Arsenal handed boost in ‘£70m’ midfielder pursuit, Gunners ‘would like’ to sign England international

Arsenal will look to reinforce their top four hopes with a win over Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners are currently two points clear of bitter rivals Tottenham in fifth, with four games left to play for both sides and a north London derby to come in midweek.

But while there’ll be plenty of focus on matters on the pitch over the coming days, there’s still an abundance of speculation doing the rounds in the gossip columns too.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered up all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates below...

Man United make Ekitike enquiry

Arsenal could face competition from Manchester United for reported target Hugo Ekitike, according to a fresh report from ESPN.

The promising Stade de Reims striker is expected to be in high demand this summer after hitting 10 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this term, with the Gunners credited with an interest alongside Newcastle United in recent weeks.

But competition could also come in the form of Man United, who are said to have made an enquiry about the French teenager’s potential availability this summer.

A fee of around £12.8 million could be enough to win the race for his signature.

Neves wants to stay in England

Arsenal may have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.

The Gunners are understood to be long term admirers of the Portugal international, alongside Manchester United, and are said to have made the 25-year-old one of their top targets this summer.

But while European giants like Barcelona and Juventus are also said to be tracking Neves, the Daily Mail report that the player himself is eager to remain in the Premier League should he leave Wolves in the coming months.

Any deal for the ex-Porto talent would come at a significant cost, however, with his current employers set to demand somewhere in the region of £70 million for his services.

Arsenal eye Sterling

Arsenal ‘would like’ to sign Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling this summer, according to a report from Calcio Mercato.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the England international’s Etihad teammate Gabriel Jesus in recent weeks, but the Italian outlet suggest that they are also keeping tabs on the former Liverpool man.

Sterling is approaching the final year of his contract with City, and the prospect of him leaving the defending champions has been raised before.

For his part, the player has also spoke openly of his admiration for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta too, with the two working together during the Spaniard’s own spell in Manchester.