Arsenal progress ‘talks’ with former Man City prospect amid defender links

Arsenal kick-start the 2023/24 season with a Community Shield final clash against Manchester City on 6th August. They then face Nottingham Forest at home on the first day of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side finished 2nd last term and are back in the Champions League. Here is a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumours regarding the club...

Progress on midfielder deal

Arsenal are advancing with their ‘talks’ with Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia as they look to snap up the midfielder this summer, as per reporter Fabrizio Romano on Twitter. Manchester United are also said to be ‘interested’ in the Belgium international but their main focus at the moment in sealing a deal for Chelsea and England man Mason Mount.

Lavia, who is 19-years-old, was on the books at City from 2020 to 2022 having previously risen up through the youth ranks at Anderlecht. He played twice for the first-team at the Etihad Stadium under Pep Guardiola before he was given the green light to head out the exit door on a permanent basis last year when the Saints came calling for his signature.

Competition for defender

Arsenal are reportedly keen on luring Ajax and Holland defender Jurrien Timber to England now the transfer window is open for business. However, the London club will have to see off competition from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich to sign him with the German side apparently eyeing up a possible swoop for him according to ESPN.

The 22-year-old broke into the starting XI at the Amsterdam Arena back in 2019 after impressing with the B team in the Dutch second tier and hasn’t looked back since, making 121 appearances in all competitions and chipping in with six goals. He still has two years left on his contract but appears to be a wanted man.