Arsenal Transfer News: The first of several players Arsenal is set to sign this summer is Fabio Vieira.
The Porto playmaker signed a contract with the Gunners that may go up to £34 million, the club announced. Mikel Arteta acknowledged his happiness at the arrival of a “unique talent”. Vieira was crowned player of the competition at the European under-21 Championship last year.
The midfielder will likely be the first of several senior players to move into the red side of north London this summer. Deals for Marquinhos and Matt Turner have already been finalised. Brazil internationals Raphinha and Gabriel Jesus have both been linked with the Gunners as well.
Following the exits of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal is in dire need of striking reinforcements. Granit Xhaka has reportedly been linked to Roma once more as the Gunners consider a variety of midfield possibilities.
Arsenal Transfer News: Saliba and Martinelli to fight for their spot?
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Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba are two players who are anticipated to compete for spots at the Emirates Stadium. Both now qualify as homegrown players for the upcoming season after displaying promise in recent outings.
Clubs are required by Premier League guidelines to field 25-man squads that include at least eight homegrown players. In Edu’s first transfer window as technical director in 2019, the pair signed.
Due to the fact that Martinelli and Saliba were registered in three squads before turning 21, they will now be regarded as homegrown players.
With the knowledge that the club’s homegrown quota has been increased, Arteta has more flexibility to manoeuvre during this summer’s window. The departure of team members, such as Nicolas Pepe and Nuno Tavares could increase this flexibility.
Martinelli had an injury-ridden campaign but talk of a long-term contract extension is going on. The 21-year-contract old’s is slated to expire in 2021. However, he has been given the number 11 shirt ahead of the upcoming season to find his form back.
Missing out on Champions League qualification
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Rival Tottenham beat Arsenal to a top-four finish the previous season. Since their one-sided round-of-16 loss to Bayern Munich on aggregate in 2017, the Gunners have not participated in Europe’s premier competition.
Martinelli has had an opportunity to win over Arsenal supporters. However, Saliba is yet to make a senior appearance since joining the team in the summer of 2019.
The young centre-back had a productive loan season with Marseille. He was named in Team of the Season and received the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season honour.
According to reports, Marseille contacted the Gunners about the possibility of signing the 21-year-old to a permanent contract. The centre-back will play in the Premier League this season, according to Arteta.
