Arsenal rival Liverpool for £35m star as Paulo Dybala transfer opportunity grows closer

Arsenal took advantage of one of their games in hand over the weekend with a narrow win over Aston Villa.

Bukayo Saka was on target for the Gunners as they extended their lead over fifth place to three points, and they still have a game in hand over Tottenham and Manchester United to play.

Before then, however, comes the international break, when Mikel Arteta will have the chance to reflect and plan for the rest of the season.

The break will also give Arteta and the Arsenal chiefs a chance to start planning for next season, and with that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer rumours.

Gakpo links

Arsenal are being linked with a move for PSV star Cody Gakpo ahead of this summer.

Gakpo has caught the eye of a number of clubs around Europe having scored 16 and assisted 15 so far this season.

According to The Athletic, the Gunners are interested in pulling off a £35million move, but they are joined by Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

Dybala opportunity

Arsenal could yet get their opportunity with Juventus star Paulo Dybala.

Dybala is out of contract this summer, and the Gunners have been tipped to make a move. In the meantime, Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has been asked about the situation, and concerningly for fans of Turin side, there is no real update.

“Paulo arrived as a kid from Palermo, he has become a great player. There’s no problem,” he said, as cited by Football Italia.

“I don’t know if he will be a Juventus player or not, that is a matter for the club. We often talk with the club, it’s not just Paulo whose contract is running down, but also Bernardeschi, De Sciglio, Perin and Cuadrado.

Saka contract latest

The Gunners are said to have begun early talks with the representatives of Bukayo Saka.

Saka is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2024, but Arsenal want to tie the winger down to a long-term deal, to keep away potential transfer interest, and indeed to reward him for his impressive performances.

Saka has been key again this season, scoring 10 and assisting five in 33 appearances across all competitions.

The Athletic report that Arsenal are aware they need to improve the winger’s terms, and have begun early conversations over a new contract.