With a provisional Premier League return date set in the calendar, Arsenal should return to playing later this month, but the rumour mill is looking further ahead to potential transfers.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are set to play their game in hand against Manchester City on June 17th, a date usually reserved for holidays or international commitments, while clubs are hard at work trying to secure new signings.
According to the gossip columns, Arsenal and their Premier League rivals have been using this unprecedented time off to make decisions on squad-building in the summer, and it could all change at the Emirates as Arteta looks to build a team in his own image.
Here are the latest transfer rumours and gossip coming out of the Emirates Stadium.
David Luiz deal
Arsenal are prepared to offer David Luiz a new contract but on reduced terms.
The Brazilian defender joined the club last summer on an initial one-year deal, with the club holding the option to extend that by a further year.
However, given the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Arsenal will offer Luiz a new deal but on reduced terms, or he may see his time at the club come to an end.
This report comes from The Mirror, who claim Luiz currently earns 130k per week.
Partey competition
Arsenal face serious competition to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.
The 26-year-old is contracted until 2023 but he is believed to have told friends earlier this year that he wants to prove his talent in the Premier League and that a move to the Emirates is a viable option.
However, Calcio Mercato reports that Serie A leaders Juventus are considering a move for Partey, which could include an outgoing deal for Brazil winger Douglas Costa.
Ceballos future
Dani Ceballos has revealed he is yet to speak with Zinedine Zidane over his future in Spain – but hasn’t given up on his career with Real Madrid.
The midfielder has been on loan with Arsenal this season after struggling to hold down a regular spot in Madrid’s side since making the move from Real Betis in 2017, signing a six-year contract.
"I have not spoken to Zidane, he is now focused on his players,” Ceballos told Onda Cero.
"When my loan contract ends I will be a Real Madrid player again. My goal is to succeed there."
