Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal will step up their efforts to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha after agreeing a £45m transfer fee for the signing of Man City striker Gabriel Jesus.
The 25-year-old winger has two years left on his contract at Elland Road but has told Leeds he will not agree to new terms.
Arsenal have already seen one approach rejected this summer but are set to return with an enhanced offer with talks on a deal said to be at an advanced stage.
The Gunners have also opened new negotiations with Ajax over the transfer of 24-year-old Lisandro Martinez.
It has been reported that the Dutch champions have already rejected a £25m offer from Arsenal and are hoping for a fee closer to their £43m asking price.
In terms of possible spending, reports from RMC have indicated that Marseille will test Arsenal’s determination to keep William Saliba with a £26m offer.
Saliba impressed on loan at the Stade Velodrome last season, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side to finish second in Ligue 1, but the Gunners would like to finally integrate the centre-back into their first team.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has criticized Hale End graduate Eddie Nketiah, declaring he was not good enough to lead a Champions League push.
He said: “No disrespect to Nketiah, but Mikel Arteta must realize that he will not put him in the top four. Absolutely no chance.”
“He’s not going to overtake Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at Everton and he’s not going to overtake Aleksandar Mitrovic at Fulham and they just got promoted.”
–
