Arsenal and Sunderland Face Major Setback in Igor Paixao Pursuit

Arsenal and Sunderland have reportedly suffered a significant blow in their pursuit of Marseille winger Igor Paixao this summer, with the French club confident of holding on to the Brazilian past the September 1 transfer window deadline.

Paixao, 26, delivered a strong debut season in Ligue 1, scoring 12 goals and contributing six assists across 42 competitive appearances. According to TEAMtalk, Marseille view him as central to their future plans, with head coach Bruno Genesio reportedly prepared to step down if the club’s hierarchy sanctions a sale before the window closes.

Sunderland have agreed personal terms with the player but have seen two bids rejected. Whether Regis Le Bris’s side submit a third offer in the final days of the window remains to be seen. The Black Cats are preparing for European football and have also been linked with a loan move for Manchester City‘s Jack Grealish, the 30-year-old returning from a temporary spell at Everton.

Arsenal’s Left-Wing Options Running Thin

Paixao is one of several left-wing targets Arsenal have identified after missing out on Anthony Gordon, Morgan Rogers, and Vinicius Junior earlier in the window. The Gunners opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Coventry City and also claimed the Community Shield with a victory over Manchester City, but Mikel Arteta’s squad still carries a gap on the left flank.

The club’s left-sided attacking options have shifted rapidly this summer. Leandro Trossard has departed for Besiktas, while Gabriel Martinelli is closing in on a move to Al Hilal. Recent signing Christos Tzolis has impressed across his first two competitive appearances, but Arteta is clear that the Greek winger was not acquired as a guaranteed starter. Arsenal need depth and competition in that position before the window shuts.

With Marseille holding firm and the deadline approaching, the Gunners face a tight race to secure their priority target. Stay with TipsGG for the latest updates on Arsenal’s transfer activity and squad build-up ahead of the new season.