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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 18:
Mikel Arteta's announcement imminent
Goal understands that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have reached an agreement with the Spaniard all set to take over from Arsene Wenger. It is believed that Arteta has not signed a contract until now but will do so soon since an official announcement is expected in the coming days.
Arteta has impressed Arsenal's top brass which wanted a young face to lead the club in the post-Wenger era. The midfielder has been assisting Pep Guardiola at Manchester City for the past two years and is rated highly for his approach to management by Guardiola.
Arteta emerged as the top choice to become Arsenal's next manager after beating the likes of Massimiliano Allegri and Luis Enrique. Allegri has reportedly committed his future with Juventus whereas Enrique's exorbitant wage demands put Arsenal off.
Xabi Alonso to join Arteta's backroom staff
With Arteta all set to take over the reigns at Arsenal, the Daily Express has reported that Xabi Alonso - the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder will join Arteta in his backroom staff. It is speculated that Alonso is eyeing a move into management and is searching for a club to earn his UEFA licenses.
Arteta and Alonso grew up together in Spain and started their footballing journey at Antiguoko. The duo have remained close since and this has sparked rumours of Alonso's move to Arsenal.
Former club legends such as Jens Lehmann, Per Mertesacker and Freddie Ljungberg are also reportedly set to be involved in either Arteta's backroom staff or in the youth setup.
Aaron Ramsey's future in doubt
The Welsh midfielder has just one year left on his current Arsenal deal. Talks have been initiated between both the parties but a consensus is yet to be reached. The Sun has now claimed that Arsenal will sell Ramsey before the start of next season if he does not sign an extension with the club.
The Gunners do not want to be involved in a similar situation that happened with Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez in the past and hence want Ramsey's situation to be solved before August. If the midfielder rejects their offer, Arsenal are set to invite bids for Ramsey in the range of £40 million.
Ramsey currently earns £100,000 per week at Arsenal and now wants to be one of the highest earners at the club. This has not gone down well with the club who are currently looking to lower their wage bill. Chelsea and Manchester United remain interested in the 27-year-old.
