Rafael Leao to Arsenal transfer update as impact of £34.5m bid explained

Arsenal look set for a relatively quiet final two-and-a-half weeks of the summer transfer window in comparison to their blockbuster July. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres were all signed in the space of 25 days last month.

Sporting director Andrea Berta has thus far navigated his first trading period expertly, but his job will not be complete until exits are also sanctioned and thus funds raised.

Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson could all be moved on with a major update that impacts the latter's future emerging. If all five depart permanently, Arsenal could yet complete a seventh summer signing with that likely to be another forward.

Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace has been linked throughout the summer window, while AC Milan's Rafael Leao is one alternative and an update on his future has also come to light. With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.

Leao to Arsenal transfer update

Arsenal's already slim hopes of signing Leao have been dashed further with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano delivering a clear eight-word update.

"Never been an option. Leao stays at Milan," he wrote quite simply on Threads. Acquiring the Portugal international's services always looked to be a challenge despite Milan's lack of European football with his asking price in the region of £86.2 million (€100m), as per Italian media reports.

football.london says: It is quite surprising to see that Leao was never really considered by Arsenal especially following on from reports that Berta had made initial contact.

For a number of reasons, likely ranging from the financials to his age, he was not actively pursued with Arteta opting for Madueke. That decision has not gone down too well in the Arsenal fanbase but there could be a different feeling on that in nine months.

With Eze interest diminishing and Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, one other alternative, only focused on joining Inter, that may be that for Arsenal in terms of new additions.

Fulham twist amid Nelson exit

Fulham are keen to strengthen in attack this summer with Arsenal's Nelson as an option, though two other signings are likely to be their priority.

Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin is being formally targeted with two bids from Craven Cottage rejected, though an improved offer, closer to his £43m (€50m) asking price, could be on the way as Rodrigo Muniz looks set for a move to Atalanta.

According to Sky Sports, the Serie A side have lodged a £34.5m (€40m) bid and talks are now advancing. That exit going through could then see the Kevin deal wrapped up quickly with two very different outcomes for Arsenal following that.

football.london says: Nelson is expected to depart Emirates Stadium ahead of the upcoming season but it may not to join Fulham.

All the focus of those at Craven Cottage is undoubtedly on Kevin given the two offers lodged and the sizeable finances involved. Muniz departing looks set to fast track that deal and while there may have been hope that attention would switch back onto Nelson, a replacement for the Brazilian may be a more pressing matter.

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