Arsenal may have missed out on one major target but Mikel Arteta is determined to land another as the summer transfer window heats up and speculation intensifies
Mikel Arteta is looking to enhance his Arsenal squad to launch a stern defence of their Premier League title.
Despite missing out on one of his main transfer targets in the form of Morgan Rogers, who made a surprise £117m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea and then an eyebrow-raising comment about having joined “the biggest club in London”, the Gunners boss is not deterred in his goal to build from a position of strength.
A key part of that strategy is securing more options in central midfield and on the left wing. Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge has been identified as a £34m replacement for Leandro Trossard, who departed for Besiktas last week. But there are more signings to come for the Premier League champions. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
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Contact made over Guimaraes
Newcastle United have approached Arsenal to assess their interest in Bruno Guimaraes, according to Sky Sports.
The Magpies have reportedly made this move after receiving no direct communication from the Gunners themselves about the Brazil midfielder.
It seems discussions have thus far been conducted via intermediaries, reports the Mirror. With ambiguity surrounding the situation, Newcastle are understood to fear their skipper has become unsettled by the ongoing speculation.
Eddie Howe’s team have already seen Sandro Tonali depart this summer in a move to Tottenham and could ill afford another midfielder exiting.
However, at 28 the star has reached a stage in his career where if he wants to win major trophies, he likely has to make his move now.
It’s said Newcastle will only consider selling him for upwards of £80m.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are believed to be eyeing Bournemouth’s 22-year-old English star Alex Scott as a potential midfield replacement.
Vieira bid lands
Arsenal have welcomed Fabio Vieira back for pre-season training despite a bid for the playmaker from Hamburg.
As per football.london, the Gunners remain unmoved by the German club’s overtures for a player who shone while on loan last season.
Hamburg decided against activating a £17m clause for a permanent transfer. While board member Eric Huwer told Kicker that the club remains interested, Arsenal may be holding out for offers from other interested parties.
“We’ve kind of fallen in love with Fabio,” Huwer admitted. “We’re fighting for him every day and have also submitted figures to Arsenal. They’re not even budging yet.
“We’re confident we can make Fabio a competitive offer within our means, without taking on any debt.”