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Rumour Reel: Arsenal gunning for signature of Serie A striker Zapata

| 29.05.2016
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Lee Gormley | May 29, 2016

Coral’s rumour reel

The domestic season may be over, but there are still off-the-field battles going on in the transfer market, as Premier League managers scramble to tie up deals for new stars this summer, while Euro 2016, Europe’s biggest shopping window, looms large…

Gunners target Zapata signing

After capturing their first signing this summer in the form of midfielder Granit Xhaka, Arsene Wenger is hoping to move swiftly with further negotiations by bringing in a striker to help boost his Arsenal ranks for next term.

Italy Soccer Serie A

The latest frontman to be linked with a switch to the Emirates is Napoli-owned Udinese attacker Duvan Zapata, as the Gunners aim to add a goalscorer to their set-up after Olivier Giroud’s underwhelming performances at the backend of last campaign.

On-loan Zapata struck eight goals 24 Serie A outings last season and is reportedly the subject of many offers from other clubs, and the Italian club’s president Franco Soldati admitted he would love to retain the forward’s services but faces a struggle to do so.

“There is a clause that allows Napoli to recall him early from the two-year loan,” stated Soldati.

Britain Soccer Premier League

“He is very happy in Udine, his agent said that too and I hope he can remain with our jersey. He also received many offers from abroad, including from Arsenal. However, first we want coach Beppe Iachini to get to know the team so they can make shared decisions.”

The Colombian is high up on Arsenal’s priorities this year and, with a bid having already been tabled, the north Londoners will hope they can secure another early summer signing and bolster their squad ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.

Foxes and Reds rally for the Ox

With one player having come in at Arsenal and more potentially on the way, a high-profile departure could be on the cards, with both top-fight champions Leicester City and Liverpool interested in acquiring England wideman Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates FA Cup - Fourth Round - Emirates Stadium

The Foxes are set to enjoy Champions League football next season and are looking to boost their squad ahead of their European exploits by signing the injury-plagued winger, who will miss Euro 2016 due to a knee problem.

Wenger is believed to be willing to let the 22-year-old leave this summer in order to make room for further acquisitions, despite the player hoping to stay put, but offers from Liverpool and Leicester may take the matter out of his hands.

City chasing Kroos capture

With Pep Guardiola set to take charge of Manchester City, his list of supposed targets at the club has been evergrowing, but the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is reportedly now hoping to lure Real Madrid pass-master Toni Kroos to the Etihad.

Germany England Soccer

The Germany international recently helped Real reign supreme in Milan when overcoming city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final, and is also set to play a pivotal role for his country at Euro 2016 this summer.

Guardiola has always had a reliable possession-enthusiast within his sides in Spain and Germany, with the likes of Xabi Alonso and Xavi Hernandez having been key ball-retainers, and Kroos could yet become his latest one on the blue half of Manchester.

Related

With the summer soon upon us, Coral’s Rumour Reel is back in full swing, so check out other editions to ensure you don’t miss any major gossip.

Have a gander at our extensive Euro 2016 section too before the big kick-off.

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Author

Lee Gormley

Lee joined the Coral team in 2014 after studying at Leeds Trinity University, having moved across the water from Ireland, and has plenty of industry experience from his time with various news outlets in both England and Northern Ireland. After graduating with a BA Honours degree in Sports Journalism, he has since become an important member of the talented sports desk, passionately covering boxing, football and snooker, among many other sports. Lee is also a massive Manchester United and Republic of Ireland fan, but curbs any bias during his work, and outside of his job can be found regularly taking part in sport himself, such as boxing, GAA and football.