HERE WE GO: Arteta and Edu are in talks about signing a Brazilian international as a £50 million Arsenal player is close to leaving, according to a report.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar are reportedly in discussions about signing a Brazilian international. This comes as a £50 million player from the squad is reportedly “on the verge” of leaving the club.
Arsenal’s Pursuit of a Second Outfield Signing After Riccardo Calafiori
The North London club announced the signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori on a five-year contract at the beginning of this week, ending their wait for their first outfield addition of the summer transfer window.
Talks Over a £150k-per-Week Forward
Calafiori, capable of playing as both a center-back and left-back, played a key role in Bologna’s qualification for the Champions League with 30 Serie A appearances last season. The 22-year-old shone during Euro 2024, earning praise from World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta, who described some of his performances as “extraordinary.”
Calafiori’s arrival is a strategic addition for Arteta, providing a strong central defensive option alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, who have been vital for the Gunners since the 2022/23 season.
Statistical Comparison: Calafiori vs. Gabriel (2023/24)
– Games: Calafiori 29, Gabriel 34
– Goals & Assists: Calafiori 7, Gabriel 4
– Progressive Carries: Calafiori 28, Gabriel 13
– Pass Accuracy: Calafiori 90%, Gabriel 89%
– Tackles Won: Calafiori 37, Gabriel 28
– Interceptions: Calafiori 56, Gabriel 31
– Aerials Won: Calafiori 71%, Gabriel 55%
Arsenal’s Need for Reinforcements
To compete with Manchester City and challenge for the Premier League title next season, Arsenal needs further squad reinforcements. According to various reports, Edu and the recruitment team are seeking a new forward.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz contributed 51 goals in all competitions last season, but Gabriel Jesus had an injury-plagued campaign, and Gabriel Martinelli’s performance declined towards the end of the 2023/24 season.
Possible Exit of Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah’s future at Emirates Stadium is uncertain, with Ligue 1 team Marseille reportedly interested in signing him. Arsenal values Nketiah at around £50 million, according to talkSPORT. If Nketiah leaves, Arteta will need a new option to support Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in the center-forward position.
Interest in Joao Pedro from Brighton
Football Transfers reports that Arsenal is considering Brighton striker Joao Pedro, who has one cap for Brazil, as a potential signing. Edu and Arteta have internally discussed bringing Joao Pedro to the club as Nketiah is reportedly close to leaving.
The 22-year-old Joao Pedro scored 20 goals and provided three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions for Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi last season, including six goals in six Europa League matches. Joao Pedro also has an impressive record in the FA Cup, scoring five goals in just two appearances. Brighton originally signed him from Watford last summer for a club-record £30 million, but his value is expected to be significantly higher following his successful debut season at the Amex Stadium.