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Matt Smith

Martin Odegaard decision questioned as Arsenal-linked midfielder admits 'there have been offers'

Here is your Arsenal transfer roundup on Monday, August 29.

Lineker questions "strange" Odegaard transfer decision

England legend Gary Lineker has questioned Real Madrid's "strange" decision to let Martin Odegaard depart the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

READ MORE: Bukayo Saka details key Mikel Arteta change that made 'huge difference' in Arsenal win vs Fulham

The Gunners signed Odegaard following a successful loan spell at the Emirates Stadium, and his influence on Mikel Arteta's side has been highlighted in the wins over Bournemouth and Fulham.

The 23-year-old scored twice against Scott Parker's side last weekend, leading the way as the Gunners ran out 3-0 winners on the south coast before scoring a crucial equaliser just minutes after Aleksandar Mitrovic pounced on a defensive mistake to put Fulham 1-0 up at the Emirates Stadium.

Odegaard's performance against the Cottagers prompted Gary Lineker to question Real Madrid's decision to sell the talented playmaker.

During Match of the Day's analysis of Arsenal's comeback against Fulham, Lineker said: "Do you know what baffles me a little bit, is how have Real Madrid let him slip away when they've got Modric and Kroos, who are really at the end of their careers?" It's a strange one because he's so clearly talented, isn't he?"

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Arteta's 'plan B' poses Edu and Stan Kroenke transfer question

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta deployed his 'plan B' during the comeback victory against Fulham on Saturday, highlighting a key transfer must answer.

The Arsenal boss reacted to Aleksandar Mitrovic's opener following a mistake from Gabriel Magalhaes at the back by bringing on Nketiah, changing formation and swapping Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

However, Arteta left Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Marquinhos all on the bench, suggesting that he is not fully content with the Gunners' options in reserve and that his team still need stronger options to call upon.

With days remaining in the transfer window, Pedro Neto and Youri Tielemans have been touted to make the move to the Emirates Stadium. Arteta has previously admitted that the club remain active and will look to do business 'if the market allows it' after spending over £100million for a second successive summer.

Ruben Neves makes transfer admission amid Arsenal links

Arsenal target Ruben Neves has admitted did not expect to remain at Wolves this summer amid transfer interest from a number of Premier League giants.

In addition to the Gunners, Neves has also been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool and told The Times that he misses Champions League football having featured in the competition while at Porto as a teenager. For now, however, he appears content at Wolves and is not agitating for a move elsewhere.

The 25-year-old claimed: "One of the things I miss most is the Champions League, it's the best competition in the world to play in.

"Let's see what happens. I try to focus 100 per cent on my football and I had a good start to the season but we need results now. If you ask me at the end of last season I would have said to you, 'I will leave' but I'm still here, so we never know what's going to happen."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Arsenal-linked midfielder claims "there have been offers"

Arsenal-linked midfielder Seko Fofana has confessed "there have been offers" for his signature and that he could sign for a new club in the final days of the transfer window

Reports suggest RC Lens are only open to selling their captain for €40m (£34m), with the former Manchester City man one of Ligue 1's best players across the last couple of seasons. West Ham are also reportedly interested in signing the former Manchester City academy star this summer.

The Ivory Coast international told Canal+ via GFFN: “There are five days left to think and see what decision to make. As long as I’m on the pitch, I am happy because I know I will be able to express myself and give the maximum. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. We will see. Everything is possible in these last five days.”

There are offers, some possibilities. I need to think about them with my entourage. The club knows what I expect. Today I’m just enjoying the moment.”

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Agents of Arsenal target "exploring options" for move

The agents of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha have been exploring options for the player in this summer’s transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Zaha this summer as Mikel Arteta searches for a new winger to add to his squad.

Whilst making no mention of Arsenal, Romano claimed that: “His (Zaha's) agents have explored many options but so far it is a quiet situation. Surprises are not ruled out – but Vieira is happy with Zaha.

“The club closest to signing him was AS Roma before completing the Dybala deal, which Jose Mourinho wanted as the priority.”

Following the departure of Nicolas Pepe to OGC Niece, it would come as little surprise to Arsenal fans if a new winger arrives in the closing stages of the window. Wolves star Pedro Neto is known to be a target.

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