Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Raya completes medical, Spurs linked with Balogun, Tierney interest
Tierney #Tierney
Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a win over Nottingham Forest at Emirates, with attention now returning to the final few weeks of the transfer window
Mike Arteta is pleased with the win but waiting to see how Jurrien Timber is
Arsenal were back in action on Saturday – and got their Premier League campaign off to the ideal start.
First-half goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka had the Gunners in complete command of Nottingham Forest. The visitors made it interesting with a late goal, but Mikel Arteta’s side held out for a 2-1 victory on the opening day of their season.
Now with a week to go until they face Crystal Palace in a Monday night kick-off, focus can return to the transfer window, with more deals expected before September 1. The Gunners have already spent more than £200 million, but more activity is expected, starting with the announcement of David Raya’s arrival.
Along with the Spaniard signing on loan, it is expected a number of outgoings could also be on the cards. Follow all the latest Arsenal transfer news as it happens right here…
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Updates Available
17:14Alan Smith
Another ex-Gunner on the move?
Chuba Akpom, the 27-year-old striker who joined Arsenal as a seven year old but failed to make a breakthrough into the first team having been sent out on half a dozen loans, could earn a big-money move to Ajax.
Reports suggest the goalscorer, who has been banging them in at Middlesbrough, could be moving to Amsterdam in a £12m deal. And that would be a massive blow for the Championship promotion hopefuls after last season becoming the Teesiders’ first player since 1990 to bang in more than in a campaign.
16:47Alan Smith
Former Gunner’s Turkey switch
Besiktas have announced the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season.
The midfielder, 29, made 132 appearances for Arsenal before leaving for Merseyside in 2017.
16:14Alan Smith
Timber blow
New defender Jurrien Timber could be out for a number of months after appearing to injure a knee ligament during Saturday’s win over Nottingham Forest.
He underwent a scan today and reports suggest that the damage is worse than initially feared.
Read the full story here.
14:47Alan Smith
Balogun latest
Monaco are again weighing up a fresh bid for Flo Balogun that could be closer to the €50m asking price Arsenal are holding out for, according to reports in France.
But West Ham continue to monitor the striker’s situation, while Inter Milan have pulled out of the running because the asking price is too hot for the Serie A club to handle.
The United States international scored 21 league goals on loan at Reims last season.
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
13:44Tom Victor
Arsenal to miss out on Olise
Arsenal-linked starlet Michael Olise has agreed terms with Chelsea, according to reports from France (via Get French Football News).
The Crystal Palace star, who played for Les Bleuets at the European Under-21 Championships earlier in the summer, spent time in Chelsea’s academy as a youngster before making his senior club debut with Reading.
Manchester City had joined Arsenal and Chelsea in looking at the youngster, but a move to Stamford Bridge looks like the most likely outcome.
13:14Tom Victor
Inter close in on Balogun alternative
Internazionale are pushing on with their pursuit of Marko Arnautovic after seemingly being priced out of a move for Flo Balogun.
According to reports in Italy (via Football Italia), Inter will pay up to €10m for the Bologna frontman.
Austrian international Arnautovic, who played for West Ham and Stoke in the Premier League, spent one season at Inter under Jose Mourinho more than a decade ago.
12:44Key Event
Raya completes Raya medical
reports that David Raya’s move to Arsenal from Brentford will be formally confirmed inside the next 24 hours, after the keeper completed a medical.
The Spaniard is due to join on an initial loan, with an option to make the move permanent, and that could become an obligation if certain conditions are met.
Raya sat out Brentford’s game with Spurs on Sunday, with Mark Flekken between the sticks.
12:14Tom Victor
West Ham enter Kudus race
West Ham have opened talks over a move for Arsenal-linked forward Mohammed Kudus, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Hammers have already completed a deal for Kudus’ former Ajax team-mate Edson Alvarez this month.
Ghana international Kudus played the full 90 minutes for Ajax on Saturday, scoring in a 4-1 win over Heracles.
11:44Tom Victor
Ex-Gunner Oxlade-Chamberlain in Besiktas talks
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has opened official talks over a move to Besiktas after leaving Liverpool earlier in the summer.
The 29-year-old, who made just shy of 200 Arsenal appearances before his 2017 move to Anfield, has been a free agent since the end of June.
Besiktas already have several former Premier League men in their squad, including Cenk Tosun and Arthur Masuaku.
