Joshua Zirkzee discovers the benefits of a potential Arsenal transfer as Bernardo Silva delivers a stern warning to Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta will be keen to strengthen his squad further this summer after Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Premier League title by just two points. The Gunners have been linked with several big names, but it remains to be seen if the Kroenkes will approve another significant spending spree.
Last year, Arsenal spent over £200 million on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber, although Timber missed most of the season due to injury. Arsenal also made several sales, and Edu might be planning another clear-out.
Arteta will not want any progress to stall, especially with other clubs expected to spend big. Therefore, football.london has reviewed some of the major Arsenal stories for Thursday, May 23.
Man City Ace Sends Teammates Arsenal Warning
Bernardo Silva has warned his Manchester City teammates that Arsenal will be a strong contender in the Premier League for years to come. The 29-year-old midfielder, who recently won his sixth Premier League title, told Sky Sports: “For sure. I know their manager very well because he was here with us. I know how demanding and how intelligent he is. If you look at their squad, they’re very young and for sure, they’re very hungry to go after some titles so no doubt about that.
Silva added: “No, we can’t [start the season slow]. Ideally, we would like to stay on top all season knowing that it’s not easy.”
football.london comments: “Silva is absolutely right. However, Manchester City are no lightweights so Arsenal must continue bolstering their squad in the upcoming transfer windows. Mikel Arteta needs a world-class striker, an exciting understudy for Bukayo Saka, and possibly a top midfielder to slot alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.”
Serie A Star Told to Snub Man United
Frank de Boer has advised Joshua Zirkzee to join Arsenal over Manchester United, Inter, and AC Milan this summer. The £25 million-rated striker has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium following his impressive performances for Bologna in Serie A.
Zirkzee scored 11 goals and provided five assists in the Italian top flight this season, attracting interest from top European clubs. Speaking to Italian outlet Calciomercato, as quoted by the Metro, De Boer said: “I have great respect for Arsenal, they have patience, for example they had it with Arteta who didn’t start well. In some clubs, if it happens like this you are already out. And he has played very well in the last two years, Inter also play well. If I have to say someone I prefer Arsenal because they have the patience to wait for him and give him confidence.”
football.london remarks: “Personally, I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Zirkzee is obviously a good player but is he good enough to push Arsenal to the next level? Where they can exceed Manchester City or get their hands on the Champions League? I’m not sure. I’d like to see him continue working with Thiago Motta at Bologna for one more season before splashing the cash.”
Arsenal Urged to Consider Ramsdale Bid
Emmanuel Petit has encouraged Arsenal to consider a £15 million bid for Aaron Ramsdale. The Gunners goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium after losing his starting spot to David Raya.
Speaking on behalf of BoyleSports, who offer the latest Euro 2024 betting, Petit said: “£15m for Ramsdale to Newcastle? It’s a difficult one because what is the value of a player who is sitting on the bench. He’s barely played for the last few seasons, but for someone with two years on his contract, £15m seems quite a small amount – especially for an England ‘keeper. I think the problem is that Arsenal are not in the driving seat because they know the player wants to leave. So perhaps £15m is good business for Arsenal overall. In the transfer window, Arsenal have got it spot on in recent years so you can’t complain about that.”
football.london adds: “While I agree that Arsenal should look to offload Ramsdale this summer, £15m is an insult! Yes, he’s not been playing. Yes, he had his faults. But this is Ramsdale! He played a key role in the Gunners side that finished second in 2022/23, he has two years left on his contract, he’s only 26 and he’ll probably receive offers from Premier League clubs looking to cement a place in the top six.”