Arsenal already have 'perfect' attacker as Liverpool transfer proposed

Arsenal transfer news: The latest Gunners media briefing with reaction to stories on Emile Smith Rowe, Chelsea's interest and Albert Sambi Lokonga

If anyone was expecting a quiet final day of the summer transfer window at Arsenal, they would be wrong. The Gunners are yet to come to a final decision over a number of players despite time running out.

Talk of another signing continues to gather pace with a new defender or right-sided attacker the two likely positions to be added to. However, interest in players currently at the club remains strong with a number of first-team stars expected to leave.

The future of Emile Smith Rowe has been one saga that has seemed to attract more attention in recent days. Chelsea's questionable project of signing all of Europe's young attackers has raised concerns, but their interest in the Gunners academy product made sense.

Smith Rowe has struggled for minutes under Mikel Arteta and Fabio Vieira's preference in the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday has only placed further doubt over his long-term future.

However, it now seems that Chelsea have opted for Cole Palmer from Manchester City instead, meaning Smith Rowe is incredibly likely to stay at the Emirates Stadium this season.

football.london says: A move to the other side of London did come as a surprise earlier this week. Smith Rowe came through the Hale End academy and is adored by supporters, meaning leaving the club for Chelsea would tarnish that.

Now that the rumour has gone quiet, there's a big chance for Smith Rowe to make a name for himself at Arsenal. The Gunners no longer look likely to add to Arteta's attacking options meaning the likes of Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson will be called-up throughout the season.

Arteta has consistently praised Smith Rowe throughout his time at the club and the next nine months could be huge for his career at club level, as well as his international career. With the European Championships taking place next year, Smith Rowe has the opportunity to be like a brand new signing and provide Arsenal with the perfect outcome.

Another player who has struggled for minutes under Arteta is Albert Sambi Lokonga. The Belgian midfielder was signed as one for the future but is yet to reach the levels many would have hoped for. And according to reports in France, Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign him.

Get French Football News have claimed that the player's representatives proposed a move to the Merseyside outfit as Jurgen Klopp's search for another midfielder continues. Liverpool missed out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, meaning they could still sign someone for their midfield ranks.

football.london says: It hasn't really worked for Lokonga at Arsenal. It hasn't all been down to him, with the form of last season's midfield trio meaning he was forced to go out on loan to Crystal Palace and the arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have halted his chances even more so this summer.

Finding a new club for him is pivotal for his representatives, especially with the European Championships on the horizon. However, his lack of Premier League experience means a possible move to one of Arsenal's rivals seems unlike.y

Lokonga is one of the players the Gunners are willing to let go before the window closes. Interest in him has been pretty quiet in recent weeks, but it wouldn't be surprising to see a club in one of Europe's top five leagues come in with a late bid.

Sometimes transfers aren't meant to be and this is one of those occasions for Edu Gaspar.