Romano confirms Arsenal ‘agreement signed’ for fourth arrival as Gunners consider Chelsea hijack…

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal has reached an ‘agreement’ for their fourth signing of the summer, while they are also considering a move to outmaneuver Chelsea for Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix.

This summer, Premier League champions Arsenal have already secured two signings, bringing in Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier on permanent deals.

Recent reports indicate that Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis will be the next addition, with Arsenal finalizing an agreement for his transfer to the Emirates this week.

The Gunners are also pursuing Morgan Rogers, and we have learned today that they have made significant progress in their efforts to sign the Aston Villa and England star.

Bruno Guimaraes and Julian Alvarez are among Arsenal’s other targets as part of an ambitious quadruple signing plan, but a Spurs youth player is set to be their next acquisition following Tzolis, Hincapie, and Meslier.

Romano has disclosed that the Gunners have an ‘agreement signed’ to acquire 18-year-old Spurs defender Elijah Upson.

Romano stated on X: ‘Elijah Upson to Arsenal, here we go! Agreement signed today for the 18-year-old center back to join the Gunners project.

‘Upson has declined a new contract at Spurs to join #AFC for the long term, and everything is in place for the announcement.’

Arsenal is now focusing on finding a replacement for William Saliba.

Initially, Arsenal was not anticipated to invest in a new defender this summer, but Saliba’s injury seems to have prompted a change of plans at the Emirates.

We have reported that he may require surgery, leading the Gunners to make Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa a ‘serious target’ in a potential double deal involving Rogers.

Alternatively, Arsenal might aim to outpace Chelsea and other clubs in the pursuit of Crystal Palace star Lacroix.

Caught Offside reporter Mark Brus has mentioned that the Blues ‘face competition’ from Arsenal for Lacroix following Saliba’s injury, and the Gunners have ‘intensified’ their interest in the French player.

Lacroix’s valuation has reportedly increased from 55 million euros to between 65 and 70 million euros, and it remains uncertain if any of the Big Six clubs would be inclined to meet this price for the defender.

According to a source for Caught Offside, “Chelsea has prioritized Lacroix and is actively working to finalize a deal,” the source stated. “However, Palace will not make it straightforward, as their initial asking price of €55m has significantly increased.

“Palace is aware of other clubs showing interest. Arsenal has been keeping an eye on his situation and is now intensifying their pursuit of a new centre-back due to William Saliba’s injury. Additionally, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City are also potential contenders.”