Arsenal are in talks to complete a pair of departures this summer as Bernd Leno’s move to Fulham continues to progress while Nuno Tavares is also in talks to leave on loan this summer.
Mikel Arteta has added five new faces to his squad this summer, and combined with the seven returning loanees, now has a senior squad 33 strong, which needs trimming.
The Gunners gaffer has previously told the media his ideal squad size, explaining that “if you can financially afford it and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to do, if you ask me what I want it’s 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers”.
For a full list of who is expected to depart this summer, click here.
However, one deal that is now back on track is Bernd Leno’s departure. The move was initially thought to have stalled due to Arsenal demanding around £10m from newly-promoted Fulham for the 30-year-old, but now the London Evening Standard report that the Gunners have lowered their demands to around £8m, which their London rivals are happy to pay.
Bernd Leno of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on March 19, 2022 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
‘Leno is open to a move to Fulham as he is keen to stay in London and continue playing in the Premier League’, they add.
Tavares keen to leave on loan
Meanwhile, left-back Nuno Tavares is also in talks to depart the club, this time on a loan basis, with Atalanta the current frontrunners for the Portuguese full-back.
The arrival of Zinchenko, who will largely play left back, is set to diminish Tavares’ chance for minutes in the first team, with cup competitions and the Europa League perhaps being his only avenue for appearances, thus a loan seems most beneficial for all parties.
According to the Standard, ‘Marseille and Real Sociedad have both also been interested in Nuno, but Atalanta are now viewed as the favourites to complete a deal.’
A move had been mooted earlier in the summer, but fell down when Arsenal asked not to include an option to buy into the loan. It is unclear which way this has been resolved, but it appears as though the deal is once again heading in the right direction.
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