Arsenal are set to confirm their first signing of the summer in Petr Cech on Monday, but what else are we up to? There’s still plenty going on behind the scenes, it seems. Here’s a round up of the latest Arsenal related gossip doing the rounds. You can keep up to date with all the Arsenal transfer news by bookmarking this link.
Arturo Vidal to join Arsenal for £21million after the Copa America (Various)
Right, we’ve tried to ignore this rumour for as long as possible because it didn’t seem realistic – now everyone’s talking about it – so we will too. Vidal, 28 could leave Juventus this summer, they’ve signed Sami Khedira and reportedly need to sell before they can buy their next target, Mehdi Benatia. Alexis Sanchez could be a catalyst in any deal. The Chilean forward has clearly loved London life so far and I’m sure he’s mentioned that to Vidal whilst on international duty this summer. £21million – that seems a little low, but Vidal’s age may play a part in that valuation. There’s no doubt that if he does complete a move, Vidal would be an excellent signing – he can play deep or in an advanced midfield role, a very useful – tireless midfielder. Some sources suggest Vidal has been sold to Arsenal and it will be announced after the Copa America concludes next week – but I can’t see that being the case. The news reportedly comes from La Stampa in Chile, the same source where Alexis to Arsenal apparently broke.
Bilbao back in for Nacho Monreal with £5.9million bid (Fichajes)
http://gty.im/475394174
I can’t see Arsene Wenger selling Monreal, especially at £5.9million. We paid £10million for him two years ago and on the back of an excellent season – even at 29, he’s got to be worth more than that. Wenger will know the importance of keeping last years top players around, and we have no need to sell the Spaniard. However reports from Spain suggest Monreal will push for the move, although I’m sure he has already denied this.
Arsenal prepare £10.6million offer for Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam (Football Italia)
Arsenal have been strongly linked with Napoli left back Ghoulam over the last week or so, and if the Monreal departure links are real – then it could make sense. The 24 year old Algerian left back has just endured a very good season at Napoli, attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea and of course, Arsenal. Ghoulam has experience at the top level and could be a good Monreal replacement who could compete with Kieran Gibbs for a first team spot. However I feel that Monreal will stay for at least one more season.
Arsenal hold meeting with Augsburg for left back Baba (Sport BILD)
Arsenal have apparently made contact with Augsburg for their left back Baba. This is another left back we’ve been linked with and it does make you question whether Monreal does have a future at Arsenal beyond the summer. Baba is highly thought of in Germany as one of the best left backs in Europe and an Augsburg spokesperson suggested it will take a lot more than €20million for them to part with the 20 year old (soon to be 21) Ghanaian defender. Chelsea and Manchester City have also been linked in the report by Sport BILD.
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