It’s crunch time in the summer transfer window as we’re rapidly approaching the official opening of the post-season window, as well as growing ever closer to the pre-season fixtures that will see clubs prepare for their new campaign.
Arsenal are expected to be very active over the course of the next few months, having already secured Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer from Schalke, and major updates have been shared concerning three important deals for the Gunners.
Highly respected BBC journalist David Ornstein shared three updates last night, concerning the Gunners approaches for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette and Monaco’s Thomas Lemar, as well as providing insight into Arsenal’s quest to retain the services of Alexis Sanchez.
Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, the news shared regarding incoming signings is a blow as it’s reported the Gunners have seen initial bids for both Lacazette and Lemar rejected, although it’s not set to bring the end of Arsenal’s negotiations.
Discussions with Lyon regarding a deal for Lacazette are ongoing, with Arsenal desperate to bring in the French striker as a top-class addition to their side, but securing Lemar from Ligue 1 winners Monaco could be a challenge as the French principality side are determined not to lose his services.
In regards to Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Ornstein stated the Gunners are yet to receive an approach for the Chilean superstar who has entered the final 12 months of his deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester City are heavily linked with the services of the two-time Copa America winner, who helped Chile reach the final of the Confederations Cup last night after beating Portugal in a penalty shoot-out, but Arsenal are determined not to sell to a Premier League rival.
Ornstein added that Alexis could still be on the move if the price is right but Arsenal remain hopeful that their Player of the Year will sign a new contract in North London, which would provide the Gunners with a significant boost ahead of the new campaign.
Understandably, Arsenal’s quest for summer signings is being complicated by the uncertain futures of both Alexis and the club’s record signing Mesut Ozil but Arsene Wenger seems intent on splashing the cash this summer, with it likely that a new club record will be made this summer.
Arsenal are pursuing their summer targets despite the uncertain futures of Alexis and Ozil but it’s clear that the success of the transfer window hinges on whether the Gunners can secure big names as well as keeping hole of their key-players.