Arsenal are beginning to ramp things up this summer as they look to add more signings after David Raya.

Spain goalkeeper Raya has joined on a permanent deal after a year on loan from Brentford, but he’s the only new senior addition at the time of writing. The Gunners have also offloaded striker Mika Biereth, with the Dane moving to Sturm Graz for £4million, while Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga have both been sent out on loan.

Arsenal took the title race to the final day last season, ultimately falling just short of Manchester City. New additions should help them close the gap, though, with Riccardo Calafiori tipped to join from Bologna.

Arteta’s team may also need to raise some funds through the sale of other first team players, and that’s part of our focus today. Here are Mirror Football’s latest lines from around North London.

Riccardo Calafiori’s former manager Heiko Vogel has sung the praises of the Italy international ahead of his anticipated move to Arsenal. Vogel was Basel’s boss for their run to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League in 2022-23, with Calafiori playing 34 times in all competitions.

“He has everything,” the manager told Sky Sports. “On one hand you have the possession game, and on the other hand at full-back and centre-back you need to be a good defender.

He’s aggressive, he’s good in duels, in one versus one situations, he has a good mentality, he’s good at anticipation. Everything you need to be at the highest level in an possession game and an opponent’s possession, he has everything, but he’s still young [and can improve]

Arsenal have knocked back a Fulham bid for Emile Smith Rowe, but are braced for renewed interest. According to The Telegraph, Marco Silva’s side have prioritised a move for the England international after losing a number of senior stars this summer.

Fulham are expected to come back with an improved offer, but they’re not the only interested party. Crystal Palace are said to be keeping an eye on the 23-year-old, who was born in Croydon.

Smith Rowe is under contract at Arsenal until the summer of 2026. However, after just 33 appearances over the last two seasons, he may decide to move on from his boyhood club.

Reiss Nelson, like Smith Rowe, has seen first-team options limited. The 24-year-old signed a contract extension last summer, but started just once in the Premier League during the 2023-24 season.

According to the Evening Standard, Nelson is among the players on West Ham’s radar. The Hammers have already raised funds with the sale of Said Benrahma to Lyon, while midfielder Flynn Downes is set to join Southampton permanently after a successful loan spell.

West Ham have made three signings as new manager Julen Lopetegui prepares for his first season in charge, but more could follow. Max Kilman has joined the Hammers from Lopetegui’s former club Wolves, with young winger Luiz Guilherme and backup goalkeeper Wes Foderingham also arriving.

Author: Mujuni Henry

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