Arsenal handed new transfer twist after £37m bid submitted and key ‘agreement’ struck

Arsenal sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been handed a fresh stumbling block when it comes to sanctioning one first-team exit. The Gunners have endured a very busy summer thus far but all of the focus has been on new signings with six fresh faces brought in and over £200million spent.

Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi have all been signed for significant fees, while Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cristhian Mosquera have added needed depth in several positions.

As a result of that, there’s a real need to raise funds before the trading period closes with the Gunners open to selling Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira. The latter appears to be the only player that could leave imminently with Stuttgart in talks to sign him permanently.

If that switch goes through and Arsenal can obtain a package in the region of £17.2million (€20m), then a seventh signing is possible with Arteta hinting at such in a recent press conference.

“Let’s see what happens in terms of where the squad is at in the next few weeks,” he responded. “We are actively looking at options, there are a few players that may have to leave also.”

Considering that another senior addition is still being targeted, with it likely to be a multi-functional forward such as Eberechi Eze, permanent exits are the priority, but Arsenal may be forced to accept loan moves.

Nelson is one of those that could depart – at least on a temporary basis – with Fulham keen to bring him back but reluctant to pay a fee given his recurring injury issues. The 25-year-old is now fully fit and looked bright during pre-season cameos, though he did miss a few months earlier on this year with a hamstring injury that required surgery.

Marco Silva’s side have yet to make a marquee signing yet this summer but that could change very soon with a club-record £37million offer launched to Shakhtar Donetsk for their star winger Kevin.

The opening bid from Craven Cottage was rejected – and it looks as though their improved proposal will also be turned down with the Ukrainian club holding out for £43m (€50m), as per Fabrizio Romano.

Though Fulham have not hit their financial demands yet, Shakhtar have reached a £10.4million (€12m) agreement with Sao Paulo for Lucas Ferreira as his possible replacement.

Based on this set of updates, it is no surprise The Standard are reporting that despite having progressed in their negotiations with Arsenal for Nelson, their attention has turned on to Kevin.

If a return to Fulham does not go through, then the Hale End graduate does have interest from elsewhere in the Premier League. This scenario playing out could actually benefit Arsenal with other clubs, potentially, more willing to sign him up permanently.