Real Madrid praise & Spanish move: 13 Arsenal stories you might have missed | OneFootball

It’s been another busy weekend for Arsenal, with significant developments both on and off the pitch.

From Charlie Patino’s impending move to Deportivo La Coruña and Gabriel Magalhães’ call-up to the Brazil squad, to updates on loanee Karl Hein and soon-to-be loanee Fábio Vieira, there’s plenty to catch up on.

In case you missed any of the action, here are 13 Arsenal stories you should know about from the weekend.

Charlie Patino set for Deportivo La Coruña move in £1 million deal

26 August 2024 La Opinion de A Coruña

Arsenal’s young midfielder Charlie Patino is close to his long-anticipated move to Deportivo La Coruña in a deal reported to be worth £1 million.

The 21-year-old Englishman, who has been part of Arsenal’s setup since 2015, will now embark on a new chapter in Spain after agreeing a three-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year.

Patino’s move signals the end of his time with the Gunners, where he rose through the ranks and gained experience with successful loan spells in the Championship.

Deportivo view Patino as a key piece of their rebuilding project and expect him to make an immediate impact.

Gabriel Magalhães included in Brazil’s squad; Martinelli and Jesus left out

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Gabriel Magalhães attends the PFA Awards 2024 at Manchester Opera House on August 20, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has been included in Brazil’s squad for their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, while his club teammates Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have been left out.

Jesus’s omission is more understandable, given that the striker is currently dealing with a groin injury that kept him out of Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

The injury’s severity remains unclear, with Arsenal awaiting scan results to determine whether he’ll be sidelined for days or weeks.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old sensation Estevão Willian has been handed his first Brazil call-up.

Arsenal loanee Karl Hein impresses in Valladolid’s defeat to Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s French forward #09 Kylian Mbappe (L) and Real Valladolid’s Estonian goalkeeper #13 Karl Jakob Hein vie for the ball during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Valladolid FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on August 25, 2024. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal loanee Karl Hein is proving to be a key figure for Real Valladolid, delivering another strong performance in their La Liga clash against Real Madrid.

Despite Valladolid’s 3-0 defeat, Hein was once again a standout player, making a series of crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable and earning praise after the match from Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez.

This performance follows his impressive debut last week against Espanyol, where he kept a clean sheet and helped Valladolid secure their first three points of the season.

With Hein continuing to show his quality, Arsenal will be closely monitoring their young goalkeeper’s progress during this important loan spell in Spain.

Fábio Vieira poised for season-long loan return to FC Porto

FÁBIO VIEIRA BACK HOME – O Jogo 24 August 2024

Fábio Vieira is on the verge of completing a season-long loan move from Arsenal back to FC Porto, where he initially rose to prominence.

The 24-year-old creative midfielder has struggled to secure a consistent starting role in North London since his 2022 transfer and is now set to return to familiar surroundings in Portugal.

According to sources close to the negotiation, the deal is expected to be finalised on Tuesday, with Porto assuming full responsibility for his wages during the loan.

Arsenal’s priority in the negotiations was to reduce financial exposure while allowing Vieira to rediscover his form with regular playing time.

Nuno Tavares recovers from injury and returns to Lazio squad

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 13: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio during the SS Lazio training session at Formello sport centre on August 13, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares has made a swift recovery from the thigh injury that saw him forced off just 22 minutes into his Lazio debut last month.

The Portuguese left-back was back on the bench for Lazio’s 2-1 defeat against Udinese on Saturday, as his loan spell continues to regain momentum.

Initially expected to be sidelined for an extended period, Tavares has returned ahead of schedule, a boost for both the player and the Serie A side.

The injury was the latest in a series of muscular issues for Tavares, who also faced similar problems while on loan with Nottingham Forest last season.

Arsenal reject loan offers for Jakub Kiwior, insisting on permanent deal

CARSON, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Jakub Kiwior #15 of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring during the penalty kick shootout against AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Arsenal have drawn a firm line in the sand regarding the future of Jakub Kiwior, stating that the defender will only be allowed to leave the club if a permanent transfer is agreed.

The Gunners, who signed Kiwior in January 2023, have turned down loan proposals from interested clubs like Bologna, making it clear they are not open to any temporary deals.

Arsenal’s stance reflects both their valuation of the player and their broader strategy of retaining control over key squad assets.

