Thursday’s Odds and Ends

With only 11 days to go in this summer’s transfer window, the Gunners are still in the market to find the right players to help boost the club’s midfield.

Arsenal’s need for additional defensive and creative help in the midfield has been repeated over and over, not only outside the club, but inside the club as well. The club still needs to offload some players as well.

So, with that said, here are a few odds and ends for a Thursday…

The new story floating around London today comes from a report in The Daily Mail. They are reporting Mikel Arteta is shopping for alternative midfielders if the club is unable to sign Houseem Aouar and/or Thomas Partey. Chelsea’s Jorginho is now on the Gunners short list and are making plans to address a possible transfer with the Blues for the Brazilian-born midfielder.

Another story that just seems to keep coming back is the one involving Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho. In today’s Mirror, a report indicates Arsenal have not given up on signing Coutinho. Barca’s new manager, Ronald Koeman, has indicated he wants Coutinho to stay in Spain, however, reports have once again surfaced saying the Brazilian just might want to return to the Premier League after all, and preferably Arsenal.

Just Arsenal News is reporting Lazio are no longer in the hunt for Shkodran Mustafi. The report indicate the Serie A club is instead pursuing Southampton center back Wesley Hoedt to fill their club’s defensive needs. I’m sure Arsenal was counting on the cash from this deal to help fund other transfers.

Our Greek defender, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, is on the radar for a transfer to Napoli, however, in today’s Sun, a report surfaced that an unnamed Premier League team is also interested in the 32-year-old.

The Independent is reporting Arsenal would be willing to sell Alexandre Lacazette for $68.7-million (USD) to help raise funds needed to complete a transfer for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.

And finally, what does Mikel Arteta do with Reiss Nelson? The young winger put on a terrific display in yesterday’s Carabao Cup match v Leicester City. The talk has been that Arsenal will send him out on loan to ensure he gets more playing time. However, should he be given a chance to earn a spot on the pitch if he stay at the club this season? I’m a big Reiss Nelson fan, however, I think the competition ahead of him on the club is too tough, so a loan would help him mature as a player for Arsenal in the years to come.

Have a great Thursday!

Cheers!

Gunner1953