Arsenal weigh winger move as defensive options are assessed

Alex Scott has rejected Bournemouth’s new deal, boosting Arsenal’s interest, but the Cherries insist the midfielder is not for sale.
Arsenal have opened direct talks with Newcastle United for Bruno Guimaraes, but their £60m offer falls short of the Magpies’ £75m valuation.
Arsenal are in talks over Bruno Guimaraes and have also agreed a move for Elijah Upson, the 18-year-old son of former Gunner Matthew Upson.
Arsenal like PSG’s Bradley Barcola but face a price problem, with PSG set to demand more than the £117m Aston Villa are receiving for Morgan Rogers. A decision is needed on whether to invest heavily in the 23-year-old France winger.
Arsenal have reopened talks for Nico Williams after missing out on Morgan Rogers. Athletic Club’s 23-year-old Spain winger has a £77m release clause and is admired for his pace and directness. The club are weighing up whether to trigger it.
Aston Villa raised Morgan Rogers’ price to above £100m after Manchester City’s Elliott Anderson deal, hindering Arsenal before Chelsea agreed a £117m move. Arsenal are now weighing alternatives such as Bradley Barcola.
Arsenal have made a fresh approach for Yan Diomande, but the 19-year-old winger wants PSG, who are negotiating a deal worth about €110m.
Arsenal are prioritising a new winger as they look to defend the title. Failure to land one could damage their hopes and leave the left flank short of quality.
Arsenal are eyeing Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix after William Saliba’s injury. Palace could demand up to £59m, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City also interested. Ezri Konsa and Konstantinos Mavropanos are viewed as alternatives.
Arsenal are considering free agent John Stones as short-term cover after William Saliba’s injury. Arteta knows him from Manchester City, and his ability to play at centre-back or in midfield adds to the appeal, although his fitness record is a concern. Jurrien Timber and Ben White can also provide cover on the right side of defence.
Arsenal’s squad have reported back to London Colney. Ben White said his knee is fine and that he has been training every day, boosting options with Saliba sidelined. Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson were among those to return.
Arsenal have signed Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier, while Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Karl Hein are among those to leave.
Real Madrid remain interested in Martin Zubimendi after his strong first Arsenal season, but the Gunners are unlikely to let the midfielder leave.
Arsenal are monitoring Julian Alvarez while Barcelona lead the race. Barca may withdraw if Atletico Madrid refuse to sell by the end of the month, potentially opening a window, although Atletico still resist a transfer.
Arsenal were rated the Premier League club most affected by the World Cup, with 13 players involved, 4,224 minutes logged and injuries to monitor.
Arsenal have extended their Emirates partnership until 2032, keeping stadium naming rights and shirt sponsorship in a deal worth about £430m.
Manchester City are set to sign Arsenal teenager Mishel Nduka after he rejected a new contract at the Emirates.
Four clubs are said to be potential destinations for Gabriel Martinelli, with Atletico Madrid and Manchester United among those named.
Arsenal now have World Cup winners David Raya, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino. The last time they had a trio, in 2014-15, they won the FA Cup and Community Shield and finished third, after signings including Alexis Sanchez.
After missing out on Morgan Rogers, Arsenal remain keen on Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa as defensive cover, with William Saliba possibly out for the first few months of the season. Konsa is admired and the report says he would be happy to move, depending on how Arsenal’s defensive situation develops.
Arsenal and Manchester City are chasing Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi after his impressive World Cup. Lille are open to a sale if terms are met. Arsenal’s interest could be complicated by their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes if Bouaddi has concerns over game time.