Barcelona fear Arsenal transfer battle as wonderkid names favourite club

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to welcome more new faces to the Emirates Stadium this summer as he looks to bolster his Arsenal squad.

David Raya has been the only player to join Arsenal so far this summer after his £27million deal became official, while Albert Sambi Lokonga has joined Sevilla on a season-long loan. With pre-season underway, Arteta has a lot of work to do before they fly out to the United States where they will play three friendlies.

Those games will be against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool before hosting Bayer Leverkusen at home on August 7. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip on Wednesday, July 17.

A return on the cards?

According to German publication BILD, Arsenal are credited with an interest in academy graduate Donyell Malen. The Borussia Dortmund attacker is said to be considering a change of scenery after three years at the club.

In a recent interview Malen opened up the door to a return to the Emirates Stadium, saying: “I think because I played in England as a youth and then it is a dream to play in the Premier League, then I think that is a beautiful dream.

READ MORE: Arsenal handed early Premier League title boost as Man City braced for Rodri blow

READ MORE: Arsenal already have perfect Emile Smith Rowe replacement to save the club millions

“I went to Arsenal so yes, them. I want Arsenal, my favourite club. Yes [about returning there]. I played there in my youth, I really wanted to break through there so yes. Every now and then in a football career there are points at which you just have to make a decision.

“Yes, I was training with the first team, and I was 17, 18 at the time and I did make steps in the optics, but I thought yes, I have to just play professional football. I also saw my teammates playing professional football while I was still playing youth football and I just knew (leaving) was the right thing to do.”

football.london says: “With Arsenal thought to be in the market for another player to rival Bukayo Saka, a move for Malen would make sense. A return to the Emirates would be interesting given he has not played for Arsenal in the Premier League before. Arsenal’s reported interest in the 25-year-old may come as a surprise but the club will be very familiar with his and his potential.”

Barcelona fear Arsenal in Nico Williams pursuit

Fabrizio Romano claims Spanish giants Barcelona have worries over Arsenal and Chelsea, who are said to remain in the race to sign Nico Williams. He adds that Barca ‘want to be fast’ in getting a deal over the line because the London duo are keeping a ‘close eye’ on the winger’s situation.

Barca are said to be ‘prepared to advance’ starting from next week and push on this deal to avoid a Premier League club making their move.

football.london says: “No doubt Williams would be an exciting signing for Arsenal, given what he has shown with Spain in the Euros. While the Athletic Bilbao star would be a good addition to Arteta’s side, his £49m release clause could be deemed a lot when there are other options available for less.”