Your Arsenal morning transfer round-up on Wednesday, August 31.
Gakpo transfer race back on
Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Cody Gakpo as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his frontline further before the transfer window slams shut. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, and the Gunners are preparing a last push for his signature.
Last month, football.london understood that Mikel Arteta's side are one of several clubs in England who are interested in the PSV winger. The Athletic have since named Everton, Leeds United and Southampton as the other candidates in the race for Gakpo.
It's said that the Saints are the only club who have made a concrete approach for the Netherlands international, but the Dutch giants turned down their offer. That could have been the wake-up call technical director Edu needed in order to sign Gakpo.
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal could be rejoining the hunt to sign the winger who idolises Gunners icon Thierry Henry. Speaking to The Sun back in April, Gakpo was honest in his admiration for English football.
READ MORE: Arsenal make contact for 'next Oleksandr Zinchenko' Mykhaylo Mudryk after £25m Everton rejection
Milinkovic-Savic agent confirms transfer stance
Arsenal technical director Edu has been given a small glimpse of hope in the race to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent years, with Manchester United often said to be monitoring his situation.
According to Italian publication Il Mattino in July, Lazio were hoping to sell the Serbia international to either Arsenal or United for a fee between €55million (£46m) and €60million (£50m). Tutto Juve, via Sport Witness, previously reported that the north Londoners were ready to accelerate their efforts for Milinkovic-Savic and offer £42million for his signature.
However, regardless of whether the reports are to be believed, the Lazio midfielder's agent, Mateja Kezman, gave an update on his client's future. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Kezman ruled out an exit from Maurizio Sarri's side unless a 'miracle happens'.
"The decision has been made," Milinkovic-Savic's agent said. "Sergej will stay at Lazio unless a miracle happens in the final few days of the window."
Caicedo's move ruled out
Arsenal have been handed a huge blow in their mission to sign Brighton and Hove Albion starlet Moises Caicedo. The 20-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit from the Amex Stadium this summer following an impressive campaign on the south coast last season.
The Ecuador international has since become a mainstay in Potter's side this term, reportedly courting the interest of Arsenal and Liverpool. However, Brighton chairman and CEO Paul Barber has ruled out the possibility of Caicedo leaving, handing the Gunners a major blow.
Speaking on talkSPORT, as quoted by HITC, Barber said: "Moises Caicedo has done well, but he is still a very young player. We know with young players, form is sometimes inconsistent, and we don't want the kind of pressure on Moises that these kinds of headlines create.
"But he is a very level-headed young man. He is more than capable of dealing with it, in our opinion. He has settled into the Premier League fantastically, and potentially he has got a World Cup to look forward to as well. It's a really good time for Moises, and we're delighted to have him."
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