Although it’s difficult to make too much from pre-season friendlies, Arsenal head into the new season in good spirits.
Gabriel Jesus has been in the goals and the club have strengthened significantly after a season during which their young side impressed, albeit one that saw them fall at the final hurdle.
Excitingly, Mikel Arteta is still open to the idea of more signings, leading to all manner of transfer news and speculation.
Here’s a look at some of it…
Cody Gakpo
On paper, Arsenal have a huge amount of options in attack.
Still, the fact Arteta tried to sign Raphinha would suggest the Gunners boss still feels he needs another option.
With that in mind, links with a move for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo makes sense. The forward scored 12 Eredivisie goals last season and, crucially, is able to play across the frontline.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Dutch international will likely cost in the region of £33.5m.
Youri Tielemans is of interest to Arsenal this summer but, as it stands, Leicester City have not received a firm offer for the midfielder.
That puts the Foxes in a difficult position, with the club needing to sell before they can buy players themselves.
So, why the delay?
talkSPORT suggest Arsenal are now having doubts as to whether or not the 25-year-old has the physicality needed in Arteta’s midfield.
Nuno Tavares
While it’s difficult to imagine Oleksandr Zinchenko swapped Manchester City for Arsenal to play back-up to Kieran Tierney, his arrival obviously strengthens the left-back role.
With that in mind, Atalanta are hoping to wrap up a loan deal for Nuno Tavares.
According to Gianluigi Longari, officials working on behalf of the Serie A club have arrived in London to thrash out a move.
