rui Borges has dropped a big Viktor Gyokeres transfer hint as links to Arsenal ramp up.

 

Viktor is a player… I think there are no words: it is unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years. He is clearly above average.

 

 

Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are. Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional.

 

 

I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games.

 

 

The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.

 



 

Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring for Sporting Lisbon last month (Image: Getty Images)

 

17:42Kieran Horn

 

Ekitike transfer message

 

Hugo Ekitike has been linked with a move to Arsenal from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer transfer window.

 

Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are also of interest with Ekitike somewhat of an outside shout and former player Emmanuel Petit has warned the club from signing the latter.

 

“Honestly, I’ve seen him playing for Paris Saint-Germain. He was a little bit too young to play for a huge club like Paris Saint-Germain,” Petit told pokerfirma.com.

 

“Now he’s having a good time in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt. I think it’s probably too soon for him to come to a top top club like Arsenal or Liverpool – I’m not sure if he’s ready to be the main man at a club chasing a Premier League title.”

 



 

Hugo Ekitike has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer (Image: Getty Images)

 

17:03Kieran Horn

 

Rafael Leao Arsenal transfer truth

 

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal.

 

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, via TBR Football, sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with Nico Williams of Athletic Club but that work is also being done on other options with Leao as one of them.

 

The report has added that he is an interesting player and one that the Gunners are aware of.

 



 

Rafael Leao during AC Milan’s clash against Roma (Image: Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)

 

16:00Kieran Horn

 

Williams transfer warning

 

Nico Williams may not be the marquee signing Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are looking for.

 

The Spaniard is a long-term target with Arteta a big fan even before his breakout performances at Euro 2024. However, his lack of goals and assists is a concern with that trend continuing on Sunday evening.

 

In action for Athletic Club, Williams failed to make a lasting impact as his side drew 0-0 for the second consecutive weekend.

 

The 22-year-old played just 63 minutes and it is now just one goal contribution in his last four games.

 



 

Nico Williams during an Athletic Club match (Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

 

15:14Kieran King

 

Kamara interest

 

Arsenal are said to be keeping a close eye on Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara, as they line up midfield reinforcements for the summer transfer window, as per TBR Football.

 

The Gunners are reported to have tracked the Frenchman’s progress throughout the season and have been impressed with his composure, defensive intelligence, and ability to dictate play from deep.

 

Kamara, 25, is currently in negotiations over a new contract at Villa and Arsenal know they need to act quick if they want to secure the services of the former Marseille man this summer.

 



 

Arsenal are interested in a move for Aston Villa’s Boubacar Kamara (Image: Getty Images)

 

14:41Kieran King

 

Arsenal miss out on windfall

 

Arsenal have missed out on a £1million cash windfall after Southampton were relegated from the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side sold Aaron Ramsdale to Saints last summer and there was a survival bonus included if the south coast club survived the drop this season.

 

Southampton would have needed to stump up £1m if they avoided relegation, but their top-flight fate was confirmed following a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday.

 

Arsenal received an upfront fee of £18m by offloading Ramsdale to Southampton last August. He has since become the club’s No.1 and returned to the England squad.

 



 

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (Image: Getty Images)

 

14:15Kieran King

 

Williams contract talks

 

Nico Williams is expected to hold contract talks with Athletic Bilbao. New Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is said to have already held talks with the player’s agent ahead of a possible summer move.

 

However, according to The Mirror, Athletic president Jon Uriarte is planning to make an effort to open talks with Williams over signing a new deal, and he does not want to lose the Spaniard without putting up a fight.

 



 

Nico Williams is emerging as a summer target for Arsenal (Image: Getty)

 

13:45Kieran King

 

Saka on new contract

 

Bukayo Saka has spoken on his future and committed himself to wanting to win things in an Arsenal shirt.

 

Asked whether he could ease fans’ fears over his future, like William Saliba, he reaffirmed that he does indeed want to stay in north London.

 

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg against Real Madrid, Saka said: “I want to win. I want to win wearing this badge. It’s pretty clear. The fans know how much I love them. I think they love me back… I’m really happy to be here.”

 



 

Bukayo Saka responds to questions regarding his contract situation (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

 

13:10Kieran King

 

Flamengo chief on Jorginho

 

Flamengo technical director Jose Boto has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Jorginho and stated that the decision is now down to the Arsenal midfielder.

