Arsenal News Show:Calafiori deal breaks down | Smith Rowe bid rejected! | Felix,Williams & Merino

People deluded. I'm back again. Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening. And of course, in some cases, good night. Now the Euros is over. The Copa America is over. The under 90s Euro is still going funny enough people. And so the football never stops for me. Obviously, you know, the boys were asked to a concern of returning back to training dependent on if they participate in any competitions and the gears are being put into motion to prepare for the 2024-25 season. Obviously, while all of this has gone on slash going on, there's still transfer news is obviously every team in the Premier League looks to sign players and improve their side. Now, selfishly, we're asked to a concern. You know, we hope to get the California over the line. I think I speak for every player, every fan apologies when I say we'd love a central midfielder, a winger, a striker, and maybe just some ultimate additions to bolster our squad. Arteta did say a few months ago, we've got one of the smallest squads in the league. Now I rate Mikel Arteta. I rate what he's doing. I rate what he's doing individually and collectively in line with this project. And that extends to those above him. So if they sit here and say, as I said, I'm praising them. If they sit there and say we've got the smallest squad, then you lot are too smart to make that as a mistake. And I think we coped with injuries. I do think people downplay injuries where Arsenal were concerned last season. Of course, we didn't have what Chelsea had and what Man United had, but we missed key players and chinks in the armour. You know, again, the California deal, we're going to get into that. It could potentially have broken down, but you know, we didn't have a consistent left back in line with injuries. We had a lot of different midfield partners, and that has to correlate into the form of Martinelli people, if I'm honest with you, on top of obviously him needing to improve. Now, just as I alluded to, Arsenal have been linked with Xao Phillips, Nico Williams, Mikel Moreno. The California deal allegedly could be broken down or has hit a spanner in the works. You know, that's, in my opinion, means we're getting closer to it. Apparently an offer has been rejected for Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah is still drawing interest people. So yeah, man, and where outgoings are concerned, obviously we've got some money from the Omari Hutchison deal to Ibswich from Chelsea. Mika Bertha's left. Lokongo and Tavares have officially left, you know, in some capacity as well. So we're getting a move on, and where the Eddie Nketiah's, the Reece Nelson's, the Aaron Ramsdale's, they're still linked with football clubs. Nelson's actually linked with West Ham. So if you give me a second, people, don't forget to hit the like button, get the creative juices flowing, and comment any thoughts, questions, talking points, opinions, video ideas you've got. I can share my screen, and we'll get into it now. Our first stop, actually, people, thank you for sharing the screen, is the Athletic. The Athletic, they do their little transfer round-up stuff. What has happened with Arsenal this week? As we know, Lokongo has completed a season-long move to Spain, where he'll play for Sevilla. There's a €12m in brackets, £10.1m, $13.1m, people. Quite the hit on Lokongo. Purchase clause included in his contract. If they exercise that option, Arsenal will retain a 25% sell-on clause if he moves on from there. As we know, prior to the official announcement where Nuno Tavares to Lazio's concerned, he was training with them, he's officially tied up the loose ends where that's concerned, and he's currently playing in Lazio, and that's all been confirmed. There's a mandatory €9m clause, people, and apparently we're going to hold a significantly sell-on clause of greater than 25%. So, you know, it is what it is. We took an L with those players. We've kind of broken even, didn't we, signing Nuno Tavares for that kind of fee. We've taken the hit with Lokongo. It is what it is in that regard, people. Tommy Setford, as you know, people, an English under-20 international who plays for Ajax, has a year on his deal. Apparently, Arsenal are close to completing his signature, and he's set to join for a fee of under €1m. There's also some reports saying that he's scheduled this week for a medical. We did have an offer rejected for Dan Bentley of Wolves. Apparently, we're looking to go for that, and we're apparently going to be short of experienced keepers for the upcoming pre-season tour. We are, actually, because what, Ramsdale, I mean, in theory, you could get back to