Arsenal ‘hold talks with £70m star’ as player admits ‘I’d love to play there’
Mirror Football brings you a round-up of the biggest transfer news from the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal have a week off to cool down following Sunday afternoon’s north London derby against Tottenham. Mikel Arteta’s men will get a rare opportunity for respite after a gruelling winter period of playing a fixture every three or four days.
The Gunners, who still hold a slender lead in the Premier League title race, will use this time to prepare for another tough London derby against Chelsea on Sunday, March 1. The game at the Emirates Stadium is, of course, a repeat of the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg fixture played earlier this month, which Arsenal won 1-0.
It marks a pivotal point in their season, with an away trip to Brighton, an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Mansfield Town, Champions League last-16 fixtures and a Carabao Cup final against Manchester City all awaiting in March. Now, Mirror Football brings you the latest news involving the Gunners.
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Meeting held for £70m target
Arsenal have reportedly held initial talks with Rafael Leao’s representatives ahead of a potential summer transfer. The Gunners have been linked with the AC Milan talisman for several years, with the club keen to sign a high-profile left winger this summer.
Football Transfers claims sporting director Andea Berta has stepped up his pursuit by holding face-to-face talks with the Portugal international’s camp. Leao has yet to discuss a potential Arsenal move but has instructed his representatives to negotiate a summer transfer.
The 26-year-old will have two years left on his deal at AC Milan at the end of this season. The Serie A side would sanction a sale if a suitable offer comes in, believed to be around £70m. Arsenal are currently the frontrunners to secure Leao’s signature despite Manchester United’s interest.
Malik Tillman clear on Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen star Malik Tillman recently admitted he has his heart set on a future move to Arsenal. The talented attacking midfielder, 23, completed his £35m transfer from PSV to the German side only last summer, though it appears he could already be swayed into a big move to north London.
When asked to name his favourite team in the Premier League, USA international Tillman told Bleacher Report Football: “It’s a tough one. I don’t have a favourite team. But if there’s one club I would love to play for, it’s Arsenal.”
Explaining his reason, the former Bayern Munich youth team star added: “One thing is the way they play now. I think they have a great coach, they have a great system and I think I would fit into it.”
Tillman was even asked about the criticism of Arsenal’s style of play, to which he responded: “Obviously, they score a lot of goals from set-pieces, but that’s also a part of the game. If you watch them in the Champions League, it’s a different style of play.
“The Premier League has also changed a little bit in the way teams play against them or play in general. So obviously, they have to adapt. But if you watch the Champions League games, it’s a different Arsenal.”
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