Arsenal transfer round-up: Lyon identify Aouar replacement as new priority named

Mikel Arteta has overhauled the culture in the Emirates Stadium dressing room and is imposing new ideas on his squad.

But the Spaniard still needs new players in the door and speculation continues to swirl over who the Gunners will target over the final three weeks of the summer transfer window.

It’s believed Arsenal want a new goalkeeper after the £20 million sale of Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa earlier this week.

The North London club continue to track midfielders, with Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey reportedly on the radar.

Here are three of today’s most noteworthy Arsenal transfer stories.

Lyon identity Houssem Aouar replacement as preparations for exit start

Lyon are eyeing a move for AC Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta as a replacement for Houssem Aouar with preparations for the exit of the Arsenal-linked playmaker now underway.

Aouar has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe this summer having impressed for Lyon in their run to the semi finals of last season’s Champions League, but it is the Gunners who now reportedly lead the pursuit.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Aouar wants a move to North London with talks between Arsenal and Lyon believed to have started.

The French club have identified Paqueta (as per L’Equipe) as a potential replacement for Aouar with the Brazilian struggling for game time at AC Milan since joining the San Siro club in 2019.

Arsenal boss on reports Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rejected Barcelona to stay

Mikel Arteta says he’s not surprised Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang chose to sign a new contract with Arsenal despite reported interest from Barcelona.

The 31-year-old was consistently linked with a switch to the Camp Nou, with reports claiming a solid offer was made to the forward, but Aubameyang decided to put pen to paper on a new deal to keep him at Arsenal until 2024.

“The size of our club is as big as those names,” Arteta responded when asked whether he was surprised at the clubs Aubmeyang rejected to stay (as per Goal). “The most important thing is the football club. What we aspire to be, and what we can achieve in the future.”

He continued: ““I think a big reason why Auba is staying is because we have an incredible football team. We have some fantastic people working here and he feels the love from the fans.”

Mikel Arteta confirms search for new goalkeeper is priority

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club are in the market for a new goalkeeper after Emiliano Martinez was sold to Aston Villa earlier this week.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with moves for Dijon’s Runar Alex Runarsson with Brentford’s David Raya also believed to be on the radar. It’s possible both goalkeepers could sign for the North London outfit.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League fixture against West Ham this weekend, Arteta revealed Martinez will have to be replaced, delivering an update on the progress of negotiations.

“With the departure of Emi, which is a big loss – some that we wish the best [for] for what he’s done to the football club and for the person he is – we have to replace him,” the Spaniard said.

“We’ve been looking in the market and I think we will be sure to announce our new signing in that position. In football, the hours can become days and something that looks unlucky can happen straight away so I cannot tell you.

“Depending on what’s going to happen with our third goalkeeping position. We had some talks about that in the last few months. Still, the market is still open but things can change.”