Arsenal’s transfer business has been all about timing throughout this window.
The signings of Willian and Gabriel both had to be timed to perfection for those deals to get over the line. Meanwhile, the contract extension for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - arguably the most important deal of the window - came at the right time once signed and sealed.
With that in mind, the last week or so of market activity could see the Gunners have a significant advantage when trying to agree fees or personal terms around the world of football.
Judging by the last week or rumours and speculation, that could be especially important as Mikel Arteta looks to add one or two high-profile names to his squad before the October 5 deadline.
Here is the latest transfer news from the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal table second Aouar bid
Arsenal are reportedly set to make a second move for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.
The Gunners last week tabled a bid of around £32million which was immediately being rejected by the Ligue 1 side.
According to football.london, the Gunners will now increase their offer for the midfielder to £36.5m and almost £10million in add-ons.
Aouar has been a hot topic of transfer speculation throughout this summer and it looks like the Gunners will ramp up their interest once more.
Xhaka backs club transfer policy
Granit Xhaka has backed the club’s transfer policy after a number of impressive recruits this summer.
The midfielder praised the arrivals of Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes from Chelsea and LOSC Lille respectively, noting the change in culture around the club.
“With Willian and Gabriel, Arsenal brought a lot of quality and mentality into the dressing room,” he said.
“Willian knows how to win titles. And the extension with [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang was an important signal for all of us – we want to go back to the Champions League.”
Xhaka also praised Arteta personally, saying: “One thing is certain, I wouldn’t be in London without him.
“He was the decisive factor, with his philosophy, with his style, with his idea. I am really grateful to him for that.”
Arsenal in race for wonderkid
Arsenal are reportedly one of several clubs interested in signing Rafaela wonderkid Alex Luna amid interest from other top European clubs.
According to AS, cited by MilanLive, the 16-year-old has received interest from a number of clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.
However, the report states that United are leading the race to sign Luna alongside AC Milan.
The 16-year-old is highly-rated in his home country of Argentina and could soon be on his way to make a name for himself at the elite level of European football.
