Arsenal’s summer transfer plans continue to gather pace, with the Gunners close to confirming the arrival of Fabio Vieira as they target moves for Gabriel Jesus and Lisandro Martinez...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is poised to bolster his squad with the signing of Fabio Vieira, who is expected to be unveiled by the Londoners ‘imminently.
And the Spaniard is expected to continue splashing the cash after the £34million deal for Vieira is officially confirmed.
The Gunners are still in the market for a new No.9 and are reportedly ‘getting closer’ to the £50m price tag that Manchester City have slapped on Gabriel Jesus. But Arsenal will seemingly have to fend off interest from Tottenham to strike a deal for the Brazilian striker, who has emerged as Arteta’s top summer target.
Arsenal are also chasing defensive reinforcements and have been linked with Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez in recent days, but they could struggle to hang on to Kieran Tierney, who has reportedly emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester City.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest Arsenal transfer news right here.
19:04Michael Gowler
Inter to table Arsenal swap offer
Inter Milan are understood to have become the latest Italian side keen on acquiring Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Brazilian has been attracting interest from Serie A giants Juventus this summer, however, it now appears they face competition for the centre-back’s signature from Inter. And the Nerazzurri appears ready to test the Gunners’ resolve.
According to Calciomercato, Interare set to imminently make Arsenal a player-plus-cash offer for Gabriel which includes centre-back Stefan de Vrij. The Dutchman alone is thought to be valued at around £17million.
18:34Michael Gowler
Tielemans transfer put on ice
Arsenal have reportedly put their pursuit of Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans on hold as they prioritise getting other deals over the line.
According to GOAL, the Gunners are currently placing all of their efforts into securing a number of other deals as opposed to stepping up their interest in the Belgian midiflder.
Mikel Arteta is close to adding Porto playmaker Fabio Vieira to his ranks while talks are understood to be ongoing with Gabriel Jesus’ agent. Arsenal also remain strongly interested in Leeds winger Raphinha, amid talks of an impending offer.
Arsenal to make £50m Raphinha bid
Arsenal are expected to test Leeds’ resolve for Raphinha by tabling a £50million bid for the Brazilian winger.
According to The Times, Leeds are anticipating an approach from the Gunners, who are up against a number of clubs for the 25-year-old. Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona are understood to have already made contact with the Whites, but Arsenal appear intent on making a significant move for the attacker.
Leeds are thought to be holding out for a fee in the region of £65m-£75m for Raphinha, whose preference is understood to be Barcelona. However, such a figure looks way beyond what the cash-strapped Catalan club can afford this summer.
17:40Michael Gowler
Rekik joins Sparta Rotterdam
Arsenal youngster Omar Rekik has joined Sparta Rotterdam on a season-long loan, until June 2023. The 20-year-old academy star, who has three caps for Tunisia, will now gain vital experience in the Eredivise next campaign.
Following confirmation of the deal, Rotterdam’s technical director Gerard Nijkamp said: “Omar is well regarded as a talent at Arsenal, but it is not easy to break through there. He trained with the first team, but it is important for his development to make minutes at the highest level, a chance that is greater at Sparta.
“Omar is a central defender who is strong in football, but also leads the way in battle and does not shy away from duels. There was a lot of competition to attract him, but we are happy that he chose Sparta.”
17:18KEY EVENT
Raphinha’s preferred choice
Raphinha will not rush to join either Arsenal or Tottenham because he is still holding out for a move to Barcelona, reports David Anderson.
Arsenal and Tottenham have joined the race for Raphinha and Barcelona’s bid to sign the Brazil winger has stalled because they cannot afford Leeds’ £60million asking price.
Arsenal and Spurs have the cash to buy Raphinha, but the South American star will not jump at joining either club.
Raphinha, 25, has his heart set on a move to Barcelona and his agent Deco even agreed terms with the Spanish giants.
Barca were only willing to offer around half of what Leeds want and they have cooled their interest in recent weeks.
Raphinha is attracting much interest because he scored 17 Premier League goals and made 12 assists over the last two seasons, and he knows his appeal could rise further if he has a good World Cup with Brazil.
