EMI BUENDIA is Arsenal’s top transfer target this summer, according to reports.
While Dennis Bergkamp has told Arsenal fans Daniel Ek is STILL interested in buying the club off Stan Kroenke.
Elsewhere, the Gunners will have a better chance of signing Eduardo Camavinga than any other club if they make a serious bid, according to reports.
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ROYAL RUMBLE
Arsenal and Everton are interested in Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, according to reports.
The Brazilian has spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Betis, as he looks to establish himself in LaLiga.
Emerson, 22, hopes to impress parent club Barca during pre-season, aiming to become their first choice right-back next term
But should he look likely to have to play understudy to Sergino Dest, the former Atletico Mineiro starlet will look elsewhere.
According to Sport, Emerson wouldn’t be short of suitors, with Villarreal and AC Milan both keen.
But they reckon that the player himself prefers the idea of moving to England.
Arsenal are a particularly good fit, especially if Hector Bellerin completes a rumoured move to Paris Saint-Germain.
FORM-AL DISCUSSION
Mikel Arteta thought little of the fact Arsenal would be second in the table from the last 23 Premier League games.
He said: “Yes, it is very good but the league is played over 38 games.
“But at least it shows that we are able to do it and when we have a little bit more of a normal context, more normal situations.
“I am very positive about what we can do, but at the end of the day wee are judged on what we have done over the whole season and it is not, for sure, where we want to be.”
Credit: Getty TAKING THE MIK NOW
Mikel Arteta hopes a line can be drawn under takeover talks after Spotify founder Daniel Ek failed in a bid to buy the club from Stan Kroenke.
Arteta said: “I really hope so because it has been very clear where the owners are standing.
“I think I have given my view on the situation.
“Just for the benefit of the club, which is the only interest really of everyone who supports the club, the aim is to get the unity and togetherness that we need to be back where we want. That’s all.”
GIFT OF THE GAB
After his injury time strike against Crystal Palace, will Gabriel Martinelli start against Brighton?
EUR HAVING A LAUGH
Journalist David Ornstein has claimed Arsenal’s transfer business won’t be affected if they fail to qualify for Europe.
He told Sky Sports: “I know with Arsenal they [the transfer plans] have already been submitted by Edu and Mikel Arteta to the board of directors and they are very clear in what they want to do.
“Whether they will be able to do it will depend on the finance which is made available by the owners and whether they will be able to attract players.
“I know of a number of players Arsenal have made proposals to, very attractive, and they do have a plan to get back into the big time.
“Edu & Arteta are selling an impressive project to potential recruits but many of those players have ambitions to play in the Champions League or at least the Europa League so they are not considering those proposals at this point.”
TOP DOIG
Hibernian youngster Josh Doig has been likened to Arsenal star Kieran Tierney by former Gunners goalkeeper Matt Macey.
Brighton are strongly linked with the 19-year-old defender, who has been tipped to follow in his countryman’s footsteps and impress in the Premier League.
Macey said: “For me [comparisons to Tierney] are absolutely not unrealistic for Josh, he can go as far as he wants.
“He’s coming up to a big moment in his career, he has obviously had a lot of big moments already in terms of his age and making that breakthrough.
“He’s very level headed and he’ll take it in his stride. For me he can go right to the top. I have seen a lot of young players at Arsenal and he would be right up there, for sure.
“Kieran and Josh obviously play the same position and I can see the similarities in their playing style. Josh is maybe a little bit younger than when KT made his move to Arsenal, but he can go on and do well.”
ACCESS ALL AREAS
Take a look at all the unseen footage from Arsenal’s win at Selhurst Park below.
FINAL BELL
Hector Bellerin may have played his last game for Arsenal.
The Spanish right-back has been ruled out of the Gunners’ final game of the season against Brighton with a knock.
Boss Mikel Arteta is planning a transfer exodus and Bellerin is one of the names on the chopping block.
The full-back wants a new challenge in Europe and Arteta is eager to let him leave and land a new right-back to fill his boots.
With Europe still a possibility, here how Arsenal start against the Seagulls.
PEPE TALK
Nicolas Pepe has 14 goals to his name in all competitions this season.
Take a look at his second strike against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
IRN BRU
Steve Bruce admitted that Arsenal loanee Joe Willock may have priced himself out of a permanent Newcastle move.
He said: “It’s a double-edged sword because he’s probably done too well. I know for a fact we will do our utmost to test Arsenal’s resolve.
“We know it’s going to be very, very difficult because he’s become the youngest player in the Premier League to score six in six, and he’s somebody else’s player.
“We’re going to be up against it. We’re expecting that but we can only try, and I will make sure we try our best.
“We have to respect that he’s Arsenal’s player and that he’s 21-years-old.
“But of course it would be disappointing if we can’t bring him back.”
