ARSENAL have received a boost in their long pursuit of Lyon defender Houssem Aouar.
After the Ligue 1 side missed out on Champions League football, reports suggest the centre-back could be available for just £25million.
We’ve the very latest on Willian, plus an update on the Gunners takeover and Martin Odegaard’s future.
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CAM AND GET ME
Arsenal have been dealt a blow following reports that Eduardo Camavinga has his heart set on Paris Saint-Germain.
The Rennes midfielder, 18, is one of Europe’s hottest properties following yet another brilliant season.
And it appears his head has been turned after telling Rennes he won’t be signing a new contract.
Camavinga has just a year left on his current deal meaning the club will be forced to flog him this summer or lose him for nothing.
Unfortunately, RMC Sport claim Rennes are prepared to play hardball having slapped a £100million price-tag on their star man.
HOUSS OF CARDS
Arsenal have been given a major boost in their quest to sign Houssem Aouar with the Lyon midfielder reportedly available for £25million.
The Gunners were heavily linked with a move to sign the 22-year-old last summer, but were priced out of a deal to bring the Frenchman to the Emirates.
But L’Equipe now claim Aouar’s price tag this summer is over half of the £54m Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas was previously demanding.
They state that an offer between £22m-£25m could be enough to prise the player away from the Groupama Stadium.
That is because Lyon failed to qualify for the Champions League after Gunners loan star William Saliba scored the winner in Sunday’s 3-2 victory.
BUEN BATTLE
Arsenal and Aston Villa are in a transfer fight for Emiliano Buendia, according to reports.
The Norwich playmaker, 24, enjoyed a stunning season helping fire the Canaries to a second Championship promotion in his three years at Carrow Road.
But Daniel Farke faces a huge battle keeping hold of his star man this summer.
Arsenal were linked with him last year and look set to revive their interest.
According to The Telegraph, the Gunners may be forced to act quickly if they want to secure the Argentine.
It is thought Aston Villa are prioritising a new No10 and preparing a bid.
THAT’S A WRAP
Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has got his Lamborghini Aventador wrapped in holographic.
The 31-year-old has had his £270,000 luxury vehicle re-wrapped after having his chrome gold wrap removed last week.
Aubameyang is a known lover of supercars, with the Gabon international boasting a £2m Ferrari in his incredible collection.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker is also the proud owner of four Lamborghini’s as well as a Porsche Panamera Turbo Techart, Range Rover Sport Mansory and an Audi R8 V10.
And he often gets his motors wrapped by celebrity car customiser Yianni Charalambous, who took off the gold wrapping he put on in 2018.
And Yianni has taken to social media to show off the new look of the Aventador in a picture he shared to his 1.3 million Instagram followers.
Captioning the image, he said: “Football season is finished so that means players cars need to be wrapped and sent abroad for the summer.
“Lamborghini Avenatdor Roadster stripped from chrome gold and now re-wrapped in holographic.”
GUNNERS SWAP?
Nikita Parris could be on her way to Arsenal in a sensational switch that would see Vivianne Miedema move to French giants Lyon.
Both clubs are reported to be mulling over a swap deal with the WSL hot shot entering the final year of her Gunners contract, according to The Guardian.
Arsenal have been looking to tie Miedema down to a new contract for this year.
In January former boss Joe Montemurro brushed off speculation of Lyon’s interest in the forward, who has netted 60 goals in 67 appearances for the Gunners.
But it is thought the club, who signed Japan forward Mana Iwabuchi, are reluctant to allow the Netherlands superstar to leave on a free transfer next summer.
Miedema, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Lyon, who are one of the most dominant forces in women’s football in Europe.
The French outfit currently hold the record for the most top-flight title wins in France with 14 Ligue One Women’s crowns.
‘A TOUGH SEASON HAS COME TO AN END’
Arsenal’s Cedric Soares has sent a message to Gunners fans after what he described as a ‘tough’ campaign.
TAP DANCE
Arsenal are reportedly in negotiations to prise highly-rated centre-back and Manchester United target Edmond Tapsoba away from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
The 22-year-old has been earning rave reviews in the Bundesliga since joining the German side from from Portuguese outfit Vitoria in January 2020.
Man Utd have also been linked with a move for the Burkina Faso international having scouted him this season.
And according to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Arsenal have joined the race to sign the defender.
He has claimed that the player is at the top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist as he looks to bolster his backline.
WILL TO WIN
Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for May.
And he’s joined on the shortlist by on loan star Joe Willock.
The pair have been put forward for the award alongside Aaron Ramsdale, Gareth Bale, Christian Benteke, Sadio Mane and Rodrigo.
