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Arteta wants additions aplenty this summer | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal as they continue their search for new players.
Arsenal are still searching for their first incoming signing of the summer after deciding not to make use of the special 10-day transfer window, although they didn’t really need to. The Gunners have plenty of time before the start of the new season, and even with the window closed again for now, they will be working hard on getting deals over the line.
The Gunners have needs aplenty this summer as they look to bridge the gap to champions Liverpool, and the attacking end of the pitch is expected to be a particular focus. As the search for new players goes on, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.
Kepa deal all-but done
Arsenal are said to have all-but wrapped up a deal for Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. That’s according to journalist Matt Law, who told TBR: “Yeah, my initial information was he didn’t really want to be a backup, having been playing every week at Bournemouth. And I know there was interest from some good clubs to make him number one. So that surprised me.
“I haven’t seen it’s gone through yet. I feel like it’s basically done. Yeah, that surprised me that he would be up for that. Let’s put it that way from what I had heard.” Arsenal are expected to sign Kepa for around £5million, with the Spaniard set to become the back-up to David Raya.
Gyokeres ‘latest’
Arsenal are said to still be in the process of clarifying how much Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres will cost this summer amid reports of a second bid being submitted by the Gunners.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has told GiveMeSport: "First thing to do is clarifying the exit price from Sporting after trouble with the president. Both Arsenal and Man United remain keen and in contact with his camp."
Hato speaks
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato in recent times, with the centre-back emerging as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe. But it seems Hato is happy to keep developing in Amsterdam, telling Ajax’s official website: “The smartest thing is to look at it per season. That’s what I do.
“Of course you want to achieve things in the end: the Champions League, a World Cup and a European Championship. I still have plenty of time. I don’t think I absolutely have to win the Champions League in two years. In the Dutch league you have to show how good you are against the big clubs. Ultimately, I have to continue to develop the things I am already good at, so that it becomes top. How do I describe my time at Ajax? Ajax is home for me. I just feel at home here.”
Arsenal do need a centre-back this summer, but they might find it difficult to convince players because of the fact any centre-back signed will be a back-up to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. That’s not necessarily a position a young and developing player wants to find himself in.
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