11:14Key Event
Balogun ‘of interest to Spurs’
Flo Balogun is among the strikers on Spurs’ radar, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Whether Arsenal would agree to sell the striker to their rivals is, of course, another matter altogether.
The American is one of several names in the frame to replace Harry Kane, with Dusan Vlahovic, Gift Orban and Mehdi Taremi also mentioned as potential options.
10:44Tom Victor
Barca step up Cancelo pursuit
Barcelona are ready to make a formal bid for Joao Cancelo, according to reports on the continent (via Football Espana).
The Manchester City right-back was seen as an option for Arsenal earlier in the window, but that talk has died down since the signing of Jurrien Timber.
Barca now have the funds to make new signings after offloading Ousmane Dembele to PSG for £43.5m, though it has been suggested any Cancelo move would be a loan with an option to buy.
10:14Tom Victor
Butler-Oyedeji on loan possibility
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji isn’t ruling out a loan after scoring in the Under-21s’ win over West Ham.
He was one of a trio of youngsters on target against the Hammers, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Amario Cozier-Duberry also finding the net.
“I want to get playing, whether that’s still here or going on loan, I just want to play my football and be happy,” the 20-year-old said.
09:44Tom Victor
Biereth hailed after instant loan impact
Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell was full of praise for Arsenal loanee Mika Biereth after the striker’s debut goal sealed victory against Hibs.
“We are delighted with the impact,” Kettlewell said (per The Herald) after the 2-1 win.
“You don’t ever know it is going to be like that from the first off, but we’ve seen in training he looks like a guy who can excel at this level, not just with his goalscoring but his workrate and energy.
“There’s a lot to like about him.”
09:14Tom Victor
Saliba’s injury admission
by Mark Mann-Bryans
William Saliba was delighted to make a successful return to Premier League action in Arsenal’s win over Nottingham Forest – despite admitting he’s still not 100 per cent fit.
The France defender missed the closing weeks of last season with a back injury and his absence was felt as Arsenal slipped from the top of the table to finish five points behind champions Manchester City. Up until his injury, the Gunners had been settled at the summit and Saliba had formed a formidable defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes.
Read the full story here
08:44Tom Victor
ICYMI: PSG’s Mbappe U-turn
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed Kylian Mbappe is being reintegrated into their first-team squad.
“Following very constructive, positive talks between PSG and Kylian Mbappé before the game vs Lorient, the player has been reinstated into first team training squad this morning,” a statement from the club read. Mbappe wasn’t part of the squad for the Lorient game.
There had previously been speculation Arsenal might be the Frenchman’s preference were he to opt for a Premier League move. Now, though, an extended PSG stay could yet be on the cards.
Read more here
08:14Key Event
Newcastle eye Tierney loan
Newcastle United are keen on a loan move for Kieran Tierney, according to The Telegraph.
The former Celtic man has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal, with Real Sociedad also exploring an approach.
Tierney isn’t the only left-back option being looked at by Newcastle, with the same report suggesting Marc Cucurella of Chelsea is on their radar.
07:44Tom Victor
Gabri Veiga given minutes despite talks ongoing
Celta Vigo brought Gabri Veiga off the bench on Sunday despite the midfielder closing in on joining Napoli ahead of Arsenal.
According to Calciomercato (via Football Italia), a deal is 80% done, with the Italian champions due to pay around €35m-€36m.
Arsenal and Liverpool have both been monitoring the Spain under-21 star, who lost 2-0 to Osasuna in what could be his final Celta appearance.
07:14Tom Victor
Arsenal ‘not giving up on’ Barella
Arsenal are weighing up returning to the negotiating table for Nicolo Barella, according to Football Transfers.
The Gunners were linked with a move for the Inter start earlier in the window, while there was also reported interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.
If the Italian does move to North London, it has been suggested Arsenal would part ways with Thomas Partey before the end of the window.
06:44Tom Victor
Timber injury to be assessed
Mikel Arteta confirmed Arsenal will perform further checks to determine the extent of Jurrien Timber’s injury after the defender was forced off against Nottingham Forest.
“The doctors looked at him and they were happy for him to continue, he was as well,” Arteta said of half-time checks, per the Evening Standard.
“Straight away in the first action of the second half he made a movement and it was a bit funny.
