Arsenal round-up: New bid for winger; Inter enter Sanchez race; Mertesacker plans after retirement

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Arsenal are pressing ahead for another big name signing just days after completing a deal for Alexandre Lacazette. L’Equipe report that they are set to lodge an improved offer for Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar, believed to be in the region of €45 million. Arsene Wenger knows that it will be difficult to sign the player, due to the stubbornness of the Monaco board, but he is refusing to give up hope.

After much speculation regarding the midfielder, it does appear that he is the next priority for the Gunners and there could be movement during the coming days if this report is accurate. L’Equipe are one of the more reputable sources in France and this report does suggest that the deal is progressing, despite the reluctance of the Ligue 1 champions to sell.

He would be a great addition to the squad and one that could provide the dynamism that their midfield lacked at times last season. After playing a part in one of the biggest success stories in Europe in recent years, he will be keen to take the next step and the Premier League would offer that.

Alexis Sanchez dominates the newspapers on a daily basis and Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport report that Inter Milan have entered the race to sign him. The Serie A club views him as the player that could be the ‘poster boy’ of the new era and they have the finances to complete a deal after being bought out by Chinese retail billionaires Suning. Sanchez has previous experience in Italy and he would be able to adjust quickly if he was to make the move.

Despite there being a lack of progress so far this summer, there will be a lot of clubs watching the Sanchez situation closely and the interest from Inter is a fascinating development. Like Arsenal, they will not be playing in the Champions League which may make a move difficult. That said, the new owners are showing ambition and it does look like the good times are set to return to the club. If he is to move to Inter, it will be a deal that is done later in the window. It won’t be the player’s first choice.

The changes to the hierarchy continue to be announced and Per Mertesacker is set to take up a coaching role next summer. The current Arsenal captain will be in charge of the club’s academy when he retires from playing. Over the next 12 months, he will work with the academy as he prepares for his new role next summer. Arsene Wenger had the following to say on the news:

“Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players,”

“He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping players fulfil their potential.”

It is too early to comment on whether this will be a good appointment or not, but it shows forward planning from the club. Since joining the club, he has been a leader in the dressing room and someone must have seen something in him to offer him this role. The comments from Wenger suggest that he will have a lot to offer and it is always a positive to see a player stay in the game after retirement.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Jesper Zerman