Arsenal close in on Villarreal's Yeremy Pino
Arsenal have reportedly submitted a €40 million for Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino, which is likely to be accepted, according to reports from Spain.
Despite signing the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira this summer, the Gunners are still in the market for more additions in advanced areas of the pitch, and have seemingly turned attentions to Pino.
Earlier this summer, PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo was linked with a move to The Emirates Stadium, but talk of that has died down, with Man Utd now heavily interested in the Dutchman.
But, Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Pino for half his release clause.
According to Radio Villarreal, the Gunners have launched a €40m bid for Pino, despite the Spanish international having an €80m release clause included in his current Villarreal contract.
However, due to limited funds at the Spanish side, it's likely to accepted according to AS. In fact, if a €40m transfer goes through, Pino would become Villarreal's record sale.
Due to operating on a small budget, it's believed that Villarreal would welcome additional funds, which would come there way should they accept Arsenal's bid for Pino, as they would like to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso after the Argentine spent the second-half of last season on loan at the club.
According to reports, Villarreal are aware the Pino's €80m release clause isn't realistically going to be activated, but are hoping to receive close to €60m if possible. It remains to be seen if Arsenal will up their offer, but there is a chance the original bid is accepted by Villarreal.
If it's not, that may alert Liverpool who are also reportedly exploring the possibility of signing the young Spaniard.
Pino scored six goals and assisted a further four in 31 La Liga appearances last season in what was just his second season in professional football.