Arsenal transfer roundup: 2 big blows; 2 done deals and 2 new updates
Aug 5, 2016 at 11:51 PM
Arsene Wenger has had a strange summer in terms of transfers.
The manager was able to complete the signing of Swizz star Granit Xhaka early in the window and it looked like the manager will get deals done quickly this transfer window.
However, Wenger has not been able to get his hands on most of priority transfer targets and is still in search of players who can improve his squad going into the next season.
The strikers positions till remains a place to be strengthened while the manager was thrown into the search of a new center back after the injury to Per Mertesacker.
However, Wenger does not have too much time to improve on his squad and will have to get things moving quickly with less than 10 days left for the new season.
For now, let’s take a look at all the stories surrounding the Gunners on Friday:
Arsenal to miss out on Mahrez:
Claudio Ranieri, the Leicester City manager dashed the hearts of many a Gooner when he revealed earlier today that PFA Player of the Year for the previous season, Riyad Mahrez is not up for sale this summer.
The Gunners were reportedly close to landing the player but it is now understood that they may not be able to land their man after all this summer.
Morata pushing for Arsenal move:
In what is a good news for the Arsenal fans, Spanish international Alvaro Morata is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates this summer.
The Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane revealed earlier that Morata may have a role next season but it is now understood that the attacker wants his situation resolved quickly and has his sights set on a move to the Premier League. However, no official word is out yet on the story.
Shkodran Mustafi close to Arsenal switch:
Arsenal are reportedly making great progress in their bid to sign German defender Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia.
The Gunners are short in defense after Mertesacker’s injury and are eyeing the 24-year old as a possible replacement but it was revealed that they were rivaled by Chelsea and AC Milan for his signature. However, it is now reported that Arsenal will meet with representatives of Shkodran Mustafi in a bid to push through a summer transfer, according to The Sun.
Arsenal to end Lacazette pursuit?
The Gunners are desperate for a star striker this summer and have been linked with a move for some of the best players in the transfer window in Europe.
They were reportedly interested in Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon but were rejected in their initial approach of £29m with the French club valuing him at £40m. It is now understood that Arsenal are not ready to up the bid and meet his valuation which is thought to be on the higher side.
Arsenal send young duo on loan:
Young defenders Julio Pleguezuelo and Stefan O’Connor have completed a season-long move away from Arsenal according to official reports.
Pleguezuelo, 19, has joined Spanish Segunda Division side RCD Mallorca. While O’Connor, 19, will spend the rest of the season at Dutch side MVV Maastricht. Wenger will be hoping that they get enough game time to prove themselves before coming back to the club at the end of the season.