Berta much closer to Guimaraes and two other signings

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Apparently Arsenal have been told that the only way to get the Morgan Rogers deal done this summer is to meet Aston Villa’s full valuation.

The Midlands club demand £130 million even to consider opening talks with the Gunners over their talisman, so it remains to be seen whether the English champions will break their transfer record.

It appears that Villa have set a mammoth valuation on Rogers so that they can get to their dream transfer fee of around 100m.

Manchester City's purchase of Anderson for 116m has unfortunately set the bar at an inflationary level. The sooner City are told of the panel's decision on the 115+ charges the better....

Meanwhile, with Leandro Trossard expected to join Besiktas, Arsenal appear to have already lined up his replacement. The Gunners are now close to completing an agreement with Club Brugge to sign Christos Tzolis for a fee in the region of £35 million.

It looks an exciting capture, given the winger’s impressive tally of 22 goals and 29 assists in just 52 appearances last season. But 35m implies that he will not be a nailed on starter. Rogers may be that...

Elsewhere in a major development on the Bruno Guimaraes front, the Brazilian has asked Newcastle United to let him join Arsenal. Transfer guru Ben Jacobs has revealed that Guimaraes has already verbally agreed terms with the Gunners.

Newcastle still insist their captain is not for sale and deny any direct negotiations so far, but Arsenal are expected to lodge a formal bid shortly. This is definitely one to watch. And what a midfield we will be able to field the coming season.

With the player keen and Arsenal ready to commit, the Magpies may have little choice but to give in, given their captain’s head has been turned.

That said, Arsenal have signed another goalkeeper. The Gunners have brought in Illan Meslier, their ninth keeper arrival since Mikel Arteta took charge. With Kepa Arrizabalaga set to leave, the former Leeds man will arrive as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper.