Club chief issues update on Arsenal 'target' as defender could be forced to stay

Arsenal are now preparing for Wednesday evening’s friendly clash with Villarreal as they prepare to give their home fans a look at where they are just a week or so from the start of the new season.

The Gunners have been away in Asia for the last couple of weeks, and the competition for places will now ramp up as the new season draws near. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Lookman latest

Atalanta star Ademola Lookman has told his current club he wants to leave amid links with a move. Arsenal have been linked with a move for Lookman in the past, and he could be an alternative to Eberechi Eze, albeit he is a different type of player.

In the meantime, Atalanta CEO Antonio Percassi has said of the situation: “The pact with Lookman was made one year ago when we rejected €20m from PSG. We told him: we’ll let you leave in 2025 for a super top club and not in Italy. Now, the situation [with Inter] is different... and as always, it’s us deciding”.

Kiwior could stay

All things seem to be pointing towards a Jakub Kiwior stay at Arsenal as things stand. It emerged on Monday that an approach for Jeremy Jacquet, a Rennes centre-back, had been knocked back, or at least according to the French media.

That comes days after Fabrizio Romano highlighted that Arsenal turned down an approach for Kiwior in July and that the situation remains ‘open’. But even with the signing of Cristhian Mosquera, it’s unlikely Arsenal will let Kiwior leave without finding another replacement.

Arsenal release new third kit

Arsenal confirmed the release of their new third kit on Monday, which is a nod to the Highbury years. A statement read: “Our 2025/26 adidas third shirt channels the spirit of Highbury to inspire the next generation of our supporters. Marking the 20th anniversary of our final season at the iconic stadium, the Highbury design focuses on the finer details - including bespoke off-white engineered fabric featuring graphics and trims that reflect the distinctive facades and the Art Deco elegance of Highbury. A white polo collar and cuffs accented with dark red and golden lines, together with dark red three-stripes across the shoulders seamlessly blend modern flair with Arsenal heritage.

“The shirt is completed with the cannon crest and sponsor logo, all in dark red, blending our rich heritage with timeless adidas Originals style. Following last year’s celebrated reintroduction of the iconic Trefoil logo on the third shirt, adidas proudly brings it back once again, paying tribute to its historic significance in the sport.

“Inside the shirt, a special sign-off features a graphic of Highbury’s unique exterior, with distinctive detailing designed to inspire the next generation of our supporters who have heard Highbury folklore passed down through the years but weren't there to experience the club’s former home themselves.”

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