The summer transfer window is now open, meaning Arsenal can officially sign players from their long list of targets. The Gunners ended the 2025/26 season in bittersweet fashion, lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years but going on to lose the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Mikel Arteta insisted immediately after that heart-breaking defeat that the club will not rest on their laurels and will look to strengthen in the transfer window. A central midfielder and a left winger are understood to be at the top of sporting director Andrea Berta’s priorities this summer.
The World Cup 2026 now being in full flow adds another dimension to the north Londoners’ pursuit of key transfer targets as they compete with fluctuating prices. They are also keen to offload several players, having disappointed when it comes to sales in recent years.
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Now, Mirror Football takes a look at two of the latest transfer developments involving the English champions.
Teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi has admitted he is “really happy” to see his name linked with several big clubs this summer, including Arsenal. The Lille star is currently representing Morocco at the World Cup, where his eye-catching display against Brazil has accelerated interest from a number of clubs.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal have been actively pursuing a move for the 18-year-old and have kept in contact with the player’s entourage since early 2025. It is claimed that Arsenal have scheduled further talks for after the World Cup, though PSG are also interested in his signature.
Lille are believed to have set a £60m asking price for Bouaddi, who has already clocked up 96 appearances for the club. And the midfielder has now issued a positive update by admitting seeing his name linked with the two Champions League finalists makes him happy, while hinting any potential move will have to wait until after the World Cup.
Speaking to The Athletic following his showing against Brazil, he said: “For the moment, I am only focused on the World Cup and I cannot answer this right now. Of course, I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me. But, for now, I’m only focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best.”
View 2 ImagesArsenal face competition for Kroupi’s signature(Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Arsenal are facing competition in their pursuit of another top target. Barcelona have reportedly made an enquiry for Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
The Frenchman, 19, scored 13 Premier League goals this season, including one against Manchester City which handed the Gunners the title. But while Arteta is keeping tabs on the teenager as he looks to add a creative spark up top, Kroupi is also being pursued by the likes of PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and now Barcelona.
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Spanish outlet SPORT claims Barcelona have expressed an interest as they search for Robert Lewandowski’s replacement at the Nou Camp. Julian Alvarez remains the Catalans’ first-choice target but they have also made contact with the Cherries over Kroupi as an alternative.
It is claimed the striker is admired at Barcelona, though the Spanish champions have reservations over his lofty £86m price-tag. They may therefore look to use some unwanted stars in a player-plus-cash swap deal.
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