Arsenal elbow Liverpool aside for dazzling winger as Arteta picks new midfielder; Man Utd hold talks over Barcelona transfer

Arsenal elbow Liverpool aside for dazzling winger as Arteta picks new midfielder; Man Utd hold talks over Barcelona transfer

Arsenal are nearing a brilliant €70m double deal with a new winger and midfielder closing in, Liverpool are pushing to sign an explosive former Everton winger, while Barcelona are targeting a Manchester United star and also want a Championship winger.

LIVERPOOL BARGED ASIDE AS ARSENAL MOVE FOR JOHAN BAKAYOKO

Arsenal have barged their way to the front of the queue to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, with strong reports out of the Netherlands claiming a big-money transfer to Emirates Stadium now looks on the cards.

The Belgium international was one of the Eredivisie’s best players last season, scoring 14 goals and registering 14 assists from 48 games as Peter Bosz’s side stormed their way to title glory.

Such form has seen Bakayoko given a prominent role in the Belgium squad at Euro 2024, with his additional exposure at the tournament ramping up the speculation over his future.

PSV have already made it clear they are unlikely to be able to prevent their star man leaving in a lucrative transfer this summer, with Liverpool – and new manager Arne Slot – said to be huge admirers.

However, Liverpool will likely only make a move if one of Luis Diaz or Mo Salah departs – leaving the Reds at danger of being gazumped in the transfer race.

Now according to reports, it is Arsenal who are right at the front of the queue for Bakayoko’s signature, with the 21-year-old star emerging as a big target for Mikel Arteta this summer.

The Gunners boss is desperate to add another wing option to his ranks and sees Bakayoko as his No 1 pick, ahead of another Euro 2024 winger in Pedro Neto.

It’s claimed the Gunners have looked long and hard at the Wolves star but now feel the PSV man represents better value for money.

And while the two sides are yet to agree a deal, it’s claimed by Gazet van Antwerpen that the Gunners are soon expected to lodge an official interest with both the player’s agents and the Dutch club.

PSV, for their part, are looking for a package of around €45m for the 21-year-old, which would represent the joint biggest sale in their history, alongside Hirving Lozano, who moved to Napoli back in summer 2019.

Talks over a deal are expected to ‘evolve positively’ and it’s claimed Bakayoko could be an Arsenal player quickly after Belgium’s Euro 2024 adventure has come to an end.

Arteta ‘personally calls’ Sociedad star about Arsenal move

The Gunners, meanwhile, are also pushing hard to complete the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer.

Landing on a new midfield partner for Declan Rice is one of the club’s top priorities this summer, with Mohamed Elneny departing and both Albert Sambi Lokonga and Thomas Partey facing less than certain futures at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with the likes of Amadou Onana and another Sociedad star in Martin Zubimendi, with the latter able to leave if his €60m (£50.7m) exit clause is met.

However, reports in Spain claim the reported interest in Zubimendi is actually a smokescreen for Arteta’s real top target in Merino.

And with his deal expiring in summer 2025, La Real will likely be forced into his sale this summer for a fee of just €25m (£21.1m).

With competition tough for his signature, it’s claimed Arsenal have moved into a position of strength after Arteta personally called up the midfielder about a move to Emirates Stadium this summer.

It gets better for Arsenal too, with the 28-year-old giving the green light to a return to English football if the two clubs can settle on the fee.

LIVERPOOL LOOK INTO SHOCK MOVE FOR EX EVERTON WINGER

Liverpool are looking into the surprise signing of Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, with the former Everton and Fulham man enjoying a brilliant season in Italy where he scored 17 goals and registered 10 assists. That tally includes a hat-trick in the Europa League final, while Manchester United and Chelsea are also credited with an interest. (Calciomercato)