The Athletic claimed last week that Arsenal were interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.
Arsenal might have signed Emile Smith Rowe up to a new deal this week but the Gunners remain interested in signing another midfielder.
James Maddison and Houssem Aouar are among those linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Club legend Paul Merson believes that Grealish will be on the move this summer, based on Aston Villa’s purchase of Emi Buendia.
The Argentine playmaker – who was linked with a move to North London but chose Villa in what was a club-record £35 million deal – is a similar player to Grealish, who is also on Manchester City’s radar.
And Merson has told The Daily Star that he believes Buendia was signed as the England international’s replacement.
He said: “The transfer window has been quite quiet so far but I still think there are some shocks to come – and Jack Grealish is one to keep an eye on. The fact Aston Villa bought Emiliano Buendia says to me that he might go.
“But why would Villa pay all that money for Buendia if Grealish is staying? It feels like they were buying a potential replacement.”
Is Grealish realistic for Arsenal?
Well, no. Not really.
Mikel Arteta’s side finished eighth in the Premier League last season and have no European football of any description next term.
And with teams like City hovering around Grealish – and willing to pay around £100 million – you have to think that Arsenal have little chance.
Then again, if Pep Guardiola’s side break the bank to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane then maybe they struggle to fund a big-money for the Aston Villa star.
It isn’t impossible that Arsenal get him, but it is unlikely in spite of the speculation.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