training, and maybe, you know, if Raya's still on holiday, Raya could also come back, but you could come back quickly. Remind Mikel Arteta what you're on. You'd imagine the Declan Rice's, the Saka's, the Ramsdale's, you know, Raya's, Saliba's, they will all join us on our pre-season tour in America, people. And one does wonder, I don't want to be the one for doom and gloom, and I'm exaggerating here, but you look at the backdrop going into this upcoming season. Obviously, it's the 16th of July, but, you know, we haven't officially signed any outfield players. We was getting them in relatively early last season. I don't know if it correlates. Obviously, Saka and Declan Rice, sorry, are coming off the back of a heavy campaign at club level, where they played a lot of minutes, and obviously, for the international team. So, one does wonder what the backdrop is going to look like for Arsenal, but it is what it is, people, in that regards. We're still trying to push through the signing of Italy international California, but broadly, the strategy is to sell those deemed surplus to requirements and replace them with players of a higher calibre. We know that, and we know how good California is. Again, we know if it wasn't California, the player most aggressively linked with Arsenal Football Club is Mikel Moreno, who is obviously, just like David Rayo, a Euro 2024 champion with Spain, people. So, yeah, central midfield, left-back, two areas we need to improve, and you'd imagine Mikel Moreno would play on the left-hand side. You don't know, because Declan Rice did play that left eight, but you'd imagine Mikel Moreno, California slash, an extended run for timber at left-back slash in central midfield. Declan Rice probably on the right-hand side, next to Saliba. Well, not next to Saliba, but next to the Benjamin Whites, the Salibas, the Odegards, the Sackers, and for next season, we can't be lopsided, man. The season before the one that's just gone, that was the first time where Martinelli was scoring goals, Zinchenko, I think that was his first season in the inverted row. We was doing quite well, in my opinion. We looked a fret down the left-hander right now. Obviously, we still look like a fret down the left-hand side, but I think all us Arsenal fans know if our right-hand side ain't really on it, there's issues there. If Arsenal decide to buy a wide player, Nico Williams remains the preferred candidate. However, the deal is not straightforward. Williams' €58 million release clause at Bilbao is expected, sorry, is required, I'm reading two things, to be paid up front, and there's serious interest from other clubs, and Barcelona seem to be the frontrunners for that. It seems like they've been flirting with him all tournament. You'd imagine Gavi, Pedro, Yalmal have all been talking to him as well. And there was something to be said about his wages. I mean, when you play like how you've played for Bilbao, and you play like how you play for Spain and scored in the final, well, €200,000 a week, it is what it is for an exciting player. And imagine having Martinelli, Williams, Saka and all the other players. We'd have some great options. In Williams' case, Arsenal feel they'll need to sell players from their front line to create space and capital for the Spain winger's arrival. Fair enough, but, you know, that could point towards someone like Gabriel Jesus, who I wouldn't get rid of yet, if I'm honest. Obviously, we're not going to sell Kai Havertz. I don't think we'll sell Trosser, but a lot of people like to say, oh, he's 29, sell him, da-da-da-da-da, all of that. You would imagine, you know, if you could get 30-odd million quid for Nketiah and, you know, anything from 10 to 30 million for Rhys Nelson. Indirectly, that kind of covers it, if I'm honest with you. Obviously, Aaron Ramsdell and Kieran Tierney are keen to secure moves away from the football club. Nelson and Nketiah are likely to go on our tour, but their futures are still subject to speculation. If we scroll all the way down again, big up all the other clubs, but nobody cares about what's going on there. What's this in relation to Gomarez? I mean, we'd love to sign him, but 100-odd million fee, I can't see us spending that. I think there was something here in relation to Nico Williams as well, people. Obviously, no one cares about what Tottenham Hotshite are doing. Loporte did tell Catalan radio stations, people, that Barcelona could cope financially with the signing of Nico Williams and they've learnt from several sources close to the Barcelona squad that these comments have not gone down well with the players. I mean, unless you're playing in his position, you'd be shook, really. Some are disappointed, while the club is asking