Arsenal make call on Smith Rowe as Xhaka transfer talks to Roma ‘intensify’

Arsenal are looking to bounce back from a disappointing first full season under manager Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners finished eighth in the Premier League, failing to qualify for Europe for the first time in 25 years.

As a result, Arsenal are looking to strengthen their squad and have already signed left-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht.

Brighton defender Ben White looks as though he will be the Gunners third signing of the summer and others are expected to follow.

Several players have also left the club, with Matteo Guendouzi and William Saliba both joining Marseille on loan, David Luiz leaving on a free transfer and Konstantinos Mavropanos extending his loan spell at Stuttgart.

This is the latest transfer news coming out of the Emirates.

Smith Rowe signs

Emile Smith Rowe has finally extended his contract with Arsenal, putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal.

The youngster had attracted interest from Aston Villa, who had two bids knocked back by the Gunners, but he has chosen to extend his stay at the Emirates.

Smith Rowe impressed for Arsenal last season, scoring four goals in 33 appearances in all competitions, and he has been handed the No. 10 shirt.

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The 20-year-old said: "I can't wait to carry on playing for this wonderful club and we'll see what happens.

"[Signing my new contract] means so much to me. I've been waiting for it, and to carry on playing for this club, it means so much to me and I'm so happy.

"I feel like I didn't really have to think about it too much you know. I've been at the club since I was 10 years old, so for me it was just about carrying on at this club, so like I said, I'm really happy."

Xhaka transfer talks 'intensifying'

Granit Xhaka has been heavily linked with a move to Roma this summer, with new boss Jose Mourinho reportedly keen on signing the midfielder.

It has been claimed that Xhaka has already agreed personal terms with Roma, but the Serie A side are yet to agree a fee with Arsenal.

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness ), Arsenal value Xhaka at around €20m (£17.1m).

The report also states that Roma are 'intensifying contacts' over the potential transfer and could 'take that extra step' in a bid to get the deal over the line.

Interest in Neto

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Barcelona goalkeeper Neto.

It is claimed that Neto wants to leave Barcelona this summer and move to a club which will offer him more regular first-team action.

The report states that a move to the Premier League appears to be 'the only possible destination' for the goalkeeper, with Arsenal and Tottenham 'fighting' for his signature.

The Gunners are said to have 'taken a step forward' in their pursuit, with Neto's representatives considering a move to the Emirates to be 'the most viable'.

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