Here’s all the news from around the Emirates Stadium over the past 24 hours.
Arsenal to miss out on £36m deal
Arsenal are set to miss out on the signing of Ibrahima Konate.
The north London outfit were said to be interested in the RB Leipzig defender ahead of the summer transfer window, but it appears technical director Edu will have to look elsewhere to bolster Mikel Arteta’s centre-back options.
That’s because Liverpool are reportedly close to ‘finalising’ a deal to sign the centre-back with The Athletic claiming talks are already underway and nearing completion.
It’s understood Konate has a £36million release clause, meaning, if Liverpool are happy to pay the fee, only personal terms would remain to be agreed before the deal is done.
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That could come as a blow for Arsenal who look likely to need a new centre-back this summer with David Luiz’s future unclear amid his expiring contract.
Arsenal’s Fekir transfer stance
Meanwhile, Nabil Fekir is also not expected to be arriving at Emirates Stadium this summer.
The 27-year-old has recently switched agent and has courted interest from clubs across Europe, including Arsenal who could be on the market for a Martin Odegaard alternative.
Although, football.london has learned that the Gunners’ interest in Fekir is ‘tentative’ and unlikely to be pursued this summer.
(Image: Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Instead, Arsenal will focus their attention on keeping Odegaard.
As reported by football.london, the Norway international has told those close to him that he would like to stay at in north London beyond the end of this season.
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No regrets for Maitland-Niles
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has said he doesn’t regret his decision to join West Brom on loan.
The midfielder departed Arsenal in the January transfer window to get regular first-team football in his favoured position and is happy with his progress despite the Baggies’ lowly position in the Premier League table.
“I think I’m developing a lot quicker here because you’re consistently improving your game and fighting to be the best, even when the odds are against you,” Maitland-Niles explained, as per Birmingham Live. “First and foremost, it’s just great to be here playing games and earning the trust of the manager.
“It was always going to be different coming from one team to another who are at opposite sides of the table. So it’s a different type of challenge, but you have to bring your best in every day to try and work hard to get out of the position we’re in.
“The gaffer is very honest and will tell you anything you need to hear. He’s straight to the point with how he feels. So you can either put your head down and take the criticism as a negative, or you can take it in a positive way.
“He only says these things because he cares and it’s a help to us all. I love the direct approach he has.”