“We took him out straight after and now we have to assess him and see what he has.”
06:14Tom Victor
Arteta’s praise for Nketiah
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Eddie Nketiah after the striker’s performance on Saturday.
“A lot of players ask: ‘why am I not playing?’, and the thing is that Eddie is telling you: ‘look at all the reasons I’m giving you to play me’,” the boss said.
Nketiah took his chance with Gabriel Jesus injured and Folarin Balogun continuing to be linked with a move away, and could well start again next time out.
06:08Tom Victor
Good morning!
Hello and welcome back to Mirror Football’s coverage of everything Arsenal.
We’ll have all the latest transfer updates with more than two weeks of the window still to go.
This is also where to come for all the fall-out from Saturday’s win against Nottingham Forest, so stay with us!
23:08Colin Millar
That’s a wrap
Thanks for following today’s live Arsenal blog.
Unfortunately, that is all we have time for tonight but don’t worry – we will be back first thing in the morning.
Until then, good night!
20:54Daniel Orme
Lineker and Shearer agree on VAR call
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were adamant that Arsenal did NOT have a lucky escape with a penalty call against Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners got their new season off to the best possible start with a 2-1 victory against Steve Cooper’s side. Academy graduates Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka netted in the first-half.
Despite that first-half advantage, Arsenal were made to sweat late on after Taiwo Awoniyi pulled a goal back following a rapid counter-attack. Forest also thought they were deserving of a penalty after a header from Willy Boly appeared to strike Declan Rice ’s arm. Neither the referee nor VAR intervened, something that surprised Steve Cooper.
Read more on what Lineker and Shearer had to say here
19:45Key Event
Akpom secures Ajax transfer
Former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom is set to join Ajax from Middlesbrough.
That is according to the Athletic, who say a deal has been agreed for the striker – who scored 29 goals in 42 games in all competitions last season for Boro – for €12million plus €2m more in add-ons.
17:59Nathan Ridley
Lens pull out of Akpom move
French side Lens have dramatically pulled out of a deal to sign former Arsenal prospect Chuba Akpom, who was pencilled in for a medical on Monday.
According to Foot Mercato, Lens have learned that Middlesbrough striker Akpom’s representatives are also in talks with Dutch giants Ajax.
Both clubs are understood to have agreed fees of around £10million for the 27-year-old.
(George Wood/Getty Images)
17:13Nathan Ridley
Saliba makes fitness admission
William Saliba was delighted to make a successful return to Premier League action in Arsenal’s win over Nottingham Forest – despite admitting he’s still not 100 per cent fit.
The France defender missed the closing weeks of last season with a back injury and his absence was felt as Arsenal slipped from the top of the table to finish five points behind champions Manchester City. Up until his injury, the Gunners had been settled at the summit and Saliba had formed a formidable defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes.
Saliba returned to the team for the 2-1 win over Forest, providing the assist for Bukayo Saka’s stunning strike after Eddie Nketiah’s deflected effort had broken the deadlock.
Read what Saliba had to say HERE.
William Saliba of Arsenal in action against Nottingham Forest(2023 Getty Images)
16:57Nathan Ridley
Potential Veiga boost
Arsenal may have one less competitor in the race to sign Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga.
The Spanish midfielder, 21, had been a priority target for Napoli to replace Piotr Zielinski, who was bound for a move to Al-Ahli.
But reports now claim that the Poland international’s wife is blocking the transfer, as she’s not keen on living in Saudi Arabia.
That’s led Napoli cooling their interest in Veiga.
(Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
16:16Nathan Ridley
Balogun sticking point clear
Folarin Balogun was another player omitted from Arsenal’s squad for yesterday’s 2-1 win at home to Nottingham Forest.
The United States international striker, 22, is wanted by a host of clubs including West Ham, Monaco and Inter Milan, but the Gunners’ asking price appears to be a sticking point.
Arsenal are reported to want £50million for Balogun, with RMC Sport claimining that Monaco’s opening bid was only worth €40m (£34m).
Elsehwere, Inter Milan are also said to have made a proposal of a two-year loan, initially paying €5m (£4m) before an obligation to buy him permanently for €35m (£30m).
Folarin Balogun is valued at over £40m(Jose L Argueta/Getty Images)
15:40Nathan Ridley
What Tierney has said about future
Kieran Tierney was left out of Arsenal’s squad to face Nottingham Forest yesterday amid interest from Real Sociedad.
