Saturday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: James Rodriguez, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ainsley Maitland-Niles

The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Arsenal eye possible reinforcements.

The Gunners spent more than many expected last summer - most notably their club-record purchase of Nicolas Pepe - but were more reserved in January as they focused on bolstering their defensive options.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Saturday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Arsenal 'to offload four defenders if they sign Gabriel Magalhaes'

© Reuters

Arsenal could reportedly look to offload up to four defenders if they secure a deal for Lille's Gabriel Magahlaes.

The Brazilian centre-back has been linked with a host of top European sides over the past few months, but Arsenal appear to be inching closer towards a £27m deal with Lille for Gabriel.

Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United are making a late charge to land the 22-year-old, although Arsenal are understood to be leading the race for Gabriel's signature regardless.

However, the Gunners will have to find a way to balance the books in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and according to The Times, Mikel Arteta is open to parting ways with a number of defenders this summer.

The report claims that English duo Rob Holding and Calum Chambers are two players who could be heading for the Emirates exit door, while Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi are both facing uncertain futures in North London.

Arsenal could supposedly look to sell players further up the pitch as well, with midfielder Matteo Guendouzi expected to depart following a troublesome couple of months.

Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain 'also make late bid for Gabriel Magalhaes'

© Reuters

Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes is allegedly attracting late interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

For the best part of a week, it has been suggested that Arsenal are the favourites to complete a £27m deal for the in-demand Brazilian.

However, as well as competition from Napoli, Manchester United have also been recently linked with an approach for the 22-year-old.

While Arsenal remain the clear frontrunners, Sky Sports News journalist Kaveh Solhekol says that City and PSG continue to monitor the situation.

Solhekol claims that the Premier League and Ligue 1 giants have made contact with the centre-back's representatives to enquire over the player's interest.

Lille officials have already acknowledged that Gabriel will leave the club in the coming days.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Arsenal, Manchester United 'both interested in James Rodriguez'
Arsenal and Manchester United are both reportedly interested in Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez. Read more.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang claims Arsenal have not offered him a new deal
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reveals that the Gunners are yet to offer him a new contract ahead of the new season. Read more.

Arsenal 'still lead Gabriel Magalhaes race despite growing interest'
Arsenal are still at the head of the queue for Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, according to Fabrizio Romano. Read more.

Wolverhampton Wanderers to rival Tottenham Hotspur for Ainsley Maitland-Niles?
Wolverhampton Wanderers could battle Tottenham Hotspur for Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer, according to a report. Read more.