Arsenal continues to explore options in the transfer market, with further talks held regarding a potential deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. However, the Gunners currently fall short of Villa's valuation for the England international, according to the Daily Mail.

In addition to Konsa, Arsenal is reportedly considering a £38m bid for Gabriel Martinelli from Galatasaray, as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

On other transfer fronts:

• Tottenham has confirmed they are not pursuing a deal for Folarin Balogun, a former Arsenal striker who is currently with Monaco.
• Barcelona has made an improved offer of around €60m (£51m) to Manchester City for midfielder Rodri.
• Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is emerging as a target for Newcastle.
• Dusan Vlahovic has agreed to join Besiktas as a free agent following his departure from Juventus.
• Crystal Palace is in discussions with Monaco regarding a deal for Lamine Camara, a promising 22-year-old midfielder.
• Cercle Brugge is working on a deal to sign Tayo Adaramola from Crystal Palace.

In the EFL, Reading is negotiating to host rugby union team Bath as part of a groundshare agreement, while a brochure sent to potential buyers of Leicester City suggests the club's valuation exceeds what Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak.