Edu ‘negotiating’ deal for Luis Suarez strike partner as new Aston Villa signing ‘dreamed’ of Arsenal move

All eyes are on Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side this weekend as the club prepares to face Manchester United in a pre-season friendly.

While the fixture will be more tame than the usual Premier League affair, it will give supporters an idea of how their sides are shaping up ahead of the league's return next month.

Both Arteta and Erik ten Hag won't be done with summer shopping yet and these are the transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal on Friday evening.

Edu 'personally negotiating' Bitello deal

Arsenal Sporting Director Edu is believed to be 'personally negotiating' a move for Gremio midfielder Bitello.

Brazilian outlet UOL report that the Gunners chief is in personal contact with the highly-rated player and is doing his utmost to convince Bitello that a move to the Emirates Stadium is the right option for him.

The 23-year-old has turned heads over the past two seasons thanks to his consistent performances and partnership with none other than former Liverpool talisman Luis Suarez, who now plays at Gremio.

Bitello is known for his versatility in the centre of the park with the ability to play as a number eight, ten or in a midfield pivot.

A move to Arsenal would of course see the young Brazilian surrounded by compatriots in Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhães, which is no doubt part of Edu's negotiating tact.

New Aston Villa man ‘dreamed’ of Arsenal move

Imminent Aston Villa signing Moussa Diaby had 'hoped' for a move to Arsenal this summer, before accepting his fate at Villa Park.

The Villains have agreed a £51.9 million deal for the Bayer Leverkusen forward who broke through at the Paris Saint-Germain youth system.

The 24-year-old will get to experience Europa Conference League football with the Birmingham side but had hoped to keep playing in the Champions League and Europa League, as he had been doing in Germany.

For that reason, the player had dreamed of a move to the Emirates Stadium, according to German outlet BILD.

The publication's journalist Christian Falk told Fabrizio Romano's Daily Briefing: “Moussa Diaby was always dreaming of the Premier League and he dreamed of playing for a Champions League club.

“He hoped for Arsenal, he hoped for Newcastle but both clubs haven’t become concrete until now."