Credit: Reuters WSL GOAL OF THE SEASON
Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema has won the Women’s Super League Goal of the Season for this beauty.
CAMINGS AND GOINGS
Arsenal target Eduardo Camavinga has handed in a transfer request but the teenage sensation has his heart set on Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.
The Rennes midfielder, 18, is one of Europe’s hottest properties following yet another brilliant season.
PSG are one of the clubs monitoring his situation closely and believe he is the future in their midfield.
And it appears his head has been turned after telling Rennes he won’t be signing a new contract.
Camavinga has just a year left on his current deal meaning the club will be forced to flog him this summer or lose him for nothing.
According to RMC Sport, Rennes are prepared to play hardball having slapped a £100million price-tag on their star man.
NEW EIRA
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has begged the club’s owners to sell up as he confirmed that Spotify CEO Daniel Ek will return with another takeover offer.
The Frenchman, 44, told the ITV Football Show Podcast: “In the last couple of years I believe that the club didn’t take the right direction.
“And I think it is time for change. If the change doesn’t happen, I believe that Arsenal will be in a difficult position.
“We can only make a judgement from outside. We watch every single Arsenal game and it is difficult to recognise the club that we used to play for.
“It’s difficult to understand the reasons why Arsenal went down the last couple of years but obviously losing Arsene [Wenger] and not finding the right sort of crew to handle the fact that Arsene wasn’t there wasn’t in place.
“And I think every single year Arsenal didn’t get through to the Champions League or even this year to the Europa League. So this is a big disappointment for all of us as Arsenal fans.
“But we get to the time where everybody at the club, the Kroenke’s need to get more involved to take Arsenal back where the club should be.
“If that’s not the case, I think it is time for them to let the club go and let somebody else take care of the football club.”
MANA’S A GUNNER
Mana Iwabuchi has signed for Women’s Super League giants Arsenal after being heavily linked with a summer move.
The former Bayern Munich and Aston Villa forward’s switch to North London ends months of speculation.
It is thought the playmaker, who began her senior career at 16 in Japan’s top flight, had been eyed as a replacement for ex-Gunners forward Jill Roord.
Details of the deal for Iwabuchi are yet to be disclosed by Arsenal.
The club says the deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
But the Japan star, 28, said: “I’m so happy to finally be able to announce that I am an Arsenal player. I know the club has wanted to sign me for a long time now, so it’s a great honour to be able to play for Arsenal.
“There are so many amazing players and I can’t wait to get started.”
AOU ABOUT THAT
Arsenal have been given a major boost in their quest to sign Houssem Aouar with the Lyon midfielder reportedly available for £25million.
The Gunners were heavily linked with a move to sign the 22-year-old last summer, but were priced out of a deal to bring the Frenchman to the Emirates.
It was claimed that the playmaker agreed to link up with the North Londoners who failed to stump up the £54m needed to secure his services.
According to L’Equipe, Aouar’s price tag this summer is over half of what Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas was previously demanding.
They state that an offer between £22m-£25m could be enough to prise the player away from the Groupama Stadium.
That is because Lyon failed to qualify for the Champions League after William Saliba – on loan at Nice from the Gunners – scored the winner in Sunday’s 3-2 victory.
And Arsenal could reignite their interest in Aouar with boss Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu known to be huge admirers of him.
PEPE STRIKE SHORTLISTED FOR MAY GOAL OF THE MONTH
SAND STORM
Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge has dropped a hint regarding his future amid interest from Arsenal.
Berge has fuelled speculation that he could link up with Mikel Arteta’s side after posting a picture of him with Odegaard on his Instagram story on Monday night.
Berge shared a photo of the two enjoying a meal out, with Arsenal fans left convinced they was discussing potential moves to the club.
ARSEN-ALL OVER
Willian is keen to quit Arsenal and re-join Chelsea just 12 months after leaving on a free, according to reports.
The Brazilian forward, 32, walked away from Stamford Bridge last year after the Blues refused to offer him a three-year contract extension.
Chelsea famously refuse to offer more than one-year extensions to players over the age of 30, but were willing to compromise and hand Willian a two-year deal.
But Willian instead opted to sign a three-year deal at Arsenal.
Things haven’t gone smoothly for the winger though, after a tricky debut season in North London.
It’s now believed Willian and is keen to quit the Emirates – with a number of clubs monitoring his situation.
Willian believed to have offers from across Europe, with David Beckham’s Inter Miami also keen.
But Sky Sports now say the forward is keen to head back to Chelsea, where he played over 300 times in seven years – helping the club win two Premier League crowns.
