Arsenal transfer news: Rafael Leao gets fans excited as Gunners prepare bid for target

Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to a third successive runner-up finish in the Premier League last season and is after reinforcements as the Gunners chase the league title

Arsenal are in no apparent rush to get deals done this summer, but the wheels are in motion on multiple fronts. Andrea Berta is expected to be a busy man after taking over as sporting director, and there has already been some movement.

Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have already completed summer exits, while Thomas Partey looks increasingly likely to do the same as his contract nears expiry. A new signing also appears to be just around the corner, with Kepa due to join from Chelsea in a cut-price deal.

Elsewhere, the big questions concern Arsenal’s attacking recruitment. A lack of depth cost Mikel Arteta’s team dear last season, and a new number nine appears to be a must.

Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres remain the two key men in that role. It still looks like an either-or situation, with Sesko remaining the more likely at the time of writing.

There has also been talk of a move for a new left winger, though long-term target Nico Williams looks to be Barcelona-bound. Another left-sided option is among the topics of discussion as Mirror Football brings you the latest from around North London.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd’s Mbeumo boost, Arsenal make bid, Kerkez to Liverpool closeREAD MORE: Piers Morgan slams ‘inexplicable’ Arsenal transfer failure in message to Mikel Arteta

Leao gets fans excited

Rafael Leao has sparked excitement among some Arsenal fans after posing in a Thierry Henry t-shirt in a social media post. Some fans have interpreted it as a come-and-get-me plea, though others aren’t as sure.

Portugal international Leao would be an option on the left, and Milan’s failure to qualify for Europe has sparked questions over his future. Even so, Milan sporting director Igli Tare remains optimistic about keeping him at the San Siro.

“I consider him an important pawn in our project: he has everything to become a true champion,” Tare said earlier in the window (via Sempre Milan). “He has always shown it but I think he hasn’t shown what he really can yet. Offers? We haven’t received anything yet: the interests are all market rumours.”

Norgaard bid on the horizon

Arsenal’s interest in Christian Norgaard has ramped up, with the Gunners lodging a £9.3million bid for the Brentford star. The Gunners had been linked with a free transfer for the Dane as his contract neared expiry, and haven’t given up despite him agreeing new terms with the Bees.

Norgaard currently captains Brentford, and has two years left on his deal, but Arsenal’s interest comes off the back of the West London club losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham. His arrival would allow the Gunners to add depth and experience after Jorginho’s move to Flamengo.

Any move for the 31-year-old would not impact the club’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, Spain star Zubimendi is still expected to complete a £51m move from Real Sociedad.

Gunners learn Rodrygo price

Real Madrid are not in any mood to come down on their valuation of Rodrygo. If the Arsenal-linked Brazilian is to leave the Bernabeu this summer then it will come at a cost of £77m.

With the 24-year-old having three years left on his deal, Madrid are in no rush to drop their asking price. However, according to Cadena SER, they would be prepared to let him leave if Arsenal produce the big money.

“I know what happened, that the end of the season was not easy for him. He took some time that was good for him, to reset his head,” Madrid’s new boss Xabi Alonso recently said when asked about the forward. “We talked from day one and I see him looking forward to enjoying himself with his quality.”

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