Thursday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: Dayot Upamecano, Pablo Mari, Willian

The buildup to 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 during the 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.

Thursday morning's headlines:

Arsenal 'make contact with £40m Sporting Lisbon starlet wanted by Barcelona'
Arsenal reportedly make contact with 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon winger Joelson Fernandes, who has a £40m release clause and is also wanted by Barcelona. Read more.

Juventus make enquiry about Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?
Juventus reportedly join Barcelona and Inter Milan in the running to sign Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is approaching the final year of his contract. Read more.

Real Madrid, Barcelona interested in Arsenal's Matteo Guendouzi?
Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly keeping tabs on Matteo Guendouzi amid reports that Arsenal could look to sell the midfielder this summer. Read more.

Mikel Arteta hints at imminent new contract for Bukayo Saka
The 18-year-old has been a bright spark during a largely disappointing campaign for the Gunners. Read more.

Arsenal: Transfer ins and outs - Summer 2020
Keep track of all of Arsenal's confirmed summer transfers with Sports Mole's comprehensive guide. Read more.

Willian in talks over new longer-term Chelsea contract
Willian is in talks over a new longer-term contract with Chelsea, after Frank Lampard revealed that the winger could stay beyond the end of the season. Read more.

James Rodriguez hits out at "lies" over Real Madrid future
Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez insists that the recent criticism of him has been fuelled by "many lies". Read more.

Chelsea join the race for Dayot Upamecano?

Thomas Partey 'expected to join Arsenal this summer'
Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Arsenal in a £45m deal during this summer's transfer window, according to a report. Read more.

Arsenal 'open to selling Matteo Guendouzi this summer'
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta are prepared to sell Matteo Guendouzi this summer, according to a report. Read more.

Arsenal confirm extensions for David Luiz, Pablo Mari, Cedric, Dani Ceballos
Arsenal confirm that David Luiz, Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares and Dani Ceballos have all signed contract extensions of varying lengths. Read more.