Arsenal ‘eye’ move for Ligue 1 star compared to Lionel Messi while Gunners duo could leave

The Gunners skipper fuelled further speculation over his future by confirming he has held discussions with several clubs, as his current contract set to end this summer.

Arsenal are keeping tabs on a number of possible replacements and have been strongly linked with a move for Lille forward Edon Zhegrova.

Dubbed ‘The Kosovan Messi’, Zhegrova joined the Ligue 1 club from FC Basel during the January transfer window but is already being lined up for a move to the Emirates Stadium according to The Mirror.

Arsenal enjoyed a positive relationship with Lille after signing Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel from the French club in recent seasons.

Pepe’s time in North London has been mixed and the report also suggests he could depart at the end of the season.

Gunners miss out on key defensive target

Arsenal and Premier League rivals Leeds United are said to have made unsuccessful approaches for highly-rated Ajax full-back Noussair Mazraoui.

The Moroccan defender has been on the Gunners radar as his current contract with the Dutch giants comes to its close this summer.

Mazraoui has been a regular feature for Ajax over the last two seasons and has caught the eye of several clubs around the continent.

But it’s Bayern Munich that have won the race for his services, according to German outlet Bild.

They have revealed Bayern now have “complete agreement” to take the defender to the Bundesliga on a free transfer this summer.

Arsenal midfielder set for permanent switch after successful loan spell

Lucas Torriera is set to finalise a permanent move to Fiorentina this summer - according to Football Insider.

The Arsenal midfielder has enjoyed a positive loan spell with the Serie A club and has convinced Fiorentina to trigger a buy option in his deal.

The Uruguayan international has reportedly agreed a four-year deal and personal terms have also been thrashed out between the two parties.

La Liga champions approach for Gunners defender

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has enjoyed a largely positive loan spell with Ligue 1 club Marseille - and is attracting the attention of a number of clubs ahead of his return to North London.

The Frenchman has made 45 appearances for Marseille, helping the club to the Europa Conference semi-final and they currently sit in second place in the Ligue 1 table.

Marseille remain keen on a second season-long loan deal for Saliba - but L’Equipe have claimed Spanish giants Atletico Madrid want to sign the centre-back on a permanent basis.

The report has suggested Atleti boss Diego Simeone has made an enquiry over a possible deal for Saliba and is keen to add him to his squad at the end of the season.