Here are the Arsenal evening headlines on Monday 7 September:
PSG Sporting Director drops Bellerín hint
Paris Saint-Germain Sporting Director Leonardo has indicated he is in the market for a right-back this autumn, following the departure of Belgian international Thomas Meunier.
The French club have been linked with a €25 million move for Arsenal full-back Héctor Bellerín, who could be jettisoned by Mikel Arteta in an attempt to raise funds.
Arsenal have just signed Cédric Soares on a permanent deal while Ainsley Maitland-Niles can also play in that position, leaving Bellerín with competition.
“We need to sign a right-back,” Leonardo said frankly on Canal Football Club . Given the Brazilian’s intentions and his employers’ financial muscle, should they wish to purchase Bellerín, they may be able to tempt the Spaniard to Paris with a lucrative offer.
Atletico in market for defensive midfielder
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone appears to be planning for life without Thomas Partey, by targeting Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca, according to MARCA .
The Argentine is lining up a replacement for the Ghanaian midfielder amid speculation that the 27-year-old will complete a move elsewhere. Thomas has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal throughout this year and Atletico’s search for a replacement only stokes those fires further.
It is believed Atletico will be forced to sell before they can buy, and if they are resigned to losing Thomas, using funds received from his sale could go towards Roca’s £40 million release clause.
Arsenal remain interested but maintain their reluctant stance to pay the full £45 million release clause included in Partey’s contract.
Opening day line-up to spring a surprise
Arsenal’s season opener against Fulham could see the return of Mesut Özil, according to the Daily Express .
The German is contracted to the Gunners until the end of this season, and despite being somewhat sidelined by Mikel Arteta, no move has materialised during the transfer window so far.
31-year-old Özil has been involved with Arsenal during their pre-season friendlies schedule and could be set to make his first Premier League appearance since March against the Cottagers.
Arsenal face newly-promoted Fulham in the lunchtime kick-off at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