for patience from players. Some of them have not been registered to play in La Liga, fair enough. Anything else where Nico Williams is concerned? As it says there, there's growing interest in Nico Williams. He's obviously got quite the bond with Jan Mou. Williams' entourage still sees the player spending another season in Bilbao, but with the Euros over, there could be movement. However, Barcelona's financial situation makes it unlikely a move to the Camp Nou could happen this summer. So, I mean, he could sit on his hands for another year at Bilbao. It wouldn't be the worst. But, you know, he's still linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and, obviously, Barcelona. And one would wonder, had he not signed that new deal, because his deal would have been running out next year, people. It would have been in his last 12 months, heading into the summer, what the backdrop would have looked like there. Moving away from that, Eddie Nketiah is still wanted by Marseille, with Ligue 1 side keen to partner Arsenal striker with the man whose name will not be mentioned, people. Marseille won't go away. And I've said before, for Eddie Nketiah, it's the chance to play in the top league for a massive club, you know, religious football fans like Marseille. It's one of the biggest clubs in France. Play under Di Zerbi, play regular football and keep it moving in that regard, really. You know, Di Zerbi's a great manager in his own right. But with them signing the man whose name can't be mentioned, I know that guy can play in a bunch of roles in the front line. But is it necessarily an assurance they're going to sign Eddie Nketiah? Simultaneously, Aubameyang, who plays for Marseille and was once a teammate of Eddie Nketiah at Arsenal, has also been linked with a move to the Middle East. So it could be one out, one in, people. Eddie needs to go and play football. Of the 38 games you played, you started just 10 last season, people. So, yeah. And I mean, how much did they say it would have been? It's quite unclear what Arsenal actually want in this article and what they're actually, Marseille, keen to part with, really. So, yeah. Obviously, I think we're weak up front. It's an exaggeration because we've got 91 Premier League goals, over 100 in all comps. But we've done that without a cold-hearted killer in front of goal. And there has been occasions, you know, you look in the Champions League where you need a bit of stardust, you look in the December period, you know, we need a cold-hearted killer. Obviously, Kai Havertz's form, if it continues, gives me confidence. I'll always back Gabriel Jesus, but he's never been a strong goalscorer. Tross Hart can play as a but I think he's better off the left-hand side. I don't know if there is a striker on the market, if we feel there's value for money, but a striker would have been high up my wishlist. If you can't get that, you need to get another wide attacker. Had you not, if you're unable to get a wide attacker, people were in trouble, if I'm completely honest with you. And central midfield is of great priority. And, you know, if Eddie goes there, what, Marseille reach the semi-finals of the Europa League. So, it's a big club, really and truly. They won't be playing in So, it is what it is. I mean, what were the three games? Luton was one, surely. I couldn't tell you the others, you know. Such is how it stops falling. It's a shame, man. And at 23, he needs to go and play The Gunners are thought to be open to offers for the three-time England international as they look to cash in on a number of fringe players who have failed to nail down a spot in Mikel Arteta's team, people. Smith-Rowe is under contract until 2026. So, this is a pivotal time in and around negotiations for our number 10, in which you never know, he might get a new deal. But I think it's pretty telling that, you know, you look at Chiarantini, obvious reasons, Nchenko, obvious reasons, and then Smith-Rowe, they're all contracted until 2026. So, the writing appears to be on the wall, but you lot know I'm a big fan of Smith-Rowe. I hope that isn't the case. Romano has also chimed in and said Fulham are considering another proposal. There was also reports that say Smith-Rowe is keen to stay at Arsenal, but regular football is his, and I think he's got a decision to, it's his intention, and he's got a decision to make. Arsenal are waiting to see if Fulham and Crystal Palace come with better offers for Smith-Rowe. They value the player between £25m to £30m. I mean, he's got two years left on his deal, had some injuries and can't stay fit. But I mean, come on, man, let's try and get a bit more. Didn't we reject £45m in January for him, if I'm honest with you? Because he will go