Arsenal transfer news: Mustafi, Keane, Martinelli, Praet

Arsenal signed German defender Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia in 2016

(Image credit: Warren Little/Getty Images)

published 25 April 2019

Mustafi must go

Is Unai Emery coming round to Arsenal fans’ view that Shkodran Mustafi has become a liability at the heart of the Gunners’ defence?

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The Sun believes so, reporting that the Arsenal manager is ready “to let the centre-back go” after a disastrous defensive display this season.

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The fans have been on the gaffe-prone German’s back for months, although as Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat at Wolves demonstrated, Mustafi - who was dropped for the game - is not the only incompetent defender at the Emirates.

According to the newspaper, Emery “will try to cash in on Mustafi” this summer by offloading him. In terms of possible replacements, the smart money is on Everton’s Michael Keane, with the 26-year-old having been scouted by Arsenal several times this season.

Emery swoops for wonderkid

One player already on his way to the Emirates, according to talkSPORT, is 17-year-old Ituano sensation Gabriel Martinelli.

Described by the broadcaster as a “wonderkid”, the young frontman has been tracked recently by Barcelona and Manchester United. But it appears that Emery has “beaten a host of clubs” to the Brazilian’s signature.

The move will be confirmed officially in June, when Martinelli turns 18, and he will hook up with the Gunners in time for the new season.

Another Italian job?

Reports from Italy suggest that Emery will again be shopping from Sampdoria this summer. Last year, the Gunners snapped up Lucas Torreira, and his impressive adaptation to the Premier League has inspired the Arsenal boss to look to his former teammate Dennis Praet.

According to Italian outlet Il Corriere dello Sport, Sampdoria are ready to let the 24-year-old Belgian midfielder go for around £18m.

Emery believes that Praet, who has won three caps for his country, could be the man to replace Aaron Ramsey, who is leaving for Italian champions Juventus.