For now, unless a club meets their asking price, Kiwior remains part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the upcoming season.

Crystal Palace close to agreeing permanent deal for Eddie Nketiah

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Eddie Nketiah heads the ball during the first half during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Finding a new club for Eddie Nketiah has been challenging this summer, but a late opportunity has emerged with Crystal Palace.

The forward’s proposed move to Nottingham Forest collapsed over personal terms, but Palace have now stepped in with a £30m offer that is close to being finalised.

With personal terms unlikely to be an issue this time, the move could finally provide Nketiah with the regular first-team football he’s been seeking.

As the transfer window approaches its deadline, Arsenal are looking to offload the 25-year-old, making this deal a crucial one for all parties involved.

Former Arsenal player Gio Queiroz scores hat-trick for Atlético Madrid

Former Arsenal forward Gio Queiroz made an emphatic return to Spanish football by scoring a hat-trick in Atlético Madrid’s 4-1 win against Ajax.

The Brazilian, who rejoined Atlético this summer after a challenging spell in England, was in sensational form, reminding everyone of the talent that made her a rising star.

Queiroz’s hat-trick highlights her potential to be a game-changer for the rojiblancas this season and offers a promising start to her second stint in Spain.

Arsenal express interest in Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC bites his winner’s medal as he celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 final match between Atalanta BC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Dublin Arena on May 22, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Arsenal have expressed interest in Ademola Lookman as the transfer window edges towards its end.

The North London club has reportedly “knocked on the door” regarding the Atalanta winger, who has been a standout performer in Serie A.

With just days left before the window shuts, Arsenal are considering whether to make a formal move as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Lookman’s situation remains in flux, with Atalanta keeping the player out of recent matchday squads amidst ongoing speculation.

Arsenal’s interest, though yet to materialise into a concrete bid, highlights their intent to add depth in forward positions.

Arsenal exploring late move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres

Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and Rio Ave FC at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on August 9, 2024.(Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal are reportedly exploring a late move for Viktor Gyökeres, whose outstanding form at Sporting CP has put several top clubs on high alert.

With the Swedish striker scoring six goals and providing three assists in just four games, Sporting officials are increasingly concerned that a club like Arsenal might make a last-minute bid to trigger his €100 million release clause.

While Sporting hope to keep hold of their star forward, the player’s form has reignited interest from Europe’s elite, making the final days of the transfer window one to watch.

Arsenal’s interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen cools ahead of deadline day

UDINE, ITALY – MAY 06: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Dacia Arena on May 06, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has cooled as the transfer window nears its close.

Despite initial talks aimed at strengthening their forward options, the Gunners have not made significant strides towards securing the Nigerian’s signature.

Napoli’s €130 million valuation, combined with Osimhen’s reluctance to consider non-permanent moves, has created a stalemate in negotiations.

With just days left before the window shuts, Arsenal seem to have shifted their focus elsewhere, leaving the door open for other clubs like Paris Saint-Germain or Saudi Arabian teams to swoop in.

David Raya eyeing second Golden Glove

David Raya with his PFA Team of the Year award (Photo via Raya on Twitter)

David Raya has wasted no time in asserting himself as a crucial part of Arsenal’s defence, as the Spanish goalkeeper aims for back-to-back Premier League Golden Glove awards.

After securing his second clean sheet in as many games with a crucial 2-0 win over Aston Villa, Raya’s influence is undeniable.

The 28-year-old was instrumental again, denying Ollie Watkins with a reflex save that set the tone for Arsenal’s victory.

With 16 clean sheets last season, Raya already has his sights set on more silverware, as he leads a Gunners side intent on challenging for the title.

Folarin Balogun’s move to Monaco raises questions about Arsenal’s decision

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 27: Folarin Balogun of United States celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

When Arsenal decided to sell Folarin Balogun to AS Monaco last summer for €30m, the decision sparked debate among the fanbase. Balogun, a prolific youth striker who never got a consistent first-team opportunity at Arsenal, was highly rated by supporters.

The transfer included €10m in performance-related add-ons and a 17.5% sell-on clause, indicating that Arsenal still believe in his potential.

But how has the 22-year-old fared since switching to Ligue 1, and what do his performances suggest about Arsenal’s decision?