Arsenal prepared to sanction blockbuster swap deal hours before Premier League opener

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to sanction a blockbuster swap deal in the closing days of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners are eyeing up more signings before the window closes, having already signed Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Piero Hincapie this summer.

They have agreed a £51 million deal with Aston Villa to sign centre-back Ezri Konsa, who can also offer cover at right-back.

Another forward is also on the agenda, with their interest in Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior ultimately coming to nothing after the Brazilian agreed a new six-year contract to remain at the Bernabeu.

The Gunners retain interest in Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, though were said to be unwilling to match Chelsea's ultimately successful bid of £117 million - a British-record sum - to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign on Friday night when they host newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal 'make enquiries' over long-term target in potential swap deal

Now, Mikel Arteta's side are said to be preparing a surprise bid to sign a player who has been rarely mentioned in recent weeks.

That's according to TEAMtalk, who claim that long-standing forward target Kenan Yildiz is now once again on the Gunners' radar.

It is reported that they have 'made fresh enquiries' with the representatives of Yildiz, who plays for Serie A giants Juventus.

The report adds that, on the opposite side, Juventus are interested in signing Arsenal and Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli.

Galatasaray submitted a bid worth a reported £38.6 million to sign Martinelli earlier in the window, but The Athletic report he was said to have communicated that he had 'no interest' in moving to the reigning Turkish Super Lig champions.

Arsenal, for their part, were said to have been 'open' to selling Martinelli if they received what was described as an 'attractive offer' before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Yildiz, a Turkey international who played at the World Cup, has caught the eye in Turin over recent seasons, having made the switch from Bayern Munich in 2022.

He scored 10 goals and provided six assists in Serie A last season and, at 21 years of age, is regarded as one of the top talents in young football.

Juve ultimately only finished in sixth in the Italian top flight, meaning they will play in the Europa League group phase this term.

The Independent reports that the Italian giants would demand at least £60 million to sell Yildiz, meaning Arsenal would have to pay a fee on top if Martinelli was included as part of a swap deal.

It is suggested that the Gunners could wait until future transfer windows to seal the move, though that would risk Arteta not having his ideal squad in place for the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season.