Arsenal transfer round-up: Premier League rivals eye Nketiah, Bellerin in demand

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal rebuild looks set to continue this summer with the Gunners boss looking to refresh a squad that has fallen some way from the Premier League and European elite in recent years.

Despite an impressive FA Cup victory last season, Arteta will not ignore the fact his side finished a lowly eighth in table, a hefty 43 points behind champions Liverpool.

To that end, the former club captain has already brought in Willian from Chelsea, defender Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille and re-signed Dani Ceballos on a second loan spell after the Spaniard impressed last term.

The club haven’t finished shopping, however, and still hope to grab a couple of players from the midfielder aisle of the new signing supermarket in the form of Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey.

Rumours of outgoings persist too, as the Gunners hierarchy know they need to offset any new incomings by letting certain players leave.

Here is the latest from the Emirates.

Arsenal on red alert over Griezmann availability after Messi U-turn

The shock announcement that Lionel Messi was set to leave Barcelona and the subsequent reversal of this decision is set to have a major knock-on effect for one of his teammates.

After the Argentine superstar made it clear he wanted out from the Nou Camp, new Barca boss Ronald Koeman was reportedly set to hand Antonie Griezmann a starring role in his new-look team.

However, according to the Mail, Messi’s U-turn has left the French forward ‘vulnerable’ and he could be moved on instead.

Arsenal are among the names linked with the player’s signature but they would likely face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

Lacazette drops hint over Arsenal future in cryptic social media post

Gunners striker Alexandre Lacazette is one of the players rumoured to be leaving the Emirates as Mikel Arteta continues to reshape the current squad.

Italian giants Juventus had been said to be interested in the Frenchman earlier this summer, while Arsenal are also apparently prepared to let the 29-year-old go to Atletico Madrid as part of a swap deal for Thomas Partey.

The player himself has not commented on speculation regarding his future but has now hinted he will be remaining at the Emirates for the foreseeable future.

After a fan posted a comment on Lacazette’s Instagram account asking him to ‘stay’, the striker posted a cheeky response suggesting that he will continue to be an Arsenal player going forward.

Bayer Leverkusen enter race for Hector Bellerin

Another Arsenal star rumoured to be leaving the club is long-serving full back Hector Bellerin.

Champions League winners Bayern Munich are said to be interested in the Spaniard but face competition from beaten finalists Paris Saint Germain, who have reportedly already tabled a £25million offer.

Also rivalling Bayern and fellow Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen who are newly flush following the sale of Kai Havertz to Chelsea for an initial £62m.

Leverkusen may not have the status of the other teams looking at Bellerin but their recent windfall could see them win any bidding war for the player.

Premier League rivals look to sign Nketiah on loan

Eddie Nketiah is reportedly a target for Newcastle with Steve Bruce said to be keen to take the striker to St James’ Park on loan.

Nketiah, who spent the beginning of last season on loan at Leeds United, could be in line for another temporary switch in order to get regular first-team football.

However, the 21-year-old has featured a number of times under Arteta, although often as a substitute, including in the recent Community Shield penalty shootout win over Liverpool.

The Arsenal boss may be reluctant to let Nketiah leave if he sees him as part his first-team plans this coming season.

Nketiah demonstrated his goalscoring quality with a hat-trick for England under 21s in a 6-0 win over Kosovo on Friday.