Arsenal hit by Zakaria delay after Edu given 'green light' to complete transfer

Arsenal are facing a delay in their reported pursuit of Denis Zakaria despite Edu receiving the go-ahead to sign the Borussia Monchengladbach star.

Zakaria, 24, is pushing for a Gladbach exit and has attracted significant interest from the Gunners - who have already signed Albert Sambi Lokonga - and Manchester City.

The Switzerland international has 12 months remaining on his contract with the Bundesliga club, who are believed to be demanding €30million (£25.6m) to part ways with their star midfield operator.

But any hopes of securing a quick transfer for Zakaria have been dashed after Gladbach confirmed the player has returned a positive coronavirus test.

Nonetheless, Arsenal technical director Edu will continue to negotiate a fee for the former Young Boys star after receiving the green light to pursue him.

Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl confirmed Zakaria would "prefer a transfer this summer" as he provided an transfer update last week.

"With Denis, we have been trying to extend his contract since October," said Eberl. "Denis and his management told us pretty clearly that they would prefer a transfer this summer."

As well as signing Lokonga and targeting Zakaria, Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Ben White, who will undergo a medical on Wednesday.

Emirates chiefs agreed a £50million deal to sign the Brighton defender last week as they respond to Mikel Arteta's plea for significant investment this summer.

Arsenal missed out on European football last season for the first time in 25 years and Arteta admitted his squad "needs changing".

"There were already a lot of changes in December, something that has not been done in years, but it tells us where we were," said Arteta in May.

"Things are going to have to change and the owners are going to back it up."

The Spaniard also warned his Arsenal bosses they must fill up his transfer war chest or risk the club falling too far behind the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.

"Time is catching up right now," he added. "It's a trend, it's years now that this has been happening. If the distance and the margins with the rest become too big, then it's almost impossible to do it.

"We are still on time, and we have put some very strong pillars and foundations in the last few months to do what we have to do."

The Gunners face Chelsea and Tottenham in their next pre-season matches after losing 2-1 to Hibernian and drawing 2-2 with Rangers in their first two friendlies.