My new column is a focus on a club very active in this transfer window, not having closed any particular deal, but involved in many important negotiations, even for top players. I'm talking about Arsenal...
Many readers and supporters are asking me questions during my #AskEma sessions on Twitter (@EmaGiulianelli is my account) about the Gunners, so I decided to write these lines to explain what's happening with Arsene Wenger and his choices.
Wenger wants to sign two or three first team squad players in this session: a striker, a centre back and, maybe, a right winger.
LUKAKU TERMS SETTLED
As I've already written, Arsenal agreed basic terms with Romelu Lukaku via his agent in the last week of June: the player is keen on the move but there is no agreement between the clubs yet: Everton asked £55 million for the Belgian striker - just too much for Arsenal's intentions.
But the deal is still on, because Arsenal are very confident in Lukaku's approval. Alexandre Lacazette, of Lyon, and the Santos striker Gabigol are even on the radar.
MORATA HAS GUNNERS OFFER
But there's another name who has become hot over these days: Alvaro Morata, just back at Real Madrid from Juventus after the famous recompra.
No bid has been submitted yet, though Arsenal have indicated to Morata's agent they would be willing to pay him £140,000 a week in wages plus bonuses. Morata is waiting on Real Madrid to offer him a better contract, and if they are unable to, then he will seek a move. Other clubs are also interested - including PSG and Chelsea, I can reveal.
SUBOTIC ALSO ON SHORTLIST
Arsene Wenger isn't putting all his eggs in one basket this summer.
At the present moment Lukaku, Lacazette and Morata are all still possible. They're waiting to see if Everton will lower the price on Lukaku (it will happen if nobody is willing to pay the £55m) before moving on. Both Lukaku and Lacazette are keen on a move and basic agreements have been reached via both players' respective agents.
Arsenal even contacted Wolfsburg about Julian Draxler yesterday though his club seem to be unwilling to sell at the moment. Who knows? Perhaps later in the window though...
For the centre-back, the main target is Neven Subotic. Borussia Dortmund have admitted negotiations with an English club. Who are they? Arsenal, of course!
