Arsenal 'put Thomas Lemar transfer talks on hold' until they deal with the size of their squad

Arsene Wenger is eager to add to Arsenal's summer signings, but first needs to deal with the size of his squad.

Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac look to have been shrewed buys, but 33 players is more than they need.

Sky Sports say Arsenal's moves in the transfer window will be stalled until they can offload player that are surplus to requirements.

Lucas Perez is one player Wenger can do without, and has attracted interest from Rafa Benitez at Newcastle and other clubs around Europe.

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel lined up by Valencia with manager Marcelino confident of landing star defender

Arsenal defender Gabriel is a target for Valencia.

The Brazilian moved to the Emirates in January 2015 for £11.3million but Arsene Wenger has a number of defensive options going into the new season.

Valencia want a new centre-half following the departure of Eliaquim Mangala who has returned to Manchester City following a loan spell in Spain.

Coach Marcelino has admitted he is keen on Gabriel, Inter Milan’s Jeison Murillo and Porto’s Ivan Marcano. Asked how confident he is of landing one of them, he said: “I think they are possible.

"It's going to be different this year" for buoyant Arsenal vows Theo Walcott after Community Shield win

Theo Walcott is confident Arsenal will put their title heartbreak behind them this season to defy their critics.

The Gunners produced a fine display of character to record their second Wembley win over Chelsea this year in Sunday’s Community Shield . It followed their shock victory over the Premier League champion Blues in the FA Cup final three months ago.

Arsene Wenger’s men — strengthened by club-record buy striker Alexandre Lacazette and powerful left-back Sead Kolasinac — kick off their campaign at home to deposed champions Leicester on Friday night.

Winger Walcott revealed morale is high as the north Londoners bid to end 14 years of title-race hurt.

He said: “We’ll let the people talk on the outside.

“We know what we want to do this season. We know how important it is. Everyone’s up for the challenge – you know we do like a good challenge. It’s going to be different for us this year but it’s about the way we react, it’s as simple as that.

“We can’t really dwell on the past any more, we need to focus on our strengths.”

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