Arsenal transfer round-up as Gunners eye Man Utd target and Odegaard alternative

Arsenal are expected to strengthen in the summer transfer window – with Friday's Premier League defeat to Everton having highlighted the deficiencies in Mikel Arteta's squad.

How much the Gunners will have to spend looks likely to be determined by whether they can win the Europa League, with that now their only route back into the Champions League.

Arsenal will hope to sign Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal from Real Madrid – but know they may need to identify cheaper alternatives with his value having shot up following his impressive performances on loan.

One potential back-up plan is detailed below, while the Gunners are also expected to be in the market for reinforcements both in defence and attack this summer.

Here is the latest Arsenal transfer news.

Odegaard alternative lined up

Arsenal are lining up a swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt as an alternative to Martin Odegaard.

That's according to Bild's Christian Falk, who says Odegaard could be "too expensive" for the Gunners to sign on a permanent deal.

He said of Arsenal : "They will bring out the old plans from January. We have already talked about Julian Brandt from Dortmund and that he is a player that Arsenal would like."

It is thought Brandt could be available for around £22million.

Odegaard, meanwhile, has two years left on his contract with Real Madrid, who are not expected to let him leave on the cheap.

Boost over Premier League star who could replace David Luiz

Arsenal have been boosted by the news that defensive target Joachim Andersen wants to stay in the Premier League.

Andersen has impressed at Fulham on loan from Lyon, and is believed to have been identified as a potential replacement for David Luiz, who could leave The Emirates this summer.

Lyon chief Juninho Pernambucano believes the £20m-rated centre-back would like to stay in the top flight – but with Fulham currently in the relegation zone he could be headed for pastures new.

Speaking earlier this month, Pernambucano said: "I think he will want to extend his adventure in the Premier League.

"He has played well at Fulham, and if he wants to come back, we will welcome him with open arms."

Gunners to rival Man Utd for striker

Arsenal are reportedly in competition with Manchester United in the race to land Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea.

Plea can play across the frontline and has scored 11 goals this season, with a strike rate of one every three games.

With just a year left on his contract, the 28-year-old could be available for as little as £15m this summer – and Arsenal are looking at him as a potential replacement for either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette.

That's according to The Mail, which claims Arsenal are also keen on Real Betis' attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir.

Source: Read Full Article