Transfer Centre

Arsenal transfer news: Three-man shortlist drawn up, pole position for Gabriel

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 05 August 2020

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Arsenal on Wednesday, August 5.

Mikel Arteta is gearing up for his first full season in the Emirates dugout, and the Arsenal manager is believed to be planning a significant overhaul of his squad this summer.

The Gunners manager could be faced with a severely-restricted transfer budget owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, but Arsenal nevertheless continue to be linked with a host of players ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Arsenal have secured a spot in the Europa League after overcoming Chelsea in the FA Cup final, which is likely to make the world of difference when it comes to attracting players to the red side of London.

With Arteta now striving to steer the club back into the Champions League, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Wednesday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Arsenal 'draw up three-man transfer shortlist'

Philippe Coutinho in Bundesliga action for Bayern Munich on February 29, 2020 © Reuters

Arsenal are expected to be in the market for defensive and attack-minded players during the summer window, as Arteta looks to construct a squad capable of breaking into the top four.

The Gunners manager has called for financial backing ahead of next season, and there is every expectation that the Spaniard will be supported by the Arsenal hierarchy after leading the North London outfit to their first piece of silverware since the departure of Arsene Wenger.

According to The Times, Arteta has identified three players whom he views as priority targets for his proposed 4-3-3 system next season.

Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho and out-of-contract Chelsea forward Willian are said to have been eyed up to slot into the frontline, while Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly the third player on Arteta's wish list.

Arsenal 'leading Manchester United in race for Gabriel Magalhaes'

Lille's Gabriel in action in January 2020 © Reuters

Arteta has no doubt helped shore up Arsenal's leaky defence since his arrival in the Emirates dugout, and the Gunners manager is supposedly eyeing up further reinforcements ahead of next season.

With the futures of several Arsenal defenders currently shrouded in uncertainty prior to the 2020-21 season, Arteta has supposedly turned to highly-rated Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes as a potential signing.

According to France Bleu, Arsenal have stolen a march on Manchester United and are in pole position for the Brazilian's signature.

The 22-year-old made 34 appearances for the French side in all competitions in 2019-20 and is rumoured to be valued in the region of £27m, with Manchester City and Everton also credited with an interest.