. The striker is expected to move for an initial €11m as a replacement for Lois Openda, who joined RB Leipzig earlier in the summer. Akpom, 27, was the top scorer in the Championship last season. Welcome back to Mirror Football's one-stop shop for everything Arsenal. We'll have all the latest throughout the da){kind=link}
Arsenal may be preparing to face Nottingham Forest in their Premier League opener but the away from the pitch, the Gunners are still working hard on transfers, with David Raya poised to be their next signing
Arsenal are closing in on completing the signing of goalkeeper David Raya initially on loan from Brentford, as their busy summer transfer window continues at pace.
But now Premier League football is back, the Gunners must juggle getting off to a strong start with making the improvements required to mount a title charge and go one better than last season, just as they’re being tipped to. Mikel Arteta’s men kick off off their campaign at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz all set to be involved.
Just as important as arrivals are departures, with technical director Edu clearing the decks in order to streamline Arteta’s squad. In-demand striker Folarin Balogun is wanted by multiple clubs, including West Ham, Monaco and Inter Milan, while £72million flop Nicolas Pepe is also on the chopping block amid interest from Besiktas, and young winger Marquinhos is poised for another loan.
Stay tuned for all of the transfer news and match updates from the Emirates throughout Saturday…