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Sunday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: Philippe Coutinho, Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Arsenal on Sunday, August 16.

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.

Sunday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:


Arsenal 'planning two more signings after Willian'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on June 25, 2020© Reuters

Arsenal will reportedly look to make two more additions to their squad after securing the signature of Brazilian attacker Willian on Friday.

The former Chelsea man joined the Gunners on a free transfer after ending his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge, and Willian has penned a three-year deal with Mikel Arteta's side.

Despite the financial concerns arising from the coronavirus pandemic, Arteta is still said to be planning a major overhaul of his squad this summer, and the Gunners reportedly have unfinished business in the transfer market.

According to the Daily Star, Arsenal's technical director Edu now wants to focus on getting a deal done for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, but the Gunners are reluctant to hand over the midfielder's £45m release clause.

The report also claims that a new defender is on Arsenal's wishlist, but the North London outfit may be forced to concede defeat in their pursuit of Lille's Gabriel Magalhaes, who is rumoured to be closing in on a move to Napoli.

In order to fund a significant reshuffle ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, the Gunners will supposedly entertain offers for Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Shkodran Mustafi, Mohamed Elneny, Calum Chambers and Matteo Guendouzi this summer.



How Arsenal could line up with Philippe Coutinho

On a day when Arsenal have completed the signing of Willian, speculation persists regarding a deal for his Brazilian compatriot Philippe Coutinho.

While the playmaker has produced solid numbers during a loan spell at Bayern Munich, the German champions have no desire to retain his services on a permanent basis.

Agent Kia Joorabchian has suggested that the former Liverpool man is keen on a return to the Premier League, comments which have led to increased talk about a potential switch to the Emirates Stadium.

With Joorabchian having a strong working relationship with key figures behind the scenes, the Gunners are expected to try to negotiate a loan agreement with Barcelona.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how the 28-year-old could line up in Mikel Arteta's first XI.



ARSXI with Coutinho.

Although Coutinho is generally more effective as a number 10, Arsenal's success with a back three may dictate that he is used out on the flanks.

Willian's arrival effectively means that he will become first choice on the right-hand side, leaving Coutinho to battle Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe on the opposite wing.

Arteta may jump at the opportunity to use Aubameyang down the middle, putting him a position where he would likely rotate between Coutinho and club-record signing Pepe.

With Kieran Tierney having impressed on the left-hand side of a back three, Bukayo Saka appears best suited to take over at left wing-back, unless Arteta can convince the Arsenal board to keep hold of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

However, to get all four attack-minded players on the pitch, there will be a willingness on Arteta's part to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing Pepe to hold down a role on the left.

The Spaniard would then be in a position to use Coutinho as the most creative midfielder in a three alongside Granit Xhaka and potentially Thomas Partey, who continues to be linked with a move from Atletico Madrid.

As far as the back four is concerned, Tierney could switch to left-back, with William Saliba and David Luiz forming a partnership in the centre.


More transfer news from Arsenal:

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Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe celebrates scoring against Sheffield United on June 28, 2020
Arsenal 'begin internal investigation into £72m Nicolas Pepe deal'

Arsenal reportedly launch an investigation into Nicolas Pepe's £72m arrival as the club looks to revamp their transfer strategy. Read more.

Philippe Coutinho agent opens door to Barcelona stay amid Arsenal links
The agent of Philippe Coutinho insists that the Brazilian could still stay at Barcelona this summer, despite speculation of an impending switch to Arsenal. Read more.

Lille chief confirms Arsenal, Manchester United target Gabriel Magalhaes can leave
Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, has been given the all clear to leave Lille this summer by the club's president. Read more.

Emiliano Martinez talks up options if he leaves Arsenal
Emiliano Martinez reveals that he is on the radar of 10 clubs in Europe amid uncertainty regarding the goalkeeper's future at Arsenal. Read more.

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

Arsenal complete signing of Willian on three-year deal
The Brazilian was a free agent after leaving Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. Read more.

New Arsenal signing Willian claims Gunners "deserve to shine again"
The Brazilian signed a three-year deal with the Gunners. Read more.

Arsenal 'fail with player-plus-cash offer for Houssem Aouar'
Arsenal fail with a player-plus-cash offer for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to a report. Read more.

Agent: 'Arsenal are not in discussions for Joelson Fernandes'
Arsenal are not in transfer talks for Sporting Lisbon's Joelson Fernandes, according to his agent Kia Joorabchian. Read more.

Willian 'to earn £220,000 a week at Arsenal'
Willian will sign a three-year contract with Arsenal worth £220,000 a week over the weekend, according to a report. Read more.

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Ben Chilwell in action for Leicester City on June 20, 2020
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


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