Despite spending in excess of £110 million this summer, Arsenal continue to be linked with a number of top-class players.
The Gunners have bolstered their squad with five first-team signings in the form of Matt Turner, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, whilst the likes of Bernd Leno and Lucas Torreira have been shown the door at the Emirates Stadium to free up squad space. More fringe players continue to be linked with moves away from north London, such as Nicolas Pepe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Hector Bellerin as technical director Edu looks to balance Mikel Arteta's squad.
Still, plenty of speculation remains regarding more potential incoming and football.london has rounded up all the latest transfer chatter from the last 24 hours.
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand claims Arsenal have their very own Luis Suarez amid Mikel Arteta admission
Paqueta claim
According to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, Arsenal technical director Edu's midfielder priority is Lyon star Lucas Paqueta, although although a move in January is said to be more likely than this summer. Writing on Twitter, Tavolieri said: "My feeling is that #Arsenal will wait the winter for trying to get Lucas Paqueta (who’s the real priority of Edu Gaspar in the midfield) as there is no real need at this position for the moment.
"So Youri is interesting for #AFC, but not priority." Paqueta has been heavily linked with the Gunners, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks.
Nicolas Pepe exit
Louis Ferrer, the agent of Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe agent, has shared a photo from the Allianz Riviera, the stadium of Ligue 1 outfit Nice. This could potentially hint that Pepe's exit from the Emirates Stadium is nearing, with Footmercato reporting that the Ivorian international is "interested" in a loan switch to the French club after his agent held a meeting over a possible move.
Nice have already brought former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey to the club this summer, as well as ex-Leicester shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel. Pepe joined the Gunners for a club-record fee of £72 million three years ago, although the 27-year-old has found himself behind Hale End academy graduate Bukayo Saka in Arteta's plans.
Villa pursue Rob Holding
According to Spanish media outlet Estadio Deportivo , via BirminghamLive, Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is keen to bolster his defence following the news that summer signing Diego Carlos will have to undergo surgery after suffering a long-term injury earlier this month, meaning he is likely to miss the majority of the 2022/23 season. Villa's wishlist list is said to include Arsenal centre-half Rob Holding and former Manchester City ace Jason Denayer.
Holding will likely struggle for game time at the Emirates Stadium this term, with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White all currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'
Yeremy Pino delivers verdict as Villarreal confirm deal that could affect £42m Arsenal transfer
Aston Villa consider move for Arsenal star as Edu looks to repeat Calum Chambers transfer trick
Caicedo signs, Vieira decision - Mikel Arteta's Arsenal midfield dilemma after £136m spend
'Welcome to Arsenal!' - Pedro Neto tipped to complete dream transfer as interest is 'confirmed'
