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.
Man City transfer raid
Joao Cancelo is still on Arsenal's radar this summer, according to reports. The Portugal international has been linked with another move away from the treble-winners following his unsuccessful loan spell with Bayern Munich.
He was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium earlier in the window, but GIVEMESPORT have claimed he remains on the Gunners' radar. Cancelo isn't the only Man City star said to be on Mikel Arteta's list, with them joining the race for Aymeric Laporte.
The centre-back, like Cancelo, has been linked with a move this summer. Tottenham are said to be monitoring his situation, though a reunion with Arteta could tempt him.
football.london says: We've been here before. Last season's double swoop of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko helped elevate the Gunners back to the Champions League. This year could see the same result.
Cancelo fits the bill perfectly for what Arteta wants in a full-back. As well as being capable to play on either side, he is more than capable to take up positions in midfield. Laporte is a more surprising link considering the Gunners' imminent move for Jurrien Timber.
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However, being part of a treble-winning squad makes you a winner, something Arsenal require for next season. A tall frame and brilliant on the ball, you can see exactly why Laporte would be considered at London Colney. Though, it's very unlikely both Timber and Laporte will be signed this window.
Timber warned
Jurrien Timber is edging closer to becoming Arsenal's second signing of the summer transfer window. The Ajax defender has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners after being sounded out by Mikel Arteta.
However, back in May, Dutch icon Marco van Basten urged the 22-year-old to stay in Amsterdam for one more year. "You have to go to a club where you know for sure that you are playing," he told Ziggo Sport in May.
"A club where not only do you play but where you are decisive. You are now at Ajax. You have to give yourself that assurance. You also have to be stable in your private lift. If you don't live with you girl yet, I'm just saying, and you're going there on your own, I'd be absolutely against it.
"Which club you go to, in the dressing room they look like, ‘let’s see’. The moment they don’t feel they are better with you, then they are all against you. Because you are an intruder. Then you have to do it alone. You’ve seen this year how difficult it is when you have to go it alone, now that you were among other defenders who were not so good. You had a different year than last year. Last year you were really good and this season you had a difficult season.
"I would really advise him to gain another year of experience in the Netherlands. If it’s a good year then I’d say, ‘okay [you should leave]’. If it is another doubtful season, then I would do another year."
football.london says: Van Basten's comments are fair. From an Ajax perspective, attempting to convince Timber to stay one more year to retain the Eredivisie title will be a priority.
But it's hard to find a player who will turn down the opportunity to join Arteta's project in north London. The clear pathway for Timber next season with Champions League football and a potential title race means he will play games.
We've seen over recent years that Arteta and Edu Gaspar are not ones to sign players without a clear idea of their role in the squad. William Saliba' s injury last season perfectly summarised why Arsenal want a new centre-back. Fortunately, van Basten's comments haven't seemed to put the Dutch international off.