somewhere, show his ability. Arsenal are understood to remain in negotiations with Bologna over their move for California, who could cost around £45m. There's now a growing expectation that the deal will be done. Reports in Italy have said, people, while the deal could be done, it's kind of hit a stag. The man wants to move to the Premier League, Arsenal want him, he wants to move. But Bologna are dragging their feet and making it very difficult for a total agreement to be reached. And it says that the tug-of-war will continue this week. They want at least €50m for the defender, not less people. So we've got some bargaining to do really and truly. Normally happens anyways. Reports in Italy indicate Arsenal are still certain they will get a deal over the line. But the game is not over yet, with California set to return to training at Bologna on July the 20th. So he's got four days until that. California has made it known he wants to try the Arsenal experience and Bologna have made it known they will accommodate him but on their terms, which is fair enough. Arsenal are still stuck at an offer of €45m plus another €5m in bonuses. But Bologna are concerned they will not get a fair price as Basel are entitled to 50%. I mean, it's great for Basel and you still make profit. But Bologna, you've got to look at, obviously, Arsenal got money, like every English club, try and get what you can. But why did you agree to 50% sell-on clause, essentially? It's great business from Basel, if I'm honest with you. If Basel fail to drop their percentage this summer, then Arsenal may have to up their bid to around €60m probably. Bologna do not intend to sell for less than €30m clean. So I think that means a guaranteed fee of €30m and then collective and individual achievements and all of that kind of stuff is where you make up the difference. Apparently, we did try and offer Kivio as somewhat a makeweight. They're not listening to that. Kivio's future is still subject to speculation. Ben Jacobs has said Arsenal still want California, but negotiations are also relatively tough because Bologna are sticking to their asking price of around €50m, which is €43m. Arsenal are still deciding whether that is value for money or whether they'll decide to look elsewhere. Things are advanced between the two clubs and the player is now waiting for Arsenal. So he's fully sold. He wants to move and he's also aware Juventus are out of the race because they think the overall package is too expensive. So a couple of months before the win though, Juventus were the front runners. They also had the player buy-in, but they've not indicated that they're not prepared to €50m asking price. Zinchenko, boy, it could be peak for you. But yeah, obviously we've gone over Kivio. Arsenal are plotting a move for Moreno, which we've seen. Check out the video I did yesterday, people. Apparently, Sociedad want £20m. Barcelona, it seems like it's Arsenal and Barcelona linked with everybody, people. Barcelona could be looking to beat Arsenal to the Moreno capture. There are also some reports that are saying Moreno is waiting on Barcelona's potential offer for him before making a decision on his future. As we know, his contract is running out. Hasn't signed a new deal. Sociedad have to let a man leave. He's on the last year of his contract, people. And when you look at his aerial drills, his progressive passing, he might not be a sexy signing, but it'd be a very competent one for us. He's the number one option, allegedly, for Barcelona to reinforce their midfield. Manchester City are still looking at Kimmich people. They want a deputy slash partner for Rodri. They want Bruno Gomarez, but not for £100m. So, yeah, we've been linked with Kimmich as well as Gomarez. Fabio Ruiz, who had a fantastic Euros tournament, people. He still could be sold from Paris Saint-Germain, people. Surely that could be someone to look at, the 28-year-old for the left eight-row. And they're still linked with Destiny Due and Jaume Neves as well as Kimmich. Half the players linked with us as well. Linking and actually buying are two different things. In January, we were linked with Victor Rogue, people. Apparently, Barcelona are almost certain he'll leave this summer. I mean, to let him go without letting him go on loan first would be a madness, but could that be something for Arsenal to re-look at? Where Due is concerned, Rennes want €60m plus add-ons. Realistic price around €45m to €50m plus add-ons. Buying or preparing a second bid. PSG also want to bid for the players soon. I mean, I think he's worth the money, but in line with our budget, which I'm not privy to and I don't know what our budget is, I don't think we're going for him. Again, Jaume Neves wants to leave