Pundit and former player Paul Merson has revealed some interesting details after catching up with Arsenal technical director Edu over the weekend.
Speaking about the Gunners on Sky Sports yesterday, Merson said: “They are looking good. I’ve seen Edu on Sunday and we had a little chat. I think they’ve bought well, they’re trying to get a couple more players in.” When asked who the two players were, Merson replied: “I can’t say that, he was talking to me in confidence.”
Arsenal have had a busy start to the window following the arrivals of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos, but as Merson appears to have confirmed, further signings are expected.
Who could these ‘mystery‘ players be exactly? Well judging by the stories that are doing the rounds, it would be no surprise if Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez is one of them.
Arsenal have already seen offers for the defender rejected, although The Athletic add that more talks are planned this week.
Manchester United are also said to be interested, with Erik ten Hag familiar with the player having worked closely together at the Eredivisie champions.
Leeds United winger Raphinha could be the other name in question, but the links have gone quiet since Chelsea and Barcelona appeared to step up interest.
The Brazilian is someone else that has been the subject of rejected bids from Arsenal, according to various reports.
Whether or not Raphinha is currently an active target for Mikel Arteta and Edu is unknown at this stage, but if he isn’t, there’s one more player that seemingly fits in with Merson’s comments.
That’s Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, who has been at the centre of strong interest from the Gunners over the past few months, football.
It’s believed that talks with the midfielder and his representatives have taken place several times no official bids have so far been tabled.
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