Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal will step up their efforts to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha after agreeing a £45million transfer fee for the signing of Man City forward Gabriel Jesus.
The winger, 25, has two years left on his deal at Elland Road but has told Leeds that he will not be agreeing new terms.
Arsenal have seen one approach rejected already this summer but are ready to return with an improved offer with talks over a deal said to be at an advanced stage.
The Gunners have also opened fresh negotiations with Ajax over the transfer of 24-year-old Lisandro Martinez.
It has been reported the Dutch Champions have already rejected a £25million bid from Arsenal and are holding out for a fee closer to their £43million asking price.
In terms of potential outgoings, reports from RMC have indicated Marseille will test Arsenal’s resolve in keeping William Saliba with a £26million bid.
Saliba impressed on loan at Stade Velodrome last season, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side finish second in Ligue 1, but the Gunners would like to finally integrate the centre-back into their first-team set up.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson criticised Hale End graduate Eddie Nketiah, declaring that he wasn’t good enough to lead a Champions League push.
He said: “No disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four. Absolutely no chance.
“He’s not getting in ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at Everton and he’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted.”
