09 August 2023 , 03:00
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Arsenal's summer spending has earned plenty of praise so far but it seems Mikel Arteta still wants to add more players to his current Gunners crop.
More than £200m has been spent on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, but rumours and reports suggesting Arsenal are set to submit more bids are rife as the last month of the window gathers pace. Morale is already high among those associated with the Gunners after Sunday's Community Shield triumph over title rivals Manchester City.
However, both Arteta and sporting director Edu are keen to get more signings over the line, with David Raya expected to be next to arrive. Barcelona's Ansu Fati was also targeted, but that deal looks far less likely to happen.
With that in mind, Mirror Football has taken a look at all of the transfer talking points emerging out of the Emirates on Wednesday, August 9.
Fati efforts snubbed despite Xavi claim
Ansu Fati was the subject of interest from Arsenal (Getty Images)Barcelona have told Arsenal that Ansu Fati is not for sale after the Gunners approached the LaLiga titans regarding a possible switch for the Spaniard.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
The Gunners put forward was deemed 'very tempting' by Fati, as per Sport, but declined by the Spaniards. The rejection comes despite the fact that Barcelona boss admitted he can't guarantee the young forward game time as the club is "not a charity".
"He has to have continuity in training as well as in matches, and from there we will decide," the Spaniard explained.
Pressed for comment on whether Fati will earn more minutes next term now that he's staying, Xavi added: "I can’t guarantee it to anyone. I mean, I can’t promise. When I go to sign a footballer I can’t say that, that you’re going to play forever.
"I tell them that you are going to compete, you are going to compete with this guy, with this guy and with this guy. This is Barcelona. This is not a charity."
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'Next Saka' set for second loan
(Salvio Calabrese/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)Arsenal youngster Marquinhos was once compared to fellow Gunner Bukayo Saka by club legend Martin Keown, but is now being readied for a second loan stint away from the club.
Weeks after the Brazilian made his debut last season, Keown discussed Marquinhos by claiming: "Marquinhos is not playing tonight but he played in that very first game in Europe exceptionally well. It was like Saka in that position, it’s almost a copycat performance. That’s what you’re really looking for."
However, the 20-year-old has not developed as much as he or Arteta would have liked. The second half of last season saw him join Norwich City on loan, where he underwhelmed and did little to convince the Gunners boss he should be starting back at the Emirates.
It is for that reason why Arteta is preparing to ship Marquinhos off for a second time. According to Ouest-France, the former Sao Paulo prospect is now on the verge of joining Nantes on loan for the upcoming campaign.
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Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
Raya deal 'imminent'
Arsenal are on the verge of signing David Raya (Getty Images)Arsenal are on the verge of securing the signature of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, according to CBS Sports.
Raya is believed to have been brought in to challenge current number one Aaron Ramsdale for the first-choice spot at the Emirates, having played a starring role for the Bees both in the Championship and the top-flight.
The report states: ‘It is all change in the goalkeeping department at the Emirates Stadium with sources close to negotiations saying Arsenal are very close to securing the services of Spain international David Raya from Brentford.’