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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Josh O'Brien

Arsenal transfer round-up: Pedro Neto blow as new midfield target emerges

Arsenal have gone from being a club that often watched the purse strings more than most to one that seems to spend at will over the last few summers.

This transfer window has proved no different, with Mikel Arteta making five new signings so far and more expected in the coming weeks. The Gunners know that supporters will expect this spending spree to prove worthwhile in the long run, with Champions League qualification the ultimate aim.

Things got off to a bright start in that regard, with morale around the club high after last Friday's opening night victory away at Crystal Palace under the white hot spotlights at Selhurst Park. Arsenal have a chance to build real momentum in the opening exchanges of the season and could be boosted by some new faces coming into the fold.

Mirror Football has compiled the latest headlines surrounding the Gunners' transfer dealings.

Pedro Neto move unlikely

HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Neto be a successful signing for Arsenal? Comment below!

The Portugal international has been touted with a move to the Emirates as a result of Wolves signing Goncalo Guedes, with many fans assuming Neto would be heading towards the exit door as a result.

Arsenal have long looked for another attacking wide player and as of yet have made little progress in their efforts. Neto ticks all the required boxes but the prospect of a North London switch this summer seems unlikely due to the fact he penned a new deal at the Molineux in March.

As a result, Neto is now tied to Wolves until at least the summer of 2027. In turn, this means Bruno Lage's side can ask for the kind of transfer fee that would smash Arsenal's record of £72.2million.

Neto's comments after signing that same contract hardly read like he is planning a move anytime soon. He said: "I want to work a lot to conquer things with this club because we have the potential to do this kind of stuff. We are working better and better, and I hope to conquer things."

New midfield target emerges

Sandro Tonali is wanted by Arsenal according to reports (Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Leicester's Youri Tielemans all summer but could soon divert their attentions to seriously pursuing another target in AC Milan's Sandro Tonali.

The 22-year-old is valued at £46m after establishing himself as an important figure at the San Siro last season. The Mail claims that the two clubs have already held talks, during which Milan informed the Gunners of their asking price for the midfielder.

It would be quite the surprise if Milan sanctioned Tonali's departure given his showings last term but he certainly fits the age profile for the kind of squad Arteta is trying to build at the Emirates.

Tonali has previously been dubbed the 'next Andrea Pirlo', which means any exit would undoubtedly spark fury among the Milan faithful.

Mari loan confirmed

Pablo Mari has left Arsenal on a temporary basis (Getty Images)

After weeks of speculation and multiple Italian clubs entering the race for his signature, Pablo Mari's loan move away from Arsenal has finally been confirmed.

The central defender has joined newly-promoted Serie A outfit Monza for the remainder of the 2022/23 season but could potentially remain there on a permanent basis.

Should Monza stay in the Italian top flight, they will be obliged to sign Mari permanently due to a clause in the Spaniard's contract. The first signing of Arteta's reign, Mari has undeniably underwhelmed at Arsenal - making just 22 appearances since he joined in January 2020.

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