Arsenal are closing in on completing some incoming transfer business. The Gunners are yet to confirm a signing this summer, but it doesn’t seem long until that is going to change.
A deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad has been agreed and that is expected to be announced in the near future. Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga is heading to the Emirates Stadium in a cut-price move from Chelsea and Christian Norgaard is on the verge of arriving from Brentford.
After that, Arsenal’s attention is set to move to signing new No.9. The Gunners may have scored the third-most goals in the Premier League last season (69), but they failed to have a single player register double figures.
Their lack of firepower in attack became a problem as the campaign progressed, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus suffering serious injuries in the winter, leaving Mikel Merino as the makeshift No.9.
But the Gunners are determined to strengthen their forward line and get one over the line for next season. With this in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates…
Alvarez move
According to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel on the Latte Firm podcast, Arsenal weighed up a move for Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. On the Gunners’ search for a new centre forward this summer, he said: “Another name that I’d heard was Julian Alvarez.
“From what I understand, Arsenal looked at that deal and tried to figure out whether it would be within their capabilities — I suspect not. [Benjamin] Sesko and [Viktor] Gyokeres, in terms of the finances, are the most realistic.”
FL says: For me, Julian Alvarez would be a sensational signing for Arsenal. It’s clear that the Gunners need to strengthen up front and bringing in a player with previous Premier League experience and someone who is yet to reach the prime would be the perfect solution for the Gunners.
Alvarez turned 25 in January and scored 29 goals in 57 appearances for Atletico Madrid last season. He made the £80million move to the Spanish club last summer, but has been linked with a return to England, having spent the two previous years at Manchester City, where he won the Premier League twice, Champions League and FA Cup.
Mosquera talks
According to Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic, Arsenal are in talks to sign Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia. The 20-year-old, whose contract expires next year, has previously been linked with moves to Chelsea and Liverpool.
The report claims that initial negotiations have already started, with Mosquera regarded as a ‘top’ centre-back target for the Gunners. It’s said that talks are in progress with the Spanish club and the player.
FL says: While I don’t think Arsenal need another centre-back, Mosquera would be an astute addition if they can get a deal for him over the line. He has been excellent in La Liga for Valencia and it’s clear he has the talent to make it as an elite centre-back in the future. At 20, he could be a solid long-term Gabriel replacement.
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