 

Jorginho is out of contract this summer and there has been talk that he could move to Brazil at the end of the season. The 33-year-old and his fiancee Catherine Harding were spotted in Rio de Janeiro during the international break, adding speculation over a potential move to Flamengo.

 

“We never deny that he is a player that interests us,” Boto told FlaZoeiro via Coluna Do Fla. “We are in a negotiation process and, as I said, I never reveal anything about a negotiation process.

 

“And what comes out in public, 99% of the time is not true. The ball is in his court, Jorginho’s, and he will treat it well and will play this game with us.”

 



 

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is out of contract this summer (Image: Getty Images)

 

12:39Kieran King

 

Guler talks

 

According to Defensa Central, Arsenal will use their blockbuster Champions League showdown against Real Madrid as an opportunity to initiate talks to sign Arda Guler.

 

The Gunners are eyeing up a move for the 20-year-old Turkey international this summer. As such, Mikel Arteta’s side are reported to be plotting a £25.6million bid to prise him away from the Santiago Bernabau.

 

Arteta is said to be a huge admirer of Guler and could get a closer look at the former Fenerbahce midfielder when Real Madrid travel to Arsenal on Tuesday.

 



 

Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

 

11:54Kieran King

 

Campbell on Arsenal vs Real Madrid

 

Sol Campbell has backed Arsenal to BEAT Real Madrid and progress to the Champions League semi-final. Mikel Arteta’s host Los Blancos in the first-leg of their last eight tie on Tuesday.

 

Campbell said: “You must respect the history of a team like Real Madrid, but not let it shackle you down. The game is over two legs and Arsenal must be brave yet sensible.

 

“I’m expecting a special game over two legs, and the players in the Arsenal team cannot let the occasion get to them. They must play as a team and concentrate on their individual jobs. If they don’t, Real Madrid can punish you, as we’ve seen over the years.

 

“But, I’m still backing Arsenal. I think they have a good chance of progressing if they can get a positive result in the first leg at the Emirates. Arsenal to sneak it.”

 

Campbell was speaking on behalf of bet365, an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League, which hosted an epic Big Ticket Giveaway Game this weekend, and gave away six pairs of UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tickets.

 

For your chance to win semi-final and final tickets for the UEFA Champions League, visit bet365.com from April 17th. Full Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble Responsibly.

 



 

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell (left) (Image: bet365)

 

11:15Kieran King

 

New Gyokeres update

 

Viktor Gyokeres’ representatives will be in attendance to watch Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg against Real Madrid on Tuesday, according to Football Transfers.

 

It’s said that the Swede’s agent will be in north London this week, adding fuel to increasing speculation linking Gyokeres with a stunning summer move to the Emirates Stadium.

 

Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres has reported to have intensified since the arrival of sporting director Andrea Berta. The 26-year-old has been identified as a top striker transfer target.

 



 

Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Image: Getty Images )

 

 

Kean transfer race

 

Newcastle United have jumped to the front of the queue and ahead of Arsenal and Tottenham in the race to sign Fiorentina hotshot Moise Kean, according to Calciomercato.

 

Former Everton forward Kean, 25, is enjoying the most productive season of his career so far, having scored 22 times in 36 matches. It’s form that has seen him linked with a move away from Fiorentina.

 

Newcastle are said to have made ‘first direct contact’ with Kean’s entourage, while Arsenal and Tottenham are sitting further back. He has a £44.4million release clause in his Fiorentina contract.

 

 

Moise Kean has been linked with a stunning move to Arsenal

Former Newcastle United forward Alan Shearer believes that Matheus Cunha will LEAVE Wolves this summer amid reported transfer interest from Arsenal.

 

The Gunners want to strengthen their squad with forward additions and Cunha, 25, has been lined up as a potential attacking reinforcement following an impressive season at Wolves.

 

Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer offered his verdict on Cunha’s future. He said: “He’s (Wolves boss Vitor Pereira) got Cunha, who’s a very, very good player, but he knows that he’s a bit of a maverick and he’s been suspended for the last four games.

 

“They’ve won three and drawn one. My guess is that he signed a contract, perhaps, to get Wolves some money in the summer, which would have a close in there.

 

“So he’ll leave in the summer and someone will buy him. So I don’t suspect he’ll play a big part in what Wolves do in the future.”