ON THIS DAY
On this day in 1989, Arsenal won the title in the final minute of the season by beating Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield.
SEAGULLS SWOOP
Brighton have joined the race for Celtic striker and Arsenal transfer target Odsonne Edouard.
The French forward, 23, is also being chased by Leicester.
But the Seagulls hope their promise of a regular starting berth could convince Edouard to head to the South Coast.
Former Paris Saint-Germain kid Edouard may find it difficult to dislodge first-choice Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho should he go to the FA Cup-winning Foxes.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest is understood to be dependent on whether Alexandre Lacazette stays or goes this summer.
BUEN BATTLE
Arsenal and Aston Villa are in a transfer fight for Emiliano Buendia, according to reports.
The Norwich playmaker, 24, enjoyed a stunning season helping fire the Canaries to a second Championship promotion in his three years at Carrow Road.
But Daniel Farke faces a huge battle keeping hold of his star man this summer.
Arsenal were linked with him last year and look set to revive their interest.
According to The Telegraph, the Gunners may be forced to act quickly if they want to secure the Argentine.
It is thought Aston Villa are prioritising a new No10 and preparing a bid.
RENNES FOR THE HILLS
Arsenal target Eduardo Camavinga has handed in a transfer request but the teenage sensation has his heart set on Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.
The Rennes midfielder, 18, is one of Europe’s hottest properties following yet another brilliant season.
PSG are one of the clubs monitoring his situation closely and believe he is the future in their midfield.
And it appears his head has been turned after telling Rennes he won’t be signing a new contract.
Camavinga has just a year left on his current deal meaning the club will be forced to flog him this summer or lose him for nothing.
According to RMC Sport, Rennes are prepared to play hardball having slapped a £100million price-tag on their star man.
With the current financial crisis in football due to the coronavirus pandemic, Rennes risk pricing out Europe’s biggest clubs for his signature.
The report adds how club owner Francois Pinault is hoping to spark a bidding war with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also all interested.
CAMINGS AND GOINGS
Arsenal target Eduardo Camavinga has handed in a transfer request but the teenage sensation has his heart set on Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.
The Rennes midfielder, 18, is one of Europe’s hottest properties following yet another brilliant season.
PSG are one of the clubs monitoring his situation closely and believe he is the future in their midfield.
And it appears his head has been turned after telling Rennes he won’t be signing a new contract.
Camavinga has just a year left on his current deal meaning the club will be forced to flog him this summer or lose him for nothing.
According to RMC Sport, Rennes are prepared to play hardball having slapped a £100million price-tag on their star man.
MORNING, ARSENAL FANS
Arsenal’s season may have ended on Sunday, but a number of players and staff are up for individual gongs this week.
Boss Mikel Arteta has been nominated for Manager of the Month for May, after guiding his side to five consecutive domestic wins.
And Nicolas Pepe, who finished the season in a rich vein of form, could win another end-of-season double.
The Ivorian, having scored twice during the final day 2-0 win Brighton, has been nominated for Goal of the Month for his effort against West Brom, as well as Player of the Month.
In the latter, he will be up against Joe Willock, who has impressed on loan at Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, in transfer news, Willian reportedly wants to leave Emirates Stadium, just one season into his three-year deal.
And controversially, the Brazilian is believed to want to join Chelsea.
In terms of incomings, the Gunners have been linked with impressive Celtic star Odsonne Edouard.
But they will have to compete with Brighton and Leicester, as revealed by SunSport last night.
Finally, Bukayo Saka was named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man England squad for Euro 2020.
The talented teen is Arsenal’s only representative in the Three Lions camp.
Southgate, 50, is expected to whittle his squad down to 26 next week.
ICYMI – CE-BYE-LLOS
Dani Ceballos has taken to Instagram to thank Arsenal fans as he departs the club for a second time.
The Spaniard has spent the last two seasons on loan in North London.
And while things largely haven’t gone well on the pitch in that time, Ceballos, 24, still has plenty of amazing memories to take back to Madrid with him.
None more so than helping the Gunners win the FA Cup last season.
GOAL OF THE MONTH?
Here’s the Nicolas Pepe strike that has been nominated for May’s Goal of the Month award.
Pick that one out.
WILL TO WIN
Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for May.
And he’s joined on the shortlist by on loan star Joe Willock.
The pair have been put forward for the award alongside Aaron Ramsdale, Gareth Bale, Christian Benteke, Sadio Mane and Rodrigo.
Nicolas Pepe has been in hot form this monthCredit: Reuters
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
