Arsenal are considering a move to sign Inter Milan star Carlos Augusto this summer as the Gunners continues to reshape their squad.

Arsenal Eye Transfer Move for Serie A Title Winner Just Hours After Advancing Christian Nørgaard Deal

They’re Not Messing About! Gunners Target Inter Star Carlos Augusto as Squad Revamp Gathers Pace

Let’s cut to the chase: Arsenal means business. While most clubs ease into summer, the Gunners are sprinting to build the squad that has come tantalizingly close to Premier League glory—and hasn’t quite finished the job yet. Hot on the heels of moves for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, and Martin Zubimendi, they’ve now set their sights on another name: Carlos Augusto, the versatile defender who just lifted the Serie A title with Inter.

It’s ambitious. It’s bold. It might even be exactly the spark Arsenal needs to turn runners‑up into champions. So let’s dive into what’s happening, why this is a potential game‑changer, and how it connects to the grand plan of Mikel Arteta and the club.

What happened? Arsenal makes aggressive move for Carlos Augusto

Fresh from sealing the deal for Christian Nørgaard at Brentford, Arsenal have reportedly shifted straight into negotiations for Inter Milan’s multifaceted defender Carlos Augusto. According to Italian outlet FcInterNews, Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director and former Atlético Madrid director, is leading the chase—as much to pre‑empt Atlético’s own interest as to bring Augusto in on his own terms.

Augusto, currently on show at the Club World Cup with Inter, played in their decisive win and has already chalked up 29 Serie A appearances this season, scoring three goals, after featuring 37 times in the championship‑winning campaign the year before. His versatility—comfortable at left wing‑back, left midfield, and even centre‑back—is exactly the kind of utility option that Arteta loves.

The Bigger Picture: Arsenal’s Summer Blueprint

Arsenal FC v Newcastle United FC – Premier League

From day one of this window, Arsenal have been unapologetically proactive. While others took their time, Arteta’s side have already agreed moves for:

Kepa, aiming to boost the goalkeeping competition after a solid spell at Chelsea.
Christian Nørgaard, a steady midfield presence to build from deep.
Martin Zubimendi, a creative midfielder joining from Real Sociedad to spark control and distribution.

The focus isn’t random—it’s deliberate. Arteta wants a squad that combines tactical depth, technical quality, and resilience. But even with these signings, there’s one noticeable gap: defensive flexibility on the flanks—especially left-sided cover.

That’s where Carlos Augusto comes in. He ticks all the boxes: ball-playing, work rate, versatility, and Champions League experience. At around €30 million (£25.5 million/$35 million), the Gunners believe he’s a competitive buy.

Why Carlos Augusto? The “Huge” Reason Arsenal Should Go All Out

If transfer decisions were solely based on quality, Arsenal would already consider every world‑class left wing‑back. But Berta and Arteta understand that competition — depth and uncertainty — is unavoidable. Carlos Augusto offers several key advantages:

Positional Versatility — Swap him between wing‑back or central defence depending on formation.
Premier League Experience Pending — While he hasn’t played in England yet, he’s matured in a top league with similar tactical challenges.
Attacking Credibility — Right-footed, but capable of stepping inside, supporting offense, and delivering quality crosses or cut‑backs.
Big Game Temperament — Serie A title? Club World Cup appearances? He brings experience.

As former Arsenal academy defender Paul Dickov once said of a completely different player—and this logic resonates here—Arsenal need not just a name, but a profile that fits Premier League demands with high-end versatility. Augusto fits the bill better than most.

Arsenal Strategy vs. Other Targets

This isn’t just about signing the best available player—it’s about signing the right player. While names like Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and Victor Osimhen have been floated, all are strikers rather than defensive options. And given Arteta’s system—which often relies on full-backs pushing forward—fit and balance matter greatly.

Getting Augusto would mean:

Front-loading depth: three new midfielders + a specialist left-sided defender.
Avoiding the risk of rushing striker replacements before shaping the spine.
Potentially blocking rivals—Atlético Madrid in particular—from landing a solid wing‑back.

What Next? Scouting, Negotiations & The Next Showdown

FC Bayern Munchen v FC Internazionale Milano – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg

Watchers in Riyadh and Rome have already seen Augusto feature at the Club World Cup (including a Round of 16 match vs. Fluminense). But Arsenal scouts will return for his next performance—the quarter‑final, with full access for in-person evaluation.

If scouts give the green light, expect Arsenal to trigger €30 million release-style clause or negotiate a similar figure. The two clubs have talked before—Berta knows his way around Inter’s corridors after his Atlético years. But the question remains: can Arteta’s pitch of regular Premier League and Champions League football, along with a truly competitive wage, convince a player on the brink of further success at Inter?

The Price of Depth: €30 Million for Defensive Flexibility? Worth It.

Arsenal have been moderately conservative with their funds—but flexibility always comes at a price. A versatile defender who can fill multiple roles adds insurance at a bargain compared to inflated striker fees. Compare this to potential prix d’élites like Osimhen (often over £100m valuation), and Augusto suddenly looks like a shrewd, calculated investment.

In a 46‑game marathon, tactical rotations and cover are essential. One injury to Oleksandr Zinchenko or Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Arteta’s left‑side balance is disrupted. That’s why having a “jack-of-all-trades” isn’t luxury—it’s necessity.

The Club World Cup Spotlight & Scout Reports

Here’s what scouts have reported from his recent performances:

Tactically intelligent: slides into a back three, adjusts to fast forward motion.
Good engine: covers a lot of ground when recovering or pressing.
Crossing range: enough to supply center-forwards across competitions.
Physical readiness: holds up in one-on-one duels, competitive vs. top South American wings.

Whatever final decision Arsenal make, it’s safe to assume they know Alberto is ready and able to play.

Wrapping Up: Ambition, Timing & Blowing the Window Wide Open

Arsenal’s remodel isn’t incremental—it’s a sprint. With back-to-back runner‑up finishes in the Premier League, it’s not enough to hope for a breakthrough next spring. This summer has to land the missing pieces: a defensive insurance plan, midfield stability, and a spark in attack.

Carlos Augusto fits their scheme: young (26), battle-tested, tactically flexible, and affordable relative to his ceiling. Berta’s presence (and past connections) gives Arsenal negotiation leverage—and the player’s own ambition for Champions League silverware provides personal motivation.

Yes, it’s a big ask. But this is Arsenal—a club no longer afraid to move early, move smart, and act decisively. Whether Augusto becomes the next signing or not, it signals intent—a message from Arteta’s leadership that they are not just chasing, they are hungry.