Arsenal star ‘eyed’ as Mikel Arteta rapidly ‘backs away’ from £85m transfer

Mikel Arteta has a busy summer ahead of him as he looks to prepare Arsenal for their return to Europe.

The Gunners finished fifth place this season, just missing out on the Champions League following a late slip up.

Still, Arsenal will be pleased to return to the Europa League after a season out of Europe, and it’s clear the squad must be thickened to cope with the increased demand.

Arteta needs fresh faces to improve quality and depth, and with that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours.

Jesus race

Arsenal face a potential problem in their bid to land Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus this summer.

According to Tuttosport, Juventus are now considering a deal for Jesus as they prepare to send Alvaro Morata back to loan club Atletico Madrid.

Interestingly, Arsenal have been tipped to sign Morata themselves, so the two clubs could do each other a favour by one stepping out of the way of the other.

Martinelli interest

Sticking with Juventus, the Old Lady are being tipped to make a move for Arsenal frontman Gabriel Martinelli.

The young Brazilian has played a key role this season, scoring six and assisting as many, and Arsenal are likely to be reluctant to let him go.

But they have been linked with a move for Juve midfielder Arthur Melo, and according to Calciomercato, the Serie A giants are prepared to offer up Melo to sign Martinelli this summer.

Osimhen revelation

Arsenal are said to have backtracked rapidly from the potential signing of Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen.

According to Corriere del Mezzogiorno via SportWitness, the Gunners made an enquiry to sign Osimhen this summer in their bid to land a new striker.

But they are said to have backed off rapidly after being told it would take £85million to pull off a deal.