Arsenal shifts focus to former Real Madrid star after their offer for Mikel Arteta’s main target was turned down.
Arsenal have reportedly shifted their focus to a former Real Madrid young star after their bid for Mikel Arteta’s top target was turned down.
So far this transfer window, the Gunners have been busy, signing Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes for £75 million. They also brought in winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for about £35 million. Plus, they made Piero Hincapie’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent by activating a £34.5 million clause.
But Arsenal still want another forward after missing out on Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, and Arteta also wants to add another defender.
According to Spanish news outlet AS, Arsenal showed interest in Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill, but were told he’s not for sale. Pubill, who can play right-back or center-back, has a massive €500 million release clause, which is often inflated in Spain to keep other teams away.
The 23-year-old’s move doesn’t seem connected to Arsenal’s interest in Cristian Romero, the Spurs captain, who looks set to join Atletico for £34.2 million.
Since that deal seems sorted, Arsenal are looking elsewhere. Sky Sports say they have started talks with Bayer Leverkusen about Jarell Quansah after their talks for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa stalled.
A new name has also come up: Como’s center-back Jacobo Ramon. The 21-year-old impressed in Serie A last season and stands tall at 6ft 5in. Ramon made 32 appearances and scored two goals.
He came through Real Madrid’s youth system and made six first-team appearances during the 2024/25 season. Surprisingly, Como only paid €2.5 million to sign him permanently.
However, things get a bit tricky here. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Real Madrid has a deal allowing them to bring Ramon back within three seasons for €8 million. They would also get 50% of any future transfer fee if Como sells him, so Como will want a serious offer.
Back in May, Ramon told Gazzetta dello Sport he plans to stay at Como: “I see myself here. Yes.”
This kind of deal is similar to what happened with another Real Madrid young player, Nico Paz, who moved to Como last summer. Real had the chance to bring Paz back for €8 million this summer, but that option expired, so Paz will stay at Como at least another season. After that, Real can try again by paying a higher fee.
It’s not clear if the same exact terms apply to Ramon’s situation, but Arsenal will have to consider all this if they want to make a move.