Arsenal ‘test waters’ with striker approach amid ‘£66.5m’ release clause revelation

With their hopes of Champions League qualification hanging in the balance after a pair of hugely damaging defeats, Arsenal will be more certain than ever that a positive summer of recruitment is key to Mikel Arteta’s aspirations for next season.

The Gunners are never too far away from the gossip columns as it is, and with that in mind, we’ve gathered up a number of the latest Emirates-focused rumours below...

Arsenal consider Morata

Arsenal’s pursuit of a striker is likely to be one of the Premier League’s key transfer sagas this summer, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport, they are already putting the feelers out.

The Italian outlet suggest that the Gunners have “tested the waters” with an enquiry after Atletico Madrid’s hitman Alvaro Morata.

It is understood that Mikel Arteta’s men have been in touch with the player’s agent, and are one of a number of candidates who have ‘entered the fray’ for his services.

Whether Morata would be keen on a return to London after his underwhelming stint with Chelsea, however, remains to be seen.

According to La Stampa, as per Sport Witness, his prior experiences in England could lead to a ‘sharp no’ should Arsenal firm up their offer.

Martinez on Arteta’s radar

Alongside Morata, Arsenal are also being linked with a possible move for Inter striker Lautaro Martinez.

CBS Sports recently reported that the Gunners have scouted the forward extensively, and any hopes they have of landing the Argentina international may have been giving a significant boost by a fresh update from Corriere dello Sport.

The Italian outlet claim that Inter have slashed their asking price for the 24-year-old to £66.5 million. The new valuation comes after the player signed a contract extension late last year that lowers his release clause from around £92 million.

Gunners eye Danilo

Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on a summer swoop for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo.

According to Italian outlet Radiosei, via La Lazio Siamo Noi, the Gunners are admirers of the 20-year-old and could look to draft him in to bolster a midfield that may end up looking a little threadbare this summer. Mohamed Elneny’s contract expires this summer, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ future is also a matter of uncertainty.

Lazio are also said to be keen on the Brazilian star, who is valued at around £17 million.