Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Bradley Barcola link, Morgan Rogers interest, Noni Madueke impresses

Arsenal are looking to bolster their ranks this summer with a number of players linked with the club

Welcome to football.london's live blog of the latest Arsenal transfer news on Thursday, June 18. Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are expected to be busy this summer, despite the World Cup perhaps making deals a little more complicated.

Fresh Bradley Barcola links emerged on Wednesday, with the PSG winger reportedly unhappy in Paris. Arsenal are in for an attacker this summer, football.london understands, with the futures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli uncertain.

A new midfielder and full-back are also on the agenda, it's understood, and the likes of Sandro Tonali, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Morgan Rogers and Eli Junior Kroupi have all been linked.

On the exits front the Gunners have already agreed to let go Jakub Kiwior and Karl Hein permanently but much more business will be carried out in the coming weeks and months. The likes of Fabio Viera, Reiss Nelson, Ben White, Christian Norgaard, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli and Trossard face uncertain futures at Emirates Stadium and could depart if the right offer comes in.

We will bring you all the latest right here on our live blog, which you can read below...

‌

Key Events

Declan Rice injury concern

View Post

Bradley Barcola shines

View Post

Arsenal 'agree personal terms' with midfielder

View Post

Have your say!

View Post

Barcola contract talks 'stall'

View Post

Rogers and Kroupi latest

View Post

Declan Rice injury concern

England are due to assess Declan Rice - but Thomas Tuchel thinks the midfielder's injury scare is nothing to be overly concerned about.

The Arsenal powerhouse was forced off on 72 minutes in England's 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia after feeling an issue and he was later spotted limping. However, Tuchel has since provided assurances Rice is expected to be fine.

The German said: "Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort. Then I asked him and he pointed directly to his lower back and upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort.

"I didn't want to take any risks and if I take Declan off, which I never want to do, it was the moment to protect. I think Reece James did so well to replace him in midfield, he did a fantastic game.

"I hope it's nothing more, Declan just reassured me at the end 'it's good, it's good' and I know the discomfort, we will take care of it. It's nothing big to worry about."

What happened on Wednesday?

Here's what happened yesterday!

Arsenal have cooled their interest in signing Marcus Rashford as the forward faces an uncertain future at Manchester United

Manu Kone has admitted he is "only thinking about the World Cup" amid transfer links with Arsenal

Arsenal are among multiple clubs credited with an interest in Ivan Fresneda this summer transfer window

The Gunners have reportedly struck a deal with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez. However, a report from Spain claims that the deal involves Viktor Gyokeres moving to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.

Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka starred for England in their 4-2 win over Croatia. Rice was taken off due to "discomfort", however, with England to assess the midfielder

Dowman award

Max Dowman has won the Emirates Goal of the Season for 2025/26 for his historic strike against Everton.

The teenager won the award after picking up 38% of the votes for his solo effort back in March. The teenager's first goal in Arsenal colours ensured a crucial three points for Mikel Arteta's side, with the Hale Ender picking up the ball 75 yards from goal, speeding past Vitali Mykolenko, evading a challenge from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall before slotting into the empty net.

He became Arsenal’s and the Premier League’s youngest-ever scorer aged 16 years and 73 days.

Alvarez Arsenal transfer 'agreement'

Arsenal have reportedly struck a deal with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez. However, the report from Spain claims that the deal involves Viktor Gyokeres moving to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.

Alvarez has scored 49 goals in 106 games for Atleti but he is expected to leave this summer and a queue of clubs interested in signing him has formed, with Real Madrid having already seen a £130m offer rejected. But according to El Chiringuito, the Gunners have agreed a deal for the Argentina international that will see them pay £43m with Gyokeres also moving in the opposite direction.

Gyokeres joined the Gunners last summer for a fee of £55m from Sporting CP and despite some early struggles, ended up scoring 21 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions.

Arsenal rival Real Madrid for £69m star

Arsenal are among multiple clubs credited with an interest in Ivan Fresneda this summer transfer window.

The former Real Madrid right-back has thrived at Sporting following Ruben Amorim's departure for Manchester United. The newly installed AC Milan head coach gave the Spain youth international limited opportunities in Lisbon after his £10 million move from Real Valladolid.

