ARSENAL have reportedly joined the race for £50m Brighton defender Ben White.
And Aaron Ramsey could be set for a shock return to Arsenal, according to reports.
The Welshman left for Juventus in 2019, but has failed to make a real impact in Serie A.
Meanwhile, we’ve the very latest on Daniel Ek’s takeover bid and Emile Smith Rowe’s contract situation.
Follow all the latest from North London with our live blog below…
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2006 UCL FINAL CESC’S BIGGEST REGRET
Ex-Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has admitted losing the 2006 Champions League final to Barcelona is the biggest regret of his footballing career.
The 34-year-old was part of the team that lost 2-1 to Barca in Paris.
The Champions League is one of the few major honours missing from the World Cup winner’s trophy cabinet.
90 MINS FOR XHAKA
Granit Xhaka started and finished Switzerland’s 1-1 draw against Wales at Euro 2020.
The Arsenal star, captaining the side, had a steady but unspectacular game in the middle of the park.
Xhaka is believed to be on the verge of a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
WHAM, BAM, THANK YOU RAM
Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey has revealed his time at Juventus has been ‘very difficult and frustrating’ as his club future was plunged into more doubt.
Speaking to La Repubblica, he said: “The last two seasons at Juve have been very difficult, frustrating, not only from a physical point of view.
“There have been factors and changes that I was not used to. In the national team, on the other hand, I am happy to have a team that follows me step by step.
“They understand me, they know what I need and also what my body needs.
“Unfortunately sometimes the teams always continue to work in a certain way, too.
“When a player would need more attention… at least now I have the right people around me and then I’ll do everything to get back to a place where I can feel good again, and have confidence.”
KIE PLAYER
Former Scotland international Andy Webster believes Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney is the national team’s ‘standout’ player ahead of Euro 2020.
Webster said: “Kieran Tierney is the standout just now.
“This is the bit where you get the likes of John McGinn and Tierney showing their Scottish traits.
“When you hear Mikel Arteta Talk about Tierney, he talks like he’s an absolute machine”
FAB PLAYER
Former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has revealed he left Chelsea in 2019 after being driven out of the side by Jorginho – who he hailed as ‘very smart’ and ‘intelligent’.
He said: “One of the biggest reasons I left Chelsea is because of him. He’s a very smart player, intelligent, a very good passer of the ball.
“The only thing I can say about him sometimes is he releases the ball too quickly when he can play forward. He makes the team tick.
“At Chelsea, he has N’Golo Kante protecting him all the time, and I know that’s a big thing, I don’t know here how he will cope at a big, big game at the Euros.
“He’s a really good player and tactically, he knows what to do because of the coach’s methodology, it helps him a lot.”
CITY SLICKER
Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has urged Man City to sign Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.
Writing in The Times, he said: “When I had him at Celtic, Kieran was really confused about what to do in terms of leaving because the club meant so much to him.
“Ambition and finances meant he made the right call for his career.
“For me, he’s Arsenal’s best player. I could see him going to Manchester City, he’s got all the tools to play for them.
“He’s maybe not got the all-rounded left foot that Andy has, that natural whip, but he’s got everything else and he sees things. He’s so athletic and powerful.”
GUNNERS PUSH FOR PAUL
The Gunners are interested in signing Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul as a replacement for Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos, according to reports.
The 27-year-old played 36 Serie A games last term and is a senior Argentina international.
Ceballos – for the time being, at least – has returned to parent club Real Madrid and Xhaka is reportedly close to a move to Roma.
FEEL THE BERN
Bernd Leno is reportedly open to leaving Arsenal in the summer.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with signing Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana.
And they are claimed to be interested in permanently landing Australian shot-stopper Mat Ryan.
According to The Athletic, Leno is willing to depart the Emirates, with Arsenal ready to sell the German.
JOAQ TO THE FUTURE
Arsenal have reportedly made their first offer to sign Lazio forward Joaquin Correa.
The Argentina international, 26, chipped in with 11 goals and six assists in 38 games during the 2020-21 campaign.
According to Calciomercato, the Gunners have submitted a £17million offer.
Though the Serie A side are refusing to tell him unless they receive a fee in the region of £26m.
TELLI VISION
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Italy and Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli at Euro 2020, according to reports.
The midfielder was a standout performer for Sassuolo in Serie A, helping them to an eighth-placed finish.
It earned him a place in Roberto Mancini’s 26-man squad for the delayed European Championships, which kicked off with Italy beating 3-0.
Locatelli started in a three-man midfield, partnering Chelsea’s Jorginho and Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan.
And according to Sky Italia, Arsenal could have been watching with keen interest after targeting the 23-year-old.
Manchester City, PSG, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also among the clubs interested in the Italian.
Sassuolo are reluctant to sell such a key part of their side, but it is believed an offer of £34million would be enough to convince them into a deal.
Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Italy and Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli NAI BOTHER
Villarreal boss Unai Emery has purchased a controlling stake in Real Union – the club his father and grandfather both played for.
The ex-Arsenal boss, 49, has long been rumoured to take control of the LaLiga founding club that has fallen on hard times in recent years.
Negotiations first started between Emery and third-tier outfit Union last year, only for the coronavirus pandemic to put a temporary halt to talks.
Emery was joined by his brother Igor as well as his lawyer Jose Reta as the Union ownership changed hands.
It remains to be seen what plans the Spanish gaffer has for Union, who have suffered from economic difficulties in recent years.
ANYWHERE BUT ARSENAL
Dutch icon Wesley Sneijder has urged Andre Onana to shun a move to Arsenal.
The former Inter Milan playmaker believes the goalkeeper should join a Spanish club instead.
