The transfer speculation is ramping up at the Emirates with the summer transfer window set to open in less than 24 hours.
The race to sign Declan Rice has long been underway, and a move to Arsenal neared last week when West Ham owner David Sullivan that he was leaving the club. But with Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Jorginho all set to leave the club, there are a number of other transfer targets on Arteta's radar.
And one is Ilkay Gundogan, who is yet to agree a new contract at Manchester City despite captaining the club to Champions League glory. Regardless, fans of the Gunners can be assured of one thing - a busy period lies ahead.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
Gunners in a 'good position' to sign Gundogan
Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker has revealed that his club are in a 'good position' to sign Man City's treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan this summer on a free transfer.
Mertesacker played with Gundogan with Germany between 2011 & 2014 and has suggested that he may see it as being 'mission accomplished' at City following the treble win. Speaking as a pundit for German broadcaster ZDF, the former Arsenal defender said the Gunners are definitely in the mix.
"I think the clubs are queuing. Because Arteta knows him and we probably haven’t broken off contact, we’re in a good position," he said. I think he’ll let it all sink in first and then choose from one of the four clubs."
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Transfer plans dealt a blow by Fulham
Fulham are determined to hold onto Arsenal target Joao Palhinha this summer, with club chief Tony Khan rubbishing rumours that the star midfielder has a release clause in his contract.
Responding to an article from talkSPORT which claimed Palhinha had a release clause in his Fulham deal, which could be triggered by West Ham, vice-chairman Khan wrote on Twitter: "There is no release clause”.
Palhinha joined Fulham in a £20 million transfer from Sporting back in July last year and he has proven to be an inspired piece of the business. The 27-year-old was one of the most consistent players in the Premier League last season, finishing way clear at the top of the tackle count in the top flight.
Read the full story HERE.
Rice gets Arsenal fans excited
Declan Rice has arrived at St. George's Park for England duty as the West Ham United captain continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates.
And the official England Twitter account has fuelled the fire, uploading photos of him embracing Arsenal players on arrival: "Look who's arrived at SGP!" they wrote. "@_DeclanRice," alongside snaps of him greeting Gunners duo Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka.
The post caught the attention of Arsenal fans. And meetings with Saka and Ramsdale could well become very regular with Arteta still in pole position to sign the £90 million rated midfielder.
