Arsenal have identified Eduardo Camavinga as a potential midfield target this summer, but hopes of bringing the Real Madrid star to the Emirates have suffered a significant setback.
The Gunners are looking to strengthen the heart of their midfield after a hugely successful campaign in which they won the Premier League title and reached the UEFA Champions League final. While Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães remains a long-term target, Arsenal are also monitoring Camavinga as they assess options to add more quality and depth.
According to reports, Arsenal are among several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the France international. Manchester City and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, whose age, versatility and top-level experience make him one of Europe’s most attractive midfielders.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on the prospect of a move away from Madrid.
Romano says Camavinga has consistently delivered the same message throughout the summer: he wants to remain at Real Madrid and fight for his place under new head coach José Mourinho. The midfielder is reportedly determined to revive his career at the Santiago Bernabéu rather than seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Manchester United have also explored the possibility of signing Camavinga and are understood to have held discussions with the player’s representatives while searching for a defensive midfielder. But Romano insists any transfer depends entirely on the player changing his stance, something that has not happened.
According to Romano, Camavinga is not currently considering an exit and has no desire to leave Madrid before the new season.
The transfer specialist added that the situation could only change if discussions with Mourinho or the Real Madrid hierarchy take an unexpected turn later in the transfer window. Should that happen, the Premier League would likely become his preferred destination. At present, though, the French midfielder’s focus remains on succeeding in Spain.
Camavinga has already built an impressive résumé despite his young age, winning multiple LaLiga and Champions League titles since arriving from Rennes. Although injuries have interrupted his progress at times, Real Madrid continue to view him as an important part of their long-term plans.
For Arsenal, that means attention may have to turn elsewhere as Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta continue their search for midfield reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Unless Camavinga changes his mind, a move to north London appears highly unlikely this summer.
