Arsenal ‘eye’ Man City hijack as Mikel Arteta handed perfect opportunity to scout ‘£34m target’

Arsenal are now stepping up their preparations for the new season as pre-season opposition gets tougher and tougher.

Mikel Arteta’s men lost to Manchester United over the weekend, and they now turn attention to a clash with La Liga champions Barcelona in the USA. The Gunners now have just two pre-season friendlies remaining before turning attention to the Community Shield clash with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

In the meantime, transfer rumours continue to surround the Emirates Stadium, and here we have rounded up all the latest.

Olise interest

Arsenal are being linked with a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

According to 90min, the Gunners are interested in rivalling Chelsea and Manchester City for the former Reading star this summer. The Gunners are likely at a disadvantage in that they need to strike exit deals before spending more this summer, but it’s reported that Arteta is interested in the 21-year-old attacker.

It’s claimed Olise has a £35million release clause built into his contract, giving clubs the chance to steal him away from the Eagles this summer. If more than one team activate that release clause, it will be a race to convince Olise.

Disasi links

Elsewhere, it’s being claimed Arsenal could add further to their defensive line despite signing Jurrien Timber on a big-money deal.

According to The Sun, the Gunners are in the race to sign AS Monaco star Axel Disasi. Arsenal will get the chance to see Disasi in action at the Emirates Stadium in the upcoming Emirates Cup. It’s claimed a number of English clubs are interested in the centre-back, who is valued at £34million, and it’s said Arsenal are one of those clubs.

The links are a little surprising given Arteta already has Timber, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba vying for position.