Suraj Radia
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
© IMAGO
FootballTransfers runs through all the latest Arsenal transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Joan Garcia and an exclusive on Maxim De Cuyper.
EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal launch Maxim De Cuyper enquiry
Arsenal have launched an initial enquiry for Club Brugge defender Maxim De Cuyper ahead of the upcoming summer window, FootballTransfers understands.
The 24-year-old has attracted interest from numerous top European clubs over the past few months, amid his impressive form in the Belgian top flight, and Arsenal have now joined the race for his signature.
We have been informed that De Cuyper is seen as the perfect full-back for Mikel Arteta’s system and Arsenal are interested in finalising a deal for the Belgium international this summer.
Although De Cuyper has emerged as a possible defensive option for Arsenal, the Gunners remain focused on bolstering their midfield and attacking roster as things stand.
Arsenal set to lose out on Arteta favourite to Newcastle
Arsenal could miss out on Mikel Arteta’s top goalkeeping target with Newcastle reportedly closing in on a deal for Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.
Garcia has been a standout performer in La Liga this season and the presence of a €25 million release clause has attracted attention from many sides including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Aston Villa.
However, Spanish outlet El Desmarque claim that Newcastle are ‘on the verge’ of winning the race for Garcia and beating their rivals to his signature.
It is believed that the Magpies are willing to quickly activate his release clause to seal a deal, with other sides likely to need to sell before they can afford to do the same.
Rodrygo wanted by Premier League sides
Arsenal could take a ‘market opportunity’ and make a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who is likely to push for a transfer this summer.
The Brazilian winger has grown frustrated at Real Madrid and transfer reporter Ben Jacobs believes that Premier League sides, including Arsenal, could take advantage of any uncertainty.
“Rodrygo is a new name I’m hearing, there’s nothing advanced between Chelsea and Rodrygo, but what I can tell you is that Madrid are willing to let Rodrygo go,” Jacobs said.
“He’s been forced to play at Real on the right side because of [Kylian] Mbappe and Vini Jr, but his best position, and where he really likes to play, is on the left side.
“Chelsea are aware of that market opportunity, without really moving on it at this point, the same can be said for Arsenal and Liverpool as well. So keep an eye on Premier League clubs and Rodrygo.”
Arsenal eye Brighton star
Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are all showing interest in Brighton forward Joao Pedro ahead of a possible summer transfer.
Arsenal are understood to be long-term admirers of Pedro and Telegraph Sport understands they have explored the possibility of signing him in previous seasons.
Joao Pedro
© IMAGO - Joao Pedro
However, Brighton will likely demand a fee close to €100m for the Brazilian forward, who is only being monitored by the Gunners as one of their many options in the attack this summer.
Arsenal’s first summer transfer ‘practically decided’
Arsenal’s first deal of the transfer window has been “practically decided”, with Mikel Arteta’s squad expected to increase by one in time for pre-season training.
Arteta’s numbers in the heart of the park are set to be reinforced by the return of Albert Sambi Lokonga from a loan with Sevilla.
“It is practically decided that Saul Níguez and Albert Sambi Lokonga will not continue at Sevilla,” Matteo Moretto tweeted. “The two players, on loan from Atletico Madrid and Arsenal respectively, will return to their original clubs.”
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