NO WORK OF ART
Mikel Arteta has spoken of his disappointment with how Arsenal’s season has finished.
The club are in danger of missing out on Europe and failed in their quest to reach the Europa League final.
Arteta said: “Well if you are saying it’s a step back because we haven’t won a title, then it has to be related.
“In the league we have two more points than last season, but it’s nowhere near where we want to be.
“The fact that we don’t have a title so close to grab because we’re not in the Europa League final makes it difficult to see more positives.
“But we were knocked out in the last-16 of the Europa League last season and a lot of things have been done that were very necessary in this season that are not related to results.
“But at the end of the day, we are here to win.”
HEC OF A RUN
Hector Bellerin may have played his last game for Arsenal with injury ruling him out of the clash against Brighton.
With speculation rife that the right-back will depart in the summer, Mikel Arteta has played down reports linking him with a move.
He said: “Hector is not fit [for Sunday] so he will not be playing the last time.
“Like everybody that has a contract, he remains here.”
WILL HE STAY?
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Joe Willock still has a future at Arsenal following his fantastic loan spell at Newcastle.
The England youth international has quickly become a fan favourite at St James’ Park having scored seven Premier League goals in 13 games.
Speaking of the midfielder ahead of Sunday’s clash against Brighton, Arteta said: “I am really happy that things have gone so well because of the potential that he has.
“I think it was great for him to go away and have a different experience, he has grabbed that opportunity in a really positive and remarkable way and he will come back to us.
“We will have a conversation with him and plan the next years for him.”
Before adding: “For sure because he’s got a contract and that’s going to be here. That’s for sure.”
MOY BUEN
Norwich star Emiliano Buendia is reportedly keen to link up with Arsenal in the summer.
The Gunners have stepped up their interest in the Canaries playmaker and are believed to be set to make an offer.
And according to European football journalist Ekrem Konur, the Argentine ace has already made up his mind where he wants to play.
Konur tweeted: “Emiliano Buendía wants to go to Arsenal. Arsenal wanted Emiliano Buendia during the last transfer period, but his transfer was not completed.
“Negotiations are now continuing where they left off.”
ODE OPTIONS
Arsenal are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Emiliano Buendia or Nabil Fekir if Martin Odegaard returns to Real Madrid.
The Norwegian playmaker is on loan from Los Blancos and a string of impressive displays has led Mikel Arteta to seek an extension – or even a permanent deal.
Real are said to want Odegaard, 22, back in the summer although the future of coach Zinedine Zidane may be a factor in that decision.
According to Goal, Arsenal are planning to bid for Buendia or Real Betis star Fekir if he moves on.
A deal would cost upwards of £40million for Buendia with Norwich back in the Premier League and Buendia under a three-year contract.
Meanwhile Fekir, 27, is described as further down the shortlist in Arteta’s bid to bring in a creative player this summer.
ED’S UP
Arsenal reportedly remain in the race to lure Odsonne Edouard away from Celtic.
Leicester are understood to be the favourites to prised the French striker away from Scotland in the summer.
But according to the Daily Record, the Gunners are still keen on securing the 23-year-old’s services.
They state that a fee in the region of £20million should be enough to sign the centre-forward.
Edouard scored 18 goals in 31 Scottish Premiership games this season.
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
Arsenal are reportedly in the hunt for Real Betis full-back Emerson Royal.
The 22-year-old is coming to the end of a two-year spell with the club, who have an agreement with Barcelona for a £5million summer switch.
But, should the Brazilian not want to play second fiddle to Sergino Dest at the Camp Nou, Sport name a number of clubs chasing his signature.
Arsenal, Everton, Villarreal, AC Milan and more are said to be monitoring the situation, with the Gunners potentially seeking a replacement for Hector Bellerin.
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Norwich star Emiliano Buendia ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are lining up a potential replacement for Martin Odegaard, who may return to Real Madrid once his loan stint comes to an end.
According to Goal, the Canaries will demand around £40million for the Argentine playmaker.
The 24-year-old has registered 15 goals and 17 assists in 41 matches across all competitions this season and played a key role in Norwich’s return to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp claims the club’s original DNA, which led to Premier League dominance, has been lost.
Bergkamp told Voetbal International: “Like Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, it’s hard for me to recognise the Arsenal from our time.
“The ambition to win trophies is in Arsenal’s DNA. Never accept a loss. That mentality has slowly disappeared.
“I feel there’s a sense of resignation within the current situation. That is very serious.
“It’s like it’s normal, given the financial conditions, that Arsenal are ending up somewhere in the middle of the league behind the top clubs.
“That’s not how it should be with this club. Arsenal’s DNA needs to be repaired.”
Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Henry and Vieira have backed Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek‘s bid to buy the club from the Kroenke family and the former Netherlands international insists that the entrepreneur is “not a quitter”.
