The key Arsenal transfer headlines on Wednesday, July 27.
Arthur Melo blow
football.london understands that a central midfielder remains high on the priority list for Arsenal before the window slams shut in a few weeks time. A recurring name since January has been that of Juventus' Arthur Melo.
He is said to be free to leave the club this summer with a potential loan deal on the cards. The north London outfit may have to move fast though as journalist Gianluca di Marzio reports that Valencia have joined the race to sign the 25-year-old.
That interest could prompt the Gunners to finally make their move to land Arthur this summer to improve their squad depth. Arsenal have already enjoyed a fruitful window with a number of big signings completed as Mikel Arteta eyes Champions League qualification.
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Paqueta boost
Arsenal have been handed a major boost in the race to sign Lucas Paqueta after Olympique Lyon transfer chief Bruno Cheyrou dropped an intriguing hint. The Brazil international has been heavily linked with an exit from the French giants, with the Gunners keeping tabs on the situation.
Lyon's head of recruitment has insisted that the squad needs trimming. He then added by outlining that offers for players will be assessed 'on a case-by-case basis' and the 'economics' of a deal will be considered.
As quoted by the Metro, Cheyrou said: "We need to reduce the squad size. In terms of departures, we will analyse offers on a case-by-case basis but the economics will come into consideration.
"We will consider the offers with Jean-Michel Aulas and Vincent Ponsot in order to make the best decisions. I am here to ensure the best team possible, but there are other things to take into account as well."
When asked about the prospect of Paqueta's exit, he added: "We are prepared for every eventuality."
Read more here.
Tavares exit stalled
Atalanta have hit a roadblock in the race to sign Nuno Tavares this summer, with Arsenal reluctant to accept the Italian giant's latest demand. It's said that Gian Piero Gasperini's side have reached an agreement in principle with Tavares' entourage for a loan deal.
However, according to Lucas Bendoni of Di Marzio, Atalanta have not yet reached an agreement with Arsenal, with the Gunners eager to welcome the defender back at the end of the season. The report claims that the Italian side want to include an option-to-buy in any loan deal but the north Londoners do not, thus stalling any progress of a deal.
Read more here.
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