Manager of Arsenal ‘target’ makes transfer admission as Gunners ‘miss out’ on £17m star

Arsenal are already ramping up their preparations for the new season as they look to go one better this season.

The Gunners are expected to challenge for the Premier League title during the coming campaign after coming close last term. But Mikel Arteta knows he needs more quality and depth to be able to compete with Manchester City until the very end while also giving the Champions League a real go.

Declan Rice looks to be the first major signing this summer, and as the transfer search continues, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Lavia boost

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their reported bid to land Romeo Lavia from Southampton.

New Saints boss Russell Martin has said: “Some people will leave, some people will still be here.

“I hope I can convince some people to stay who were 50/50 about it. I think there will be some players who we can’t avoid [losing] who will be back in the Premier League. That’s the nature of the game and some of them will be far too attractive to Premier League teams and will want to go and play in the Premier League. You have to respect that.”

Guler blow

Arsenal are set to miss out on reported target Arda Guler, with Real Madrid now closing in on a deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He told CaughtOffside: “Last night, Real Madrid submitted an improved proposal for Arda Guler. They are offering a guaranteed €20m to Fenerbahce, which is more than his release clause, and also a 20% sell-on clause.

“There would also be add-ons, so it’s a big package, and an agreement is really close, even if not 100% completed yet. Real Madrid now believe Arda Guler will be their player, they think the deal is going to be done.

“It’s a crazy story because many clubs wanted him, but Real Madrid are now in a strong position to make it happen. They feel he wants to go there, and it’s just about final details now.”