Wednesday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: David Luiz, Malang Sarr, Willian

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.

Wednesday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

How Arsenal could line up with Gabriel Magalhaes

With William Saliba having already arrived at the Emirates Stadium ahead of next season, you would be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would now focus his attention on other areas of the pitch.

However, if reports are to be believed, the Spaniard is eager to complete a deal for Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes in the coming weeks.

While only making 52 appearances during his two seasons at the French outfit, the Brazilian has helped the club establish themselves in the top four of the Ligue 1 standings.

Lille have already acknowledged that the 22-year-old will move to another club during the summer transfer window, with Everton and Napoli among the teams known to be in the running.

Nevertheless, it appears increasingly likely that Arsenal will win the race to sign Gabriel for a fee in the region of Â£27m.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at where the player could feature in Arteta's starting lineup.

With Arsenal likely to go into the new campaign with at least six players who can play in the middle of the backline, it suggests that Arteta has plans to stick with a 3-4-3 formation. Providing that David Luiz remains in North London, the veteran Brazilian is expected to retain his place in the centre, potentially with William Saliba being used to the right of him. That would leave Gabriel to slot in on the opposite side, something which would allow Kieran Tierney to revert to familiar territory at wing-back. Should Arsenal take the decision to part ways with Luiz, Gabriel would be a contender to take his spot, leaving Pablo Mari, Shkodran Mustafi or Rob Holding to be brought into the first XI. Although there will likely be occasions when Arteta prefers to go with a back four, it would come as a surprise if Gabriel was the player to drop out of the team. On the assumption that Arteta would be against a youthful two-man partnership with Saliba, Gabriel would likely line up with the more experienced Luiz or Mustafi.

Barcelona 'make contact with free agent Malang Sarr'

Free agent Malang Sarr has allegedly emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona ahead of next season.

After a trophyless season and the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, the Catalan giants are facing problems both on and off the pitch.

At a time when many of the first-team squad are available for transfer, club officials have been left to contemplate moving away from high-profile additions.

According to SPORT, Sarr has been identified as a potential signing after recently departing Nice on a free transfer.

The 21-year-old, who can play at centre-back or left-back, made 19 appearances in Ligue 1 during the most recent campaign.

The report claims that contact has already been made with the representatives of the player, who has previously been linked with Arsenal.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Willian 'had no intention of leaving Chelsea' Willian allegedly had no plans to leave Chelsea this summer until it became clear that club officials were happy to hand him a free transfer. Read more.

Napoli to hijack Arsenal move for Lille's Gabriel Magalhaes? Napoli reportedly offer Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes a lucrative contract as they try to persuade the 22-year-old to snub Arsenal in favour of Serie A. Read more.

Arsenal submit opening offer for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes The 22-year-old's services have been sought after since the transfer window opened. Read more.

Arsenal to sign former Tottenham Hotspur youngster Jonathan Dinzeyi? Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of signing former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jonathan Dinzeyi on a free transfer. Read more.

Shirt numbers available to Gabriel Magalhaes at Arsenal Amid reports linking Gabriel Magalhaes with a move to Arsenal, Sports Mole looks at the shirt numbers that could be available to the defender. Read more.

Arsenal 'drawing up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang paperwork' Arsenal are reportedly going through the process of finalising the paperwork for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's new three-year contract. Read more.