Contract talks with Leeds remain on the backburner because of the uncertainty over his future and he has two years left on his current agreement.
16:56Felix Keith
Clarke joins Stoke on loan
Arsenal defender Harry Clarke has joined Stoke City on a season-long loan deal.
The 21-year-old right-back has previously spent time on loan with Oldham Athletic, Ross County and Hibernian.
“It feels unreal coming to a club like this,” he said. “It’s been a dream to play in the Championship for a while now so it’s good that it’s finally over the line. Obviously we had to deal with leaving Hibs, which had to be done the right way, but I’ve been excited about it ever since I heard about it.
“I see Stoke City as a Premier League club like a lot of people do. I want to be part of something special here this year, getting the Club back to where they belong.”
16:15Felix Keith
Next Brazilian striker off the conveyor?
Arsenal have already signed one Brazilian this summer in the form of Marquinhos, and they are chasing two others – Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha.
The Mirror has spoken to another exciting Brazilian attacker who could one day be plying his trade in the Premier League: Marcos Leonardo. The 19-year-old Santos striker has scored 25 senior goals and racked up nearly 100 games – and he is already eyeing a move across the Atlantic.
“I want to play in the Premier League one day,” he said. “I watch a lot of games, and it is one of the main championships in the world. Not only for the competition among the teams, but also for the whole league. The proof is that English clubs always arrive in finals like the Champions League.”
15:46Felix Keith
Raphinha’s predicament
There have been a lot of updates about Raphinha today, so I will try to explain the state of play.
Goal Brazil claims that Arsenal are in pole position to land the Leeds winger (11.20 post), while he could cost between £65m to £75m, according to Fabrizio Romano (13.37 post).
That is all well and good, but Raphinha himself has his heart set upon Barcelona. His agent Deco already has a verbal agreement with the Spanish giants, but their financial struggles mean they do not have the money Leeds are asking for.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are much more viable options for Leeds, but the player himself wants to move to Barca.
15:16Dan Marsh
Everton muscle in on Zinchenko
Everton are trying to muscle in on a deal for Oleksandr Zinchenko, a new report has claimed.
The Ukrainian ace has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks along with his Manchester City teammate, Gabriel Jesus.
But a new report from Goal has claimed that Everton are now ‘leading the chase’ for the versatile star, who is also being tracked by West Ham.
14:48Felix Keith
Arsenal ‘awaiting’ Sanchez decision
A left-field story courtesy of Chilean newspaper La Tercera, via Sport Witness, who claim that Arsenal are ‘awaiting the decisions’ made by Alexis Sanchez this summer.
The former Arsenal forward is set to leave Inter Milan when his contract expires at the end of the month and is reportedly an option for Marseille, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Aston Villa. Marseille are deemed the most likely option, but intriguingly Villa are said to be willing to match the 33-year-old’s current £6.88m (€8m) per season salary.
Alexis Sanchez is set to leave Inter on a free transfer
14:16Felix Keith
The Pepe conundrum
Shifting Nicolas Pepe could hold the key to Arsenal’s ability to bring in players like Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha this summer.
Pepe cost Arsenal £72million from Lille in July 2019 and has not lived up to that billing. Both he and the Gunners now want to move on.
The 26-year-old changed agents recently in a bid to engineer a move away from north London. Marseille and Lyon have both enquired about the Ivory Coast international this year, while Superdeporte say that Sevilla have also made contact with Arsenal. The problem is that Pepe still has two years left on his £140,000-a-week contract and the club are reluctant to swallow a huge loss on their investment three years ago.
Nicolas Pepe could leave Arsenal this summer
13:37Felix Keith
Leeds set Raphinha price
Raphinha could cost Arsenal between £65m to £75m this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Reports suggest Arsenal are making good progress on a deal for the Brazilian winger, who is also wanted by Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham, but Leeds are set to hold out for a significant transfer fee.
Arsenal made their interest known in March and are in direct negotiations with Leeds, but may need to shift record signing Nicolas Pepe before they can make a move.
