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Arteta needs another key piece | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal as they prepare for their pre-season finale.
Arsenal are now preparing for their final pre-season clash of the summer, against Athletic Club. The Gunners suffered home defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday night, with the Gunners back-line looking particularly suspect, conceding three goals.
Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have been busy men this summer, but there is more work to do, with outgoings required, along with another incoming at the top end of the pitch. With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.
Eze update
Arsenal are now said to be concentrating on the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. The Gunners have been linked with the England international over the last few weeks, and according to The Times, they are now determined to land a direct winger before the end of the window.
The report adds that, although he is not a winger as such, Eze can play there and will be the main target, with the Gunners said to be eyeing a deal between £55million and £60million. Palace may hold out for more given Eze had a release clause worth £68million until last week.
Hein interest
Rangers are said to be interested in a deal to land Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein this summer. According to Dominik Schneider, the Scottish club are interested in a deal to land the 23-year-old, but they face a battle.
Sevilla are also said to be interested after Hein spent last season in La Liga with Real Valladolid. Hein only has a year remaining on his contract, and Arsenal could sell, especially with David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga the clear number one and two going into the new season.
Arteta on Gyokeres’ struggles
Arsenal boss Arteta spoke about Viktor Gyokeres’ struggles after the Villarreal game. He said: “We already broke that line today because I think it was very important for him to start a match and start to have the feeling and the connection with the team. He's been with us only a week or so, but I really saw a lot of things and a lot of purpose, especially the way he was attacking certain spaces. So in general, for a lot of players that haven't played many minutes, we have a lot now that they're going to be ready for Saturday in a much better condition.”
He added when asked if players will need to get used to the new striker: “I hope days, and every day in training I think he's getting a really good feeling. I think he's getting connections as well outside, which I think is really important with players that are going to help him to get in the position that he needs to get in. On his fitness level, I think he hasn't trained really with the team for two months, so he's done now six or five sessions I think before today, so I think on Saturday again he will take another step and he will be in a better condition.
“I think mentally and understanding what he needs to do, he will be 100 per cent or more because he's so willing and so confident as well that he can deliver in a positive way that I have no doubt that he will be in a really good place.”
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