Arsenal transfer news: The latest Gunners media briefing from the Emirates Stadium with reaction to stories on Mohammed Kudus and Folarin Balogun
Arsenal have plenty of work to do in the transfer market before the window slams shut on September 1. Mikel Arteta's side have completed most of their business early on in the summer but a number of doubts remain.
Six senior players have left the club throughout pre-season. Granit Xhaka, the most noticeable departure, moved to Bayer Leverkusen with USMNT duo Matt Turner and Auston Trusty seeking pastures new with Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United respectively.
And according to The Secret Scout, the Ligue 1 side are now in pole position to sign the 22-year-old. West Ham are also interested, though a return to France seems likely.
football.london says: Balogun has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, yet a move to France has always made the most sense. It's quite surprising that it took so long for a Ligue 1 club to pay attention to Balogun's future after his sensational year in the country last season.
Breel Embolo's ACL injury has left Monaco incredibly short for centre-forwards. Many have predicted an unusual Ligue 1 title race for the first time in years and Balogun could be a key clog in Monaco's attempt of dethroning PSG.
A return to France would have been expected earlier in the window. 21 Ligue 1 goals in your first proper season in football is seriously impressive. If the two clubs can agree on a deal, good luck to him.
According to the Daily Mail, Pep Guardiola's side will make another bid in the coming days with an offer of £80million including add-ons expected to be enough. And should Paqueta move to City, West Ham are expected to fulfil their pursuit of Mohammed Kudus.
Fabrizio Romano has reported the Hammers have opened talks to sign the Ajax playmaker, with the Ghanaian open to the move to replace the 25-year-old. Arsenal have been linked with a move for Kudus throughout the summer, with many tipping him to be the fifth and final acquisition of the summer.
If Paqueta was to leave West Ham, they will be desperate to replace him. They replaced Declan Rice with Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse. The sudden unfortunate injury to Timber means Arteta may have to redirect his focus elsewhere
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