Arsenal transfer rumours and news: Snag in deal for Nigerian pair Nwakali and Chukwueze, Kylian Mbappe linked
A look at the latest tittle-tattle concerning the Gunners
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal's hopes of signing Nigerian duo Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze for a combined fee of £3m could be hit by Fifa. According to reports an agreement has been reached with the Diamond Football Academy in Umuahia for the teenagers, however work permit and visa issues still need to be resolved. Things have now been made more complicated by Fifa's rules on signing players under the age 18 - a relevant issue with Nwakali aged 17 and and Chukwueze 16. Barcelona were hit with sanctions for signing under-age players while Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were just given transfer bans - a situation Arsenal are desperate to avoid.
The Gunners are in the mix to sign Monaco youngster Kylian Mbappe, who is being billed as the 'next Anthony Martial'. According to L'Equipe, Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi watched the 17-year-old in action last week. The striker, who can play across any of the forward positions, will be out of contract in the summer, making a move a real possibility. However whether he opts to join Arsenal remains to be seen with just about every major club in Europe linked with him.
The signing of Petr Cech over the summer means Arsenal are settled in the goalkeeping position, however Wenger is apparently eyeing a long-term replacement for his current first choice. It's seen the Gunners linked with Athletic Bilbao stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 23-year-old, who is on loan at Real Valladolid this term, has caught the eye of the Arsenal boss according to Don Balon.
Reports of Isco moving to Arsenal persist, with suggestions that Real Madrid are open to offers for the midfielder despite him being a favourite among the fans at the Bernabeu. The 23-year-old will cost in excess of £25m should there be any solidity to the rather flaky speculation.
Mathieu Debuchy has moved a step closer to leaving Arsenal amid reports he has agreed to join Aston Villa. The right-back has spoken publicly about his desire to play elsewhere to ensure regular first-team action and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is open to him leaving. The former Newcastle player will join the relegation threatened side on loan for the rest of the season.
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