Arsenal Transfer News LIVE: Wirtz INTEREST, Nwaneri BREAKOUT, cup DRAW

Mikel Arteta has commented on the recent rumours linking Rodrygo with a move to Arsenal.

“If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no?” the Spaniard said. “The teams that win have the best players – always, always – at this level.”

The Real Madrid superstar has been linked with a €100 million to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta is keen for Thomas Partey to sign a new Arsenal deal.

The midfielder's current contract expires this summer, though negotiations are ongoing about an extension.

“In regards to Thomas, consistency-wise, it’s been his best season. I think the way he’s played, performed, his availability has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us,” Arteta is quoted by The Telegraph when asked if Partey wants to remain at the club.

Arsenal are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Joao Pedro from Brighton.

The Brazilian has been excellent for the Seagulls since his big-money move from Watford and could be ready for the next step-up in his career.

In addition to Arsenal, he is wanted by Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle and could fetch a fee in excess of €70 million. (Fabrizio Romano)

Viktor Gyokeres' uncle has suggested the player could spend another year at Sporting CP.

The Swede's incredible goalscoring record and attainable €70 million asking price has seen him linked with a number of clubs this summer including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

But, could he ignore the suitors and stay in Portugal?

His uncle told A Bola: “Do I like Sporting ? Yes, very much... yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay! Will he stay at Sporting ? Yes, we think so. We hope so, because, look, we love it, it's incredible, the country, the people and Sporting. We love it!”

Real Madrid reportedly want to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea but before that can happen they need to make a big sale, which has opened the door for Arsenal to pursue Rodrygo.

Arsenal are allegedly targeting players they deem to be 'undervalued' with significant potential.

The three players mentioned in the report by Sam C are Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Joan Garcia, who have a combined FootballTransfers Estimated Transfer Value of €148.5 million.

Arsenal and Thomas Partey are reportedly apart on finances when it comes to his new deal.

The midfielder's contract ends this summer but the Gunners are keen to tie him down for another two years.

Charles Watts reports that, though talks are still progressing, there is a disconnect when it comes to wages.

Premier League sides have been put on high alert as Real Madrid have allegedly swooped to sign Nico Williams.

The Athletic Club winger will leave his boyhood club this summer and has an attractive release clause of €58 million. He has been strongly linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona and has allegedly started house hunting in London in preparation for a move.

However, Madrid might be preparing for Rodrygo's exit as they have came out of nowhere to pursue Williams. (Marca)

Man Utd haven't gave up their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres - Arsenal's number one transfer target.

The prolific Swede will leave Sporting CP this summer after a magnificent period in Portugal that has saw him score a remarkable 96 goals in 101 games.

He has a release clause worth €100 million, but Sporting will allow him to leave for around €70m. It was believed that Arsenal lead the race for his signature, but should Man Utd qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, they will become an attractive proposition in their own right. (L'Equipe)

Arsenal and Chelsea both want to sign Anthony Gordon in what could be one of the biggest transfer battles of the summer.

Newcastle naturally want to keep the gifted winger at the club but could be forced to sell a prized asset to keep in line with Profit and Sustainability Rules, with the Magpies valuing their man at around €95 million.

Gordon came close to joining Chelsea when Thomas Tuchel was in charge a few years ago but the move never materalised. (iNews)

Barcelona are apparently out of the race to sign Nico Williams.

In a previous post, we detailed that the Blaugrana were still interested in the Athletic Bilbao winger, but Barca president Joan Laporta says the club are looking at other targets.

"Nico Williams was one of the candidates last season, but we decided on Dani Olmo," Laporta told TV3.

"And other options are currently being considered."

This opens up the door for a Premier League move, with Arsenal and Chelsea keen on a deal.