Arsenal transfer news: Four-man transfer shortlist revealed, Wenger backs Arteta and more - May 17, 2018

With Arsene Wenger finally calling it a day, 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 16:

---

#3 Arsenal start negotiations with Sokratis Papastathapolous

Sokratis on his way to Arsenal

A centre back is said to be Arsenal's number one summer priority. Caglar Soyuncu of Freiburg was their first choice but his reported £35 million price has put the deal on a halt for the moment. The Daily Mail understands that Arsenal have since shifted their focus towards Sokratis Papastathapolous.

Arsenal's head of recruitment Sven Mislintat knows Sokratis well during his time in Borussia Dortmund and has hence sanctioned a £17.5 million deal for the Greek international.

#2 Arsene Wenger backs Mikel Arteta

Arsenal's past and future

Arsene Wenger has talked in favour of Mikel Arteta replacing him as the next Gunners boss. The former Everton and Arsenal midfielder has emerged as the board's top choice to take over from the Frenchman. Arteta has spent the last two years assisting Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and is rated highly by his peers and pair alike.

Praising Arteta, Wenger was quoted by Metro as saying, "He has all the qualities to do the job and I have seen as well he is one of the favourites. He was a leader, has a good passion for the game and he knows the club well, knows what is important at the club. He was captain of the club so why not?"

#1 Summer plans revealed

Petr Cech's replacement

John Cross of the Mirror has revealed Arsenal's summer plans. It has been revealed that a major defensive shake-up is set to take place at the Emirates. The Gunners are reportedly targeting as many as three centre-backs this summer along with a top goalkeeper.

With Per Mertesacker retiring and Laurent Koscielny out of action until December, Arsenal are looking to rope in as many as three central defenders this summer. It is also expected that one of Rob Holding or Konstantinos Mavropanos will be sent out on loan.

The three central defenders that Arsenal are set to target are Sokratis Papastathapolous, Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu. Also, Arsenal have identified Bernd Leno of Bayer Leverkusen as a £20 million replacement for Petr Cech who is also keen on a move to London.