Report: Arsenal open talks on mega-money striker deal, told to pay another £37million

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

05 Jul 2016, 3:17 pm

By London correspondent Tony Hughes

Arsenal have held talks with Romelu Lukaku about a sensational summer transfer, according to a report.

The Sun claim Arsene Wenger has made a move for the Everton striker as he bids to add more firepower to his attack next season.

He held talks with Everton and Lukaku's representatives last week in a bid to set the ball rolling on what would be a mega-money deal.

The report says Wenger is willing to pay £38-40million to lure the Belgium international to Emirates Stadium and shake up a forward line that will be without Danny Welbeck for most of next season.

But it is said that the Gunners are a long way short of the price tag slapped on the player by the Merseysiders.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Everton value the club's record £28million signing at £75million following his exploits over the last three years at Goodison Park.

Lukaku has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park after publicly stating his desire to be at a club that consistently challenges for trophies.

Everton's number 10, who moved to England from Anderlecht back in 2011, scored an impressive 25 domestic goals in all competitions in the 2015-16 season.

As reported by Football Insider, Lukaku is ready to make a dramatic U-turn and commit his future to Everton following Farhad Moshiri's takeover and the appointment of new manager Ronald Koeman.

The striker played in Belgium's shock Euro 2016 quarter-final exit to Wales on Friday, and after the match gave little away about about his future.

"I need to talk to the club," he said, as quoted by the Express.

Over the past few weeks it has appeared that Koeman is readying himself to lose Lukaku, and Football Insider reported his interest in Southampton striker Graziano Pelle who has excelled at Euro 2016.

In other Everton news, Koeman has turned his attention to former Dutch protege as he seeks a reunion.

Arsenal

Romelu Lukaku