Arsenal ‘join’ race for 31-goal striker as ‘talks held’ over £50m midfielder

Arsenal are already preparing for the new season with pre-season training already underway.

The Gunners are surrounded by plenty of excitement heading into the new season after an impressive campaign of last. Meanwhile, the board are already showing ambition by backing Mikel Arteta in this summer window, comissioning big deals such as the one involving Declan Rice. Expectations will rise as a result of that ambition, though, and Arteta knows there will be pressure to succeed in the coming campaign.

As the Spaniard gets to work in pre-season, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Taremi chase

Arsenal are said to have joined the race to sign FC Porto striker Mehdi Taremi this summer.

According to O Jogo (paper edition) in Portugal, the 30-year-old is already being eyed by a number of clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham and Marseille, but Arsenal are also said to have joined the race. Taremi scored 31 goals in 51 games last season, also providing as many as 14 assists.

It’s claimed Taremi will be available for around £17million due to having a year left on his contract, and there has been plenty of speculation around Arsenal’s potential need for another striker.

Lavia ‘talks’

Arsenal are said to have held talks over a possible deal to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia.

The Saints are said to be asking for as much as £50million despite their relegation from the Premier League, though the level of interest appears to be justifying their asking price. Sky Sports claim Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all held talks over a possible deal to sign the young midfielder.

It’s claimed the talks have largely been with Lavia’s agent at this stage, with hesitance being shown over Southampton’s large price tag. Arsenal and Liverpool are said to be particularly hesitant over paying so much for the 19-year-old having already spent a fair amount this summer.