Arsenal hoping to make progress after ‘failed £25m bid’ as AC Milan ‘express interest’ in starlet

Arsenal will be on cloud nine heading into their second outing of the season.

It has been an exciting summer for the Gunners, who have spent more than £100million on their squad in a bid to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish.

Amid a number of new signings, the Gunners enjoyed a fine pre-season, and they backed it up with a strong opening day performance against Crystal Palace.

Mikel Arteta will want to seize upon that momentum, meanwhile, he and Edu Gaspar will be looking to see if they can improve the squad even further.

And with that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Gunners.

Pepe interest

Arsenal are said to be keen on a deal for FC Porto star Pepe this summer, though not the veteran who bears the same name.

According to A bola, via TeamTalk, the Gunners made an offer worth just over £25million when discussing the Fabio Vieira deal, but their advances were swiftly rejected.

Porto are said to want around double that amount to sell Pepe this summer, with the brazilian star tied down to a £60million release clause.

Casadei blow

Cesare Casadei has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, but it seems Chelsea are more likely to make a move.

Casadei has attracted interest from the Blues, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano saying: “Cesare Casadei deal.

“Chelsea are pushing to sign the Italian talent with new proposal ready, OGC Nice in the race with possible buy-back clause included in the bid.

“Inter have made no decision yet as it will depend on the amount of the two proposals.”

Lokonga interest

AC Milan are said to be eyeing up a loan move for Arsenal youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga.

According to Tuttomercato, Milan are plotting a loan swoop as they look to add depth to their squad this summer.

Lokonga signed for Arsenal on a deal worth £15million last summer, but he is viewed as a prospect for the future.