By Rob Worthington (Senior Writer)
Since last week’s transfer summary, another player has been added to the Arsenal squad. The Gabriel Magalhaes saga finally reached its conclusion as his transfer to North London was officially confirmed.
So, some much needed depth has been added on the flank through the signing of Willian and Gabriel will sought to help us defensively. However, there is still a clear void in the middle of the park for us. It looks like resolving this issue will be the main task for Edu and his recruitment team in the coming weeks.
Incomings:
Dani Ceballos:
Here we go! Dani Ceballos’ return to Arsenal was all but confirmed last week after the reliable Fabrizio Romano announced that the Spaniard would be re-joining us on a temporary basis. It’s been said that Real Madrid have waived a potential loan fee as Arsenal have agreed to pay Ceballos’ full wage this season.
Today, @TransferChecker got in on the act with this one and proclaimed that he believes that Ceballos’ second loan spell in London will be declared official tomorrow. He reports that the midfielder undertook his medical yesterday and, in all likelihood, will now have to quarantine for 14 days.
Houssem Aouar:
Within the column which revealed Hector Bellerin’s potential Arsenal exit, David Ornstein also confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Lyon’s Houssem Aouar. He believes that “conversations have taken place over the Lyon playmaker.”
According to Paris-based French football journalist Jonathan Johnson, Aouar could be available for roughly €50 million. Other outlets have suggested that a bid in the region of €60 million will be required to tempt the Champions League semi-finalists. If we can raise the necessary funds through player sales, it seems that we’ll almost certainly make a concrete bid for the 22-year-old.
Patson Daka:
According to Zambian news outlet FARPost Arsenal hold an ‘interest’ in RB Salzburg striker Paston Daka. The 21-year-old scored a brace last Tuesday in a friendly against Liverpool and is said to have attracted the attention of us, Manchester United, Marseille, Lyon and RB Leipzig.
Nonetheless, mainstream media reports have suggested that Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have already courted the man who scored 24 goals in 31 appearances in Austria last season. A move for the wonderkid is unlikely unless Alex Lacazette leaves the club this Summer. However, it’s clear to see why Arsenal may hold an interest in the Zambian international. Just like his predecessor, Erling Haaland, Daka has the world at his feet.
Outgoings:
Hector Bellerin:
It seems Hector Bellerin’s 9-year stay in North London could be coming to end in the near future with the likes PSG, Bayern and Juventus interested in him. After the resurgence of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Mikel Arteta is reportedly open to selling our number 2 if a fee in the region of £40 million comes in for him.
David Ornstein broke this report last week with the caveat that Arsenal aren't outwardly looking to sell Bellerin. Nevertheless, with the 25-year-old reportedly happy to move away and Arsenal’s need to generate funds to help strengthen problematic areas, it seems probable that a move away from North London for Hector Bellerin could materialise sooner rather than later.
Sokratis:
This morning, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed Napoli’s intention to bring Sokratis to Italy. Talking to Fabrizio Romano, he revealed “We’re [Napoli] working to get Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Arsenal, we’re considering him as an option.”
Various news outlets, such as Rai Sport, have indicated that Arsenal are set to receive a fee in the region of €5 million for the Greek international. With his contract expiring at the end of next season, it’s likely that’s the most we would be able to get for the 32-year-old. Good business.
Lucas Torreira:
Off the back of well-placed reports from ESPN Uruguay yesterday suggesting that Lucas Torreira had agreed personal terms with Fiorentina, today, Labaro Viola, a newspaper local to the Italian side, have indicated that a deal involving an initial €8 million loan fee followed by a €16 million obligatory purchase clause has been agreed between Fiorentina and Arsenal.
The fee seems pathetically nominal. But, the fact of the matter is that Arsenal need money. If we are to compete in this Summer’s transfer market for high calibre footballers, we need player sales to go through. The deal which could eventually amount to €24 million would also represent a small profit for Arsenal.
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