Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta set to hijack £44m Man Utd transfer as Gunners eye wonderkid

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly pursuing a £44m rated midfielder in a transfer battle with Manchester United, while the Gunners are also said to be eyeing wonderkid

Arsenal’s iron grip on a first Premier League title in over two decades is starting to slip – and they could be knocked off their perch in the week when Manchester City face Burnley.

And it could be a case of the Gunners already looking towards next season to claim the trophy they so crave. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta showcased his prowess last summer by completing several marquee signings, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres.

However, the Italian cannot afford to sit back given what’s on the line once more next season, with numerous reports indicating Berta has already started advancing discussions for multiple targets. Now, Daily Star Sport examines the latest transfer speculation…

Arsenal eye 16-year-old wonderkid

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Arsenal are reportedly showing keen interest in Leicester City youngster Jeremy Monga. The Telegraph claims Arteta has been tracking the skilful 16-year-old winger for some time, reports the Mirror.

Monga has penned a professional deal with the Foxes which kicks in when he turns 17 this summer, though that doesn’t guarantee he’ll remain at the club next season. Monga is the third-youngest player in Premier League history after Arsenal’s Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.

He has the ability to play on either wing or even in a central position, racking up 28 appearances this season despite his young age. This has made him one of the most coveted talents in English football, with Arsenal aiming to ward off competition from rivals this summer.

Andrea Berta plots Man Utd hijack

Arsenal have reportedly joined Manchester United in the chase for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. United have been strongly linked with the 26 year old Brazil international over the past year and a half.

However, recent reports suggest that the Gunners are trying to scupper the deal by securing his signature first. The Athletic reports that Ederson, who only has a year remaining on his contract and is unlikely to extend his deal, is expected to depart the Serie A club before the World Cup.

Ederson is valued at around £43.5m by Atalanta but potential suitors believe they can secure him for approximately £10m less. Atletico Madrid also attempted to lure him to the Spanish capital earlier this month, but the deal fell through.