Arsenal and Liverpool ‘keen’ on Real Madrid man as Gunners ‘consider bid’ for £60m star

The first international break of 2023 is over as domestic football returns and it looks likely to be an entertaining clash at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

Arsenal host Leeds United as the Gunners look to keep a hold of or extend their eight point lead over Manchester City, who face Liverpool in the early kick off, at the top of the Premier League table. Meanwhile, there is plenty going on behind the scenes as the transfer rumour mill continues to turn.

The latest reports have Mikel Arteta’s side credited with an interest in a Real Madrid midfielder who is also said to be a player that Liverpool are keeping an eye on. Meanwhile, there is fresh news that the Gunners are ‘plotting’ a summer move for another La Liga star who was the subject of a £60 million transfer just last summer. Here are the latest Arsenal transfer news stories on Saturday, April 1:

Arsenal ‘interested’ in Real Madrid star along with Liverpool, Chelsea and more

Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are just some of the admirers of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni who could be available for transfer this summer - according to Catalonian publication El Nacional. The 23-year old Frenchman joined the La Liga giants from Monaco for €80 million in the summer and that fee could yet rise to €100 million with add ons.

However, the Frenchman is currently behind Eduardo Camavinga for a place in the starting line up and the report claims that Los Blancos ‘can’t afford’ to have a player of his value sitting on the bench - despite the fact he has made 47 appearances for club and country this season. With that in mind, it is claimed that they would be willing to let the player leave if they can recoup most of their initial transfer fee, with a figure of €70 million quoted.

Arsenal ‘plot’ new move for £60 million former Leeds United attacker

Per a report from Football Insider, Arsenal are considering a bid for Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer. The Brazilian only moved to the La Liga club from Leeds United last summer for a fee of £60 million but has already been strongly linked with an exit from the Nou Camp.

The Gunners were previously thought to be keen on the attacker while he was with league rivals Leeds United and are once again being linked with a move now that speculation he could be up for sale is mounting. According to the article, Chelsea are also interested as multiple clubs could look to capatalise on Barcelona’s ‘financial struggles’ which are apprenyl behind the need to sell.