Good evening, Arsenal fans. Here are your evening headlines for Saturday, September 5.
Arsenal target three key deals following Ceballos return
Arsenal technical director Edu is targeting two more transfers and a key contract extension before the summer transfer window closes.
The Gunners have so far sealed a second season-long loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos and permanent deals for Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari.
Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes have also been signed from Chelsea and Lille respectively.
However, Arsenal still want to secure deals for midfielders Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar in the coming weeks.
The Gunners have been linked with Atletico Madrid star Partey all summer, however, they have so far opted not to meet his £45 million release clause.
A move for Lyon midfielder Aouar could cost the Gunners a similar fee to the Ghanaian international but, following his stand-out Champions League performances last month, his price tag may have increased to over £50m.
Edu’s third key issue to resolve is the future of club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with his current deal expiring in 2021.
Arsenal remain confident the former Borussia Dortmund star will extend his stay in north London, with a three-year deal on the table for the 31-year old.
Sokratis set for Napoli switch
Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopolous has moved a step closer to joining Serie A side Napoli.
The Italian giants have been heavily linked with a move for the Greek international in recent weeks as a potential replacement for Manchester City target Kalidou Koulibaly.
And according to reports in Il Mattino, via Sports Witness, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed the club are currently in talks over a deal for the Arsenal defender.
The Gunners are reportedly prepared to let the 32-year old, whose contract expires in 2021, leave the Emirates on a free transfer.
Newcastle eye Nketiah loan move
Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce wants to sign Arsenal striker Edie Nketiah on a season-long loan, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The Magpies boss is set for a busy end to the transfer window, with strong interest in former Gunners target Ryan Fraser, Norwich City's Jamal Lewis and Bournemouth's Callum Wilson.
However, the former Manchester United defender is still in the market for a loan striker to balance against a big-spending summer.
Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster is also a target for the Bruce, with Nketiah an option if Mikel Arteta opts to loan him out in 2020/21.
The England Under-21 international joined Championship side Leeds United on loan in the first half of 2019/20 before returning to the Emirates to score four goals in 17 Gunners appearances in 2020.
