Arsenal news and transfers recap: Mbappe talks opened, Balogun offer, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia twist
Arsenal news and transfers recap: Mbappe talks opened, Balogun offer, Hojlund move, Lavia twist
Arsenal transfer news: Tune into today's liveblog for all the latest Gunners transfer rumours and gossip, including updates on Ousmane Dembele, Romeo Lavia and Folarin Balogun plus lots more
Arsenal are enduring their quietest period of the summer window but there are still numerous transfer decisions facing Mikel Arteta and Edu.
Outgoings are seen as the immediate priority with Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Nicolas Pepe and Cedric Soares all likely to depart, while Folarin Balogun could join Manchester United. Despite spending over £200million to strengthen their midfield and defence with the acquisitions of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, Arteta is still looking to sign a new central midfielder and right-back.
Ajax star Mohammed Kudus looks as though he will be at the centre of a transfer battle between Arsenal and Chelsea, with both London clubs showing a strong interest. Elsewhere in the transfer world, Kylian Mbappe's future continues to be a major talking point while Arsenal are also looking at signing Bitello.
With that said, keep the blog on lock as we bring you the latest Arsenal transfer news LIVE from Emirates Stadium with regular updates throughout the day!
Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team, or loaned out for experience? Swipe to have your say...
Xhaka opens up on Arsenal exit
Granit Xhaka has opened up on his decision to leave Arsenal and seal a summer transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
“I spent seven magnificent years at Arsenal, I didn’t want to play against them,” Xhaka told Marca. “It wasn’t easy for me to leave or for the club to let me go.
“I felt love and respect from Edu and [Mikel] Arteta, but I wanted to face a new challenge at Bayer Leverkusen. Mikel is incredible, not only as a coach, and I think Xabi [Alonso] is on the same line.”
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Lokonga closing in on loan move
Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is edging closer towards sealing a loan move to Burnley, according to the Mirror.
The Belgium international has struggled to place himself in Mikel Arteta's thoughts since moving from Anderlecht in 2021. But, a renuion with his former manager at Turf Moor could be exactly what he needs to kickstart his Arsenal career.
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Jorginho on Man City and Haaland
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has insisted that he and his team-mates mustn't focus on Manchester City's dominance but instead on what they can control. Last season's two Premier League title rivals are set to clash at Wembley Stadium next weekend in the Community Shield final.
Following their remarkable 2022/23 campaign, Mikel Arteta and Edu have strengthened in key areas as they vie for another battle at the peak of English football with Pep Guardiola's men, but this time with a different outcome.
The futures of William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson have also been nailed down in recent months with the trio all signing new long-term contracts. All the while Man City have lost both Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, while making Mateo Kovacic as their only namely addition to the senior squad, but to Jorginho the business done at Etihad Stadium should not matter to the Gunners.
Read the full story here
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Premier League rule set to affect Arsenal
Arsenal's priority after signing Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice very early in the summer transfer window is offloading players so that the first-team squad is balanced.
Following the departures of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Pablo Mari and Granit Xhaka coupled with several members of last season's loan army failing to earn permanent transfers, the Gunners' senior squad, as things currently stand, contains 35 players - a number that is far too high when taking Premier League and Champions League rulings into consideration.
Therefore, plenty of exits are expected between now and transfer deadline day on September 1. However, there are six non-first-team players on the books at the Emirates Stadium whose futures must also be decided within the next four weeks otherwise their developments next season will almost certainly stall.
Now, whilst James Hillson, Omar Rekik, Ryan Alebiosu, Ben Cottrell, Tim Akinola and Tyreece John-Jules have just one competitive senior appearance for Arsenal between them, they will be affected by the Premier League rule change that comes into effect when Mikel Arteta is permitted to name a 25-man squad after the summer transfer window slams shut.
Read the full story here
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Liverpool in Mbappe transfer twist
Liverpool have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain in an attempt to seal a sensational loan move for Kylian Mbappe, according to the Mirror.
PSG do not want to lose their star man on a free transfer next summer and are therefore open to the idea of him leaving on a season-long loan with Jurgen Klopp's men now formally acting on their interest. The new report also notes that Mbappe's mother Fayza Lamari – also his agent – is a huge Kop fan.