The 21-year-old featured just 16 times over 18 months under Amorim, missing two months due to shoulder surgery, but under his successor, Rui Borges, the full-back has racked up 63 appearances. He also earned four caps for Spain's under-21 side last season, ending a two-year absence from international duty.

Portuguese publication A Bola suggests Borges has unlocked something in Fresneda that Amorim struggled to identify. It is believed the defender's style did not align with how his coach prefers wing-backs to operate.

His defensive awareness and positioning, rather than attacking contributions, are reportedly catching the eye of the Gunners and his former club, Real Madrid. Fresneda has registered just four goals and four assists throughout his club career.

'He has to play'

Chris Waddle added that Newcastle could be a decent destination for Ethan Nwaneri.

Waddle, speaking to Andy’s Bet Club, said:

Nwaneri has been inconsistent. He might go to Newcastle and hit the ground running, and you’d think, ‘Yes, he's the man.’ But based on his form over the last year, you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of money on him because he hasn't been consistent. That’s what you look for in a player and when they’re hit-and-miss, it’s a risk. He went to Marseille and struggled, so he might need a fresh start. However, he won't come cheap, and clubs might be scared off by the price. That’s why, if I were Newcastle, I’d suggest a one-year loan deal with an option to buy if he performs well. He's got Bukayo Saka ahead of him, along with other players. Regardless of where he plays next season, he needs to hit the ground running. He doesn't want to be sitting on the bench at Arsenal, he needs to be playing regular football. If he wants to get back into the England squad and achieve what he once looked set to do, he has to play. Whether it's a loan move or a transfer elsewhere, a new challenge could do him a world of good. Sitting on the bench or playing in the reserve team isn't going to benefit him.

Nwaneri decision awaits

Former Marseille and England star Chris Waddle believes Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri needs to go on another loan in order to get valuable game time.

The Hale Ender struggled at Marseille in the second half of last season and did not get on the pitch as much as he would have liked, despite scoring on his debut. Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta rate the teen highly but a decision needs to be made over his future.

Waddle, speaking to Andy’s Bet Club, said: "I think Ethan Nwaneri needs to go somewhere to play. A good thing for someone like him would be to go out on loan again for a year. If Arsenal value him and believe he's a player, they'll loan him out. If they don't, he'll be sat in the reserves and eventually, you don't know what happens when you lose your belief and confidence. If he's not going to be in the starting lineup, which, let's be honest, I don't think he will be at Arsenal then he's better off leaving.

"He went to Marseille and he found it difficult. He showed a lot of promise when he first broke into the Arsenal team, but then his momentum stalled and he struggled for game time. A fresh start might be what he needs.

"A loan move to a promoted club or a team in the bottom half of the Premier League could be ideal. They could provide him with regular playing time to develop. If he performs well, they benefit and if not, they have the option to move him on."

Odegaard set for new Arsenal role

Martin Odegaard staked his claim for a new role at Arsenal during Norway's win over Iraq. In the final quarter of an hour of Tuesday night's World Cup opener, the Gunners midfielder teed up Leo Ostigard from a corner to make it 3-1.

Thanks to the weight of the delivery, once the Genoa defender darted past Mustafa Saadoon at the near post, he only needed to make the slightest of contact with the ball, which flew into the far corner. Erling Haaland stole the headlines, having scored a brace, but Odegaard put in the hard yards in the middle of the park.

According to the BBC, the 27-year-old completed 97.6 per cent of his passes, finding a teammate 41 times from 42 attempts. Odegaard made quite the impression, and Mikel Arteta will have been particularly pleased to see his skipper's quality from set pieces on display.

He doesn't typically take corners for Arsenal, but, for Norway, he proved to be more than capable of producing an excellent delivery into the box... Declan Rice, watch out!

Odegaard and Saliba impress

Martin Odegaard and William Saliba featured for their countries as France beat Senegal 3-1 and Norway thrashed Iraq 4-1.