The legendary striker added: “Daniel doesn’t see a takeover as buying a nice toy.
“We can’t force anyone to sell. I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke and his bankers.
“Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other.
“Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we. We are here to stay.”
And Fabrizio Romano is adamant that Arsenal are going to continue with Mikel Arteta at the helm.
Romano said on the Here We Go podcast: “Arsenal’s intention is to go on with Arteta, I would say 100 per cent, because they are convinced with Arteta, they are convinced with the project.
“They think that one year with this kind of manager, he needs time.
“The season has been really disappointing and they know about it, but they want to continue with Arteta, so at the moment the situation is planning with him about players to sell, players to sign and rebuilding in the summer.
“So Arteta is the man for Arsenal”
LOST DE-NA
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp claims the club’s original DNA, which led to Premier League dominance, has been lost.
Bergkamp told Voetbal International: “Like Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, it’s hard for me to recognise the Arsenal from our time.
“The ambition to win trophies is in Arsenal’s DNA. Never accept a loss. That mentality has slowly disappeared.
“I feel there’s a sense of resignation within the current situation. That is very serious.
“It’s like it’s normal, given the financial conditions, that Arsenal are ending up somewhere in the middle of the league behind the top clubs.
“That’s not how it should be with this club. Arsenal’s DNA needs to be repaired”
GETTY IMAGES ART ATTACK
Fabrizio Romano is adamant that Arsenal are going to continue with Mikel Arteta at the helm.
Romano said on the Here We Go podcast: “Arsenal’s intention is to go on with Arteta, I would say 100 per cent, because they are convinced with Arteta, they are convinced with the project.
“They think that one year with this kind of manager, he needs time.
“The season has been really disappointing and they know about it, but they want to continue with Arteta, so at the moment the situation is planning with him about players to sell, players to sign and rebuilding in the summer.
“So Arteta is the man for Arsenal”
SHEAR JOY
Alan Shearer joked that Arsenal loanee Joe Willock may prefer to stay at Newcastle because he will want to play for a “big club” next season.
Willock joined the Magpies on loan during the January transfer window and has put together a raft of impressive performances while the Gunners are likely to miss out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
Shearer told Match of the Day: “Well, he might want to play for a big club so he might want to stay at Newcastle.
“I’m joking Arsenal fans! I’m joking!”
BUENDIA ADMISSION
Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber recently admitted their star attractions could be sold in the summer.
Emiliano Buendia has been among the Canaries’ top stars this season and is currently linked with Arsenal.
Webber told BBC Look East: “One of them may go, maybe two or all three of them will go, who knows – but the facts are that this team isn’t about one or two players.
“For us to be successful in the Premier League it’s going to be how does the squad of 20 do, not if one player performs brilliantly.
“When we sold James Maddison [to Leicester] everyone thought it was the end of the world and then a guy called Emi Buendia turned up – when Ben Godfrey left [for Everton] it was the end of the world and a guy called Ben Gibson turned up, and that’s football”
PEP TALK
Danny Murphy praised Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe after his performance against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Murphy told Match of the Day: “I think he suffered from the pressure of the price tag, but he’s certainly got talent.
“He’s quick, skilful, direct. Like so many players he’s been up and down with his form. Today he showed those bits of magic we’ve seen from him on occasions. Goals ultimately is where you’re judged as a forward player.
“He looked hungry. He looked sharp. He looked fit… He’s got 14 goals this season which isn’t a bad return considering they’ve had a poor season.
“Hopefully for Arenal fans they’ll see him progress a bit more next season. He’s got to play regularly. He’s got to produce this kind of form week in week out to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka out”
GETTY IMAGES WILLOCK FUTURE
Joe Willock suggested he would be keen to stay at Newcastle when his loan spell from Arsenal runs out.
Willock told NUFC TV: “I want to say thank you for making me feel so welcome and thank you for greeting me with open arms.
“I hope you’re satisfied with what I’ve given for the club so far and hopefully there’s more to continue in the future.
“I’m not going to promise anything, but the conversation is going to be held”
WATTS UP
Norwich ace Emiliano Bundia is on top of Arsenal’s transfer list but a deal won’t be easy, according to Charles Watts.
Watts said: “From what I understand, Emi Buendia now is very much right towards the top of that list.
“There has been no bid made to Norwich City yet for Buendia, but discussions are ongoing at Arsenal and the focus is certainly shifting towards him when it comes to potentially making an official move this summer.
“He is keen on a move to Arsenal, is my understanding. But Norwich are in a very strong position. He’s got three years left on his contract, he’s 24 years old, they’ve just been promoted to the Premier League, so it’s not like they really need the money now.
“And he’s just been called up by Argentina for the first time, so they are not going to just roll over and allow Buendia to leave for cheap.
“It looks like something around £40million would be needed to really get Norwich to take notice”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
