![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4932721.jpg?r=1693316983471\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Arsenal are focusing their efforts on offloading the fringe players on the outskirts of Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline. The Gunners have already completed the crux of their summer business but there is still a firm chance that further reinforcements could arrive before the close of play on Friday, even if there is currently a lack of movement on potential incomings.<\/p>\n
Sporting director Edu has already overseen progress on departures in the past few days after Kieran Tierney sealed a season-long loan switch to Real Sociedad in Spain.<\/p>\n
Folarin Balogun is also undergoing a medical with Monaco ahead of a \u00a334million return to Ligue 1 where he spent last season on loan with Stade Reims.<\/p>\n
But the aim is to trim Arteta’s squad right down ahead of the return of Champions League football, otherwise Arsenal will be faced with the prospect of paying the wages of players that aren’t involved this season.<\/p>\n
Arteta has been totally transparent with those that aren’t part of his plans and those players are currently training away from the main group at London Colney.<\/p>\n
Arsenal would like to overturn some profit on the \u00a38m they shelled out to Benfica for Nuno Tavares in the summer of 2021.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> Transfer news LIVE – Man Utd want Lyon defender as Chelsea target Smith Rowe[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n Negotiations with Nottingham Forest over a loan or permanent deal for the left-back failed to bear fruit in the past few weeks but there is a chance talks could yet be reignited.<\/p>\n Aston Villa had also shown tentative interest but Villa are no longer in the market for a left-back following Lucas Digne’s recent upsurge in form.<\/p>\n Tavares spent last season on loan at Marseille and there is a high likelihood Arsenal will find a buyer for the Portuguese in the coming days.<\/p>\n The same applies for Rob Holding, who has been the subject of shock enquiries from Sevilla and Mallorca.<\/p>\n Holding is also thought to be of interest to Luton Town but talk of loan interest is wide of the mark.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> That’s because the Hatters have now filled their loan quota as Premier League clubs are only permitted to sign two players on loan during a single season.<\/p>\n Isaac Hayden is due to arrive from Newcastle until the end of the season and Issa Kabore has already joined on loan from Manchester City.<\/p>\n Holding’s contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024 although Arsenal have the option for an additional 12 months if desired.<\/p>\n Albert Sambi Lokonga remains available for transfer but there has been little movement on that front to date following his loan spell with Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n Lokonga was briefly considered by Brighton but the Seagulls have cooled their interest. A loan move to Burnley was never as concrete as reported although Vincent Kompany is a fan of the midfielder from their time together at Anderlecht.<\/p>\n Monaco also looked at Lokonga in January but the Ligue 1 side are yet to return to the table for the 23-year-old.<\/p>\n Cedric Soares remains respected by Arteta but the Gunners have now moved in a fresh direction since the full-back was a regular for Arsenal.<\/p>\n Clubs from England, Spain and Portugal have shown interest but Arsenal are yet to receive any formal bids for the 31-year-old.<\/p>\n His current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2024, therefore Arsenal want a sale.<\/p>\n Finally, Nicolas Pepe can depart the club but Arsenal would still like to recoup a fee for their former club-record signing, who joined from Lille for \u00a372m in the summer of 2019.<\/p>\n Pepe has been in talks with two clubs in Saudi Arabia but Arsenal are yet to receive any formal bids.<\/p>\n Besiktas, who also showed interest in centre-back Holding, also like Pepe but would only be prepared to sign the winger if Arsenal agreed to the mutual termination of his contract which currently is not likely.<\/p>\n Gabriel Magalhaes is set to remain with Arsenal despite interest from Al Ittihad.<\/p>\n The Brazilian has found himself on the bench for Arsenal’s opening three Premier League matches but he remains part of Arteta’s plans moving forward.<\/p>\n Chelsea are admirers of Emile Smith Rowe but Arsenal are not entertaining the idea of a sale – particularly to a direct rival in Chelsea.<\/p>\n Arsenal previously rejected two bids from Aston Villa for Smith Rowe in the summer of 2021 and he looks unlikely to depart despite his lack of minutes.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4932725.jpg?r=1693316987319\")
<\/p>\n
Arsenal turn down Victor Nelsson as Mikel Arteta risks being caught short[EXCLUSIVE] <\/strong>
Arsenal could sanction nightmare transfer trade as Arteta faces major backlash[LATEST] <\/strong>
Arsenal have already ‘approached’ Ansu Fati as Chelsea eye Emile Smith Rowe[GOSSIP] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4932727.jpg?r=1693316987363\")
<\/p>\n