Arsenal Plot Bid For Liverpool Target As Part Of Possible £75m Double Swoop

Managers are now pressing ahead with their plans for the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Arsenal are linked with two big-money moves…

Arsenal are eyeing a bid for Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk while Arsene Wenger is also plotting a swoop for Celtic striker Mousa Dembele, according to the Express.

Wenger has already broken Arsenal’s transfer record to sign striker Alexandre Lacazette while defender Sead Kolasinac has arrived on a free transfer from Schalke but the Frenchman knows he needs to strengthen further if they are to be serious contenders this season.

The Gunners are ready to continue with a 3-4-2-1 formation having impressed with the system during the closing stages of last season and it seems Wenger is hoping to bring in another central defender.

The Express claim Arsenal have identified van Dijk as a prime target and are now ready to test Southampton’s resolve with an opening £45m offer – although that is someway short of the clubs reported valuation of at least £60m.

van Dijk has developed in to arguably the best centre-back in the Premier League since joining the Saints from Celtic two years ago so obviously he’d be a superb signing if Arsenal were able to get a deal agreed.

However, the Holland international has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer and Jurgen Klopp maintains an interest despite the Merseysiders being forced to issue a public apology over their pursuit, so Arsenal may face some stiff competition.

Any move for van Dijk could be part of a big-money double swoop by the north Londoners as the Express claim Wenger is also ready to step-up his interest in Dembele if Alexis Sanchez leaves the club this summer.

It’s increasingly unlikely Sanchez will sign a new deal after publicly stating his desire to play in the Champions League and despite suggesting they are prepared to hold him to the final year of his deal, Arsenal know it would be madness to lose such a valuable asset for nothing in 12 months time.

Therefore the Gunners could cash-in this summer and the newspaper says Wenger has identified Dembele as a potential replacement after watching the striker score 32 goals for Celtic last season.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Liverpool transfer news

The Express suggest the 20-year-old is valued at around £30m but the Scottish champions may demand more given transfer fees seem to be spiralling out-of-control this summer.