The transfer activity surrounding Arsenal is picking up speed, and there is plenty going around the rumour mill, with Granit Xhaka and Albert Lokonga in focus.
Arsenal have entered the transfer market on the back of a disappointing season with much to achieve going forward. The Gunners want to bring many players for various positions and look for clubs to take their unwanted stars, with an overhaul seemingly on the cards.
Strong recent links to Ben White, who could cost the Gunners £50 million, suggest Arsenal have the money to spend around in the market. The central defence was not even a priority at the start of the window. However, Arsenal are prepared to pay the right amount for the right players, while quite a few of their current players are touted to leaving the club.
Granit Xhaka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Hector Bellerin are the names pencilled for an exit this summer. At the same time, some of the forwards could also see the exit door. Who Arsenal brings to replace their outgoing stars remains a question answered in the next few weeks.
The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at some of the stories revolving around Arsenal transfers.
Arsenal willing to accept Amadou Diawara in a swap deal for Granit Xhaka
According to Ilromanista, there have been some developments in the Granit Xhaka to AS Roma deal. The publication reckons Roma could include Amadou Diawara in the agreement to bring Granit Xhaka. How much of an impact Diawara’s inclusion has on the transfer fee remains to be seen, but the report believes this could be key to closing the transfer.
Roma and Arsenal have been locked in talks regarding Xhaka for well over a month. The price tag has been the sticking point so far, with both clubs disagreeing on a figure. Arsenal want between €20-25 million, but Roma are adamant about not wanting to pay more than €15 million.
However, with Roma looking to pay what they can afford, they are also willing to offer a player exchange. Amadou Diawara, who had been linked to Arsenal in the past, especially when the Gunners were looking for a midfielder two years back, is a name that has come up in talks. Back at the time, they had opted for Lucas Torreira, but with the Uruguayan set to depart, Diawara could interest Arsenal once more.
Diawara could replace Torreira in the squad or Mohamed Elneny, who could also depart. However, with Arteta looking for a utility midfielder, the Roma ace could do the trick. Arsenal might be inclined to accept €15 million plus the player in exchange for Xhaka to join Roma.
Arsenal face Atalanta competition for Albert Sambi Lokonga
Arsenal’s steady pursuit of Albert Sambi Lokonga could be up for a twist. According to Calciomercato, the Gunners’ pursuit of the Belgian midfielder could be challenged by Atalanta, who are looking to bolster their options next season.
Albert Sambi Lokonga has been linked with the Gunners for the duration of this window, but Atalanta could now challenge them in their pursuit. Arsenal were quoted €20 million for the young midfielder, and the north London giants already seem to have agreed to personal terms.
With Anderlecht ready to sell the player, they are yet to agree on a transfer fee with Arsenal, thus giving Atalanta a sniff at the midfielder. It may seem difficult for Atalanta to pay that asking price in the first place, but could they offer more to the player than what Arsenal are offering?
Arsenal would be looking to wrap up the transfer once they seal the Ben White deal with Brighton, although any further delay could see Lokonga evaluate his options. However, there are also suggestions that Lokonga is moving to Arsenal, and it’s just a matter of time.
Arsenal continues negotiations for Granit Xhaka exit
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal and Roma are negotiating at an advanced stage to transfer Granit Xhaka. However, another publication earlier in this round up suggested Roma could include midfielder Diawara in the deal, but this one claims that both clubs have had some breakthrough in talks.
As things stand, Roma want Xhaka; the player wants to move while both clubs cannot agree on a fee. Roma are unwilling to pay beyond €15 million, but Arsenal wants a price closer to €20 million. However, the aforementioned report suggests that Roma could spend €15 million plus bonuses to seal the deal.
These bonuses could be linked to appearances, with the suggestion of €1 million for a certain number of appearances in the coming season. Additionally, there could be further add-ons related to performances and where Roma finish at the end of the season. The final figure could be around €18 million with these new inclusions, closer to Arsenal’s asking price.
The coming days will give us a better idea if these reports are accurate and if Arsenal will agree on such terms with Roma. But one way or another, this deal is expected to go through at some stage. Roma expects Xhaka to be their player soon, while personal terms had already been agreed before the Euros on a four-year deal.