Saliba started alongside Dayot Upamecano in defence as Kylian Mbappe fired his side to victory. Odegaard, meanwhile, made his World Cup debut as Norway played their first game at a World Cup since 1998. The Arsenal captain managed to grab himself an assist, too, as his corner was headed home by Leo Ostigard.

Sign up for more Arsenal news!

Want more Arsenal new? Sign up to our newsletter!

Manu Kone admission

Manu Kone has admitted he is "only thinking about the World Cup" amid transfer links with Arsenal.

The Gunners are said to be fond of the Roma midfielder, who made 37 appearances for the Serie A side last season, contributing two goals and three assists. The 25-year-old is currently part of the France squad, although he did not get onto the pitch during the 3-1 win over Senegal on Tuesday.

L’Equipe reported last week that Kone is ‘expected to leave’ Roma this summer, with Inter Milan among the clubs interested.

Kone, though, is not currently thinking about his future. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Honestly, right now I’m only thinking about the World Cup. It’s my first major international competition, a tournament I’ve always dreamed of playing in.

"I want to remain exclusively focused on this. We’ll talk about the future after the World Cup and see what happens."

Rashford decision

Arsenal have cooled their interest in signing Marcus Rashford as the forward faces an uncertain future at Manchester United. Barcelona’s option to sign Rashford for €30million (£26m) has expired without them choosing to make the 28-year-old's loan move a permanent switch.

United are now seeking a permanent buyer for Rashford, having shown no interest in renegotiating the terms of that loan option with Barcelona. Rashford has little interest in remaining with United, having broken ties with his hometown club to make a fresh start elsewhere.

But United have blocked him joining either Manchester City or Liverpool with a clause in his contract, who have shown interest in him before, while Arsenal have cooled on the idea of signing the England international.

Bradley Barcola shines

It did not take long for Bradley Barcola to shine on the world stage. The PSG winger came on in the second half of France's World Cup win over Senegal and scored a sublime goal in the 82nd minute.

Only two minutes after coming onto the pitch, Barcola doubled France's advantage after Kylian Mbappe's earlier strike, latching onto Adrien Rabiot’s clever low pass and chipping the ball over Edouard Mendy.

Arsenal are interested in the Frenchman, who is reportedly unhappy at PSG over a lack of game time. Barcola, who netted 13 goals in 49 appearances last season, has just two years remaining on his deal.

What happened yesterday?

As you would expect, it was another busy day on Tuesday and there may have been snippets of info you missed. Here's a recap:

Arsenal have been courting Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi since 2025 and the 18-year-old is a target for the Gunners this summer. The midfielder is currently at the World Cup with Morocco so any deal will likely have to wait until after the tournament

Another midfielder on Arsenal's radar is Sandro Tonali. Yesterday, Tottenham entered the race to sign the Italian, with Manchester City also on high alert. The Newcastle man will likely cost around £100million

Manu Kone was a new name that did the rounds on Tuesday with reports in Italy claiming Arsenal have already held talks with the midfielder's representatives and agreed personal terms over a move after the World Cup. The next step is to negotiate a fee with Roma, who value him at £43million

Ethan Nwaneri was linked with a shock move to Liverpool. The Reds are said to be "keeping a close eye" on the Hale Ender, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille

Nwaneri exit shock

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri has been linked with a shock move to Liverpool. The Hale Ender spent the second half of the season on loan at Marseille, but it did not go as planned for the teenager.

Now, according to a social media report, the Reds are "keeping a close eye" on Nwaneri. Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta must make a decision on Nwaneri, who was linked with an exit from the club 12 months ago.

Arsenal 'agree personal terms' with midfielder

Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Manu Kone as Mikel Arteta eyes the midfielder ahead of the new season, according to reports.

According to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, the Gunners are fond of the Roma midfielder, who helped the Italian side finish third in Serie A. The 25-year-old is part of France's World Cup squad and could even feature in their opener against Senegal on Tuesday night.

According to the outlet, Arsenal have already held talks with Kone’s representatives and agreed personal terms over a summer move. Any deal could cost around £43million, it is said.

Madueke: 'I can be best in world'

Noni Madueke believes he can become one of the best wingers in the world. Speaking in the US, the Arsenal winger said: “I want to be more ruthless. I feel like to go to that level where I’m one of the best wingers in the world, I need to score more, need to assist more.

