Arsenal transfer news and rumours recap: Aouar agreement, Torreira exit, Arteta signings hint
The latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours live on the likes of Houssem Aouar, Lucas Torreira and much more
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Arsenal are still working away to bring in new signings ahead of the October deadline.
The Gunners have now won two games from two after defeating West Ham on Saturday night thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
But Mikel Arteta still wants to add more, despite already signing Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes, as well as bringing back Dani Ceballos for another loan spell.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey continues to be linked, as does Lyon star Houssem Aouar, who has already 'agreed terms', according to reports, despite the clubs not yet agreeing on a fee.
Meanwhile, we could still see plenty of departures before the transfer window slams shut with the likes of Mateo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira tipped to leave.
Join us on our live blog below by scrolling down for all the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours
The Partey and Aouar decision
As Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad before the end of the transfer window, the Arsenal boss could be given a big decision to make.
The Gunners are keen to add a midfielder to their squad, with both Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey appearing at the top of the list.
However, budget restrictions could mean that Arteta may have to settle for just one arriving.
But who would make the biggest impact at the Emirates Stadium?
Lazio interested in Mustafi
Lazio have opened talks over the possibility of signing Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi, according to La Lazio Siamo Noi.
It is claimed that the Gunners are looking for a fee of around €15 million for the defender, but the club may have to settle for a fee of about €12 million.
The Italian side are on the lookout for experience in their squad and may see Mustafi as the perfect addition.
Tierney key in Arteta's decision
Kieran Tierney's recent form for Arsenal has convinced Mikel Arteta to part ways with Sead Kolasinac, according to TeamTalk.
It is claimed that Arteta has told the full-back that he is free to leave the club before the deadline.
Tierney was originally named in the starting lineup to face West Ham on Saturday, but an injury in the warmup meant that he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Sokratis 'waiting' for transfer
Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos is 'waiting' for a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium, according to Corriere dello Sport (via SportWitness).
The defender is said to have an agreement in place with Napoli for a summer transfer, but that transfer will only go ahead should the Italian club sell Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.
Man City are the most likely to make a move for the Napoli man, but are yet to meet the Serie A club's asking price.
Wolves moved on from Maitland-Niles?
Wolves are on the verge of signing Barcelona full-back Nelson Semedo, according to Fabrizio Romano, which could spell the end of their interest in Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The Midlands side were heavily linked with a move for the Gunners' academy graduate earlier in the summer, with a fee of £20 million the suggested price.
However, it now seems that the club may have moved onto other targets, with them 'one step away' from signing Semedo.
Wolves are ‘one step away’ from signing Nelson Semedo. New bid submitted yesterday and Barcelona are now ready to accept. Work in progress also on personal terms to be agreed.
On next hours Barça are gonna sell Semedo to #Wolves and Vidal to #Inter. Here we go soon! #FCB — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 20, 2020
Arsenal tracking Championship starlet
Arsenal are among a number of clubs keeping an eye on Reading teenager Michael Olise, according to Football League World.
The 18-year-old had a breakthrough campaign last season, and has started in both of the Royals' Championship games this season, scoring one and assisting one.
Arsenal, Wolves and Leeds United are said to be among the teams tracking the teenager.
Newcastle's Calum Chambers preference
Newcastle United would prefer to take Arsenal defender Calum Chambers on loan, instead of completing a permanent deal, according to the Mirror (via HITC).
Arsenal are said to be looking for a fee of around £12 million for the defender, with the Magpies having moved onto Chambers after failing to complete a deal for teammate Rob Holding.
Newcastle have already spent money on Callum Wilson and Jamal Lewis this summer, and are therefore keen on a loan deal for the defender in order to keep costs at a minimum.
Arsenal must offload duo to sign Aouar
Arsenal must offload midfield duo Mesut Ozil and Lucas Torreira if they are to stand any chance of signing Houssem Aouar.
That is according to Caught Offside, who say the Gunners must raise funds from the sales of those two players to sign the French midfielder.
Lyon are demanding somewhere between £45million - £60million for Aouar's services and Arsenal cannot afford to fund a deal for the Frenchman until they have cut their cloth.
Arteta drops hint about further signings
Following Arsenal's 2-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday evening, Mikel Arteta, the Gunners head coach, was asked about the club making any further additions before the window closes.
Arsenal have been busy adding new players to their ranks this summer, adding both Gabriel Magalhaes and Willian to their squad, but it is in the centre of midfield where further reinforcements are needed.
Asked if Arsenal will make further additions before the window closes, Arteta said: "Well, depending on what happens with some other players...
"As I say again, we are open to discussions, the market can surprise us.
"[Teams] can come for any of our players in different positions and we have to react, like it happened with Emi. So let's see what happens."
Gunners target exciting French youngster
Arsenal will lock horns with Premier League rivals Newcastle United to sign young French forward Georginio Rutter, according to the Daily Mirror, via sportslens.
The 18-year-old Rennes starlet is understood to be one of French football's most exciting prospects, with Arsenal, Newcastle, RB Leipzig and AC Milan all claimed to be showing an interest in the £10million-rated star.
Arsenal have been tracking his development for some time but are yet to lodge a formal bid for his services.
Aouar agrees to Arsenal move
Reports in Italy claim that Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar agreed to join Arsenal on a five-year contract two weeks ago, despite Lyon denying that the Arsenal have offered a concrete bid for the player.
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal head coach, is desperate to add a new midfielder to his squad and Aouar is understood to be amongst his top targets.
And according to reports, Aouar has agreed to join the Gunners on a five-year deal.
