At a Glance:
- Rafael Leao is dreaming of a Premier League move, amid speculation linking him with Arsenal.
- The Gunners are in ongoing talks with Declan Rice over a new contract.
- Julian Alvarez’s prospective move to Barcelona has stalled, leaving Arsenal as the frontrunners to sign the Argentine.
As the World Cup approaches, Arsenal and Andrea Berta are focused on making transfer moves which strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad heading into next season.
The Gunners are eager to build on their Premier League title-winning campaign by claiming multiple trophies next season, but they are aware that their roster needs improving to ensure this unfolds. A left winger, a striker, a central midfielder and a right-back are all on the agenda.
Several names are already being linked, with the window officially opening on 15th June. With that said, here is the latest Arsenal news today, including updates on Rafael Leao, Declan Rice and Julian Alvarez.
Rafael Leao dreaming of Premier League move
It’s well documented that Arsenal’s priority this summer is to sign a world-class left-sided forward. The likes of Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Morgan Rogers have been heavily linked, although a viable alternative might just have emerged.
Rafael Leao reportedly ‘offered himself’ to Arsenal a few days ago, and it’s now been confirmed that the Portuguese winger is dreaming of a switch to the Premier League. Speaking to Sport TV, Leao revealed that his desire is to play in either the English top flight or La Liga.
“I want a new challenge out of Serie A,” he said.
“I follow the Premier League with great attention. If I have the opportunity to play there or La Liga, I would be really happy because my talent would be exalted there. Let’s see what will happen this summer.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal are actually interested in Leao and whether Arteta would be happy to overlook his lack of defensive output.
Arsenal pushing for new Declan Rice contract
Alongside new acquisitions, Arsenal are looking to tie several important players down to new contracts. On this list is Declan Rice, whose current deal expires in the summer of 2028.
Rice is currently among the Gunners’ highest earners, but not quite at the very top alongside Bukayo Saka, where he probably ought to be. Thus, Berta is looking to secure the player’s future for several more years and reward him for another excellent season.
Talks are ongoing, although the World Cup is expected to delay significant progress being made on this front. However, if these negotiations progress, an announcement on a new deal could be made before the start of next season.
Barcelona out of Julian Alvarez race
It’s clear from the widespread reporting that Berta is keen on adding a superstar forward to Arteta’s ranks. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is among those who have been mooted as a target.
It’s been suggested that the major stumbling block in this potential deal is that the Argentine favours a move to Barcelona, while Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing the player. However, SER Deportivos report that Barcelona’s attempts to sign Alvarez have ‘absolutely stalled’, and that Arsenal are now the only ‘real option’ available to the player.
🛑💼 La 'operación Julián Alvarez' con el Barça está "absolutamente estancada" y el Atleti ya planifica la próxima temporada con él
— SER Deportivos (@SERDeportivos) June 5, 2026
✖️ La única opción real es la del Arsenal, pero el futbolista no la contempla
🎙️ Informa @PedroFullanaSER https://t.co/wOxiJ6w0AB
The publication suggests that the 26-year-old isn’t currently considering the Emirates as a potential destination, and Atleti are subsequently preparing to have him available to them next season.
