Arsenal transfer news: Sammer praises Gunners target, Cech's successor in sights and more - 28th September 2017

Matthias Sammer praises Dortmund's Philipp

The former Bayern chief was all praises for Borussia Dortmund's latest acquisition and long-term Arsenal target Maximilian Philipp. The 23-year old winger has settled in quick at Dortmund, scoring 4 goals in 9 games this season.

Sammer spoke about Philipp to BILD:

"Just wow! For the way he has adapted to a new club at such speed. He plays very, very creatively. He is intelligent and cautious. He is also very easy on his feet."

“This all works very nicely, is wonderful to look at. But what I have noticed for some time, that he is very disciplined, is integrated into the system. These are clean characters that are very, very important to a team. To date, a perfect match.”

Although the player signed this summer and is contracted to Dortmund till 2022, Philipp could be a good replacement for the departing Alexis Sanchez.

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Wenger looking at Kepa Arrizabalaga to succeed Cech

Kepa's contract runs out in the summer of 2018

Arsene Wenger is interested in Athletic Bilbao keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as per reports. The 22-year old is the no.1 at Bilbao and could serve as a long-term replacement for Petr Cech.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper is now 35 years of age and is not getting any younger. Wenger is looking to rebuild Arsenal after missing out on Champions League this season and the likely departures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil next year.

Interestingly, Kepa's contract runs out next year and Wenger could secure his signature for a cut-price deal in January itself.

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Schalke's Sporting Director explains Kolasinac sale

Kolasinac is proving to be a hit at Arsenal

In an interview to SportBild, Schalke's Sporting Director Christian Heidel, elaborated on why fan-favourite Sead Kolasinac was allowed to leave on a free in the summer. Heidel justified not extending the left-back's contract by saying:

"An extension with Seo was not economically justifiable. I have a sporting and an economic responsibility."

The sporting director further explained that retaining the player would only be to appease the fans and it would be strange for him. Schalke is famously known for producing top talent over the years and then selling them on to bigger clubs who pay more.

Kolasinac joined Arsenal eventually for reported wages of £140,000 per week and is proving to be a shrewd signing for the club.