Here is a roundup of the top Arsenal news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Iliman Ndiaye, Ezri Konsa and Vincent Joseph that you may have missed..
Manchester United and Arsenal may reportedly have to pay at least £70 million if they want to prise Iliman Ndiaye away from Everton before next month’s transfer deadline.
According to The Times, Everton are reluctant to part company with one of their most important attacking players and have placed a substantial valuation on the Senegal international amid growing interest from Premier League rivals.
Ndiaye has emerged as a player attracting considerable attention during the summer window, with both Manchester United and Arsenal understood to be monitoring his situation. Previous reports have also suggested that other clubs have considered a move for the 26-year-old, increasing the pressure on Everton to decide whether to entertain offers.
The Toffees are understood to have little desire to sell Ndiaye, however, particularly after he established himself as an important figure in their attack.
Reports of a £70m price tag have been circulating for several weeks, with Manchester United previously informed of Everton’s valuation.
United’s interest is particularly intriguing given their need to continue strengthening their attacking options. Ndiaye’s ability to operate across the forward line would give Michael Carrick another versatile option and could provide additional competition in several positions.
The Red Devils have reportedly admired the former Sheffield United and Marseille player for some time, although their ability to make a formal move has previously been complicated by uncertainty surrounding Marcus Rashford’s future.
ARSENAL, meanwhile, have also been linked with Ndiaye as Mikel Arteta looks to improve his attacking depth. The Gunners reportedly made an enquiry for the Everton star earlier this month after their pursuit of alternative wide options became more complicated.
For Everton, the reported £70m valuation represents a strong negotiating position. Ndiaye remains under contract and the club have little reason to sell unless a significant offer arrives that allows them to reinvest in the squad.
That stance has been reinforced by recent reports suggesting Everton would prefer to retain the attacker as they prepare for the new campaign. The Times has also reported that selling Ndiaye is not Everton’s preferred outcome despite interest from elsewhere.
The £70m figure could therefore prove decisive. United and ARSENAL may both appreciate Ndiaye’s qualities, but committing such a substantial fee would require serious consideration.
With the transfer deadline approaching next month, the situation could develop quickly. Should either club decide Ndiaye is the right player to strengthen their attack, Everton’s reported valuation means negotiations are likely to centre on whether that £70m threshold can be met.
ARTETA CLOSING IN ON KONSA
Arsenal are reportedly making progress in talks with Aston Villa over a potential move for England international Ezri Konsa as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defensive options before the summer transfer window closes.
The Gunners have stepped up their search for defensive reinforcements following the injury suffered by William Saliba, with the France international expected to be sidelined until October after suffering a back problem.
Saliba’s absence has increased the pressure on Arteta to bring in another experienced centre-back, particularly with Arsenal preparing for another demanding campaign across domestic and European competition.
According to The Independent’s Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney, discussions between Arsenal and Villa are moving forward, although the two clubs remain apart in their respective valuations of Konsa.
Villa are reportedly looking to secure a fee in the region of £60 million for the defender, while Arsenal currently value the 27-year-old closer to £40m.
However, there is reportedly optimism that the difference between the two valuations could eventually be bridged, with negotiations continuing between the clubs.
Konsa has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders during his time at Villa Park. His consistency, versatility and Premier League experience have made him an attractive option for Arsenal as they attempt to cope with Saliba’s absence.
The England international is also capable of operating in different defensive roles, something that could appeal strongly to Arteta as he looks for additional depth within his squad.
For Villa, however, losing Konsa would represent a significant blow. He remains an important part of Unai Emery’s defensive plans, meaning ARSENAL may have to make a substantial financial commitment if they are to convince the Midlands club to sell.
Arsenal are understood to remain interested, though, and the possibility of reaching a compromise provides encouragement that a deal could eventually be struck.
With Saliba unavailable until October, Arteta will be keen to avoid entering the new season with insufficient defensive cover.
Konsa would provide ARSENAL with proven Premier League quality and immediate experience, but the question remains whether the Gunners are prepared to move closer to Villa’s £60m asking price to secure his services.
JOSEPH TALKS
Arsenal are working to complete the signing of 16-year-old striker Vincent Joseph after the youngster left Liverpool earlier this summer.
Joseph departed the Merseyside club after turning down the opportunity to sign scholarship terms, leaving him available to pursue a move elsewhere. The Gunners have moved quickly to secure an agreement with the highly rated forward and are understood to have reached an agreement with Joseph over personal terms.
However, the transfer is not yet complete, with Arsenal still required to negotiate a settlement fee with Liverpool before the teenager can officially make the move to north London.
Joseph is regarded as one of the promising young forwards to have emerged from Liverpool’s academy and his decision to leave the club has attracted interest from elsewhere.
ARSENAL‘s move reflects their continued focus on recruiting some of the best young talent available in England. The club have increasingly looked to strengthen their academy squads with players who have the potential to develop into first-team options in the future.
For Joseph, a move to Arsenal would represent the next stage of his development after choosing not to commit to Liverpool on scholarship terms.
The 16-year-old’s decision to leave means Arsenal will have to reach an agreement with Liverpool over compensation before the transfer can be finalised. Such settlement fees are designed to compensate clubs for the development of young players who move between academies.
With personal terms already agreed, negotiations between Arsenal and Liverpool are expected to determine whether the deal can be completed.
Arsenal will hope to avoid any complications in the talks and secure Joseph’s arrival as they continue to build for the future.
The striker would initially be expected to continue his development within Arsenal’s academy structure, with the club likely to take a long-term approach to his progression rather than placing immediate pressure on him to break into the senior side.
Joseph’s departure from Liverpool comes at a significant stage of his development, but Arsenal’s willingness to pursue the forward underlines the potential they see in him.
ARSENAL are now focused on reaching an agreement with Liverpool over the settlement fee, with the personal terms already in place putting them a step closer to completing the deal.
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