It's grim times for Arsenal fans. So frequently are they linked with players that some outlets are now ranking their targets in order of the probability of actually signing them. Not us, though. Oh, no. We're, eh, we're better than that.
The Gunners have been linked with a plethora of defenders and strikers all summer but time is running out for Wenger. Here is today's Transfer Rumour Roundup, starting with Arsenal... of course.
Transfer Rumour Roundup
A deal to being long-term target Shkodran Mustafi is stalling. Wenger has assured fans that he is not afraid to spend money to sign players but refused to talk about individual players when asked about Mustafi directly.
League goals since 2014/15:
Alexandre Lacazette (51)
Giroud, Walcott & Welbeck (49)
Here comes Squawka Suggests. pic.twitter.com/SGCRVp4fwu— Squawka (@Squawka) August 16, 2016
I'll just leave this here...
A deal to bring Alexandre Lacazette to Arsenal is moving further away by the day according to BleacherReport. The 25-year-old has said that he is happy to stay in Ligue 1 but judging by the stats above, Wenger needs to make him happy to move to London.
But it's not all doom and gloom for Arsenal fans (it mainly is though) as The Express are reporting that Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Wolfsburg's Julian Draxler. The 22-year-old Germany international will cost somewhere in the region of £43m though, ouch.
Finally, The Mirror are reporting that Arsenal are in talks with Athletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez. The Uruguayan has a release clause of £56m but Arsenal are hoping to land him for around £40m.
Pep Guardiola is lining up a move for Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci. The Guardian are reporting that Juventus are holing out for John Stones-esque for the 29-year-old. So the trend of Manchester clubs inflating the market continues. Surely Arsenal should be having a look?
Joe Hart is set to join Everton on loan... plus the rest of the gossip:https://t.co/RueniRBkcG pic.twitter.com/6toYP0YsbY
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 19, 2016
City are also holding out for a £30m price tag for Joe Hart which is odd because, as The Guardian points out, if he isn't as good as Willy Caballero how can they expect to get £30m for him. Ah sure maybe it's symptomatic of the state of this ridiculous market. BBC are also reporting that he could be on his way to Everton on loan.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail are reporting that Barcelona have made a £10m bid for Ajax's Jasper Cillessen in preparation for the rumoured departure of Caudio Bravo. You might remember Cillessen as the man who was replaced by Tim Krul for a penalty shootout during the 2014 World Cup.
Chelsea and Manchester United have been given a boost in their pursuit of PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi. TalkSport have reported that the 29-year-old has handed in a transfer request but will still cost around £35m.
Sporting Lisbon have inquired about the availability of Joel Campbell according to Bleacher Report. The 24-year-old has always been a fringe player/ loanee and he looks set to continue on that career trajectory if the rumours are to be believed.
