Arsenal are hopeful of concluding a deal for Charlton midfielder Joe Aribo to get their summer spending spree underway.
The 22-year-old has scored six goals in 22 appearances for the Addicks this term and the Gunners are convinced by the midfielder’s potential.
Aribo’s contract expires at the end of the season after lengthy negotiations with Charlton resulted in him turning down an offer to stay at the Valley.
That means Arsenal would only need to pay a small compensation fee to the Addicks to sign Aribo and the midfielder is likely to jump at the chance to move to the Emirates.
Aribo had been keen to stay at the Valley but Charlton withdrew their opening offer and offered him reduced terms when they returned with a second offer, according to the Mirror.
Arsenal’s level of spending this summer is likely to be dictated by the club’s ability to qualify for the Champions League.
The Gunners are currently in the coveted fourth spot and are through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Their budget could be boosted to around £80m if they qualify for the Champions League, whereas it’s likely to be around £45-50m without it.
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