Arsenal will have the world’s attention on them in just a matter of days when they kick-off the new 2022/23 Premier League campaign, with a trip to Crystal Palace on Friday night. But the Gunners are hoping to make a few more headlines for other reasons before their trip across the capital.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans for the majority of the summer and now the Foxes are expecting the Gunners to make their move for the Belgian. Elsewhere, it has been revealed why Folarin Balogun is only moving to Reims on a temporary basis.
Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest transfer stories coming out of the Emirates Stadium…
Leicester expecting Arsenal move
Arsenal could be about to finally make a move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer after it was revealed that the Foxes are now waiting for an imminent offer from the Gunners after weeks of rumours and negotiations.
According to the Guardian, Leicester are bracing themselves for Arsenal to finally launch a bid to sign Tielemans, with the Belgian international interested in signing for the north London club and open to a move away from the King Power Stadium as he enters the final year of his contract.
It has been said that Tielemans has simply been waiting for Arsenal to make their move, although they will have to pay around £25 million for his services, yet with time running out in the transfer window, the Gunners could finally be about to make their move.
Will Arsenal finally wrap up a deal for Youri Tielemans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Arteta refusing to sell Balogun
Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun has made a lasting impression since breaking through into the first team two seasons ago, but is now set for a loan exit to Ligue 1 side Reims this summer as he goes in search of more regular first team action.
And with Eddie Nketiah and now Gabriel Jesus ahead of him in the pecking order in north London, some may have predicted the 21-year-old to move away on a permanent basis in order to develop his career elsewhere, while Reims were keen on an option to buy at the end of his deal.
However, as reported by the Express, via The Boot Room, Arteta only sanctioned a loan deal after refusing to sell the promising striker permanently this summer. The Spaniard retains high hopes for the 21-year-old and still thinks he can make the grade at the Emirates Stadium.
Mari talks held
Arsenal defender Pablo Mari is one of a host of names who are expected to leave north London this summer after falling down the pecking order and becoming surplus to requirements, with the Spaniard now predicted to leave in the coming days after holding talks with a number of Serie A clubs.
According to the Express, Mari’s representatives are negotiating a potential return to Italy with Serie A new boys Monza as well as Hellas Verona, with face-to-face talks already scheduled, after the Gunners told the centre back that he is free to leave this summer.
Mari initially signed on loan from Brazilian outfit Flamengo in January 2020, before having his temporary deal made permanent that summer. However, he has since made just 19 appearances for the Gunners, before spending the second half of last season out on loan at Udinese.
