Arsenal ‘make contact’ for Thomas Partey replacement as £42m bid launched in Liverpool race
With the summer transfer window now open, Arsenal look to be actively pushing forward to sign some of their main targets. The Gunners have been linked to the likes of Youssouf Fofana, Martin Zubimendi, Amadou Onana and Benjamin Sesko, though the latter will not be leaving RB Leipzig this summer.
Strengthening in midfield is clearly a priority for Mikel Arteta and Edu with Thomas Partey expected to depart and Kai Havertz now utilised further forward. Though long-term target Douglas Luiz is seemingly off to Juventus, the Gunners still have plenty of options to bolster their midfield.
AS Monaco’s Fofana is expected to leave France this summer with his contract up in 2025, while Onana could be sold to ease Everton’s PSR worries. As for Zubimendi, links to Arsenal have become scarce with the Spain international appearing happy at Real Sociedad.
With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.
Arsenal ‘make contact’ for Onana transfer
On Saturday, Alan Myers of Sky Sports News admitted that a Champions League club had made contact with Everton over a potential Onana transfer.
Later that day, Arsenal were revealed as the club to have made contact with Arteta a long-term admirer of the Belgium international.
football.london says: “Onana joining Arsenal would give Arteta a brilliant replacement for Partey. Though he struggled to hold down a spot in Sean Dyche’s team, the 22-year-old has shown his qualities and they will undoubtedly be fully unleashed in a possession-based team.
“The £50million asking price is certainly an affordable one and Everton’s financial concerns could assist the Gunners in agreeing a deal at a lower fee. Of the options available and the need to replace Partey, Onana would be an astute addition as Arteta looks to build on two very successful seasons at Emirates Stadium.”
Leny Yoro bid rejected
Lille centre-back Leny Yoro is attracting significant interest from the Premier League and across Europe. Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid are the three teams that appear locked in a battle for the 18-year-old, though the latter are favourites for his signature.
With that in mind, the Express have revealed an unnamed Premier League club saw a £42.3million offer rejected for Yoro with his heart set on Madrid.
football.london says: “Yoro opting for a move to Spain over England would greatly benefit Arsenal. At just 18, Yoro has already been touted as a defender for the future with the Gunners having proven just how good young French centre-backs can be.
“Over the last two seasons, William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in world football with Yoro likely hoping to repeat his rise to the top. Given Madrid have just won another Champions League title, it is completely understandable that he wants to join Los Blancos with the Spanish giants also likely keen to replace the departing Nacho Fernandez.”