Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Arsenal going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Gunners.
Mbappe warning
Arsenal have been told exactly why they should reconsider their interest in Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe. The Gunners had been one of the clubs said to be keen on the France international after he decided he would not be signing a one-year extension of his contract.
It would take an obscene transfer fee to lure Mbappe away from Paris, with a move likely to happen next summer upon the expiry of his current deal. However, former PSG sporting director Leonardo has explained why Mikel Arteta should stay away.
"For the good of PSG, I think the time has come for Mbappe to go, no matter what," he said.
"Paris-Saint-Germain existed before Kylian Mbappe and it will exist after him. He's been in Paris for six years and, over those six seasons, five different clubs have won the Champions League, none of which had Mbappe in their ranks. That means it's entirely possible to win this competition without him.
"With his behaviour over the last two years, Mbappe is showing that he's not yet a player capable of really guiding a team. He's a great player, not a leader. He's a great goalscorer, not a creative one. It's hard to build a team around him."
READ MORE: Romeo Lavia signs, Lionel Messi replacement - Arsenal squad in dream scenario for Mikel Arteta
football.london says: Any possibility of Mbappe coming to the Gunners would rely heavily on him accepting he would be joining a group of players who know their roles in the club's squad. The forward is used to being the superstar wherever he has been, something that simply won't be the case at Arsenal.
While the thought of Mbappe moving to the Emirates Stadium is a luxury one, the warning won't come as much of a surprise. At this current stage, Arsenal need players who will help end their wait for a Premier League title and simply cannot afford to adapt their transfer policy for one man.
A back seat seems the best possible option for Arsenal, to allow the likes of Real Madrid to swoop in.
Partey bids anticipated
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that offers for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Party are expected amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
football.london understands Partey could leave the Gunners this summer if a sufficient offer is received. "I'm told Saudi clubs will try to approach Thomas Partey again in the next few days," Romano told CaughtOffside. "On the player side, the priority remains European football and he wants to continue in Europe. Let’s see if Saudi clubs will be able to change his mind.
"As previously reported, it will also be important to persuade Arsenal because they want an important fee to let Partey go.”
football.london says: Arsenal will only allow Partey to leave this summer if they receive a bid good enough. The defensive midfielder was pivotal in their title charge last season but Declan Rice's arrival leaves him with a decision to make.
At 30, Partey may be tempted with a move to Saudi Arabia with all the financial benefits. However, he's more than good enough to play in Europe. The issue isn't whether he will leave, it is more whether a team will bid anywhere close to the Gunners' valuation.
It is currently unclear how much Arsenal will want for their star. However, with CIES Football Observatory valuing him at €30million ($32.9million) and his contract not expiring for another two years, the club are in a good position to demand a big fee.
