Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Arsenal's transfer plans as they prepare for the arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
The Greek winger is set to become Mikel Arteta's second summer signing in a deal believed to be around £34 million. Last season, the 24-year-old managed 51 goal contributions across competitions and is set to replace Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal have bid farewell to Trossard following the Belgian's £15.3m move to Turkish giants Besiktas. Tzolis is unlikely to be the only attacker to join the Gunners as they are still eager to sign Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.
Romano Hints at Arsenal Eyeing Defender
William SalibaStephane Mahe via Reuters
While bolstering Arteta's attack has been a priority, William Saliba's injury could mean the transfer chiefs explore defensive reinforcements. The Frenchman pulled up with a back problem during France's 2-0 loss to Spain in their World Cup semi-final.
Romano explained Arsenal's thinking once the Tzolis deal is sorted and suggested they may look to address Saliba's expected absence. He said on his YouTube channel:
"Now the deal is in place, and Tzolis will sign a long-term contract in the next few days. A medical test and contract signing are also booked, and so a new winger for Mikel Arteta, Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. But Arsenal are not done at all, Arsenal will be busy, busy and busy. Let's see what's going to happen with William Saliba, but the injury looks serious. In midfield, we know they want to do something."
According to BBC Sport, the club will assess Saliba's back injury when he returns from the World Cup. Surgery is one option, which could mean he faces months on the sidelines ahead of the Premier League starting on August 21st.
Arteta does have cover in defence as Piero Hincapie has permanently joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £34.5 million. Christhian Mosquera is another option to partner Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence.
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Arsenal Shouldn't Go Big on Defender
William Saliba and Ben White
It seems unlikely that Arsenal will chuck a load of money at a new centre-back to fill in for Saliba while he's on the sidelines. The club have still yet to decide whether he should undergo surgery but if that's the case they should ideally look at a short-term fix.
That could mean exploring a potential loan for an experienced replacement or even defenders entering the final year of their contracts. What the North Londoners surely won't want to do is spend big when their focus is on 'top target' Rogers.
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Romano has revealed that they are in "advanced talks" with Rogers over personal terms and are preparing to make a formal offer. It's been widely reported that Villa are demanding over £100m for the English attacker.