Leeds winger Raphinha is attracting a lot of transfer interest
13:04KEY EVENT
Jesus to Arsenal ‘close’
Gabriel Jesus’ move to Arsenal is now ‘close’, according to Goal.
The Manchester City striker is Mikel Arteta’s top summer transfer target and has been linked with a summer switch to the Emirates for weeks.
And now it seems as though the Gunners are closing in on their man, with the new report suggesting that a deal could even be confirmed and announced in the coming days.
Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus celebrates with the Premier League trophy
12:24Dan Marsh
Arsenal ‘backing away’ from Martinez transfer
Arsenal have backed off in the race for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, a new report has claimed.
News of the Gunners interest in the versatile star broke a few days ago, with Manchester United also thought to be interested in the Argentinian ace.
But a new report from De Telegraaf, via HITC, has claimed that Arsenal have been scared off after learning how much it would cost to prise Martinez away from Amsterdam this summer.
11:55Dan Marsh
Barcelona have reportedly ‘disappeared’ from the race to sign Raphinha – paving the way for Arsenal to clinch a surprise deal.
Reports emerged on Monday morning claiming that the Gunners were suddenly in pole position to land the Leeds star, who had been linked with a move to Barcelona for months.
A new report from Goal Espana, via Sport Witness, claims that Barca are not in a financial position to meet Leeds’ demands for the winger, which is thought to be around £50million.
And that could leave the coast clear for Arsenal to seal another surprise transfer from out of nowhere, just days after they won the race for Fabio Vieira.
Leeds forward Raphinha has impressed in the Premier League
11:20KEY EVENT
Arsenal ‘very close’ to Raphinha deal
Arsenal are reportedly ‘very close’ to beating Tottenham and Barcelona to a deal for Raphinha.
Leeds’ Brazilian talisman has been linked with a host of clubs in recent weeks, but a new report from Goal Brazil claims that the Gunners are in pole position to land the winger.
It’s claimed that Raphinha will not wait for a move to Barcelona to materialise and that his move to the Emirates could even be wrapped up this week.
10:45Dan Marsh
Arsenal wait on Morata offer
Arsenal have reportedly tabled an initial offer for former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Gunners have made the first move for the 29-year-old, who has scored 32 goals in 92 appearances during his time on loan at Juventus.
The Italian giants failed to exercise their option to sign Morata on a permanent basis but are still interested in the Spanish striker.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal will be successful in their bid to land Morata, who failed to impress during a previous spell at Chelsea.
Alvaro Morata
10:08Dan Marsh
Bellerin set to snub Serie A switch
Arsenal outcast Hector Bellerin reportedly has no interest in moving to Italy this summer.
The Spaniard has just one year left on his current deal with the Gunners and is angling for a permanent return to Real Betis, where he spent last season on loan.
With the Spanish outfit unable to afford a permanent deal, Bellerin has been linked with host of other clubs.
But a new report from Estadio Deportivo has claimed that Bellerin still harbours hopes of a return to Spain and would prefer to rejoin Betis rather than the likes of AS Roma or Fiorentina.
Hector Bellerin.
09:40Dan Marsh
Man Utd muscle in on Martinez
Manchester United are set to ramp up their interest in Lisandro Martinez after Jurrien Timber snubbed a move to Old Trafford.
Martinez has been linked with Arsenal in recent days as he is comfortable playing at left-back and as a left-sided centre-half – two areas that the Gunners are looking to strengthen this summer.
However, they are set to face stiff competition to land Martinez, as a new report from De Telegraaf has revealed that United have turned their attention to the Ajax man after Erik ten Hag was snubbed by Martinez’s Ajax teammate, Timber.
Lisandro Martinez
09:18Dan Marsh
Gunners duo set for Eredivisie
Arsenal prospects Omar Rekik and Mika Biereth are on the verge of sealing temporary moves to the Eredivise.
Rekik and Biereth are set to head out on loan to gain crucial first-team experience, and The Athletic have revealed that both are set to head out to Holland.
Rekik expected to join Sparta Rotterdam, while Biereth is set to link up with RKC Waalwijk.
