Samp reject bid for duo
Sampdoria have named their price for Joachim Andersen and Dennis Praet after knocking back Arsenal’s opening bid of £43m.
The good news for the Gunners is that the Italian outfit are only demanding £49m, which although £9m more than Unai Emery’s reported war chest, should be doable once the Spanish gaffer has offloaded the likes of Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Shkodran Mustafi.
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Metro claims that Arsenal boss Emery “has identified centre-back Andersen and playmaker Praet as two of his top transfer targets”, in the belief that they would bolster his notoriously fragile squad.
Battle for Kessie
Another Serie A-based player on Arsenal’s radar is AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
Milan need to balance their books because of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules and will reportedly listen to offers of around £30m for the 22-year-old.
The Sun says that if the Gunners make a move for Kessie, they will face competition from Tottenham and West Ham United.
Fraser in the dark
Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser has said he’s unsure of his future, despite rumours suggesting Arsenal are waiting to pounce.
The 25-year-old was a standout performer for the Cherries last season and the Gunners were believed to be keen to bring him to the Emirates. But there has been no further news and The Sun says Fraser is frustrated at the uncertainty over where he’ll be playing his football next season.
“I don’t know myself so there’s no point thinking about it, wherever I’ll be, I’ll be,” he told BBC Scotland. “I don’t know what is happening. I’m not just saying that.
“Wherever I’ll be, if it’s Bournemouth or if it’s at somebody else, then all you can do is try your best and enjoy football. If you think about anything else, I’ll probably have a bad game.”
Xhaka denial
Metro reports that Granit Xhaka has issued a public denial of rumours that he is to move from the Emirates.
Over the weekend, gossip linked the Swiss international with a transfer to Italy - with Inter Milan mooted - but the 26-year-old has dismissed talk of a £35.6m deal.
“Not that I know,” was how he replied when asked if he was leaving Arsenal. “I have another four years on my contract, I only signed last year. I’m happy there, my family too. That’s the most important.”
Duel for Dakonam
The Daily Mail says that Everton have edged ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Getafe defender Djene Dakonam.
The 27-year-old had a superb season for the Spanish outfit, helping his side finish fifth in La Liga, and it’s believed that he has a £30m price tag on his head.
The two Premier League clubs have both reportedly scouted Dakonam in recent months, but the Mail says that “Everton are in place to use their financial flexibility to manoeuvre Arsenal out of a deal”.
