Arsenal news: £200m transfer plan suffers setback as Mikel Arteta is sent very clear message

Arsenal are hoping to land several big signings in the summer transfer window

Mikel Arteta has been dealt a setback in his pursuit of two strikers who would cost a combined fee of over £200million. Arsenal are already planning for this summer’s transfer window despite their current squad taking them to within three games of a league and European Cup double.

The Gunners know the fate of the title is in their hands following the weekend victory over West Ham as the north Londoners bid to end a drought that has lasted since 2004. Next up is Monday’s home fixture against Burnley, before Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on the final day of the campaign.

Arguably the biggest month in Arsenal’s recent history concludes with the Champions League final on May 30, where Arteta’s men hope to exact revenge on last season’s winners, Paris Saint-Germain, and lift the trophy for the first time ever.

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Now, Mirror Football takes a look at two of the latest news stories involving the Gunners.

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PSG join race for Julian Alvarez

PSG have already looked to land a blow on Champions League final opponents Arsenal by ramping up their pursuit of Gunners target Julian Alvarez. Alvarez, who scored against Arsenal in the semi-finals of the tournament, is understood to be a key target of sporting director Andrea Berta.

Berta is already well aware of the Argentine forward’s talent, having been the one to sign him for Atletico while he was still in charge of transfers there in 2024. But Arsenal are now expected to face competition from the Parisians as they look to secure the 26-year-old’s signature.

Spanish outlet AS reports via The Standard that PSG head coach Luis Enrique has made a specific request to the club’s board to sign Alvarez, who he tried and failed to sign two years ago. The report claims PSG could present the most attractive offer to the former Manchester City forward, who is also wanted by Barcelona.

The French champions are believed to have the finances ready to land Alvarez, who is valued at somewhere between £100m and £148m by Atletico. PSG are one of the few clubs in the world able to spend more than the Gunners.

Atleti manager Diego Simeone admitted there was interest from all three clubs recently as he said: “I understand it’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona. It’s normal because he’s very good.”

Club make statement on £85m star

In yet another blow to Arteta’s hopes of signing a top forward, Bournemouth chief Tiago Pinto has made it clear that Eli Junior Kroupi will not be going anywhere this summer. The Frenchman, 19, has been linked with Arsenal and a host of other top clubs thanks to his fantastic performances over the past year.

But Pinto insists the Cherries are not prepared to sell their most valuable asset, even if they are offered a whopping £85m for Kroupi, who has scored 12 league goals this campaign.

He said: “Junior Kroupi will not be leaving the club. His contract is for more than four years, there is no release clause in the contract, and he will not be going anywhere.”

When asked if a certain number could convince Bournemouth to sell the attacker, Pinto replied: “We will not sell Kroupi even if we receive offers of €100million (£85m).”