Arsenal return to action this afternoon against Leeds United at the Emirates, eager to bounce back from their first defeat of the season, but the latest Arsenal transfer news is already dominating the agenda. Seven straight wins across all competitions had given the reigning champions a flying start before September’s 3-0 loss at Brighton.
Back to business after the break
Arsenal return to action this afternoon against Leeds United at the Emirates, eager to bounce back from their first defeat of the season. Seven straight wins across all competitions had given the reigning champions a flying start before September’s 3-0 loss at Brighton.
There is little time to rest. Lille visit north London in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Arsenal also needs to keep pace with leaders Manchester City. Away from the pitch, though, transfer talk is already heating up.
Inter put up the “not for sale” sign
Arsenal have been told that a €100m (£84.7m) bid would not be enough to sign Inter Milan forward Pio Esposito. The Gunners were reportedly in touch with the Nerazzurri in the summer about the 21-year-old. He has also been linked with other forwards, including Eli Junior Kroupi and Julian Alvarez.
Inter chief executive Beppe Marotta has made it clear that the figure would not be enough – with Esposito’s valuation increasing since he signed a new deal in September, keeping him at San Siro until 2032. It is not known if Arsenal will make another move for the forward in January or next summer.
Gyokeres in the balance
It was only ever going to be a temporary solution. The £64m Swedish striker finds himself as a back-up choice. Kai Havertz is favoured for the big games. He scored 14 goals as Arsenal secured the league title after a 22-year wait last season. He could find himself further down the pecking order if Esposito arrives and potentially head for the exit door.
A Balogun bonus
Meanwhile, Arsenal could get a shot in the arm from a familiar face. Folarin Balogun, who was at the club for 15 years prior to his departure in 2023, is being watched by Juventus ahead of a potential January move.
The Monaco striker was set to complete a £38.5m move to Everton in the summer. He pulled out at the last minute after his deadline-day medical. He has since only featured once for Monaco this season.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports Balogun is one of three options Juve are considering. Nick Woltemade, on loan from Newcastle, is struggling to make an impact. Arsenal inserted a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause into the £34.3m deal that took Balogun to Monaco. Any sale could mean a significant windfall.
What next?
For now, Mikel Arteta’s focus is on Leeds. But with a potentially huge fee heading in and a pricey striker target out of reach, Arsenal’s January plans may be shaped as much by the market as by results.
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