Transfer News: Arsenal Close On £10m Ace – Moyes To Battle Chelsea For £24m Modric

With the summer transfer window set to re-open, there is plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Arsenal are closing in on Simon Mignolet and Chelsea will battle with Manchester United for Luka Modric.

Gunner close on Mignolet

First up and the Mirror are reporting that Arsenal are set to win the race for Sunderland’s £10m-rated goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Boss Arsene Wenger is understood to be on the look out for a new goalkeeper this summer after an inconsistent season from first choice Wojciech Szczesny and it appears he could be set to snap up Belgian international Mignolet. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent year between the sticks and was a key factor in the Black Cats avoiding the drop last season.

The Mirror claim Arsenal are now expected to complete a deal worth in the region of £10m this summer after Liverpool dropped out of the race in order to concentrate on trying to sign Asmir Begovic or Michel Vorm.

The lure of playing in the Champions League is understood to be a tempting prospect for Mignolet with the keeper said to be desperate to cement his place as Belgium’s number one ahead of next summers World Cup and playing at the highest level is likely to go very-much in his favour.

The report suggests Paolo Di Canio is desperate to keep hold of his stopper but a sizable offer from the Gunners may prove too difficult to turn down with the Italian needing to generate funds to rebuild his squad with this summer.

Modric in demand

Next up and the Mirror are reporting that new Manchester United manager David Moyes is eyeing a move for former Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric but will face stiff competition from Chelsea.

Modric has endured a difficult first season in Spain and the newspaper suggests United have already made initial enquiries over his availability this summer with Moyes understood to be weighing up a move for the £24m-rated schemer.

However, the champions will face stiff competition for the Croatians signature with the Mirror claiming soon-to-be Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is keen to bring Modric with him to Stamford Bridge this summer. Real Madrid are expected to undergo major squad surgery this summer after a disappointing season and Modric could be a casualty after struggling to make a real impression in Spain following his big-money move from Spurs last summer.

So there’s your latest dose of transfer news. I’m not convinced by the Simon Mignolet to Arsenal story myself. It would be a strange signing in my opinion. Mignolet, while a fine keeper, isn’t a huge upgrade on Szczesny and the arrival of the Belgian would surely spell the end for the Pole at the Emirates if he’s installed as No.1. Is Wenger prepared to give up on Szczesny just yet? I’m not sure.

The Modric report is an interesting one and it would be great to see him back in the Premier League next season. If he does become available, i’d expect all the major clubs to be interested in his signature and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is back in England after a poor season in La Liga.

Read more Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Would Arsenal fans like Mignolet to sign for their club? Would United or Chelsea fans be pleased with the signing of Modric? Get involved in the comments section below.