Balogun makes transfer preference clear as Arsenal solidify Gabriel stance

23 August 2023 , 03:00

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Arsenal kept up their 100 per cent start to the season on Monday night, but they may still feel they have work to do in the transfer market.

The Gunners were made to work very hard for their three points away to Crystal Palace. Martin Odegaard scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, but Mikel Arteta's side were left holding on after Takehiro Tomiyasu saw red for two quickfire bookings.

With Tomiyasu suspended and Jurrien Timber injured, Arteta will be desperate not to lose any more defenders. That's one of the matters in focus as Mirror Football looks at the biggest lines from around North London.

Balogun keen on Chelsea

Folarin Balogun is keen on a move to Chelsea as Arsenal prepare to listen to offers for the American. However, the Blues aren't the only team keen on a man who Arsenal value at around £50m.

Monaco and Fulham are also interested in the 22-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout season on loan at Reims last term. Inter Milan has earlier appeared keen but turned their attention elsewhere.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Ligue 1 side Monaco have seen a £34m bid knocked back, and - while there may be some wiggle room on the asking price - questions remain over Arsenal's willingness to sell to a rival. Chelsea have a number of forwards in their sights, including Balogun, after losing Christopher Nkunku to injury.

Brighton in Lokonga talks

What else do Arsenal need to do in the transfer window? Have your say in the comments section

Albert Sambi Lokonga spent time at Crystal Palace last season (PA)

Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has emerged as a target for Brighton, according to 90min. The Seagulls are looking to strengthen in midfield after selling Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a Premier League record sum.

The Belgian is one of a number of targets for Roberto De Zerbi's side, who have also pushed for Cameroonian youngster Carlos Baleba. Brighton lost another midfielder earlier in the summer when Alexis Mac Allister joined Liverpool, though they have been able to add Mahmoud Dahoud and James Milner to their ranks.

Lokonga joined Arsenal from Anderlecht in 2021, playing 24 times in his first season. He struggled for minutes last term, though, ending the season on loan at Crystal Palace.

Arsenal clear on Gabriel

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists speculation about Gabriel's future had "Nothing at all," to do with the Brazilian being benched at Crystal Palace. "It's about the games we were expecting, how I wanted to defend and attack."

The former Lille centre-back has attracted interest from Spain and Saudi Arabia, but Arsenal are in no mood to sell. Indeed, Arteta is clear he does not want his squad unsettled.

Real Madrid are thought to be keen on a move, while Saudi giants Al-Ittihad are also fans. The Saudi transfer window stays open longer than its English counterpart, meaning Arsenal might not be able to rest for a while yet.