“I feel like I do so much for the team, irrespective of that. But definitely, as a winger, you want to score as much as possible. If I could score every game, I would. I feel like the level I’m at now, that’s the next step to go to. And I’ll definitely get to that.”

Saka to 'take the gamble' on fitness

Bukayo Saka will continue to “take the gamble” on his fitness to be involved in England’s World Cup campaign. The Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles injury that dogged the end of his domestic campaign, playing through the pain barrier, and Thomas Tuchel said during the pre-tournament camp in Florida that he does not think he can yet play 90 minutes.

Saka, who picked up the injury in March and missed a month of action, including the international window, said he was “ready to go” for Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas, but revealed he had taken a fitness risk to be involved in Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League run-in.

“As players, it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest,” he said. You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same. At the end of the day, people don’t really care how you’re feeling, they expect you to deliver, they expect you to perform.

“I’m happy to take the gamble. It paid off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that. But I am feeling a lot better than I did in March, and I’m ready to go. I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager, but between Mikel and Arsenal’s medical team and England’s medical team, since March, they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team. I am feeling better than I have felt for the last few months. I am ready to go.”

Yan Diomande linked

With Arsenal in the market for a winger this window, RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande is among the names to be linked with a move to Emirates Stadium. Liverpool are also keen on the Ivory Coast international, however, and any deal is likely to cost around the £100million mark.

Arsenal are currently second favourites to sign the 19-year-old, as per Betfair. Betfair spokesperson James Mackie said: “Liverpool and Arsenal look set to battle it out to sign Yan Diomande this summer, with Liverpool 4/5 favourites to sign the winger. The Gunners are looking to replace Gabriel Martinelli this summer and are 6/4 to seal a deal for the Ivory Coast star.

“With such a breakout star stealing the World Cup limelight, plenty of suitors are likely to come into the frame. Bayern Munich are 4/1, with Man Utd and Barcelona both 9/2.”

Yan Diomande next club odds:

Liverpool: 4/5

Arsenal: 6/4

Bayern Munich: 4/1

Man Utd: 9/2

Barcelona: 9/2

Chelsea: 5/1

Tottenham: 8/1

Real Madrid: 8/1

Juventus: 8/1

Man City: 9/1

Viktor Gyokeres hits back

Viktor Gyokeres has hit back at former Sweden player and Viaplay analyst Martin Aslund following a bizarre attack on the Arsenal striker. Aslund criticised his compatriot's first touch during the 5-1 World Cup demolition of Tunisia in which Gyokeres scored.

He posted on X: "What the hell Gyokeres. Must release the ball faster. Just because he often has a less good first touch that means he needs more time, he should still be able to release it faster on some occasions. Isak should have a free position there."

After the game, those comments were put to Gyokeres, to which he replied: "I got one assist and could have gotten two more. I don't know how many assists you should get in a game."

The 28-year-old is hoping to make it a summer to remember on the back of Arsenal's historic Premier League triumph. Gyokeres also finished up as the Gunners' top goalscorer in all competitions after joining from Sporting CP last August.

He also bagged the goals that fired Sweden to the World Cup via the play-offs, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-final against Ukraine before netting the all-important winner against Poland. Now he's hopeful Sweden's passionate fans can roar Graham Potter's team in North America, adding: "That's why we're doing this performance, it's thanks to them. Of course we're doing it ourselves too, but it helps a lot when you have supporters on site and at home."

Arsenal get Tonali boost

Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Arsenal-linked midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Gunners could have a clear run on their Premier League rivals for the Newcastle United star should he leave this summer.

The Magpies, who failed to qualify for European football last season, have made the Italian available for transfer according to the website Tuttomercatoweb. According to reports, Eddie Howe's side are under strain to comply with financial regulations after failing to finish in the top five and secure their place in the Champions League. Tonali emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal during the January transfer window but nothing materialised.

Newcastle are said to value the 26-year-old in excess of €100million (£86m). Arsenal are keen not to stand still having ended their 20-year wait to win the Premier League, as they look to go one better after losing in the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain.

