Arsenal hold key to Jarrad Branthwaite Man United transfer as Mikel Arteta makes £34m enquiry

Mikel Arteta will be keen to bolster his squad after missing out on the Premier League title on the final day of the season. Arsenal have already been linked with some big names but, for now, it remains to be seen whether or not Edu will wheel out the war chest.

Last year, the Gunners splashed over £200million on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber alone. After heavily investing in two midfielders and a defender, perhaps Arteta may look to finally bolster his frontline this summer.

At one stage, Benjamin Sesko emerged as a primary target for Arsenal but he decided to sign a contract extension at RB Leipzig instead. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip on Saturday, June 15...

Arsenal make Everton enquiry

Arsenal could dent Manchester United's hopes of signing Jarrad Branthwaite this summer. According to Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas, the Gunners have enquired about the availability of Amadou Onana, who was heavily linked with an exit from Everton last summer.

The report states a sale before the end of June would bolster the Toffees' position in relation to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Thomas adds that if that were to be Onana, who's valued at £33.7m (€40m) by CIES, then that Sean Dyche's side would be given greater leverage in negotiations over Branthwaite with the Red Devils.

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Onana featured 30 times in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, helping Everton steer clear of relegation despite a points deduction. The 22-year-old midfielder sees his contract at Goodison Park expire in June 2027.

football.london says: "Onana would be a decent signing for Arsenal. I don't necessarily think that he'd be the perfect addition to the Gunners' midfield, but I certainly think he'd raise the floor. If the Belgian is available for a reasonable fee then Arteta should go for it – it'd throw a spanner in Manchester United's plans!"

New left-back identified

Arteta appears to have identified a weakness in his Arsenal backline. According to TBR, the Gunners are considering a move for Bradley Locko, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney both said to be 'free to leave' this summer.

The 22-year-old left-back, who was recently named in the Ligue 1 team of the season, featured 33 times in the French top flight this term, helping Stade Brestois climb into the top-three and secure Champions League qualification against all the odds.

Locko, who sees his contract at Stade Francis-Le Blé expire in June 2027, only joined Brest from Stade Reims last year. Thanks to his impressive performances, he's earned himself a place in the France team – managed by Thierry Henry – for the Olympics this summer.

football.london says: "Locko would be a good addition for Arsenal, but I'm not sure whether he's ready to help mount a Premier League title bid. I just fear that, with Takehiro Tomiyasu's injury record in mind, the Frenchman's integration could be rushed. Exciting prospect, nonetheless."

Hale End ace on the move

Reiss Nelson has told Arsenal he would like to explore his options this summer. The 24-year-old winger has struggled to force himself into Mikel Arteta's side and he now faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium.

According to The Athletic, Nelson has informed the Gunners that he wants to assess his options. The report states that Arsenal rejected numerous approaches for his signature in January and they would want around £20m, including all-ons, if they decide to sell him.

The Athletic has named Crystal Palace, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham as potential suitors. Nelson featured 24 times for the north Londoners across all competitions this term, but he averaged just half an hour an appearance.

football.london says: "It's about time Nelson left Arsenal – he's far too talented to be sitting on the bench every week. I've never understood why Arteta overlooked him; he can play anywhere across the frontline, he's good on the ball and he has a burst of pace. Just one start in the Premier League all season is almost disrespectful for a player of his ability."