Arsenal latest: Mikel Arteta set for major boost as transfer target's agent breaks cover

Arsenal are looking to end the summer transfer window with a bang as they line up several transfers, with players set to come and go out before the deadline

Arsenal's summer business has entered a decisive phase, with Mikel Arteta's side beginning to make serious moves after a relatively cautious start to the window. The Gunners have now committed close to £150 million on new arrivals, headlined by the £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.

A blockbuster move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior seems to now be off the cards but Arsenal are still hoping to make a splash before the deadline. Arteta remains keen to add further quality and depth to his squad as he prepares for the challenge of defending the Premier League title for the first time in more than two decades.

There could be plenty of movement too, with Arteta making it clear on Wednesday that Arsenal are still working on further deals, saying: "There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that."

"We are actively trying to do so," he added. "We are actively looking to improve that and we're going to try." With that in mind, here are the latest Arsenal-related transfer headlines.

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Kounde's agent spotted

The agent of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has been spotted at the club's training ground, adding fuel to speculation that the France international could be heading for Arsenal this summer. With William Saliba and Jurrien Timber both expected to miss the start of the campaign, defensive cover has become a priority for the Gunners - and Kounde is reportedly high on their wish list.

The 27-year-old, who is equally comfortable at right back or centre back, has established himself at Barcelona since moving to the club four years ago. However, the Catalan giants are understood to be willing to sanction his departure, with a fee of around £42m reportedly being sought.

The reason behind the agent's visit to Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training complex has not been confirmed, but its timing has inevitably led to further speculation about a possible switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Kounde is reportedly settled in Catalonia and has not made a push to leave Barcelona, although he is understood to remain receptive to the prospect of playing in the Premier League. He previously came close to joining Chelsea in 2022 before ultimately opting for a move to Barcelona instead.

Barcelona's financial problems could also play into Arsenal's hands. The club remain under pressure to raise funds, while their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri could require further sales, potentially making Kounde an attractive asset to cash in on.

Arsenal's transfer record 'set to be broken'

Arsenal's long-standing outgoing transfer record could finally be smashed, with Galatasaray submitting a £38m offer for Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.

If Arsenal agree to the proposal, Martinelli's departure would become the biggest sale in the club's history, surpassing the £35m they received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.

The Gunners have traditionally struggled to maximise the fees received for players leaving the club, particularly when compared with their Premier League rivals. The scale of the gap becomes clear when Arsenal's current record is placed alongside the biggest sales made by the rest of the 'Big Six'.

Liverpool sit comfortably at the top following Philippe Coutinho's £142m transfer to Barcelona, while Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur both secured £100m for Eden Hazard and Harry Kane respectively. Manchester United's £80m sale of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 and Manchester City's £64m deal to send Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid also comfortably eclipse Arsenal's existing benchmark.

Martinelli has been a key member of Arsenal's first team for more than six years, but his position could become increasingly vulnerable as the club continues to pursue additional options in the wide attacking positions. As such, allowing the Brazilian to leave could suit all parties - particularly if Arsenal can finally establish a new club record in the process and hand Arteta more money to play with for incomings.