Chelsea give Arsenal helping hand on deadline day as Mikel Arteta eyes two signings

Chelsea have inadvertently given Arsenal a helping hand in the transfer market with Mikel Arteta eyeing two deadline day deals. The Gunners have already made three summer signings but are expected to remain active until the final hours of the window.

They kicked off their summer business by bringing David Raya back to the club on a permanent basis, with Riccardo Calafiori also joining from Bologna. Mikel Merino became Arsenal's third summer signing earlier this week, arriving from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal are now believed to be looking to sign a new goalkeeper to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who is set to join Southampton. The England stopper reportedly had a medical on Thursday and is expected to be unveiled by the Saints before tonight's 11pm deadline.

Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto is thought to have emerged as a loan target for Arsenal, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that a verbal agreement has been reached. If that deal goes through, the north Londoners will have Chelsea to thank for allowing it to happen.

It is unlikely that Bournemouth would have considered loaning Neto out before agreeing to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. The Spaniard has joined the Cherries on a temporary basis until the end of the season, paving the way for Neto to leave for Arsenal.

Any successful move for Neto will reportedly hinge on whether the Gunners manage to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. It has been reported that Arsenal have already seen two bids rejected, with Espanyol insisting that his £25.7million release clause is paid in full.

A new goalkeeper is not the only signing Arsenal are looking to make on deadline day, with Arteta also believed to be keen on improving his forward line. They have been linked with a potential move for Kingsley Coman, who could leave Bayern Munich before the end of the window.

It has been suggested that Coman could move for around £34million, a relatively modest fee for a proven winner of his calibre. He would be able to provide quality cover for Bukayo Saka while also challenging the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard for regular minutes.

However, the Gunners are likely to face stiff competition for his signature with major interest also coming from Saudi Arabia, according to the Daily Mail. With only a few hours until the window closes, Arsenal will need to act quickly to stand any chance of striking a deal.