Neville makes Arsenal and Man United Premier League prediction
Gary Neville has provided some of his predictions for the 2023/24 Premier League season with another interesting claim involving Manchester United and Arsenal. The former right-back turned Sky Sports pundit was slammed on numerous occasions by Arsenal fans for his opinions on Mikel Arteta's side with one particular prediction proving to be rather outlandish.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast in January, he said: "No, [Arsenal] won’t win the league. Manchester City will win the league and I think Manchester United will finish second and I know that’ll annoy Arsenal fans." While the first half of Neville's prediction came true he was left looking rather red faced with Arsenal finishing last season nine points above Man United.
Both clubs have bolstered their squad in the summer transfer window, with Man United getting closer to sealing their third marquee signing. Mason Mount and Andre Onana have already been welcomed and they could be joined by Rasmus Hojlund as Man United are discussing the final terms of a €60million (£51.6million) package deal with Atalanta.
Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber have all joined Arsenal this summer totalling just over £200million spent by Arteta and Edu. Erik ten Hag has improved his squad and although the Gunners currently appear to look stronger in most departments, Neville has explained how Man United can beat Arsenal to second-place while also ruling out any team challenging Man City's domestic dominance.
Read the full story here
Man United transfer 'agreement reached'
Manchester United have finalised their move for Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Erik ten Hag's side had already agreed personal terms and were just discussing the final details of the €75million (£64.4million) package which now look to have been sorted.
Bitello transfer twist
Arsenal could find themselves beaten to the signing of Gremio star Bitello by Serie A outfit Torino.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old but their delay in reaching an agreement could see the Italian side hijack the move, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
Klopp sends transfer message
Jurgen Klopp has made a huge admission regarding Liverpool's midfield transfer plans which could impact Arsenal and Chelsea. The Reds have already welcomed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to Anfield this summer and look set to make further additions in their engine room with Fabinho looking likely to join Jordan Henderson in sealing a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Arsenal and Chelsea are also hoping to sign more midfielders with Moises Caicedo the priority target for the latter who had their fourth bid totalling £80million rejected by Brighton. At Emirates Stadium, Ajax star Mohammed Kudus is of interest, but Chelsea have sounded out the Dutch giants over a possible move for the 22-year-old, as football.london understands.
Southampton star Romeo Lavia, like Kudus, has also been a target of the two London clubs, but he now looks primed for a move to Liverpool. An opening offer worth £37million was rejected by the Saints but a second proposal closer to their £50million asking price is in the works, with Klopp hinting it could arrive very soon. Read the full story here
Inter make huge Balogun decision
Inter Milan have chosen to end their pursuit of Alvaro Morata and focus fully on signing Arsenal star Folarin Balogun, according to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Gunners striker looks set to depart Emirates Stadium this summer with numerous teams across Europe monitoring his services.
Inter and rivals AC Milan now appear as the frontrunners with Mikel Arteta and Edu demanding upwards of £40million to sanction an exit having already rejected a bid from San Siro, according to reports.
Arsenal's confirmed squad for 23/24
Arsenal's business over the past couple of months has gone a long way to shaping Mikel Arteta's first-team squad for the 2023/24 campaign.
Of course, the Gunners' headline deals during the summer transfer window so far have been the signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice for a combined total of just over £200million. However, it's worth remembering several contract announcements that have also taken place.
In fact, before last season wrapped up Aaron Ramsdale committed his future to the club as football.london understands that the goalkeeper has signed a new deal that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2026, with the club having the option to extend this by a further 12 months.
Shortly afterward, Bukayo Saka followed suit and the beginning of July saw both William Saliba and Reiss Nelson put pen-to-paper on new Arsenal contracts thus making seven senior players to do so over the course of the past nine months after Mohamed Elneny, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes - who actually got the ball rolling last October.
Read the full story here
Guardiola makes transfer admission
Pep Guardiola has remained coy on whether or not Manchester City will sign a new attacker after Riyad Mahrez's departure was confirmed on Friday.
