Arsenal ‘change transfer focus’ after Edu makes ‘contact’ with big-money target

Arsenal’s pre-season preparations are going rather well, following another summer win.

The Gunners saw off Orlando City on Thursday night with a 3-1 win, with Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson all on target.

Arsenal will now remain in Florida, where they will face London rivals Chelsea in the early hours of Sunday morning, UK time.

In the meantime, the Gunners will continue their efforts to add further strength to their squad, and here we round up all the latest transfer news and rumours.

Arteta update

Mikel Arteta says a deal for Oleksandr Zinchenko is close to being completed and that attention could now turn to shipping players out.

“Yes, as you’ve seen, he’s here. There are still a few formalities to get everything concreted, but really happy to have him,” he said after the Orlando win.

“I know the player really well. He’s an exceptional footballer and is someone that is going to bring a competitive edge to that dressing room.”

Asked about what’s next, Arteta added: “I don’t know. It’s what we have today.

“We have a large squad, so we have to make some decisions as well on the players that we’re not going to be using consistently and be fair and straight with them and that’s a process that is going to start very soon as well.”

Tavares interest

Brighton are said to be pushing for a deal to sign Arsenal full-back Nuno Tavares.

O Jogo report the Seagulls see Tavares as a possible replacement for Marc Cucurella, albeit likely a short-term one.

Arsenal could well send Tavares out on loan this summer and Brighton are hoping to benefit.

In the meantime, the Seagulls are said to have rejected Manchester City’s opening offer for Cucurella.

Paqueta latest

Arsenal are yet to make an official move for Lyon star Lucas Paqueta, according to the latest reports.

The Gunners are said to be keen on the attacking midfielder, and Edu has made ‘contact’, but not officially made a move, according to Fabrizio Romano via Give Me Sport.

“There is an interest because Edu, of course, with his Brazilian link knows the player so well and had some contact with his agent but never submitted a proposal,” he said.