Arsenal transfer news: Eberechi Eze deal moves a step closer after Andrea Berta decision

Arsenal are still looking to bring in new players to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze a key target for sporting director Andrea Berta

Arsenal have spent £200million in the summer transfer window to bring in six new players, but still have more business to do before it closes at the end of September.

The Gunners have completed deals for Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres, with new sporting director Andrea Berta extremely busy.

And speaking after the 3-0 friendly win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, Mikel Arteta confirmed that there could be more to come. “Let’s see,” Arteta said. “Let’s see what happens, in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks.

“But, we are actively looking at options. As well, there are a few players, maybe, that they have to leave as well. So, we will be open to see what happens.” Here Mirror Football looks at what those deals could be in the coming weeks.

READ MORE: Arsenal transfer news: Andrea Berta switches attention to new target as Gunners plan five movesREAD MORE: Arsenal identify Eberechi Eze transfer alternative but told it would be wrong move

Berta’s priorities clear

Arsenal have been busy this summer, but they haven’t managed to sell their fringe players as well as their rivals. The Gunners have only generated around £8.57m through player sales after selling left-back Nuno Tavares to Lazio and Marquinhos to Cruzeiro – and Berta needs to address that.

Mirror Football understands that attention has now turned to offloading unwanted stars. Reiss Nelson tops that list because, as a home-grown player, his sale would be helpful for profit and sustainability rules. Fulham have been in talks over the winger, who spent last season on loan there.

Then there’s Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Karl Hein and, potentially, Oleksandr Zinchenko. Arsenal know they need to balance the books, especially if they are to sign top target Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

Eze plan progressing

There are encouraging signs over a move for Eze, with other puzzle pieces falling into place. Mirror Football understands that Stuttgart are continuing discussions over a transfer for the former Porto midfielder, with Arsenal seeking a package worth up to £17.35m (€20m).

Crucially, Stuttgart can get a deal done after selling Enzo Millot to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. It’s understood that the Frenchman has fetched £25.9m (€30m), meaning the funds are there for Vieira, whose departure is needed to make room for Eze.

Palace don’t want to sell their star player, but Arsenal believe he is keen on a £60m move, which could still materialise in the latter stages of the transfer window. Ademola Lookman has emerged as an alternative if a deal can’t be done.

Other possible departures

Arteta currently has a bloated squad at Arsenal and departures are definitely needed. Contract negotiations with Leandro Trossard have stalled and bids would be entertained for the Belgian utility player, although Arteta would be happy to keep him as a squad player.

Gabriel Jesus has received interest from Brazil, but is very unlikely to leave, given the fact he is recovering from a knee injury. Interest around Zinchenko has died down following enquiries from AC Milan and there is frustration around Sambi Lokonga, who remains contracted to Arsenal after loan spells with Luton and Sevilla.

Back-up goalkeeper Hein has interest from Levante and Rangers, with Arsenal seeking a permanent sale, given he is in the final year of his contract.

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