Arsenal could be set for an eventful summer transfer window under Mikel Arteta, with the club already planning significant moves despite their focus on the Premier League run-in and Champions League final. The Gunners were not afraid to part with cash last summer, spending over £250 million on the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and Cristhian Mosquera.
Piero Hincapie Deal to Be Made Permanent
Manager Arteta already knows what the first act of the upcoming window will be: making the transfer of defender Piero Hincapie permanent. However, the north London club may not be done there. Arsenal have been linked with a move for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, and an update about his future has been issued.
Sandro Tonali in the Shop Window
Tonali has been talismanic for the Magpies since arriving in 2023 for £55 million, but the Italian has been the subject of immense transfer speculation since the January window concluded. Corriere della Sera now reports that the 26-year-old is up for sale, and Arsenal are in the race for his signature. However, the Italian outlet claims that Manchester United lead the way as things stand.
In January, Tonali was heavily eyed up by the Gunners, but Newcastle had already secured his future. It was revealed in October that the Italian had secretly signed a one-year contract extension during his 10-month gambling ban. Tonali is now contracted to Newcastle until 2029, and the publication writes that if he were to leave, the Magpies would demand a fee in the region of £87 million.
Arsenal Leapfrog Liverpool for PSG Star
Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is also thought to be on Arsenal's radar, and on this occasion, they are reportedly front-runners. L'Equipe claim Barcola, whose PSG side will face the Gunners in the Champions League final later this month, could be sold in the summer, with his team eyeing a new forward.
Barcola's contract expires in 2028, and according to the report, Arsenal and Liverpool have shown interest. It is Arteta's side, however, that are currently leading the way. Arne Slot's side have cooled their interest in the 23-year-old, and Arsenal may want to bolster their wing options, given Bukayo Saka's injury history. Barcola would cost a supposed £80 million.
The Frenchman was replaced at half-time during PSG's 2-0 win against Lens, and when asked for an explanation, manager Luis Enrique was rather coy. He said: "What I can say here is that I can't say anything. I have no important information for you, and you must think what you think. I don't have to explain anything. But it's very clear."
