Arsenal are considering a move for France midfielder Manu Kone as an alternative to Bruno Guimaraes, after seeing their opening verbal offer for the Newcastle star rebuffed.
The Gunners are expected to bolster their midfield options this summer, and Guimaraes remains a primary target. But with Newcastle holding firm, Arsenal have turned their attention to Kone, who has been touted as 'France's best' and is reportedly keen on a switch to the Premier League champions.
“Arsenal consider Manu Kone after Bruno Guimaraes bid rejected, as Man City seal Anderson deal and Spurs push for Gakpo.”
Kone is not the only alternative on Arsenal's radar. Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi has also attracted interest, with the Ligue 1 club setting a lofty asking price for the young midfielder, who is open to a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Elsewhere in the transfer market, Manchester City have struck a deal for Elliot Anderson. The England star is set to undergo a medical after Nottingham Forest agreed to sell. City will be hoping Anderson's muscle tightness—an issue flagged by England manager Thomas Tuchel—does not delay the transfer.
Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Mateus Fernandes, the West Ham midfielder, and remain in the driving seat for his signature, despite Tottenham Hotspur accelerating their pursuit. Spurs, meanwhile, have completed a busy window: goalkeeper Martin Dubravka joined as a free agent, their fourth signing, and according to journalist Alfredo Pedulla, they are pushing to sign Cody Gakpo and Omar Marmoush. Both players' prices are described as "sky high", but the market offers Spurs a chance to "start over" after last season. Gakpo's future at Liverpool has been questioned following a sub-par campaign.
As the World Cup unfolds in parallel, several players have boosted their stock, prompting further activity. For Arsenal, the midfield puzzle remains unsolved—but with Guimaraes, Kone, and Bouaddi in the frame, Mikel Arteta has options.