With Mahrez leaving, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva could be deployed at right wing for the Community Shield final against Arsenal on Sunday, August 6, or academy graduate Cole Palmer could be given a chance to impress. With those three options available, on the face of things, a direct replacement for Mahrez may not be a priority and now Guardiola has delivered his verdict on that possibility.
Read the full story here
Arsenal under-21s in action
Mikel Arteta may be keeping a close eye on Arsenal's under-21s as they take on Boreham Wood in a pre-season friendly in an attempt to unearth the next Bukayo Saka
Arteta's Arsenal plan for final stages of summer window
34 days. That's how much time is left for Mikel Arteta to conclude Arsenal's summer transfer business.
And not for the first time during his reign in north London, the Spaniard has reached this stage of a transfer window after making significant additions to his first-team squad. This time around it has been with the signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.
Outgoings have seen Ainsley Maitland-Niles leave on a free transfer, as well as Pablo Mari and Granit Xhaka seal permanent moves to Monza and Bayer Leverkusen respectively. Although, even with those six deals the Arsenal squad isn't too dissimilar to the one that came agonisingly close to winning the Premier League title last season.
Now the question is what further alterations are in store for the Gunners before transfer deadline day at the start of September? Well, if the last three years are anything to go by, the final four weeks of the window will be a busy period for Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar.
Read the full story here
Mohammed Kudus transfer price rockets as Arsenal and Chelsea plan bidding war
Chelsea and Arsenal are once more competing in the transfer market as they both look to secure one of the most promising attacking talents in Europe this summer.
Having battled with each other over Mykhailo Mudryk in January as well as completing the sale of Kai Havertz for £65million ($83m) earlier this window, Leandro Trossard was formerly a Chelsea target before he joined Arsenal, as was Declan Rice.
Now their attention has turned to Ajax star Mohammed Kudus. Coming off the back of his productive season yet as a professional player, Kudus has risen to prominence after impressing in Holland as well as the Champions League.
His four goals and two assists in the group stage alone saw him gain serious attention, impacting four of the games with his output. As well as scoring against both Liverpool and Napoli, it was the quality of his some of his play not just the numbers that has seen hype build around him.
Arsenal vindicated in transfer approach as Moises Caicedo Chelsea deal continues to frustrate
“Speed up! Just pay the money? A big club would have signed them already!”
Phrases I saw frequently and in similar forms throughout the transfer sagas for both Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber. Now, after the conclusion of the US tour, Arsenal have given debuts to both, with Kai Havertz also able to make his first appearance in the trip to Germany and Nurnberg.
There’s something about the transfer window which sparks anger right from the off. Arsenal enter the summer almost always on the back foot with signings expected from the first minute and despite months of planning and work behind the scenes, this simply isn’t possible.
The discussion around how ‘big clubs’ operate in the window was levelled at Arsenal during the Rice saga in particular. Many of the club’s critics even thought that once Manchester City came in that the race was done. “No one beats City to a player.”
The major reason Arsenal have transfer advantage over Chelsea for Ajax star Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus could be at the centre of a big transfer battle towards the latter stages of the summer window with four Premier League teams linked. Chelsea currently appear as the slight favourites but Arsenal, Manchester United and Brighton could all leapfrog the Blues for one key reason.
Mauricio Pochettino is looking to sign at least one midfielder this summer while also adding creativity to his squad and therefore Kudus is the perfect option. The 22-year-old can play in the engine room and also be deployed on the right-hand side of attack. In the past week, Chelsea sounded out Ajax over making a potential move for Kudus, football.london understands.
Chelsea also look to have been in contact with Kudus' representatives as an agreement on personal terms is 'close' according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs. The four interested clubs have since been handed an update on Kudus courtesy of Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat.
"There are clubs that have informally enquired about him," he told Ajax Life, via Metro. "I don’t expect an offer very soon, although you know that things can be different in the football world. Perhaps the interest is not as serious as everyone thinks."
Kai Havertz delivers honest Arsenal verdict following passionate Mikel Arteta speech
Kai Havertz says he is loving life since joining Arsenal from Chelsea earlier this summer.
