'Bid submitted': Fabrizio Romano delivers £68m Arsenal and Liverpool transfer blow

Manchester City are expected to 'seal the deal' to bring Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush to the Etihad Stadium this week in a transfer blow to other suitors Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Gunners are known to be in the market for a forward acquisition this month. Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus has joined Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri on the treatment table with Mikel Arteta short of options up front as he looks to win back ground in the Premier League title race.

Marmoush, who has plundered 19 goals and 12 assists already in all competitions this term, had been linked with a move to North London. CaughtOffside reported earlier today that the Gunners and Liverpool were monitoring the player, despite links to Manchester City.

Man City close to Marmoush agreement

Pep Guardiola's side were still thought to be frontrunners to land a deal for the player but the touted £68 million asking price had proved somewhat of a roadblock for Manchester City. Eintracht Frankfurt are also reportedly unwilling to let the player leave at the mid-point in the season.

Those setbacks for the Champions appeared to open up a gap for either Arsenal or Liverpool to steal in but a fresh update from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims the move to Manchester it back on track.

Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday afternoon, Romano wrote: "EXCL: Manchester City submitted their official bid for Omar Marmoush. It’s still below Eintracht expectations but understand the clubs are negotiating with optimism.

"Fee being discussed with hope to seal the deal this week. Meanwhile, Marmoush’s expected to play tonight."

Mikel Arteta outlines Arsenal transfer strategy

Arsenal boss Arteta has spoken about the club's actions in the January transfer window. When asked for an update on the club's strategy this week, he said: “My answer doesn’t change, my answer remains the same. We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad and that’s been since day one.

“We’d be naive to not do that because there’s an opportunity always to evolve the team and improve the squad, especially in the circumstances we have. Yes, we are looking and trying. Let’s see what we’re able to do.”

The need to invest in a striker was underlined at the weekend when Jesus limped off injured in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. That came as a serious blow for the Gunners with the forward in fine form over the festive period.

Jesus scored six goals in four outings over Christmas and the New Year but lasted just 40 minutes against Manchester United. The Gunners missed a number of golden chances in front of goal during that game without their key finishers. Arteta said: "We know more now. It is not looking good at all.

"We need to review with one more specialist and will have better information this afternoon. I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried after the game and we are very worried today."