Arsenal transfer news: Gunners battle Man Utd for Upamecano, keeper offered deal

Arsenal picked up another piece of silverware on Saturday after their penalty shootout win over Liverpool after the Community Shield ended in a 1-1 draw.

Nonetheless, the Gunners’ squad still requires plenty of work. Mikel Arteta is looking to shape the group to his needs ahead of his first full season in charge.

Willian has joined from Chelsea and Gabriel Magalhaes is reportedly close to signing for the club from Lille.

A busy summer for the Gunners is unlikely to end there, though, with further incomings and outgoings expected before the window closes on October 5.

Here’s a selection of the latest Arsenal transfer rumours.

Goalkeeper to sign new deal?

It’s understandable that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dominates the thoughts of Arsenal fans when it comes to the contract extensions which they hope their club hands out this summer.

But the Gabon star isn’t the only player the Gunners are hoping to tie down.

Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper who got his chance in the team when Bernd Leno suffered an injury after the restart last season, is another player Arsenal want to keep hold of. Like Aubameyang, he has been offered a new contract.

The 27-year-old started the Community Shield despite Leno being available, which was a huge show of faith from Arteta. Will Martinez become the Gunners’ number one this season?

Arsenal set to battle United for defender

Gabriel may not be the only centre-back who joins Arsenal this summer. The club have also been linked with RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, but could face some stiff competition in their efforts to sign him.

ESPN have reported that the 21-year-old could be just the man Manchester United are looking for as they seek out a defensive partner for Harry Maguire.

This could be a saga which runs for the next five weeks. Upamecano recently signed a new contract to protect Leipzig’s interests, so they won’t let him leave in a hurry. It would take a huge effort for Arsenal to land him this summer.

Player exits to bring in £67m?

There are two midfielders who might be able to raise a combined £67m for the Arsenal transfer kitty, according to The Times.

Lucas Torreira is reportedly available for £27m, while Matteo Guendouzi has a £40m price tag caught somewhere in his frizzy hair.

If the gossip is to be believed then Torreira could be on his way to Fiorentina, with Guendouzi destined for Valencia. If these two deals happen then Arteta must have some replacement midfielders lined up.

Sokratis on the way out

Torreira might find himself up against Sokratis Papastathopoulos in Serie A next season.

Rai Sport (via Tutto Napoli) are reporting that Napoli are set to sign the Greece international for just €4.5m (£4m).

While that won’t help much in terms of transfer funds, the 32-year-old looks set to find his opportunities limited at best next season.

William Saliba is ahead of him in the pecking order, never mind Gabriel or Upamecano should those deals be completed.