Arsenal Prepared for Striker Bids as Edu Eyes Statement Signing of Spanish Star

Arsenal are gearing up to receive bids for striker Gabriel Jesus but are intent on keeping the Brazilian forward this summer.

Meanwhile, sporting director Edu is reportedly planning a high-profile acquisition of a top Spanish talent.

As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal has already made significant changes to their squad by releasing players like Cedric Soares, Mohamed Elneny, and Arthur Okonkwo, along with offloading Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares.

The Gunners have also solidified their goalkeeping situation, making David Raya’s loan from Brentford permanent for £27 million, and adding Tommy Setford from Ajax.

Recently, Arsenal agreed to a £42 million deal for Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

Although the transfer was delayed due to negotiations over a sell-on fee with Calafiori’s previous club, FC Basel, the 22-year-old has now been cleared to travel to the UK.

He will undergo a medical and sign his contract, marking him as Mikel Arteta’s first major signing of the summer.

Despite Calafiori’s imminent arrival, reports suggest that Arsenal may face bids for Jesus, especially from Middle Eastern clubs like Al-Ahli, who are reportedly keen to sign the forward.

With Kai Havertz moving up the pecking order, Jesus may find himself with limited playing time this season, particularly if Edu succeeds in signing a prolific goalscorer like Viktor Gyokeres.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal are “braced” for offers for Jesus, who has expressed frustration with his current situation at the club.

However, Arteta is committed to maintaining squad cohesion and believes that retaining key players, along with new signings, will help Arsenal compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title.

In a similar vein, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who also wishes to explore opportunities elsewhere, may face restrictions due to Arteta’s desire to have two top goalkeepers on the roster.

Both players are under contract until 2027 and 2026, respectively, limiting their options for a move.

On the recruitment front, Arsenal are reportedly in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain to sign midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who excelled during Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign.

According to reporter Duncan Castles, these negotiations are contingent on Arsenal offloading a midfielder. If an agreement is reached, the deal is expected to mirror the structure used to bring David Raya to North London last summer, potentially involving a loan with an obligation to buy after a year.