The Gunners completed a £65million deal to sign Havertz last month after the German international endured a relatively underwhelming spell with the west Londoners. Despite netting the winner in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, the talented playmaker struggled for consistency, often looking lost when deployed as the Blues' centre-forward.
But since he has made the move to the north side of the capital, he has been utilised in a deeper position, operating as Mikel Arteta's left-sided No.8, a role he has now admitted he is relishing. Speaking to ESPN about his new position, the 24-year-old said: "I really enjoy it, to play that position.
"I am more on the ball, more integrated in the game. I am really enjoying it. I think I have a lot of room to improve in the games, I am still adapting to the game and everything. So far it is working quite well.
Erik ten Hag considering Balogun move
Manchester United have been considering a move for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun despite agreeing personal terms with Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund. Erik ten Hag's side are yet to agree a fee with the Italian club - who are demanding €70million (£60m) plus €10million (£8.5m) in add-ons.
Hojlund has rejected an approach from Paris Saint-Germain as he looks to force through a move to Old Trafford - but if a fee cannot be agreed between United and Atalanta, the Premier League side may need to turn their focus to Balogun. The USMNT international has been considered as a potential target, according to The Independent.
Latest Arsenal injury news as 8 miss Monaco with Declan Rice update expected and Zinchenko blow
Arsenal shrugged off their disappointing pre-season loss to Manchester United last week to bounce back and put five past Barcelona in a frantic game in Los Angeles.
It marked the final match of an exciting tour for the Gunners as they now look towards the Emirates Cup against Monaco as well as the Community Shield final with Manchester City before hosting Nottingham Forest in just under three weeks.
This was the second time in a fortnight that Mikel Arteta's men scored five in a game having also dispatched an MLS All-Star XI in Washington earlier in the tour as well. Against a tougher opposition here, the result was a strong way to round off a largely impressive time abroad.
Four different scorers, a missed penalty and plenty of action to sink into, Arteta had a lot to digest from a game in-which his side had 20 shots, 11 more than their opponents, despite having less possession. They also did it without some key players as well.
Man United give Arsenal surprise Folarin Balogun transfer dilemma as deal agreed for academy ace
Arsenal know that they still need to focus on sales if they are to push for more incomings later in the window. Having spent more than their rivals in the first six weeks of the summer, there is still work to be done in midfield and potentially further forward as well.
Mohammed Kudus remains a key target heading into the final month of the window and can play in attack with a deeper role also possible. Gabri Veiga is another being looked at, reports suggest, despite Kai Havertz coming in to seemingly fill both slots.
It is the exits from north London that could yet decide just how strongly Mikel Arteta's side go in for their desired new recruits, though. It has been said that they wish to acquire at least £70million ($89m) for Kieran Tierney and Folarin Balogun, funds that they hope will allow them to dip back into the pool of targets.
In order to get to that stage, they are looking increasingly likely to need to move on from Balogun. He is in demand with offers from Inter on the table as well as previous interest from RB Leipzig, Crystal Palace and rumoured admiration from Chelsea as well.
Arsenal dream 23-man Premier League squad if they complete two more transfers
Arsenal have had a remarkable transfer window so far, bringing in three marquee signings and breaking the British transfer record in the process, but the Gunners still have more business to do before their squad is finalised for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
With the US pre-season tour now over, the focus is on readying Mikel Arteta's playing squad for the season ahead as Arsenal aim to better their runners-up finish in the league and make an impactful return to the Champions League for the first time in six years.
Arsenal could still make an ambitious move to bring Barcelona forward Raphinha to the Emirates Stadium after a potential secret tactic for Edu to use to land the Brazilian emerged. Prior to his Leeds departure, both Arsenal and Chelsea were interested in signing the winger with the Gunners also previously linked in the January transfer window.
Following the saga which resulted in Mykhailo Mudryk signing for Chelsea, Arsenal sought out alternatives with Raphinha and Barcelona team-mate Ferran Torres the two options looked into.
Arsenal and USMNT ace Folarin Balogun sends two-word transfer message after deal completed
Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has sent a message to new Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey after the 23-year-old completed a move to the Premier League.
Bassey follows new Gunners defender Jurrien Timber in leaving Ajax this summer with Mohammed Kudus also potentially on the way to London as well. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are keen on signing the exciting attacker but it is Fulham that have won the race to sign Bassey.