08:40Dan Marsh
Arsenal ‘going all out’ for Asensio
Arsenal are reportedly willing to pull out all the stops to seal a deal for Marco Asensio this summer.
Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with the Real Madrid attacker, but a new report from Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness.
The report claims that Arsenal have made signing the 26-year-old a ‘great objective’ and that they are ‘going to go all out’ to bring the Spaniard to the club as Mikel Arteta is keen on the winger.
07:56Dan Marsh
Arsenal ‘expected to be trumped’ in Richarlison race
Arsenal and Tottenham are expected to lose out to Chelsea in the race for Richarlison, according to The Independent.
The Gunners and Tottenham are both chasing a deal for the sought-after Everton striker, who could depart Goodison Park this summer.
But it’s Chelsea who are currently in pole position to land the Brazilian ace, with the report claiming that the Blues are set to ‘trump’ interest from their London rivals.
07:25KEY EVENT
Tierney emerges as Man City target
Kieran Tierney has reportedly emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester City.
The Premier League champions are in the market for a new left-back this summer and, according to a new report from The Scotsman, have identified Tierney as an alternative to Brighton’s Marc Cucurella.
Arsenal could struggle to hang onto the in-demand full-back, with the report also claiming that Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Scottish ace, who has impressed since joining the Gunners back in the summer of 2019.
06:53Dan Marsh
Vieira announcement ‘imminent’
Arsenal are set to confirm the arrival of Fabio Vieira ‘imminently’, a new report has claimed.
News of a £34million deal for the FC Porto star broke late last week, and the Gunners are now ready to unveil their new man, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
He claims in his column for CaughtOffside that the official announcement is expected very, very soon.
Fabio Vieira is set to become Arsenal’s second signing of the summer
06:21Dan Marsh
Abraham ‘happy’ in Rome
Arsenal’s hopes of luring Tammy Abraham back to the Premier League have been dealt a major blow – as the striker is reportedly settled in Italy with AS Roma.
Abraham enjoyed a fine season in Serie A under Jose Mourinho, netting 17 league goals for the Italian outfit. Unsurprisingly, his form has attracted a number of top European clubs – including Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, Corriere dello Sport has revealed that Abraham is settled in Rome and has no intention of moving anytime soon.
06:15Dan Marsh
Good morning!
We’re back and ready to keep on top of all the latest Arsenal news. Can the Gunners fend off interest from Tottenham in the race for Gabriel Jesus? Is today that Fabio Vieira will be unveiled as an Arsenal player? Let’s find out…
22:23Felix Keith
That’s it for today
Thank you for following our coverage of Arsenal’s efforts in the transfer window today. Please return tomorrow morning to see how the pursuit of Gabriel Jesus progresses.
21:55Felix Keith
Raphinha prefers Barca to Arsenal
Raphinha is prepared to shun more lucrative contract offers from elsewhere in order to wait for a transfer to Barcelona. That is according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, who say the Brazilian would rather move to Spain than go to Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool.
The Athletic reported recently that Arsenal would only move for Raphinha if they can find a buyer for Nicolas Pepe first.
21:14Felix Keith
Arsenal ‘make Morata offer’
Arsenal have reportedly made an offer for Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his forward line this summer.
Reports in Italy from Tuttomercatoweb claim the Gunners have launched a bid for the 29-year-old, while Juventus are also keen on the player. Morata has just finished the final of his two-year loan spell at the Italian giants after joining them from Atletico in 2020.
The Spain international scored 32 goals in 92 appearances for the Old Lady.
20:40KEY EVENT
Spurs enter race for Jesus
Gabriel Jesus is at the centre of a tug of war between bitter north London rivals Arsenal and Spurs.
Manchester City’s 25-year-old striker is at the top of Mikel Arteta’s shopping list as the Spaniard looks to fill the void left by Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gunners are understood to be close to Premier League champions £50million valuation of the Brazilian marksman.
But Antonio Conte has made a move to shatter negotiations by offering Champions League football to Jesus, who netted 95 times in six years at the Etihad.
