Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Major Deals Eyed by Arsene Wenger
Rumours surrounding Arsenal's activity in the summer window are continuing to surface in the wake of a claim by a football agent saying they will soon make the "transfer of the season," including fresh links with Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain.
As reported by Bleacher Report's own Nick Akerman, football agent Muzzi Ozcan made the sensational claim on Twitter:
"Arsenal will be making the transfer of the season ! The deal isn't to far from being complete ! Will update in the coming days
— Muzzi Ozcan (@Muzziozcan) July 8, 2015"
The tweet has naturally led to intense speculation as to the identity of the player in question.
One player who could be close to a move to the Emirates is Higuain. Metro report that according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal have had a £43.3 million bid for the Argentinian rejected.
BeIN Sports' Tancredi Palmeri confirmed the bid on Twitter:
Partenopei sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli spoke at the end of June about the club's plans for Higuain this summer.
Per Goal.com's Mark Doyle, he told Sportitalia:
"Some Italian clubs from the north have taken an interest, but he will stay with us. Now the job is to reinforce both the midfield and defence. We want to touch the attack as little as possible.
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The striker enjoyed an excellent season with Napoli last year, scoring 28 goals and making 10 assists in all competitions.
BeIN Sports commentator Matteo Bonetti is a fan of the prolific striker, despite his struggles on the international stage:
However, it seems Arsenal will have to part with far more than £43 million if they are to convince Napoli to sell.
While Higuain is the proven goalscorer Arsenal need to lead the line alongside Olivier Giroud, their bid was already well above the 27-year-old's market value, per Transfermarkt.co.uk.
Higuain is an excellent player, but at this point, the Gunners would be wise to look elsewhere for the goals they need.
Arsenal Interested in Roma Defender
According to Chiara Zucchelli of Gazzetta dello Sport (link in Italian, h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star), Arsenal have contacted the agent of Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas ahead of a possible bid.
The 24-year-old enjoyed an excellent season with Roma and helped them finish second in Serie A.
According to Squawka, the Greek won 49 percent of his tackles and 57 percent of aerial battles last season, as well as averaging 10 defensive actions per match and maintaining an incredibly impressive 92 percent passing accuracy, second only to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
WhoScored.com highlight one of his typically all-action displays:
However, Manolas joined Roma last year for only £11 million. As Williams notes, far more will likely be needed to have a chance at securing his signature after his strong debut season.
Arsenal are in need of a new striker and a new centre-back, and while Higuain and Manolas are of the required quality, neither would represent particularly good business at the prices Arsenal will have to pay.
The mystery "transfer of the season" looks set to continue for at least another day or two.
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