Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners backed to launch late bid for Leicester City midfielder; former player believes Emile Smith Rowe could struggle for minutes at Emirates, and more

Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the opening game of the new Premier League season on Friday. The visitors took a first-half lead through Gabriel Martinelli before a Marc Guehi own goal late in the second half sealed the deal.

Meanwhile, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has backed the Gunners to make a late bid for a Leicester City midfielder. Elsewhere, former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Emile Smith Rowe could struggle for minutes after Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival at the Emirates.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the top Arsenal transfer stories of August 6, 2022:

Gabriel Agbonlahor backs Arsenal to make late offer for Youri Tielemans

Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Arsenal could launch a late attack for Youri Tielemans this summer. The Belgium midfielder is in the final year of his contract at Leicester City and has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor said the Gunners could use another midfielder.

“I definitely think another midfielder would be perfect. I feel like Arsenal need another top right-back for me. It might not be possible in this window, but (Takehiro) Tomiyasu and Cedric (Soares) aren’t good enough; that’s an area where they need to improve,” said Agbonlahor.

He added:

“It’s worth getting another midfielder; A lot of football will be played this season. Maybe they’ll wait until the last minute, at the end of August, to get the Tielemans one over the line. Maybe they’ll get rid of fringe players to get the money for Tielemans by the end of the window.

Noel Whelan thinks Emile Smith Rowe could struggle for minutes at Emirates

Noel Whelan believes Smith Rowe could be fighting for game time at the Emirates. The 22-year-old scored 11 goals in 37 games last season, including 24 in the starting XI. He is currently out with a groin injury but will likely be back in action next weekend.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said Zinchenko’s arrival could push Smith Rowe down the pecking order.

“That’s what a big squad is about. Arteta has never hidden his desire to spend money and have a bigger squad. He left and also brought in Zinchenko, so that’s another player who might have come in before Smith Rowe. That’s what Arsenal have to do to compete with Liverpool and Man City – and that’s the unfortunate reality for Smith Rowe,” Whelan said.

He continued:

“It’s healthy competition. Smith Rowe may play in cup or European competitions but he needs to seize those opportunities. If he does well he could become an option. He came off the bench last season and made an impression. Maybe it has to be the same this season.”

Lucas Torreira is set to join Galatasaray

Lucas Torreira has agreed to join Galatasaray, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Uruguayan midfielder is a marginal figure at Arsenal and has no future under manager Mikel Arteta. The north London side remain keen to capitalize on him this summer.

also read
The story continues below

The player spent last season on loan at Fiorentina, who decided not to exercise a €15m option to buy him permanently.

Torreira was part of the Gunners’ pre-season roster but was given negligible playing time, perhaps indicative of his position in the roster. Galatasaray came over and has now struck a deal to bring him to Turkey. The Gunners will get around €6-7m for Torreira’s signature.

Paul Merson has predicted all GW 1 Premier League games. More details right here