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Arsenal are preparing for their upcoming game against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday (October 24) at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Mikel Arteta's team are coming off a come-from-behind 2-2 Premier League draw at Chelsea at the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Elsewhere, the north London side want to bring Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz to the Emirates.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on October 24, 2023:
Arsenal want Victor Osimhen
Arsenal are interested in Victor Osimhen, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Nigerian is among the finest in his position across Europe at the moment. The 24-year-old was instrumental in Napoli's title Serie A title run last season. However, his future at the club is up in the air following a controversial social media post by the club.
The Gunners are in the market for a new No. 9 and have their eyes on Osimhen. Jones told Give Me Sport that the Nigerian could power Arteta's side to the league as well as Champions League titles.
"They play it down if you try to get any official quote on Arsenal going for Osimhen, but obviously if that time does come, they've got to be smart because Osimhen is valued at a ridiculous price and rightly so by Napoli. But also, there's going to be a huge wage and everything that comes in turn with that," said Jones.
He continued:
"So this is really ambitious if they do go for Osimhen, but if you're an Arsenal fan, this is the dream, this is the guy that can lead you properly towards title talk and properly into the Champions League conversation."
Osimhen's contract with Napoli expires in 2025, but he hasn't agreed an extension yet.
Gunners eyeing Douglas Luiz
Arsenal are interested in Douglas Luiz, according to acclaimed transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Brazilian midfielder is a long-term target for Arteta, who tried to sign him last summer. Luiz opted to stay and sign a new deal with Aston Villa instead and has been integral to their recent rise.
The Gunners have retained their interest in Luiz, who has six goals in 14 games across competitions for the Villans this season.
On his YouTube channel, Romano warned that it won't be easy prising him away from Villa Park.
“It is also important to say that many clubs are keeping an eye on Luiz’s situation. Arsenal wanted Luiz one year ago, he’s always been a player appreciated by Arsenal director Edu. Let’s see what is going to happen in January if Arsenal decide to move for that position or not because it’s not decided yet," said Romano.
He continued:
“But for sure, Douglas Luiz is a player appreciated by many clubs around Europe, not just Arsenal. We know the style of the Gunners, they like to keep an eye on players they’ve already been following in the past. For sure, Luiz is going to be one to watch in 2024. Let’s see if it’s January or the summer, it’s never easy to sign players from Aston Villa and they are flying now.”
Arteta already bolstered his midfield this summer by signing Declan Rice and Kai Havert but remains keen for further reinforcements.
Unai Emery opens up on Emirates stint
Unai Emery has admitted it was difficult to live up to Arsene Wenger's legacy at the Emirates.
The Spanish manager took charge at the Emirates in 2018 but was eventually shown the door next year. After a successful stint with Villarreal, Emery took charge of Aston Villa in 2022.
The Spanish manager tdld The Times that he was frustrated during the final months of tenure with the north London side.
"It was a very good challenge but when I finished after one year and six months, in November [2019] I was really frustrated. The first year was good, the second year started a bit so-so and then it was over," said Emery.
He continued:
"Arsenal was difficult to arrive at after Wenger. What was needed was a process. The supporters respected me a lot and I was frustrated because I was thinking, ‘I can do it, but I need time.' But I understand always football. I understand always my position as a coach. You have to win. You convince by winning."
Emery went on to praise Arteta, who replaced him in 2019.
"The work Arteta is doing there now is brilliant and he’s doing more or less everything I was thinking needed to be done there. And now history is different. I am here. I have my challenge here. And Aston Villa is an amazing club," said Emery.
Arteta has transformed the Gunners into title challengers recently.
