The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Arsenal eye possible reinforcements.
The Gunners spent more than many expected last summer - most notably their club-record purchase of Nicolas Pepe - but were more reserved in January as they focused on bolstering their defensive options.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.
Thursday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:
Lyon chief confirms contact with Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette over transfer
© Reuters
Lyon sporting director Juninho Pernambucano has confirmed that he held talks with Alexandre Lacazette earlier this year over a loan move from Arsenal.
The France international, who swapped Lyon for Arsenal in a £42.5m deal three years ago, found himself out of favour in North London at the turn of the year.
Juninho hoped to bring Lacazette back to the Groupama Stadium on a short-term contract, but the 29-year-old stayed put at Arsenal and ended the 2019-20 campaign on a high by helping the Gunners to FA Cup success.
"In January I called Alexandre Lacazette to chat a bit with him," Juninho is quoted as saying by The Mirror.
"He was having problems at Arsenal and I said to myself: 'Why not do a loan for six months with us where you will enjoy yourself, play all the games and score the goals like you know how to? And then you go back to Arsenal or somewhere else'."
Lacazette is rumoured to be a target for Atletico Madrid this summer, possibly as part of a swap deal involving midfielder Thomas Partey.
Emiliano Martinez 'rejects new Arsenal contract amid Aston Villa interest'
© Reuters
Emiliano Martinez has reportedly rejected a new contract at Arsenal amid rumoured interest from Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old has been on Arsenal's books since 2010 but had to wait until the second half of last season for his first extended spell in the team after Bernd Leno suffered an injury.
Martinez impressed during his time in Mikel Arteta's side and is now demanding regular first-team football next term, whether that is at Arsenal or elsewhere.
The Argentine was selected for the Community Shield against Liverpool last month but is still waiting to see whether he has permanently usurped the fit-again Leno in the pecking order.
Goal reports that Martinez has turned down the offer of a new contract at the Emirates Stadium and has no interest in discussing new terms until he receives reassurances over his status.
Aston Villa are understood to have lodged a second bid for the shot-stopper which is much closer to Arsenal's asking price of £20m, and with more lucrative wages than Arsenal have offered.
Martinez kept nine clean sheets in 23 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions last season.
More transfer news from Arsenal:
Barcelona 'exploring possibility of re-signing Hector Bellerin'
Barcelona could attempt to re-sign Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin this summer, according to a report. Read more.
Arsenal 'willing to cash in on £35m Hector Bellerin'
Arsenal are willing to sell Hector Bellerin for £35m this summer amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report. Read more.
