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Arsenal make approach for Real Madrid star as Andrea Berta opens talks

Arsenal will hope to return to winning ways this weekend. Liverpool will host the Gunners at Anfield on Sunday afternoon as Mikel Arteta looks to finally wrap up UEFA Champions League qualification.

While the north Londoners are second in the Premier League, they're only six points adrift of Nottingham Forest in sixth. Arsenal have only won one of their last five games in the English top flight and, with a trip to Merseyside around the corner, they're hardly sitting comfortably.

While Arteta looks to end the season on a high, Andrea Berta is under pressure to strengthen the squad. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up all the latest Arsenal transfer news.

Arsenal open Saliba contract talks

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have opened talks with William Saliba over a new contract. The 24-year-old defender, who has two years left on his current deal, has been thinly linked with a move to Real Madrid in the past..

The report claims that the Gunners are yet to make Saliba an offer, but a proposal will be put forward soon. It's said that talks between the France international's representatives and Andrea Berta have 'ramped up'.

The Athletic add that Saliba is happy at the Emirates Stadium, but he wants a contract that reflects his status as a key player in Arteta's side.

football.london says: "Arsenal need to tie William Saliba down to a new long-term deal as soon as possible. If he enters the final 18 months of his current contract then I fear Real Madrid would turn his head."

Arsenal already close to signing two targets

Arsenal are close to signing two key targets before the summer transfer window has even opened. According to The Independent, the Gunners have already 'wrapped up' Martin Zubimendi, who was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last year.

The report claims that Arsenal are also close to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol as a challenger to David Raya. With Neto set to return to Bournemouth when his loan expires at the end of the season, the Spanish shot-stopper, who's impressed in La Liga this term, has been eyed as a replacement.

football.london says: "Arsenal need a new number two, but I'm not sure Joan Garcia fits the bill. He's 24. What 24-year-old wants to sit on the bench for most of the season? Unless David Raya gets injured, which he rarely does, he'll only play a handful of games a season, with most of which coming in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup."

Arsenal make shock move for Real Madrid star

According to TBR Football, Arsenal have spoken to Rodrygo's representatives in recent weeks regarding a potential transfer in the summer. The report claims that the Gunners have enquired about his future at Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior often stealing the limelight.

It's said that while Rodrygo is unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu, he wants to wait and see how things changes under a new manager. TBR Football claim that if the Brazil international is not given assurances about his place in the team, he'll explore his options.

the report adds that Manchester City and Liverpool have also been in contact with Rodrygo's entourage...

football.london says: "Wow! Rodrygo would be an incredible signing for Arsenal. As brilliant as Viktor Gyokeres would be, I'd like to see the Gunners sign Liam Delap for £30m and then go all out for the Real Madrid star (and, of course, Martin Zubimendi)."

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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023

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