Arsenal face 'big competition' over Victor Osimhen transfer as Gary Neville issues verdict on failed bid

Arsenal will already be preparing for next season as they look to go one better in the Premier League title chase. Just like every summer, the chase for talented players is an intense one, but unlike most summers, the Euros and Copa America will be ongoing for the next month, meaning big-money transfers are likely to be delayed until later in the summer.

But that does not stop clubs from having preliminary talks and thrashing out the details behind potential deals, and the Gunners will already be on that trail. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Osimhen chase hots up

Chelsea are reportedly battling Arsenal for the signing of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with the striker having a release clause worth no less than £120million. CaughtOffside say the Blues are working on a deal to land the forward in a bid to give new boss Enzo Maresca a quick start to life at Stamford Bridge.

Osimhen has spoken about his future in the not to distant past, telling CBS Sports: “I’m with Napoli, I signed a new contract. I’m enjoying my time there. I think I’ve already made up my mind, I already know what I want to do in my career. Since I’ve started, I’ve been the one making my own decisions and everything is working out well for me. I already know the next step I want to take, so for now I just want to finish the season strong.”

Neville on Sesko decision

Gary Neville has issued his verdict on Benjamin Sesko’s decision to reject an Arsenal move and sign a new long-term contract with RB Leipzig. “Goals, youth (why he’s so impressive) physically I think we’re moving back to having big striker up top – the game seems to have flipped to having big strikers,” Neville has said.

“He’s got so much potential, you can see why Premier League clubs (want him) and why he’s staying at Leipzig for another year, to grow without the spotlight that you’d have in the Premier League and develop your game a little bit more.”

The Slovenian said upon signing his new deal: "I had a good first year at RB Leipzig and am incredibly happy to be here. Team, club, city, fans - the overall package is simply outstanding for me. The early contract extension was therefore the logical next step."

Shearer on Saka

Alan Shearer has praised Arsenal star Bukayo Saka for his performance during England’s win over Serbia. Saka put in a particularly strong performance during the first half but had less of a say on the second as Serbia ramped up their search for an equalising goal.

“I was impressed with Saka, in the first-half, was brilliant. I thought he was outstanding,” Shearer said on the The Rest is Football podcast. “Bellingham, I thought, was fantastic. Marc Guehi was superb, he defended really well in the first-half, and then him and Stones got better in the second-half as well.”