Arsenal transfer news: Marouane Fellaini set for talks this week

Emery to meet with Fellaini

Hours after the blue half of Manchester was rocked by the news that Leroy Sane had been axed from Germany’s World Cup squad, the red portion of the city has been dealt an earthquake of its own by The Sun’s revelation that Arsenal are “set to hold talks with Manchester United ace Marouane Fellaini this week”. 

The big Belgian defensive midfielder has long been linked with a move from Old Trafford this summer but the smart money had him heading to Roma or AC Milan. But according to the Sun’s bombshell, Fellaini will “meet with new Gunners boss Unai Emery” to discuss a sensational move to the Emirates.

The new Arsenal gaffer apparently tried to lure the 30-year-old to PSG when he was in charge of the French club, and now he’s set for another go, believing that Fellaini has the muscular mindset that the notoriously soft Arsenal midfield lack.

The Belgian is available on a free transfer at the end of his month when his United contract expires, and there has been little evidence thus far that the Old Trafford club will look to offer Fellaini a new deal.

The Italian media are also reporting the story, claiming that AC Milan have allegedly baulked at his wage demands - believed to be “€7m [£6.1m] per season, with the addition of some bonuses, as well as commissions to his agents” - hence Arsenal’s move to the front of the queue. 

Greek Gunner

It’s a done deal between the Gunners and Borussia Dortmund, claim talkSPORT, with the broadcaster reporting that Sokratis Papastathopoulos “is set to join Arsenal this week for £15m”.  

They’ve been tailing the defender for several weeks and German reports indicate that a deal has now been agreed and the Greece international “should be an Arsenal player by Sunday”.

Apparently the 29-year-old will fly to London this week for his medical and assuming he’s given a clean bill of health he will sign a three-year contract with the north London club.

The Sun reports that the deal could be concluded as early as today with the paper adding that Papastathopoulos opted for Arsenal over Manchester United. 

“There was interest from United but he had to wait until July for them,” explained the player’s father, Charalambos, to a Greek broadcaster. “United have a very good relationship with Dortmund, the teams were talking more closely [but] he chose to go to Arsenal instead.”