Arsenal transfer news: Houssem Aouar plan as Aubameyang decides on Barcelona

Arsenal have already made a few eye-catching additions to their squad ahead of the new season.

Mikel Arteta has boosted his defensive options with the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille, while former Chelsea winger Willian has been added to the attack and Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos has been secured on loan for another season.

However, the Gunners remain active in the market with several targets being analysed as Arteta looks to build a squad capable of challenging for a top-four place.

Here is a round-up of the latest Arsenal transfer news.

Auba set to snub Barca for new deal

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to reject Barcelona and sign a new deal at the Emirates.

According to Fabrizio Romano, new Barca boss Ronald Koeman wants to bring the 31-year-old to the Camp Nou along with Lyon forward Memphis Depay.

However, Romano states that Aubameyang has already agreed to extend his stay with Arsenal until 2023 with an official announcement expected soon.

Aubameyang’s future has been the subject of intense speculation but positive news regarding his contract will be a significant boost to the club’s supporters on the eve of the new season.

The Gabon international scored 29 goals in 44 games last season, helping the north Londoners clinch the FA Cup.

Aouar now Arsenal’s No.1 target

Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar is Arsenal’s primary transfer target for the remainder of the window, according to ESPN.

Arteta believes he can build his preferred 4-3-3 formation around the 22-year-old, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners in recent weeks.

However, Aouar is expected to cost close to £60m, which means the Premier League side must raise funds by selling players.

Lyon have already turned down the chance to sign Matteo Guendouzi, although there remains uncertainty over the future of Alexandre Lacazette.

Lucas Torreira is another Arsenal player reportedly heading for the exit door.

Tuchel rules out Guendouzi move

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has ruled out a move for Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has been tipped to leave the Emirates after falling out with Arteta, although it appears the club are finding it difficult to find a suitor with neither Lyon nor PSG interested.

Speaking after his side’s Ligue 1 defeat to Lens, Tuchel said he was confident about signing Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi but bluntly dismissed a question regarding Guendouzi.

“I’m confident over Alessandro Florenzi signing from AS Roma,” the German told Canal+.

“We’re also in talks to keep [Eric Maxim] Choupo-Moting here.

“Matteo Guendouzi from Arsenal? No.”

Lacazette is happy at Arsenal – Arteta

Arteta has insisted that striker Alexandre Lacazette is ‘happy’ at the club amid speculation over the Frenchman’s future.

ESPN’s report regarding Aouar stated that Lacazette – who has been linked with Juventus – is expected to seek clarification on his role under the Arsenal manager.

However, in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Fulham on Saturday, Arteta said the former Lyon frontman is determined to prove himself against stiff competition for places in the Spaniard’s line-up.

“He is really happy here, he wants to keep improving and contributing to the team,” said Arteta.

“I know how good he is, the impact he is having. He knows about the competition he has with the front players, and again he needs to demand of himself to be the best striker at this football club, the same as the rest.

“He was very happy to hear that and the way he has been training and conducting himself has been excellent.”