The Gunners plot a move for Roma's standout defender, while their London rivals lead the transfer race for ‘new Yaya Toure’. Join us for the round-up of some of the juiciest transfer gossip this Friday.
Arsenal hold talks to sign Ndicka
Arsenal are arguably the most compact side in European football but that is not going to stop Mikel Arteta from pursuing further defensive reinforcements.
According to a report in The Mirror, Arsenal have held initial discussions to explore the possibility of signing AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka. The physically dominant France-born centre-back has played every minute for the Giallorossi in Serie A this season. The 25-year-old is also on Paris Saint-Germain's radar and is understood to be valued between £25-34million. Whispers Rating: 3/5
Find more Arsenal transfer gossip right here.
Chelsea in pole position to sign Avom
If there's a sought-after young talent on the market, Chelsea are most likely lurking somewhere in close proximity. The latest name to be linked with the Blues is Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom.
The Sun claims Chelsea are in the driving seat to sign the 20-year-old Cameroonian, who has also attracted interest from West Ham United and Aston Villa. Lorient are keen to renew his contract but the midfielder, who has been compared to Yaya Toure due to his technical prowess and remarkable physicality, is in no rush to sign a new deal with the Ligue 2 outfit. Whispers Rating: 3/5
Get the lowdown on every Chelsea Transfer Target on Football Whispers.
Newcastle considering signing Mbeumo
Newcastle United's transfer strategy for this summer is taking shape and there are already concerns they won't be able to get all their major targets ahead of next season.
According to The Telegraph, the Geordies are interested in Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. The 25-year-old ticks a lot of boxes for Eddie Howe, owing to his versatility and technical ability, but Newcastle are concerned by his £60million price tag. The Tyneside outfit also intend to add a goalkeeper and a centre-back to their ranks this summer. Whispers Rating: 2/5
Find more Newcastle transfer gossip right here.
Porto eyeing Hackney
Ninth-placed Championship outfit Middlesbrough are very unlikely to get into the play-offs this term, but their star player could soon find himself plying his trade in the big leagues.
As per Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas FC Porto are expected to resume their attempts to sign Hayden Hackney this summer. The Portuguese heavyweights saw their two bids turned down in the January transfer window but that has not put them off. The 22-year-old is also being followed by a number of Premier League clubs. Whispers Rating: 3/5
Find more Porto transfer gossip right here.
Leeds set to make a move for Longstaff
Leeds United's fate is already sealed and they are set to return to the Premier League next season. Accordingly, the Peacocks have started working on strengthening their squad with players capable of keeping them in England's top flight.
The Sun reports that Leeds are preparing to compete with Everton for Newcastle's Sean Longstaff. The Englishman is believed to be available for £10million after falling down the pecking order under Howe at St James' Park. Whispers Rating: 2.5/5
Get the lowdown on every Leeds Transfer Target on Football Whispers.
