Chris Wheatley Arsenal ‘offer’ admission and ‘open’ to change of transfer plan claim

Arsenal are now closing in on a mouth-watering pre-season clash with FC Barcelona.

The Gunners are working hard in the USA as they look to get fit and ready for the new Premier League season. Mikel Arteta’s men have just two pre-season friendlies remaining, taking on Barcelona on Thursday night ahead of an Emirates Cup clash with AS Monaco. Attention will then turn to a Community Shield clash with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Balogun exit

Arsenal are expecting to strike a significant loan deal with Inter Milan for Folarin Balogun.

Our very own Chris Wheatley has said: “Well judging by Mikel Arteta’s comments after recent friendly matches, he’s going to take a look at Flo Balogun before making any final decision on his future.

“Now, we know Balogun had an amazing season out in France last season and because of that he’s attracted a lot of interest. That interest is coming from some big clubs as well. Inter in Italy are really interested in signing him.

“The only issue there that I can see is the finances that they are currently weighing up that they’re going to offer Arsenal is not exactly what Arsenal are looking for. Now, the first bid that they are looking to prepare is a loan deal, but it’s going to be a loan deal with an obligation to buy. So, we expect a €5m [£4.3m] fee with an obligation to buy for €35m [£30m]. Now, that is not really a lot of money when you consider what Flo Balogun did in France last season.”

Patino latest

Arsenal are said to have changed their mind when it comes to youngster Charlie Patino.

“We have all been waiting to see what’s going to happen with Charlie this summer,” Charles Watts told Arsenal Insider. “It was revealed towards the end of last season that Arsenal were probably going to let him go on a permanent transfer. Things are going on with Charlie, at the moment.

“Talking to some people around the club and at the club on him, as far as I am aware, all options are open when it comes to Charlie Patino, that includes a loan now. Whereas, not long ago, it looked like it was probably going to be a permanent deal for Charlie – things are starting to move with him, if it is a loan, then obviously, he will only have a year left on his contract at the end of next season, so there is that to consider.

“All options are now open with Charlie and it’s not a foregone conclusion that it’s just going to be a permanent.”