Arsenal dealt MAJOR transfer blow, with target now close to move

Arsenal have been dealt a blow just hours before the summer transfer window, with one of their targets close to a move to another club.

After failing to secure major silverware once again, the Gunners are keen to make a fast start in the transfer window.

With the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, viewed within the club as a completed deal, the hierarchy can now turn their heads to welcoming other signings.

The club’s current priority is securing the signature of a striker, and although RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško is currently the frontrunner, Viktor Gyökeres is also high on the shortlist.

The Slovenian striker, who turned 22 years-old today, is viewed to have an incredibly high ceiling, and after the Gunners were rejected last summer and in January, a move could finally materialise in the coming months.

In addition to someone to lead the line next season, after not a single player at the club was able to register ten league goals, a left-winger is also being targeted.

While Mikel Arteta’s first choice option is Nico Williams, both Rafael Leão and Jamie Gittens are also being watched by those in North London.

While David Raya has been impressive this campaign, Arsenal are also scouting the market for a goalkeeper to compete with him for the number one spot.

Their main target was Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, but the Spaniard has almost formed an agreement with Barcelona, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The North London club were close to an agreement last summer, with the goalkeeper’s sporting director revealing he was gutted when he heard he would not be moving to England.

Espanyol believed the Premier League runners-up left the deal too late, and refused to sanction a move, forcing the club to go for Bournemouth’s Norberto Neto on a loan deal.

However, upon the arrival of new sporting director, Andrea Berta, the club went silent on his camp, with the Italian believing funds could be better allocated elsewhere.

Now, the Catalan club are confident of signing the 24 year-old in the coming days, and he will travel across Spain to displace former Gunner, Wojciech Szczęsny, as a starter.

The LaLiga champions are keen to get the deal sealed as soon as possible, as they anticipate Premier League clubs trying to hijack a potential move.

David Raya became the first goalkeeper in Arsenal’s history to receive consecutive Premier League ‘Golden Glove’ awards this season, after keeping 13 clean sheets across the campaign.