Arsenal go into this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures having learned what’s in store for them in Europe this season.
The Gunners have been drawn against Rapid Wien, Molde and Dundalk in the Europa League group stage, with their first match in this year’s competition taking place at the end of October.
Before that, though, the FA Cup holders have three days left to complete their transfer business after the arrival of Gabriel has headlined a busy summer in north London.
We’ve got the latest from around Europe as Mikel Arteta’s side attempt to offload at least one player and add at least one more name to their squad.
Rennes hopeful of loan move for Arsenal defender
William Saliba has seen his opportunities limited since returning to Arsenal from his loan at Saint-Etienne, sitting on the bench on more than one occasion but not featuring in a competitive game.
The 19-year-old was left out of the Gunners’ matchday 18 for their Carabao Cup game against Liverpool, prompting suggestions he could be allowed to leave on loan, and reports in France have shed more light on the possibility.
According to RMC Sport, via football.london, Rennes have made a second approach to loan the teenager after seeing their interest rebuffed last month.
Julien Stephan’s side are preparing for a Champions League campaign in which they will face Chelsea, Sevilla and Krasnodar in the group stage, and currently sit top of Ligue 1.
“We are looking at different options to try to protect our intentions with William for the future. To both be aligned and make the best decisions for now and for the future,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said in his press conference ahead of his team’s game against Sheffield United on Sunday.
Torreira travelling to Spain to complete move this weekend
Lucas Torreira’s loan exit is all but confirmed, with reports in the Spanish media suggesting the Uruguayan could be on his way out of London as early as tonight.
The midfielder has been in talks with Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly poised to complete a loan move with an option - rather than an obligation - to buy.
According to AS, the player will travel to Madrid on Friday or early on Saturday, with a view to completing his medical before joining up with his international team-mates.
The report suggests Atleti will have the option to buy the former Sampdoria man for €20m, either immediately or after a year’s loan, though their financial situation may depend on their ability to sell one or more of Hector Herrera or Thomas Lemar before Monday’s European transfer deadline.
Arteta ‘happy’ with Arsenal’s transfer conduct with time running out to sign Aouar
Arsenal continue to look at midfield options with the clock ticking on the transfer window, with Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar still at their respective clubs with just three days remaining to complete a deal.
The Gunners have completed a number of summer signings, but bids for Partey and Aouar have been knocked back and time is threatening to run out for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arteta was asked about the approach taken by technical director Edu as he addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s game against Sheffield United, with one question raising the prospect of Arsenal missing out on Aouar despite the Frenchman looking set to leave Lyon.
“I know that we are all trying our best to improve the team and try to take the direction to achieve the goals that we want,” Arteta said, as reported by Metro.
“After, to achieve it or not, sometimes in a deal a lot of things are happening and you have three or four parties that have to be involved in it, but we are trying our best and I am really happy with the way this link and communication is flowing at the moment.”
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