Arsenal transfer news: FC Barcelona want Arsenal star as Iniesta replacement, five-man shortlist to succeed Wenger revealed and more - May10, 2018
With Arsene Wenger set to depart this summer, the upcoming transfer window has attracted extra attention from the Arsenal fan base. The excitement for Wenger's successor to be announced is increasing with each passing day and also the anticipation for the players that the new man in charge will sign.
Arsenal has been linked with numerous players and managers day in day out for the past few weeks. Some rumours raise eyebrows, some seem realistic while some are there just for the sake of it. In this segment, we will take a look a look at all the major advancements that happen in the transfer world concerning Arsenal.
So without further ado, let's take a look at the transfer reports featuring Arsenal that made headlines on May 10:
FC Barcelona eye Mesut Özil as Andres Iniesta replacement
In a sensational claim by the Daily Star, FC Barcelona are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Arsenal's Mesut Özil. The German playmaker has recently signed a new £350,000 per week deal with the Gunners but the club's failure to make the top four and the departure of Arsene Wenger may see Özil leave.
Barcelona are in the market for a creative midfielder with Andres Iniesta all set to end his Barcelona stint next week. It is said that Barcelona tried to sign Özil back in January and will now renew their efforts to lure him back to Spain.
The 29-year-old has faced the ire of former Arsenal players and fans alike for his inconsistency and his regular injury problems. Özil has missed the last six Premier League games for Arsenal through illness or injury.
Arsenal shortlist five candidates to replace Arsene Wenger
The Gunners have ramped up their efforts to name Arsene Wenger's successor at the club. According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have shortlisted five names in their hunt for a new manager.
Luis Enrique and Massimiliano Allegri are the two obvious choices in this list with the two managers also said to be the front-runners to land the job. But Arsenal's top brass are also interested in taking a young manager on board to have a fresh approach of leading the club.
This is why the likes of Mikel Arteta, Patrick Viera and Julian Nagelsmann are included in the five-man list. It is reported that Arsenal's majority shareholder Stan Kroenke's son, Josh is looking to hire a young manager instead of an experienced name.
Arsenal begin talks with Bernd Leno
The Express has reported that Arsenal have initiated talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a summer deal for Bernd Leno. The North Londoners are looking for a long-term goalkeeping solution to replace Petr Cech who has received a lot of flak this season.
Leno is said to be Arsenal's first choice with the German custodian also interested in a move to the Premier League. Leno has a release clause of £17.5 million and has reportedly turned down a move to Napoli for a stint in England.