Mikel Arteta has already made a host of summer signings but there could be more through the door at the Emirates Stadium before the transfer deadline with talks ongoing for various targets
Arsenal have enjoyed a successful transfer window this summer with the best of their business well and truly on display in their opening win of the Premier League season.
Pino breakthrough
Arsenal’s pursuit of Villarreal star Yeremy Pino looks to be bearing fruit amid reports they have made an offer which is deemed suitable by the Spanish club.
The 19-year-old is considered one of the rising talents in La Liga and Arsenal could capitalise on Villarreal’s financial problems to land the winger’s services. Pino has a £67.5m release clause, but Villarreal are desperate to make a big sale this summer after missing out on the Champions League.
According to Spanish publication AS, Arsenal have lodged a bid worth £33m, which is set to be accepted by Villarreal. The transfer would represent a real coup for the Gunners, given rivals Liverpool had also been monitoring Pino’s progress.
‘Next Pirlo’ targeted
Another name on Arsenal’s radar is AC Milan talent Sandro Tonali, who could also be set for a switch to the Emirates this summer.
Tonali was a key player for the Rossoneri last season, and whilst his employers would be reluctant to let him go, Milan have reportedly conceded they would be willing to sanction his departure if their asking price is met. As reports The Mail, Milan have informed Arsenal in private talks that they value the 22-year-old at £46m.
It could prove difficult to get a deal over the line, however, given Tonali’s importance to his side after he helped them win the Serie A title last term. The departure of fellow central midfielder Franck Kessie has already complicated matters, while Milan’s fanbase would not be particularly pleased to see one of their leading stars in Tonali – who has been dubbed the ‘next Andrea Pirlo’ – leave the club.
Willian primed for Fulham move
Ex-Arsenal flop Willian looks poised to complete his swift return to the Premier League amid recent links with newly-promoted Fulham.
The Brazilian forward only left Arsenal last summer after agreeing to terminate his contract following a miserable 12 months at the club. Despite being a key player for Corinthians, reports emerged last week that he could be heading back to London before the deadline.
Now El Globo claim that Willian is ready to accept Fulham’s offer to join Marco Silva’s squad and will meet with the club’s board on Thursday. Speaking after their exit from the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday, Corinthians’ club president Duilio Monteiro Alves said (via Metro ): “I don’t want to talk about this subject so as not to omit anything, we scheduled a conversation after today’s game, with the elimination.
“Tomorrow morning, we’re going to have a talk. If something really changes, he has a contract until the end of next year, but we’ll leave that to tomorrow, we’ve just come out of an elimination. I don’t want to hide anything, omit anything. Let’s wait for tomorrow.”
