"Hopeful and confident" – Journalist drops big Arsenal transfer claim on £94.5m-rated duo

Arsenal were still ‘hopeful and confident’ that both Youri Tielemans and Gabriel Jesus would join the club this summer, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor when he spoke to GiveMeSport last week.

The Gunners narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification last season, but that doesn’t appear to have had a detrimental effect upon their dealings in the transfer market.

Mikel Arteta has already added three new acquisitions to his squad despite the window being officially open for a little over a week.

American goalkeeper Matt Turner and Brazilian winger Marquinhos have been joined by the £34 million arrival of attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira, who looks set to complete his sudden switch from FC Porto.

However, Arsenal are not expected to rest on their laurels in what remains of the summer, with reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano providing a positive update on Tielemans and Jesus.

“They are still working on Youri Telemans, he is the top priority for their midfield,” said Romano on his YouTube channel. “Let’s see what happens with Gabriel Jesus, but Arsenal are finally moving in the market.”

Sky Sports have claimed that Arsenal are ‘cautiously optimistic’ of completing a deal for Jesus, partly because he only has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City.

Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest in Tielemans, while Chelsea are believed to be closely monitoring Jesus’ situation at the Etihad Stadium.

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Nevertheless, Taylor said Arsenal remained optimistic over their chances of signing the talented duo, who are valued at a combined £94.5m by Transfermarkt.

He told GiveMeSport: “There was obviously sort of the