Brighton had been strongly linked with the Nigerian star but it is the Cottagers that have secured the player, announcing a deal in a statement: "The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Calvin Bassey from Ajax for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance, which is expected to be received during the early part of next week.
"The 23-year-old defender has agreed a contract until the summer of 2027, with a Club option to extend by a further 12 months." Bassey himself added: "“I know how big of a club Fulham is. They always have quality players, they’re playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, so I didn’t have to think much about it.
Edu told to hurry Arsenal's last summer transfers by his predecessor amid forward links
Perhaps when Edu Gaspar took over at Arsenal he thought that he might have to cross paths with his predecessor at some stage. Already this summer, the Brazilian came into contact with the Gunners’ former head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.
Now the sporting director at Ajax after a spell with Stuttgart, Edu and Mislintat had to work together to agree on the deal which saw Jurrien Timber make the switch to north London. However, Arsenal aren’t finished in the market and perhaps not even with Ajax.
Arsenal are interested in Mohammed Kudus as Mikel Arteta aims to reinforce his forward options. Speaking to Aglemeen Dagblad, Mislintat discussed the Ghanaian and revealed some interesting information about the transfer window.
"The best thing is if Kudus and (Edson) Alvarez stay, then we keep two top players. But it is also possible that one goes, or both." Kudus' current price tag stands at £40million but the former Arsenal head of recruitment has hinted that the Dutch club's valuation may increase as the summer window continues.
Mikel Arteta forced into double Arsenal transfer decision after return from US pre-season tour
Arsenal's pre-season tour of the United States was a success and has played a vital role in deciding Mikel Arteta's transfer priorities for the rest of the window.
The Gunners' boss was experimental in his tactical decisions in the three friendlies as he integrated new signings Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, while also playing the likes of Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior in positions we had yet to see.
We also got the chance to see some of the players who have been on the fringes of the first team and possibly even heading towards the exit door, get a chance to play some first-team minutes and show their intentions moving forwards.
Kieran Tierney has been one of the most popular signings in recent seasons but his place in the Arsenal first-team has now been all-but taken by Oleksandr Zinchenko. Multiple reports have linked the Scot with a transfer to the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
Arsenal in action
Arsenal are set to face Boreham Wood in a friendly this afternoon. A club statement read: "A host of our youngsters will be in action at Meadow Park on Saturday, July 29 as they take on National League side Boreham Wood in a 3pm kick-off.
"In recent years, the home of The Wood has been the regular ‘home’ venue for our academy sides, so will be a familiar venue to those looking to catch the eye on the weekend.
"The pre-season friendly against Boreham Wood, who finished sixth in the National League last season to reach the play-offs, has become a traditional part of our preparations for the new campaign and is a great opportunity for supporters to watch some early summer football ahead of the new season.
"Mehmet Ali will take charge of the side which will consist of a collection of our under-21 and under-18 players looking to build match sharpness ahead of the new campaign."
Man City make major transfer decision impacting Arsenal to gift Pep Guardiola £26m windfall
Manchester City have confirmed the departure of Riyad Mahrez who has completed a summer transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli. The 32-year-old spent half a decade playing under Pep Guardiola but has now chosen to move on following Man City's treble-winning season.
Guardiola has endured a quiet summer at Etihad Stadium this far with Mateo Kovacic as the only marquee purchase made as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan who joined Barcelona. Mahrez departing signals another squad overhaul could be coming with Kyle Walker also closing in on a transfer to Bayern Munich and Bernardo Silva linked with an exit.
Arsenal faced competition for Declan Rice with Man City earlier this summer but after pulling out of the race, they swiftly turned their attention to RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. An agreement appeared in place but some complications emerged which placed the transfer on hold with it now entirely possible it collapses.
Mahrez's exit is sure to impact the Gunners as he frequently contributed to the eight successive defeats the north Londoners have endured against City in the last three years. In the most recent seven fixtures against Arsenal, Mahrez has provided four goal contributions.
How Ousmane Dembele to PSG transfer will have major impact on Arsenal plans
Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele looks set to complete a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, according to recent reports.
