Arsenal striker set for club record transfer exit amid update on Calafiori deal

Arsenal have so far had a relatively quiet summer aside from the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya.

Mikel Arteta is expected to bolster several areas of his squad ahead of the new season in six weeks’ time, including in midfield and in attack. He is also being tipped to search for a new centre-back to challenge Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

Meanwhile, it is anticipated that a number of players are due to exit, in particular several academy products. Within Premier League spending rules, such sales would count as ‘pure’ profit in that they cost nothing to bring to the club in the first place.

Reports suggest the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are bound for the exit door in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, a current academy product who spent last season out on loan is being tipped to make club history with his anticipated sale.

Arsenal ‘to seal’ striker exit

The Standard reports that Arsenal are set to sanction the £4m sale of Mika Biereth to Sturm Graz, which would be a record fee for the Austrian champions. The 21-year-old scored 15 goals and recorded nine assists on loan at the club last year, prompting their interest in a permanent deal.

The Dane was poached from Fulham’s academy in 2021 and has seen his stock rise in recent years amid loan spells at Dutch club RKC Waalwijk and Motherwell before his time at Sturm Graz last term.

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Biereth – who has three under-21 caps for his country – has never played for Arsenal’s senior side but tallied four senior matchday squad inclusions during the 2021/22 campaign. He is said to have undergone a medical in Austria ahead of his move with a deal set to be announced shortly.

Football.london says: This seems like a good deal for all involved. We could see more such exits this summer as Edu and the Arsenal board grapple with Premier League spending rules amid their bid for the title.

Keep an eye out on the summer activity of academy talents Chido Martin-Obi and Ethan Nwaneri, who are both reported to be attracting attention from a number of European giants.

Calafiori terms ‘agreed’

Rumours circulating on Friday said that Arsenal have reportedly agreed a €4m salary personal package for Italy defender Riccardo Calafiroi. Employers Bologna expected him to leave this summer, and would rather he is sold overseas rather than across Italy despite interest from Juventus.

And now, there are claims Calafiori – who was one of few positives for Italy at Euro 2024 – is specifically keen on a move to Arsenal. It is thought that a fee is still to be negotiated but could reach up to £42m.

Chelsea had been linked with the defender while it is thought a number of other European clubs were impressed by the 22-year-old’s performances over the past year.

Football.london says: It will be interesting to see where Calafiori fits into Arteta’s plans, if a deal does go through. He can play at left-back and perhaps is seen akin to Jurrien Timber who is a centre-half by trade but has the ability to play as a full-back.

We have seen this with several players under Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. Either way, it looks like an exciting signing for Arsenal, though fans will have a right to question whether he is needed given the obvious need for an attacker and perhaps a midfielder.