Arsenal handed major boost in pursuit of Chelsea star after latest transfer update

Arsenal have received a significant boost in their pursuit of a Chelsea midfielder after the latest update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggested Manchester City are no longer expected to rival the Gunners for his signature this summer.

The North London club have been monitoring the Argentina international for several months. Back in May, reports indicated that Arsenal had begun assessing the possibility of a move, while Manchester City were also believed to be keeping tabs on the Chelsea star.

Despite Chelsea’s firm stance that the midfielder is not for sale, speculation surrounding his future has refused to disappear. The 2022 World Cup winner remains one of the Premier League club’s key players and has continued to impress on the international stage with Argentina during the 2026 World Cup.

However, reports have suggested the midfielder could be open to a fresh challenge. It has been claimed that he is not entirely convinced by Chelsea’s long-term project under the BlueCo ownership, fuelling interest from several elite European clubs.

Earlier this week, Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari reported that both Arsenal and Manchester City were gathering information on the player as they assessed their options in the transfer market.

Romano has now provided fresh encouragement for Arsenal by revealing that Manchester City are not currently planning to pursue a deal for the Chelsea midfielder. The update potentially removes Arsenal’s biggest domestic rival from the race and could leave Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta with a clearer path should they decide to step up their interest.

Chelsea’s position has not changed, though, with the club determined to keep hold of one of their most influential players unless an extraordinary offer forces a rethink.