French outlet RMC Sport have claimed that PSG are set to activate Dembele's release clause, which is said to stand at just €50million (£43million), a price that will double if not activated before the end of July. The 26-year-old's imminent move to the Parc des Princes comes as a surprise to many and could even impact Arsenal 's transfer plans.
The Gunners have been linked with two other Barcelona forwards in the form of Raphinha and Ferran Torres in recent times. Mikel Arteta was keen on a deal to sign Raphinha from Leeds United last summer whilst Torres has consistently been mooted as a potential target for the last two years.
Kieran Tierney next clubs odds
Kieran Tierney has a chance to leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window. A return to Celtic has been rumoured whilst other Premier League clubs are interested in the Scottish defender.
BonusCodeBets - Kieran Tierney to sign for before September 3, 2023
Stay at Arsenal - 4/7
Celtic - 10/3
Newcastle - 7/2
Aston Villa - 20/1
Manchester City - 25/1
West Ham - 33/1
Liverpool - 50/1
Manchester United - 50/1
Thomas Partey Arsenal transfer latest: Mikel Arteta U-turn, Saudi move, price tag revealed
Thomas Partey has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old endured a difficult end to the 2022/23 campaign, falling out of favour with Mikel Arteta after some inconsistent form during the Gunners' Premier League title race. Since then, Arteta has recruited Declan Rice to the north London club, leaving Partey's future in doubt as reports have suggested that both Saudi Arabian sides and Juventus are interested in signing the Ghana international.
So with all of that being said, football.london has now rounded up all the latest transfer chatter involving the veteran midfielder below.
How Arsenal and Chelsea have boosted Man Utd's transfer budget following Erik ten Hag meeting
Arsenal and Chelsea have inadvertently boosted Manchester United's summer transfer budget according to recent reports.
The Gunners have splashed in excess of £200million to sign Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber this summer as Mikel Arteta's side look to bridge the gap on Premier League champions Manchester City. Meanwhile, the Blues have spent a little over £100million to recruit Angelo Gabriel, Kendry Paez, Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson amongst others.
That kind of outlay resulted in United boosting Erik ten Hag's transfer kitty for the summer window, according to De Telegraaf journalist Marcel van der Kraan. Speaking about the Red Devils' pursuit of Atalanta frontman Rasmus Hojlund, Van der Kraan told Sky Sports: "There's been a lack of financial support in the way of, 'can Manchester United raise enough cash to give in to the demands of Atalanta?'
"At the beginning of the summer, the budget wasn't clear. In the middle of the summer, he was told, 'look, we might not be able to do everything you want.'
Bitello latest
According to 90min, Arsenal are confident that they will be able to sign Gremio midfielder Bitello this summer.
The report also claims that the player is open to a move to north London.
Kudus admission
Arsenal and Chelsea have been sent a major Mohammed Kudus transfer update by Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat.
"There are clubs that have informally enquired about him," he told Ajax Life, via Metro. "I don’t expect an offer very soon, although you know that things can be different in the football world. Perhaps the interest is not as serious as everyone thinks."
Speaking to Aglemeen Dagblad, he added: "There is no fixed deadline, but there are agreements we must have to get replacements if we have not already done so proactively.
"The best thing for if Kudus and (Edson) Alvarez stay, then we keep two top players. But it is also possible that one goes, or both." Kudus' current price tag stands at £40million but the former Arsenal head of recruitment has hinted the Dutch club's valuation may increase as the summer window elapses.
"It is important for us that the relationship with the players remains good. This can be done by being transparent and applying good principles. As we get closer to the deadline, the transfer fee, for example, goes up."
Potential Dembele impact
Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain transfer could have a impact on Arsenal's plans
The French international looks to be set to make the move to Parc des Princes.
Read more here.
Lavia update
Arsenal are not in the race to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on Twitter, Romano said: "Arsenal are not active in Romeo Lavia race now as Thomas Partey has good chances to stay.
"#AFC Saudi clubs approached Gunners days ago, Juventus called in June but never close to €40/45m package requested by Arsenal. Huge bid or Thomas stays. Arteta, happy with him."
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