Recently, the Scottish left-back, 26, was asked about his future and said, as quoted by the Athletic: “It’s not really up to me. I’m happy, I’m working hard every day and getting minutes. I’m just trying to do as well as I can.”
When asked if he’d held conversations with Mikel Arteta regarding his future, Tierney replied: “No.
(Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
14:55Nathan Ridley
Raya watched Nottingham Forest win
David Raya was at the Emirates to see Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 2-1, it’s been reported.
The Spain international, 27, is set to complete his loan move from Brentford “imminently” and challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the No.1 goalkeeper slot.
David Raya is closing in on a move to Arsenal(Getty Images)
14:07Nathan Ridley
Monaco consider Lokonga swoop
Monaco are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to reports from Belgium.
The Belgian, 23, recently met with Burnley but was disappointed by their offer of personal terms.
Monaco are now weighing up a move, having targeted Lokonga before his move to Arsenal in 2021.
(Julian Finney/Getty Images)
13:19Nathan Ridley
No Raya for Brentford
As expected, David Raya hasn’t been inlcuded in Brentford’s squad to face Tottenham this afternoon.
On Friday, Brentford boss Thomas Frank confirmed that the Spanish goalkeeper’s move to Arsenal – initially on loan before a buy option comes into play next summer – is “imminent.”
The Gunners are yet to make an announcement but it’s understood that they’ll pay a £3million loan fee.
(Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
12:36Jake Polden
ICYMI: Nottingham Forest talking points
Bukayo Saka’s superb first-half strike helped kick-start Arsenal’s title challenge as the Gunners ran out 2-1 winners over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on Saturday.
Champions Manchester City put down an early marker by beating newly promoted Burnley 3-0 on Friday night, but Arsenal hit back in the north London sun after an issue with e-tickets saw the match delayed by half an hour with fans stranded outside the ground.
Eddie Nketiah broke the deadlock after a quiet start from the Gunners, with the English striker firing past his former teammate Matt Turner following a stunning move from Gabriel Jesus. Saka made it two with a left-footed shot from distance that curled home.
HERE are six talking points from the match.
12:07Nathan Ridley
Tomiyasu future latest
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has recently been linked with a move to Inter Milan.
The Japanese defender, 24, was tipped for a return to Italy earlier this week but yesterday came on as a substitute against Nottingham Forest.
That could be a suggestion that Mikel Arteta is keen to keep Tomiyasu for the season.
(Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
11:35John Cross
Oxalde-Chamberlain having Besiktas medical
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is having a medical with Besiktas today ahead of a potential move to Turkey.
Former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain, 29, is a free agent after his contract at Anfield expired this summer. Besiktas want to make the England international their highest-paid player in what would be a major coup for the club.
There has also been strong interest from Saudi Arabia while Brentford were also keen but Besiktas are hoping to agree a deal.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain left Liverpool this summer(Paul Greenwood/REX/Shutterstock)
11:13Nathan Ridley
More Mbappe drama
Kylian Mbappe is now open to extending his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, according to various reports in France.
The Arsenal-linked superstar previously informed PSG that he wouldn’t be extending his stay at the Parc des Princes, allowing him to leave as a free agent next summer.
Now, though, it seems as if Mbappe has changed his mind and is willing to negotiate a renewal.
It’s the saga that keeps on giving.
(Matthieu Mirville/DPPI/REX/Shutterstock)
10:56Nathan Ridley
Timber issues encouraging injury update
Jurrien Timber has given Arsenal fans hope by suggesting that he’ll be ‘back soon’ after suffering an injury during his Premier League debut.
The Dutch defender, signed from Ajax in a transfer deal worth £38million last month, limped off just five minutes into the second half as a result of what looked to be a calf issue picked up earlier in Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest. Post-match, manager Mikel Arteta confessed that he was ‘worried’ about the extent Timber’s injury but the 22-year-old himself appears to have already allayed fears of a lengthy layoff.
In a celebratory Instagram post, Timber wrote: “A win to begin,” alongside emojis which read ‘back soon’. Fans in the comments section pleaded for him to give a timescale on his absence, but Arteta has already explained that the Netherlands international will firstly need to be assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff.
More HERE.
