Arsenal line up £42m transfer for Chelsea target as Thomas Partey issues contract update

Arsenal ended the first part of the summer transfer window without a single signing. Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United made moves during the opening week-and-a-half, but the Gunners failed to get a deal over the line, despite closing in on Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to sign Kepa in a £5 million deal from Chelsea as the Gunners look to replace second-choice goalkeeper Neto, who is set to return to Bournemouth at the end of his loan. The Spaniard is anticipated to provide competition and support to David Raya.

Elsewhere, Arsenal want to sign a new No.9. A report from Portugal claimed on Thursday that Arsenal are expected to raise their offer for Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners lodged their first proposal – worth £46.8 million plus bonuses – but Sporting CP are holding out for a much higher fee.

Arsenal are anticipated to make a second bid in the region of £59.6m including bonuses. Sporting are said to have a good relationship with the Gunners, and are ready for a new round of negotiations.

Here, football.london take a look at the latest transfer news from the Emirates Stadium…

Hato latest

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are eager to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax this summer. Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta is aiming to secure Hato’s signature during the transfer window.

It’s added that Arsenal are prepared to make a ‘decisive move’ after expressing their interest in January. Although Ajax set a high price at the time, Arsenal’s interest has been rekindled.

The fee is understood to be in the region of £42m and the Gunners want to beat competitors, such as Chelsea and Liverpool, to finalise a deal for the talented 19-year-old defender.

FL says: While Hato would be an excellent addition, defence is the last area Arsenal need to strengthen this summer. The Gunners boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League in 2024/25, conceding just 34 goals in 38 matches, and they would be better off signing attacking players first.

However, if Arsenal did target Hato, they would be getting a real talent. The teenager has racked up over 100 first-team appearances despite making his senior debut just two years ago, and he has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the world. He is quick, physical and has a natural defensive instinct.

Partey contract hint

Thomas Partey has hinted that he could leave Arsenal this summer after it was reported that talks over a new contract has stalled. The 31-year-old’s deal is set to expire at the end of June and he has since been linked with a move to Barcelona and a return to Atletico Madrid.

Speaking to Ghana’s TV3 while on international duty, Partey said his next move would depend on where he feels most settled, highlighting personal happiness and family as key factors when making his decision.

“The first thing is where you are happy and where you feel at home,” Partey said. “Then it’s about your next objective, what you want to achieve next. We all have a family that needs money, that’s always in our mind.”

FL says: Arsenal need to move quick to secure Thomas Partey’s future, else I have a feeling he might be snapped up. Although he is 31, he still has at least two to three years at the top level left and the Gunners should attempt to keep hold in the short-term, as I don’t see a more cost-effective alternative.

When Partey didn’t feature for Arsenal in 2024/25, his absence was felt. While the Gunners want to sign Martin Zubimendi to start in his No.6 position, I still think they should keep Partey as well.