Arsenal transfer news and rumours - live: Riyad Mahrez linked with Emirates move after Leicester contract 'snub'

Riyad Mahrez in action for Leicester CREDIT: AFP

Here is some more information on Arsenal's possible target, in the form of a handy breakout box:

9:29am

'No regrets' for Hayden


One Arsenal player who has already completed his summer move - midfielder Isaac Hayden, who joined Newcastle in search of regular first team football - has been speaking about his frustrations at not being given more time on the field at the Emirates.


“It’s s shame at Arsenal I never really got a chance to show what I was capable of, but, for me, Newcastle is a massive club,” said Hayden.

“To get the opportunity to come and a chance to progress my football is huge. As soon as I got the opportunity, I took it with both hands.”

9:05am

Riyad Mahrez - a possible target


Arsenal may also be encouraged to read this morning that Riyad Mahrez is due to become the latest Leicester City title-winner to decide that, actually, the chances of a repeat performance are pretty small and life would be far more fun at one of the club that were made to look rather silly by their feats last season.

Mahrez is reported by the Daily Mirror to be on the verge of rejecting a new £100,000-a-week contract offer, and given Arsenal (as well as a host of other clubs, from Barcelona to Chelsea) are one of the clubs to have been linked with a move in the past, attention could now move on to whether they can exploit that uncertainty.

Riyad Mahrez CREDIT: PA WIRE


You would think, having been stung once already this summer in their pursuit of a Leicester player, Wenger will want to be absolutely sure he would be able to get his man before committing himself to a bid. But it would be an intriguing signing...

8:32am

Carlos Bacca deal - really?


The other intriguing rumour to emerge on Friday evening was that Wenger is mulling over whether to 'hijack' West Ham's deal for Carlos Bacca.

The Colombia international has been a serial plunderer of goals wherever he has played, averaging just under one ever two games in league football in Italy and Spain, so his attraction is obvious.

West Ham had looked like the prime candidates to prise him away from AC Milan with a £25million bid, but Arsenal - still smarting from being snubbed by Jamie Vardy - are now apparently sniffing with intent.

8:29am

Your morning round-up


The main point of debate on Friday was the future of long-term Arsenal target - and favourite of transfer rumour round-ups the world over - Julian Draxler.

The Germany midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal usually at the front of the mythic queue. But it appears that if the Wolfsburg player is to move to the Emirates, it will not be this summer.

His current club's director of sport Klaus Allofs told Germany's Sport 1: “With Draxler it will be 100% like that.

"He will stay at VfL. There is no discussion. It is not the time for any vow, but we will not sell Julian. Our plans are clear."

Julian Draxler CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES


So, where does that leave Arsene Wenger's transfer plans? It might be time to return to another man who has featured on their long-term wish-list, Gonzalo Higuain. Arsenal are widely believed to be ready to add to their strikepower this summer and Higuain would appear an obvious candidate to replace - or supplement - Olivier Giroud.

Yet it appears that Chelsea and Liverpool could offer the club some serious competition in the transfer market for his signature. Reports in Italy suggest that both are keen on signing the player, meaning Arsenal will have to move fast to get themselves in pole position. Which, as we all know, is what they do best.

Gonzalo Higuain CREDIT: AFP


One deal that definitely is on is that of Arsenal's recruitment of a new coach. Simon Copely will begin work with the academy at the club's London Colney training base immediately.