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Tom Coley

Arsenal set for unthinkable transfer as Bayern Munich 'agree' deal after William Saliba call

Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Arsenal going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Gunners.

Thomas Partey exit

Arsenal are set for a total midfield overhaul this summer of the likes not previously expected. As Granit Xhaka makes progress toward leaving there are major changes ahead.

The Swiss star had his best season in a red shirt but is now set to move to Bayer Leverkusen should ample replacements be secured. Declan Rice is the main name on that list but Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia are also names being linked

They may well be looking to bring in two of those options, especially after it has emerged that midfield general Thomas Partey could be set to leave as well. Fabrizio Romano tweeted an update on the Ghana man, writing: "Understand there’s concrete chance for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal this summer.

"Clubs are interested and there are discussions about his exit. #AFC Current contract expiring in June 2025 and no talks to extend as of today. Arsenal priority remains Declan Rice."

football.london says: Mikel Arteta really wants to make sweeping changes doesn't he? After Partey provided such a strong foundation for the team this season it is a great surprise to see hm potentially on his way out.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta makes major decision over Arsenal future amid PSG approach

There is still time to tie him down for longer or to get another year of strong performances before the risk of losing him for free. At 30 he is one of the most experienced players in the group as well. Losing that would be a risk and not one many would haves seen before now.

It also creates pressure to ensure that more than one newcomer is found, especially with the added pressure of Champions League football to come. We're not sure what Edu has planned but if Partey and Xhaka both leave, it's certainly set to be exciting.

Bayern make defensive move

Bayern Munich have moved ahead of the competition to sign in-demand Napoli centre-back Kim Min-Jae. The player has been wanted by some of Europe's top clubs this summer as Manchester United and Tottenham considered him as a potential option.

However, they look set to miss out on the 26-year-old as Thomas Tuchel snaps up the defender. For Arsenal this can only be seen as a boost as Bayern were one of the sides keen on making William Saliba their latest big money move.

Romano says of the deal: "The agreement between Bayern and Kim Min-jae is at final stages, details to be sorted on 5 year deal. He’s prepared to accept, not signed yet.

"The release clause will become valid on July 1 — unless other clubs send new bigger salary proposal next week, Kim will join Bayern."

football.london says: Arsenal have been working on a new contract for Saliba for a while, football.london has learnt, but that doesn't mean it won't continue to worry fans consistently. We have seen too many ocassions, especially recently, whereby even after long extensions have been signed that players still move on.

Arsenal have got one in Saliba, though. He's a gem and deserves now to be paid in line with those that are the best at the club. Following his initial struggle to make a first team impact and the interest that came from Chelsea and Manchester United, they won't want to risk the same mistake happening again.

Bayern have their own French contingent and Tuchel loves a dominant, speedy, ball-playing centre-back. The links make sense, the interest is understandable but to have Saliba tied down and Bayern moving on is a good thing for Arsenal as they look to make this a secure deal not just for now but also the future.

Who should Arsenal keep or sell this summer? Have your say below!

READ NEXT:

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