Arsenal are pursuing two midfielders also wanted by Manchester United and Liverpool as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his Premier League title-winning squad during the summer transfer window.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, celebrates with the Premier League trophy as Arsenal are crowned champions of the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, following the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)
Arsenal are eager to build on their successful season by making calculated moves in the transfer market.
As Premier League champions, Mikel Arteta's side will aim to extend their advantage over their rivals. The Gunners are in a strong position, but while Arteta has a well-rounded squad, he acknowledges there is room for enhancement after falling short in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
With the summer transfer window officially opening on Monday, Arsenal can accelerate their recruitment efforts. Several players have already been linked with a potential move to North London. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to build from a position of strength (Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Fresh twist in Mateus Fernandes transfer saga
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes is rumoured to be on Arsenal's radar.
The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Arsenal following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, with many pundits suggesting he might be available at a reduced fee.
However, his valuation has surged to £80million amid interest from the Gunners and Manchester United. Despite West Ham's relegation, shareholder Daniel Kretinsky has insisted the Hammers are not compelled to offload their star players.
"We have a very credible strategy," Kretinsky told The Times. "We don't need to sell the players for financial reasons.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham and Portugal (Image: Getty)
"We are doing this to ensure we secure immediate promotion back to the Premier League. That is our sole objective.
"Key players are waiting for us. They want to see there is a genuine chance of keeping the squad intact. What matters is funding, strategy and consistency. We have spoken to all of them. They need to see that our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only goal."
Fernandes made 36 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists last year, after the Portuguese international moved from Southampton for an initial £38m last summer.
World Cup star set for talks
Ayyoub Bouaddi is being eyed by Arsenal and Liverpool (Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has attracted attention following his standout performance against Brazil in the World Cup.
After his showing in the 1-1 draw, the Lille midfielder has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool. The Gunners were previously rumoured to be interested in the teenager ahead of the winter transfer window.
Sky Sports indicates Arsenal have been actively pursuing a deal for the 18-year-old and have kept in touch with his representatives since early 2025. Further discussions are reportedly planned after the World Cup.
Lille have reportedly set a £60m price tag on Bouaddi, who has already made 96 appearances for the club.
The midfielder is believed to be eager to join the Gunners, but they face stiff competition from PSG for his signature.