10:37Nathan Ridley
PSG’s Mbappe U-turn
Kylian Mbappe has been – let’s say tentatively – linked with a sensational transfer to Arsenal this summer after Paris Saint-Germain told him to either find a new club or sign a contract extension.
Mbappe, 24, was even forced to train away from PSG’s first-team squad, but after drawing 0-0 at home to Lorient in their opening game of the season, the French giants have made a U-turn.
“Following very constructive, positive talks between PSG and Kylian Mbappe before the game vs Lorient, the player has been reinstated into first team training squad this morning,” the club said in a statement.
Read the full story HERE.
10:19Kieran King
Ex-Arsenal prospect set for move
Former Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom is set to join Lens from Middlesbrough, according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News.
The striker is expected to move for an initial €11million (£9.5m) as a replacement for Lois Openda, who joined RB Leipzig earlier in the summer. Akpom, 27, was the top scorer in the Championship last season. He was left out of Middlesbrough’s trip to Coventry on Saturday.
Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick said: “You’ve got to understand this time of the year and the window. Things are thrown at you, situations are thrown at you, and we’re just trying to make the best of whatever it is.
“Some of it is within our control, but some of it is out of our control. That’s the transfer window for you.”
(Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock)
09:54Ben Husband
Mitoma set for new deal
Brighton are confident that Kaoru Mitoma will NOT become the latest blockbuster exit from the Amex.
Moises Caicedo is set to become the most expensive player in the history of British football, with Chelsea closing in on an £115m deal.
Mitoma is also attracting interest after a brilliant season with the Seagulls. talkSPORT cite Arsenal as a potential sutior, but there is confidence he will stick around – and will instead sign a new deal.
08:57Ben Husband
Timber injury latest
Any decision surrounding Tierney will likely depend on the results of Jurrien Timber’s injury assessments.
The new signing hobbled off against Forest, with fears he could be on the sidelines for an extended period.
Arteta said: “The doctors looked at him and they were happy for him to continue, he was as well. Straight away in the first action of the second half he made a movement and it was a bit funny.
“We took him out straight after and now we have to assess him and see what he has.”
08:18Ben Husband
Marquinhos exit confirmed
There was one deal confirmed on Saturday. Marquinhos joined FC Nantes on a season-long loan deal.
The Brazilian, who arrived last summer, would have found opportunities hard to come by and will follow many of his fellow youngsters by plying his trade away from North London.
He spent last season with Norwich and will now head to Ligue 1, it is understood there is no option to make the deal permanent.
07:51Key Event
Kieran Tierney up for sale
One player not involved against Forest was Kieran Tierney. The Scotland international has fell down the pecking order in recent months, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber now ahead of him.
He was omitted from the squad on Saturday for tactical reasons – another clear sign his days with the Gunners could be numbered.
Celtic remain linked with their former player, while Real Sociedad are also said to be monitoring the situation. Arteta had recently stated he remained in their plans, but with the Gunners needing to raise funds that situation could change.
Kieran Tierney was left out of Arsenal’s squad to take on Nottingham Forest(Getty Images)
07:48Key Event
Mohammed Kudus update
Ajax boss Maurice Steijn has poured cold water over claims Mohammed Kudus is on the verge of a Premier League move.
Arsenal had been linked with the 23-year-old, who is valued at £34m. However, Brighton are now in the driving seat having reached an agreement in principle. But after scoring in Ajax’s season opener, Steijn has suggested nothing is too advanced.
“I have read a lot of reports about Kudus this week,” he said. “But there is literally nothing right now that points to him leaving.”
07:46Key Event
David Raya announcement imminent
The pursuit of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya certainly came out of left field, with Aaron Ramsdale making the No. 1 spot his own at the Emirates.
But Arteta wants two high-quality players for every position, including in between the sticks. Raya is expected to become an Arsenal player very soon, with reports suggesting he will sign a season-long loan deal, with an option to make that permanent.
Bees boss Thomas Frank said: “I expect the deal will be completed with Arsenal. He’s not here at the moment and won’t be involved on Sunday.”
David Raya has agreed to join Arsenal from Brentford(CameraSport via Getty Images)
07:44Ben Husband
Good morning
And thanks for joining us as we follow all along the latest transfer news from North London. On the field, Arsenal started their season in perfect fashion.
Now attention can return to the window, where many believe the Gunners have already secured some of their biggest victories in the shape of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
There could be more to come, though….
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