Arsenal linked with new defender as target has his ‘heart set’ on transfer

Arsenal were beaten to the Premier League title by Manchester City last season. The Gunners will be aiming to challenge for top spot again next term and are also back in the Champions League.

They have the chance to bolster their squad with some signings when the transfer window opens. Here is a look at some of the latest news and rumours...

Defender on radar

Arsenal are being linked with a move for Leicester City full-back Timothy Castagne this summer, as per Belgian outlet Het Belang van Limburg (as cited by Sport Witness). The Gunners could throw the defender a top flight lifeline following the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship and the player is said to be keen on leaving the King Power Stadium for a new challenge somewhere else, with unnamed clubs in Spain and Italy also believed to be in the frame.

He made the move to England back in 2020 from Atalanta and has since made 112 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with five goals. The full-back rose up through the youth ranks at Genk and went on to play 99 times for their first-team as a youngster before embarking on spells elsewhere.

Latest on West Ham pursuit

Declan Rice apparently has his ‘heart set’ on a move to Arsenal with the England midfielder poised to leave West Ham, as per a report by The Sun, with the Hammers wanting Emile Smith-Rowe in return as part of any potential deal. Rice has been a key player for David Moyes’ side in the middle of the park over recent times.

He has also been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. He helped his current club win the Europa Conference League on Wednesday after they beat Fiorentina in the final in Prague.