Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal to submit bid for next signing as ace 'leans' to Gunners despite fresh contract offer
Arsenal are working on a number of deals after getting a move for Kepa Arrizabalaga over the line on Tuesday
Arsenal have officially completed their first signing of the summer after securing a deal for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The Gunners are looking to add some key players to their starting line-up but are also out to make some shrewd additions to provide Mikel Arteta with more depth. David Raya is the number one at the Gunners but Arrizabalaga offers plenty of experience at the top level having won plenty of trophies for club and country.
Kepa Arrizabalaga reacts to Arsenal move
Of his move to the Gunners, Arrizabalaga said: “I'm really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming. The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], how much they show me their desire to win… I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it.”
Arteta added: “We are really happy to have Kepa joining us. He is a player we know, having come up against him many times in recent seasons. He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win.
“Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.”
Martin Zubimendi is expected to be announced as a new Arsenal player ‘imminently’. The Spaniard is expected to be regular starter for Arteta but Arsenal are working on a deal for another back-up option.
Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba are one of the most formidable central defensive pairings in world football but the Gunners are keen to add some depth in that area and are looking at Valencia ace Cristhian Mosquera.
Fabrizio Romano gives update on Arsenal pursuit of Cristhian Mosquera
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, in an update on his YouTube channel said that Arsenal are planning to submit another bid for Mosquera after seeing their first offer rejected. He has been offered a new deal by the Spanish club but is ‘leaning towards’ Arsenal.
Romano said: “Valencia have offered a new deal to Cristhian Mosquera with an important salary. My understanding, guys, is that Cristhian Mosquera's desire is very clear - Arsenal.
“Cristhian Mosquera wants to play for Arsenal. Now it's on Valencia and Arsenal to reach an agreement on the transfer fee. The first bid, 14-15 million euros, got rejected.
“Arsenal will be back to the table with a new proposal. So for sure the conversation will continue club to club for Mosquera and the decision of the player is to go to Arsenal. Now Valencia can try their efforts, of course, it's maximum respect for the club, but my feeling is that Cristhian Mosquera is leaning towards a move to Arsenal.
“So that's my understanding, that's my feeling and we will see what's going to happen there. But for sure the attraction of the Arsenal project for this player is something very strong and so it's going to be complicated, I think, for Valencia to convince Mosquera to stay at the club.”