Arsenal transfer news: Marouane Fellaini set for talks this week

Emery due to hold talks with Fellaini

Hours after the blue half of Manchester was rocked by the news that Leroy Sane had been axed from Germany’s World Cup squad, the red portion of the city has been dealt an earthquake of its own with The Sun’s revelation that Arsenal are “set to hold talks with Manchester United ace Marouane Fellaini this week”.

The big Belgian defensive midfielder has long been linked with a move from Old Trafford this summer but the smart money had him heading to Roma or AC Milan. But according to the Sun’s bombshell, Fellaini will hold talks with the new Gunners boss Unai Emery to discuss a sensational move to the Emirates.

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Apparently the new Arsenal gaffer tried to lure the 30-year-old to PSG when he was in charge of the French club. Now he’s set for another go, believing that Fellaini has the muscular mindset that the notoriously soft Arsenal midfield lack.

The Belgian is available on a free transfer at the end of this month when his United contract expires. There has been little evidence so far that the Old Trafford club are looking to offer Fellaini a new deal.

The Italian media are also reporting the story, claiming that AC Milan have allegedly baulked at Fellaini’s wage demands – believed to be “€7m [£6.1m] per season, with the addition of some bonuses, as well as commissions to his agents” – hence Arsenal’s move to the front of the queue.

Greek Gunner

It’s a done deal between the Gunners and Borussia Dortmund, claims talkSPORT. The broadcaster reports that Sokratis Papastathopoulos is “set to join Arsenal this week for £15m”.

The Gunners have been tailing the defender for several weeks. German reports indicate that a deal has now been agreed and the Greece international “should be an Arsenal player by Sunday”.

Apparently the 29-year-old will fly to London this week for his medical. Assuming he’s given a clean bill of health he will sign a three-year contract with the north London club.

The Sun reports that the deal could be concluded as early as today. The paper also says that Papastathopoulos opted for Arsenal over Manchester United.

“There was interest from United but he had to wait until July for them”, explained the player’s father, Charalambos, to a Greek broadcaster. “United have a very good relationship with Dortmund, the teams were talking more closely [but] he chose to go to Arsenal instead.”