Have your say!

How many signings do you think Arsenal should make this summer? Do you think the Gunners should be busy? Have your say below!

Arsenal could hijack Tottenham transfer

Arsenal could stop Tottenham Hotspur from signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United...

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites have joined Manchester City and the Gunners in the race to sign Tonali. The journalist claims Roberto De Zerbi has identified the Italy international as the 'ideal' candidate to help Spurs climb the Premier League.

It's said that Tottenham officials believe Tonali would be keen on the move. Meanwhile, The Athletic have reported that the sale of the 26-year-old midfielder 'remains possible', but Newcastle are yet to receive any 'concrete offers'.

The Magpies would demand a 'high fee' for the midfielder, whose situation is currently being monitored by 'multiple elite clubs' in the English top-flight, including Arsenal. The report claims that Mikel Arteta is a fan of Tonali, but any potential deal 'may prove prohibitively expensive'.

Manchester United are also reportedly interested in signing the Italian, but he's one of four options as Michael Carrick casts his net far and wide for a new midfielder.

Tonali signed a five-year contract when he joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55million in July 2023, but The Athletic reckon the Magpies reserve the option to extend his stay until June 2030. The ChronicleLive, however, say Newcastle only have the option to extend his deal until June 2029.

Barcola contract talks 'stall'

PSG's Bradley Barcola is another name understood to be of interest to Mikel Arteta and could cost around £70million as he's entered the final two years of his deal in Paris. The France international, who netted 13 goals in 49 appearances last season, has also attracted interest from Liverpool but PSG do not wish to let the player leave, although their hand could be forced if a serious offer is submitted.

Recent reports suggest Barcola has asked to leave PSG this summer as he searches for regular game time. Talks over a new contract have stalled and the French giants may be forced to cash in.

Monga talks

Arsenal are in talks over a transfer for Leicester City’s highly-rated teenager Jeremy Monga. The 16-year-old has been a regular in the Foxes’ first team squad over the last two seasons.

Monga is a player highly appreciated by Arsenal, football.london understands, with talks underway to determine the capacity for a move. Suggestions are that any transfer could cost the Gunners in the region of £10million to £15million.

Arsenal want to improve their roster of young talent and have already agreed a deal to sign Victor Ozhianvuna who will join the north Londoners in the January window of next season. While Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero will join in August of 2027 as further efforts to bring in the brightest talent remains a priority.

Bouaddi meetings

Arsenal have been courting Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi since 2025 and the 18-year-old shone for Morocco in their World Cup opener against Brazil at the weekend.

Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has already made inroads with Bouaddi's representatives. These conversations did not take place this week; they are understood to have happened as early as the start of the year as the Italian chief has known for some time that Bouaddi was a world-class prodigy.

"For the moment I'm only focused on the World Cup, I cannot answer to this right now," Bouaddi told The Athletic. “I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me but for now I’m here focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best."

Rogers and Kroupi latest

Arsenal are interested in both Morgan Rogers and Eli Junior Kroupi, football.london understands. Aston Villa and Bournemouth are under no obligation to let their prized assets leave, however, and any deal for either player is likely to be an expensive one.

Villa are said to want £100million for Rogers while the Cherries value Kroupi at more than £86million. Others clubs, such as Manchester United and Barcelona, have been linked with the players, though.

Double deal

When it comes to exits, work is already well underway. Jakub Kiwior has made his loan move to Porto permanent, with the Portuguese giants paying an initial £14.7million for the defender which could rise to £19million.

Karl Hein has also joined Werder Bremen for a reported £2.6million fee after spending the 2025/26 season on loan at the Bundesliga side. Eight academy stars have also been released.

Good morning

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the latest Arsenal transfer news. The summer transfer window officially opened on Monday, June 15 and will remain open until September 1.

Over the next two and a half months the Gunners are expected to be very busy. A new attacker, midfielder and full-back are on the agenda as Mikel Arteta looks to build a squad capable of challenging on all four fronts yet again.

Exits will also be important this summer with some big names potentially on the chopping block. Stick with us throughout the day for all the latest!

Follow Football London:

‌

Click here to read article