Arsenal are closing in on a busy summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta prepares his squad for a first Premier League title defence in 22 years.
Greek winger Christos Tzolis is set to be confirmed as an Arsenal player this week after completing his medical and media duties ahead of a £34million move from Club Brugge.
Tzolis racked up 51 goal contributions last season and is expected to fill the void left by Leandro Trossard, who joined Turkish side Besiktas for around £17million following a successful World Cup with Belgium.
Arsenal have already made other key additions this summer, with Piero Hincapie’s loan move made permanent and goalkeeper Illan Meslier joining on a free transfer after his contract at Leeds United expired.
On the exits front, Jakub Kiwior has joined Porto and Karl Hein has departed for Werder Bremen, with more arrivals and departures expected throughout the coming weeks.
In a transfer boost, Arsenal have secured the signing of 18-year-old central defender Elijah Upson, who left Tottenham Hotspur to join the Gunners and signed a professional contract ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Upson, described as a “powerful centre-back,” follows in the footsteps of his father Matthew Upson, saying: “It’s a great feeling, really proud to be here. My dad signed here around the same time as me, it’s great to have someone with a good experience of the place.”
The teenager added: “Aerially, I’m quite good, it’s definitely a strength of mine. I’d say I’ve definitely worked hard in terms of my passing range and having a good, longer passing range.”
Regarding Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle sources have insisted there remains no formal bid or direct contact between the two clubs, despite reports suggesting talks had opened between Arsenal and the Magpies.
Football.london understands that discussions have largely taken place through intermediaries, with super agent Kia Joorabchian involved in helping sort out Guimaraes’ future at Newcastle United.
The Brazilian midfielder has made it known to Newcastle that he wishes to leave this summer to pursue the chance of winning major honours, with Arsenal understood to be his preferred destination.
Reports from The Times suggest Arsenal indicated through intermediaries they would be willing to offer around £60million for the 28-year-old, who has two years remaining on his deal at St James’ Park.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who has turned down a new contract with the Cherries according to Sky Sports News.
Alan Shearer offered his assessment of Scott’s situation, telling Betfair: “It’s no surprise to see Alex Scott is being linked with huge clubs because he’s a wonderful player and he will go to the next level. It’s just a matter of when.”
Despite Scott’s contract rejection, football.london understands Bournemouth have already rejected a direct approach from Chelsea, with the club maintaining the stance that the player is not for sale at any price.
Arsenal pre-season is officially underway, with players including Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard all reporting for duty on Monday.
David Raya, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino will be among the last to return after helping Spain defeat Argentina in the World Cup final, and their extended tournament run will also benefit the club financially.
Arsenal are set to receive approximately $3,660,000 from FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme, with three players reaching the final and each qualifying for a 57-day compensation package worth $285,000.
Bryan Robson believes Arsenal remain the team to beat in the Premier League next season, telling Hajper: “I think Manchester United and Manchester City will be outsiders for the title this season because Arsenal look really strong and if they add another couple of quality players into their squad then they will win it again.”
