By Rob Worthington (Senior Writer)
The Summer Transfer window is moving towards its desperate dying weeks and transfer activity is clearly intensifying. Liverpool have agreed to sign Thiago, Spurs are set to bring Gareth Bale back to North London, Chelsea are continuing to sign anyone and everyone and Manchester United are continuing to fail in their attempts to sign anyone and everyone. At Arsenal, it’s been a busy week so far. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has finally been tied down to a new contract and Emi Martinez has said his goodbyes after 11 years at the club. Nonetheless, there is still a lot of work for the Arsenal hierarchy to do in the coming weeks if Mikel Arteta’s side are to compete for a top four place this season.
Incomings:
Houssem Aouar:
Finally, it appears to be the case that progress has been made regarding Houssem Aouar. The Frenchman is said to be open to a move to Arsenal and some sources have gone as far to suggest that personal terms have been agreed with the 22-year-old.
In addition, according to the extremely reliable Téléfoot Chaine Arsenal will imminently make an offer north of €40 million for Mikel Arteta’s ‘primary target’ this Summer. It’s been suggested Lyon will want an offer in and around €60 million so it’s likely the initial bid will be rejected.
(Sources: Téléfoot Chaine, Fabrizio Romano, Transfer Checker)
Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson
Arsenal are believed to have struck a €2 million deal with Dijon to sign goalkeeper Rünar Alex Rúnarson on 5-year-old. The 25-year-old has been a trainee of Arsenal goalkeeping coach Iñaki Cana in the past and is set to replace Emi Martinez as our number 2.
According to reports, Rúnarson underwent medical tests today in France. Further tests are set to come but the deal is done. Arsenal were hopeful of registering the Icelandic international for their squad ahead of the West Ham game on Saturday but that now seems unlikely.
(Sources: Transfer Checker, The Telegraph, PA)
Thomas Partey
Speculation concerning Thomas Partey’s move to Arsenal has decreased majorly over the course of the last few weeks. Outlets have insinuated Arsenal still view the Ghanaian as a priority but have affirmed that the Gunners will need to sell before they can buy the Atletico Madrid midfield.
With Emi Martinez sold to Aston Villa for £20 million and an extra £20 million set to come in through Lucas Torreira’s impending departure, there could still be life in this pursuit. However, various reports have suggested Arsenal will only be able to sign one of either Aouar or Partey so this move could be dead in the water.
(Sources: Fabrizio Romano, Mundo Deportivo)
Outgoings:
Sead Kolasinac:
Bayer Leverkusen are believed to be heavily interested in bringing Sead Kolasinac back to Germany this Summer. Peter Bosz, the club’s head coach, when asked about Kolasinac, replied “We have six central defenders. All right-footers."
The Bosnian defender is said to be open to a return to Germany and some believe a €10 million deal is near to competition.
(Sources: Sport Witness, Bild, Sky Germany)
Lucas Torreira
Lucas Torreira looks set to move back to Italy with and numerous clubs have been touted as potential suitors. Torino and Fiorentina have been the two clubs most regularly linked with the Uruguay international.
Fabrizio Romano believes that Arsenal have only received loan bids for Torreira. However, Arsenal want to sell him permanently. Other outlets have suggested Arsenal and Torino have agreed that Torreira will be sold to the Italian side for £22 million.
(Sources: Fabrizio Romano, The Independent, ESPN, Calcio Mercato, Sky Sports)
Folarin Balogun
With Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun refusing to sign a new contract, Arsenal appear to be doing all they can to ship him out this Summer. Sheffield United are known to hold an interest in the Englishman after Chris Wilder revealed his club “made an enquiry” for Balogun.
The sticking point with this one seems to be the transfer fee. Clubs are believed to be willing to pay around £5 million for the striker but Arsenal want £15 million. Brentford, Brighton and a number of German sides are also thought to be interested in the 19-year-old.
(Sources: Football London, The Beautiful Game Podcast)
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