Arsenal transfer news: Chelsea close to Mohammed Kudus agreement as Romeo Lavia plan revealed

All the latest Arsenal transfer news including updates on Nicolas Pepe and Mohammed Kudus

Your morning Arsenal transfer roundup on Sunday, July 23.

Lavia update

According to journalist Dharmesh Sheth, Arsenal may make a move for Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia if the Gunners end up selling one of their midfielders this summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Talk Podcast, Sheth said: "Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is a name that will not go away, Chelsea have looked at him as well and there has been talk about Arsenal, but I think Arsenal will only look into the midfield department and recruit again after spending over £200m if there is a departure for good money in that midfield."

Nicolas Pepe latest

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed why he decided not to include Nicolas Pepe in his squad for the club's pre-season tour of America.

"At the moment he’s recovering from an injury", Arteta said when asked about Pepe's future. "That’s why he’s not here. He had a spell on loan and we wanted to get more from that loan spell.

"We’ll have to see when he comes back. Have a chat with him. Understand what he plans are and make a decision."

Kudus hijack

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ajax playmaker Mohammed Kudus in recent times but it seems that London rivals Chelsea have now entered the race to sign the Ghana international, as per the Athletic.

Their report has claimed that the Blues have made contact with Ajax to express their interest in Kudus, with personal terms close to being agreed.

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