Chris Wheatley’s transfer round-up: key Arsenal target to decide on future as £35m Gunner set for exit

As the curtain falls on yet another thrilling Premier League season, the excitement around the summer transfer window is starting to ramp up.
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With clubs nationwide looking to strengthen their playing squads, this summer marks a bustling period for agents, intermediaries, sporting directors, and legal teams alike.

We’re expecting a frantic few months of wheeling and dealing, as potential Premier League title contenders look to knock Man City off their perch, European football hopefuls aim to one-up their rivals, and those fearing relegation aim to bolster their ranks in an ever-competitive transfer landscape.

Big names such as PSG’s want-away star Neymar and Napoli goal-machine Victor Osimhen have been heavily linked with high profile switches to the English top tier, while the likes of Three Lions stars Harry Kane, Mason Mount and Jordan Pickford could all potentially opt for a fresh challenge ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Amidst this flurry of activity, National World's football editor and journalist, Chris Wheatley, debuts his weekly column, providing the latest insight into the transfers and football news.

Tottenham step up chase for Postecoglou

Tottenham are expected to ramp up their chase for Celtic head coach Ange Postecoglou in the coming days. Feyenoord boss Arne Slot recently ruled himself out of the running after signing a new contract with the Dutch giants, while Julian Nagelsmann is also not expected to be interviewed.

Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is also a potential candidate for the role, but it is Postecoglou who remains favourite to become the next Spurs head coach.

No hitch on Xhaka deal

Granit Xhaka's pending move to Bayer Leverkusen is still expected to happen in the coming weeks. Arsenal's priority this summer is to sign a replacement for the outgoing midfielder, with Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Ilkay Gundogan all being targeted.

As revealed by 3 Added Minutes’ sister site, LondonWorld, Xhaka - who joined the club from Borussia Monchengladbach for a fee of around £35m back in 2016 - held talks with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta at the back end of the season, where the Spaniard reluctantly gave his blessing to the move.

Kieran Tierney considering all options

Newcastle United target Kieran Tierney is assessing his options ahead of the summer transfer window. The former Celtic defender knows his game time is likely to increase next season due to Arsenal's participation in the Champions League.

However, he wants to be starting as many games as possible and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe remains a keen admirer of the left-back, after he tried to sign him at Bournemouth several years ago.

Emile Smith Rowe set to stay

One player who will be staying at Emirates Stadium next season is Emile Smith Rowe. Aston Villa were interested in signing the Croydon-born starlet, who struggled for game time last season.

The 22-year-old has impressed the Arsenal coaching staff in training recently and manager Mikel Arteta believes the midfielder has a key part to play in the Gunners' 2023/24 campaign.

Gundogan weighing up offers

Ilkay Gundogan is one of the most in demand free agents this summer. The Manchester City midfielder's contract expires next month with both Arsenal and Barcelona keen.

City remain hopeful that they can persuade Gundogan to extend his contract at the Etihad, with the 32-year-old set to make a decision on his future after the Champions League final on June 10.

Aarons set for Norwich departure

Fulham are keen on signing Norwich defender Max Aarons. He is also being looked at by a number of other Premier League clubs after publicly announcing his desire to leave Carrow Road this summer.