With less than a month remaining until Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 5, Edu is still extremely busy in the transfer window. The Gunners need a strong window if they are to progress into the Champions League positions.
The north London side had a strong start to the summer market with two quick-fire signings in Marquinhos from Sau Paulo, and Fabio Vieira from FC Porto. These transfers were quickly followed by the arrivals of Matt Turner and Gabriel Jesus.
However, it has not all been positive in this window as Arsenal have missed out on key targets in the midfield and wing positions which has forced the search for alternatives. It seemed Edu had targeted Chelsea’s N'Golo Kante as a potential signing, and Lille’s Edon Zhegrova, but there has been doubts clouded over the potential of both of these deals happening.
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Arsenal have been linked with a surprise move for Chelsea star Kante this summer. This comes after the club’s pursuit of Youri Tielemans has reportedly stalled.
Arteta's side have 'cooled' their interest in Tielemans, according to Sky Sports. The report claims that it's become increasingly likely that the Belgium international now signs a one-year contract extension at the King Power Stadium, with his current deal set to expire in 12 months.
The Gunners could be set to take advantage of Kante’s current contract situation instead. As he has just one year left on his contract, Chelsea may be tempted to sell if they can get a reasonable fee. football.london understands that talks are yet to begin over a new deal for the midfielder, and now the Daily Star reports that Arsenal are considering a move for him as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his squad.
However, a transfer for the Frenchman has been denied by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano who has claimed that there has been no negotiations between the Gunners, and Chelsea over a potential deal for Kante
One area it is well known that Edu and Arteta still want to strengthen is in attack. They have been strongly linked with Leeds winger Raphinha but currently trail Chelsea and Barcelona in the race for his signature. The club’s focus appears to have shifted to alternatives, with Lille ace Edon Zhegrova being a potential option.
The report comes from reporter and commentator Arlind Sadiku. Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, he wrote: "Arsenal has submitted an official offer for 23-year-old winger Edon Zhegrova. The Player has impressed the English club this year at Lille, after moving from Basel in January for 7m euros."
But, Romano also denied Arsenal’s pursuit of the 23-year-old. He claimed that the Gunners have not submitted any proposal for Zhegrova.
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