Arsenal's summer transfer window has proven frustrating so far
Arsenal have yet to spark into life in this summer's transfer window.
There was plenty of talk at the end of last season, following their Premier League title triumph and Champions League final loss, that the Gunners would look to spend heavily in the coming months.
Mikel Arteta was reported to have been handed a war chest of around £250million - the same amount he spent this time last year to strengthen his squad. However, aside from the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie, Arsenal have been silent in terms of actually confirming new arrivals, particularly compared to some of their rivals.
It appears sporting director Andrea Berta is conducting negotiations on multiple deals simultaneously for players featured on his list of targets. The English champions are believed to be prioritising a right-back, a midfielder, a left winger and potentially a forward.
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Yet, there has been a growing sense of concern in recent days, given some of their targets have secured moves elsewhere and reports that the north Londoners have been priced out of several deals. Now, football.london examines two of the latest transfer developments involving Arsenal.
Why Arsenal snubbed Tonali
Arsenal reportedly passed up the opportunity to sign Sandro Tonali before Tottenham Hotspur struck a £100m deal with Newcastle. The 26-year-old Italian is set to become Spurs' second record signing of the summer, following Matheus Fernandes' arrival.
The news may have caught some Gunners fans off guard, given their side's repeated transfer links with Tonali since January. Berta had made contact over the player and ChronicleLive reports that his agent even offered Tonali to Arsenal.
However, the same report claims the Gunners rejected the opportunity on the grounds that his wage demands were excessive. Tonali is understood to be in line to earn £275,000 per week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a six-year contract. His agent, Giuseppe Riso, also reportedly requested a 10% agent fee.
Spurs plot third hijack
Having secured deals for Arsenal midfield targets Tonali and Fernandes, Tottenham have reportedly shifted their focus towards strengthening their attack. The Independent reports that Bournemouth's highly-regarded Eli Junior Kroupi tops their transfer wishlist.
Roberto De Zerbi is said to be keen to conclude his business prior to pre-season getting underway. Spurs are prepared to splash the cash once more to secure the 20-year-old, who is valued in excess of £80m by the Cherries.