Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Arsenal going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Gunners.
Kylian Mbappe warning
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will not be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer.
Mbappe is into the final 12 months of his contract at the Parc des Princes and has made it clear that he has no intentions of signing a contract extension with the Ligue 1 champions. The striker's decision has led to a wave of speculation regarding his next club, with Arsenal interested.
However, PSG have handed Mbappe an enormous ultimatum. "We do not want him to leave for free in 2024," Al-Khelafi said. "Our position is clear. If Kylian wants to stay, we want him to stay. But he needs to sign a new contract.
"We don't want to lose the best player in the world for free, it's impossible."
football.london says: The possibility of Mbappe coming to the Emirates Stadium has always seemed an unlikely prospect. Everything that comes with the deal just doesn't fit the blueprint that Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have followed in recent years.
His wages, alone, will see Mbappe become the club's highest-earner. Now, with PSG now confirming that he won't be allowed to leave for free, only a mega-money bid will be enough to prise him to north London - possibly close to his €180 million ($195.5m) valuation from transfermarkt.
While the thought of having Mbappe partnering Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal's attack is mouth-watering, the details are just not worth it. Fortunately for Arsenal, the ball isn't in PSG's court. Mbappe doesn't have to sign a new contract and could well still leave on a free. Time will tell on a potential blockbuster move.
READ MORE: Arsenal reach £34.2m agreement with Ajax for Jurrien Timber transfer ahead of medical in London
Barcelona repeat Gundogan trick
Barcelona are on course to beat Arsenal to yet another transfer. The La Liga champions recently completed the signing of Ilkay Gundogan following his release from Manchester City, despite the Gunners' best efforts to sign the midfielder.
Now, ESPN have reported that Barca are putting the final touches on a deal to sign Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda. It's suggested the Catalonian club are hopeful of signing the Spain prodigy for less than his £17.1m release clause.
Arsenal have been scouting Fresneda for some time, though have constantly faced competition from Borussia Dortmund. The 19-year-old's move to the Nou Camp will depend on the club's wage bill.
football.london says: Despite all of Arsenal's success in the transfer window this summer, losing out on two of their ideal targets to Barcelona will be frustrating. Missing out on an ageing Gundogan is more forgiving amid Declan Rice's arrival, but Fresneda has potential to become a star for years to come.
The question must be asked why Arsenal have not activated his relatively cheap release clause. The disappointment, though, will only be temporary. Recent links to Jeremie Frimpong and Benjamin Henrichs are more timely with their experience at senior level.
Right-back has never been a priority this summer. Ben White has proved he is more than capable of filling in and Takehiro Tomiyasu remains at the club. But if the Gunners are to take their game to the next level, an attacking-minded wing-back is clearly on Arteta's mind.
