The summer transfer window will close at the new time of October 5 this season, and Arsenal are one of many clubs eager to do business before that deadline still.
The Gunners started their campaign with an emphatic win against Fulham, but if Mikel Arteta’s ambitions are to be realised, they will need further changes to the squad. So far the club have completed deals for Willian, Gabriel Magalhães, Dani Ceballos and Cedric Soares, and they are targeting more.
The news that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has agreed a new three-year deal has boosted the club, and if Arteta can add some more new faces it will be considered a rousing success by Gunners fans.
With that in mind here are the Arsenal rumours for Wednesday, September 16.
Atletico reject Inter approach for Partey
Atletico Madrid have turned down an approach from Inter Milan for Arsenal target Thomas Partey, according to Tutto Mercato (via Inside Futbol).
The Spanish giants have made it clear they will not sell Partey for anything less than his release clause, with Arsenal said to be leading the chase for his signature. Antonio Conte has been keen to add a defensive midfielder to his side and had previously been targeting Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.
Partey has now emerged as another viable option, although it would require the club to pay his €50million release clause. Atletico have made it clear they will not negotiate on price for the midfielder. The news of Inter’s failure will serve as a boost to Arsenal as they look to construct an acceptable bid before the transfer window shuts.
Leverkusen interested in Arsenal defender
Sead Kolasinac is attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen, according to Sport Bild via SportWitness.
Kolasinac joined the Gunners from Schalke in 2017 but has fallen down the pecking order of late. Bild report that Leverkusen are keen to improve their squad using the €100million they received for the sales of Kai Havertz and Kevin Volland.
The report states that ‘concrete’ talks have been held between the two clubs. Leverkusen view the Bosnia and Herzegovina international as a left centre-back rather than a full-back.
A price of €10million has been discussed, although the player’s wages, which total €9million a season, could prove to be an issue.
Blades discussing move for Arsenal youngster
Chris Wilder has confirmed Sheffield United are discussing the transfer of Folarin Balogun.
The young forward looks set to leave the Emirates this summer with attempts to offer him a new deal proving unsuccessful. Brentford have previously tested Arsenal’s resolve with a £5million offer, but that was rejected.
Now it looks like the Blades are trying to secure a deal after Wilder confirmed their interest.
“Yeah, we made an enquiry regarding the young man at Arsenal,” Wilder said. “That’s left with the CEO at our club and at Arsenal. I wanted to affect different areas and felt we have done. I wanted to bring young players in, which we have done. The last one that we have talked about at the top of the pitch we want attributes that suit us and hopefully move us forward.”