Benfica and sign for Paris Saint-Germain. We were also linked with him as well. PSG also want to sign Osserman, who was also linked with us. They've held talks with Napoli, but again, he's €130m clause. No one seems that they want to pay for such. Allegedly, company has made it his personal mission to get Due to sign for Bayern Munich people. Generational talent for me. I mean, I guess we tried to get João Félix on loan people a few years ago, but I don't really believe this. Arsenal have now made a move for Atletico Madrid forward João Félix after Mikel Arteta demanded they attempt to sign the forward. I mean, it's a bit like I have arts, you know, if Arteta wants him, fair enough. He does have, you know, in theory, he's a great, he's got great technical level. He's obviously got a lot of versatility and stuff like that. And even though he hasn't hit the projected heights when he was coming through, you know, the very fact he's still a Portuguese international, still played for what Atletico, Barcelona, Chelsea, there's something there. But is it another one that falls into the Jadon Sancho's, the Marcus Rashford kind of camp in that? Yes, they're good players, but it's almost like the allusion to the reality of different things, because whether you buy him permanently or loan, that's a different thing, but it's going to be expensive. And on top of him just being a great player, which he evidently is, what does he solve? Like, what does he solve? Yes, he can play as a nine. Is he got a guarantee of getting those goals? He can play as a 10. Is there a guarantee he can play out wide? Is there a guarantee? I don't know. If Arteta wants him, fair enough. Allegedly, we've made an attempt. Is that Ollie Watkins, Ossie Mann and Brian Bradley have all been linked to us, as we know, people. We're going to have to see exactly what's going to go on, but I don't buy for what it's worth. I don't buy the Felix links, but who knows? As I said earlier, Nuno Tavares has completed his loan move to Lazio, people. We wish him all the best. Simultaneously, Lokonga's headed to Spain with Sevilla. Big up you lot, because you've completed these moves early. It's not one of them where you go on pre-season with Arsenal. You know you're just fulfilling your obligations. You're getting in early, trying to impress your manager early. We wish you all the best. More so for Lokonga than Tavares, because Tavares is an obligation. He's gone now, isn't he? Lokonga, we need you to do something, really. We can't have you having that mixed campaign like for Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Luton, where you showed some good moments and some not good moments, people. Barcelona are set to open talks with Nico Williams this week, according to Fabrizio Romano, people. We've gone over Williams at length. It's a bit boring now. Fabio Vieira has been linked with moves away. Apparently, Arteta is keen to keep him, so that probably means Smith-Rowe out and him in. What else have we got? West Ham allegedly have opened initial talks with Arsenal over Reece Nelson, people. Arsenal are expected to cash in on a 24-year-old this summer. We did see previous reports that he's keen to assess all of his options. He did sign a new deal last summer. He's under a lengthy contract, so he's until 2027. He featured only 15 times in the Premier League last season. He was always on the bench, but the minute everyone was fit, you weren't in the matchday squad. So, potentially, he does need to move on, and a bit like Smith-Rowe and Nelson, go and kick on now. I would love us to sign Dalian Malt. Manchester City links won't go away. They've been aggressively linked with him, and apparently, they're keen to get that one over the line. So, we'll have to see. But where's Jao Felix, Smith-Rowe, Nico Williams, Moreno, Almo, Fabio Ruiz, Kimmich, Neves. I'm trying to remember everything. Californi, Kivio, Lokonga, Tavares. Everything we've discussed. Actually, all the little sound bites I went through without necessarily talking about transfers. Let me know your thoughts. Obviously, any emerging news, you're going to get live streams, videos, etc. Turn on your notification bells, people, because at the time of making this video, it's 10.33am, people, and I will be doing a video with Cecil of AFTV. There's always bits and pieces on my platform. So, turn on your notification bells. Subscribe if you haven't. Don't forget to hit the like button and leave a comment, people, man. Let's boost this YouTube algorithm, man. We've to get just over 9,000 more subscribers, and we've got 70k, and we're finally at the big leagues, people, and then the push to 100k. So, yeah, most importantly, you lot, bless for listening. I'm out, man. Peace.