Quoted by Voetbal International Live, he said : “I expect him to leave. I think he is a great goalkeeper. At the top level of European football? Yes, certainly.
“I would rather not see him at Arsenal. It is a fantastic club, but it has slipped in recent years.
“I’d rather see him play at Real Madrid or FC Barcelona.”
LONDON CALLING
Arsenal have reportedly contacted Man Utd over a possible move to sign Donny van de Beek.
Mikel Arteta is in the market to sign a new midfielder with the likes of Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira all likely to leave.
And with Van de Beek struggling for game time at Old Trafford, it has been said that the Gunners would be keen to lure him to North London.
According to 90min, Arsenal have been in touch with the Red Devils to see if they would be prepared to part ways with him.
And they have requested United to keep them updated on his situation at the club.
GUNNER JOIN?
Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their interest in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
The Seagulls ace is a know Gunners fan, and has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, as well as to Leicester in recent days.
But according to 90min, the Mali international isn’t keen on a move so far up north.
And the news outlet states that Arsenal are looking to strengthen their interest in the ex-Lille ace.
Arsenal are also understood to be eyeing up a move to bring his team-mate Ben White to Arsenal.
KOL ON ME
Arsenal left-back Sead Kolasinac is reportedly set to depart the Emirates on a permanent deal.
The Bosnian defender spent the second half of the season on loan at Schalke.
But the German side cannot afford to keep him after being relegated from the Bundesliga.
And according to journalist Talha Arslan, Serie A sides Lazio and Fiorentina are keen on securing his services.
Meanwhile a reunion with Mesut Ozil at Fenerbahce could be on the cards with Turkish club another interested party.
THIS IS EUR MOMENT
SOL CAMPBELL EXCLUSIVE – I’ve never felt more cheated than after my last England game at a Euros.
That’s why I urge Gareth Southgate’s squad to be themselves and leave nothing behind — because they may never be in this position again.
Having my extra-time winner against Portugal in Lisbon in 2004 wrongly disallowed was the most frustrating moment of my career.
It was the second time it had happened to me, after the game against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
In Saint-Etienne the referee said there was a foul by Alan Shearer before I headed it in.
Having my extra-time winner against Portugal in Lisbon in 2004 wrongly disallowed was the most frustrating moment of my career.
Read more from the Arsenal legend by clicking HERE.
MORNING, ARSENAL FANS
Brighton’s England squad defender Ben White has emerged as a prime Gunners’ target – but could cost at least £40million.
And Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is rated a potential replacement for Gunners’ duo Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos.
Swiss star Xhaka appears close to joining Roma while loan star Ceballos – for now at least – has rejoined parent club Real Madrid.
Argentina star De Paul, 27, played 36 Serie A games last term.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly holding talks with left-back Kieran Tierney over a contract extension.
And on the opposite flank in defence, the Gunners have been linked with Atletico Madrid’s England squad-man Kieran Trippier.
Manchester United are already said to have put in a cheeky £10million bid for the former Tottenham star.
Ajax keeper Andre Onana has been urged to reject the Gunners – because he could do better.
Inter Milan legend Wesley Sneijder told Voetbal International Live: “I expect him to leave.
“I think he is a great goalkeeper. European top? Yes, certainly.
“I’d rather not see him at Arsenal. It’s a fantastic club, but it has slipped in recent years. I’d rather see him play at Real Madrid or FC Barcelona.”
It’s also claimed the Gunners want to keep Brighton stopper Mat Ryan after his half-season on loan.
TOP TIER DEAL
Arsenal are holding talks with Kieran Tierney over a contract extension.
Tierney has put together a raft of impressive performances ever since moving to the Gunners from Celtic in 2019.
The left-back was also among the few stand-out players during the north Londoners’ disappointing campaign that saw them finishing eighth and missing out on Europe for the first time in 25 years.
According to Football London, the 24-year-old’s hard work is about to be rewarded as the club has decided to offer him a new deal.
Arsenal technical director Edu is set to present a proposed contract offer for the board to sign off.
Tierney’s current deal expires on June 2024 but the Gunners want to tie him down on a long-term basis.
CATCHER OF THE RY
Arsenal are looking to snap up goalkeeper Mat Ryan from Brighton.
The 29-year-old joined the Seagulls from Valencia back in 2017 but his five-year stint on the South Coast looks likely to end this summer.
Goalkeeper Mat Ryan could be set for a permanent switch to the Emirates Australian international Ryan spent the second half of the last campaign on loan with the Gunners.
And the childhood Arsenal fan even got to play three times for them in the Premier League in the absence of Bernd Leno.
Now boss Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing him back to the Emirates permanently.
That is according to Sky Sports, but the North London side will face competition for his signature.
They claim clubs from both Spain and France are also interested in signing Ryan.
The ace began last term as No1 at Brighton but was axed for a goalless draw at Fulham and failed to earn a recall.
‘GUNNERS AND UTD IN FOR TRIPPIER’
Manchester United are trying to seal a cheap transfer for Kieran Trippier – but reportedly had a £10million opening bid rejected.
Trippier played 35 times last season for Atletico, including 28 in the league as Diego Simeone’s side won LaLiga
It is understood the ex-Spurs man, originally from Bury, is keen on the move to Old Trafford and is even looking at houses in the area.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, their first offer was a paltry £10m – half the price Atletico Madrid paid for him two years ago.
The Spanish giants immediately turned it down.
And the report adds Atleti have told United they must stump up his £35m release clause to have any chance of signing Trippier, who is also a target for Arsenal.
BIG QUEUE FOR THE LEW?
Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski is open to leaving the German champions in the summer transfer window, reports suggest.
Lewandowski has spent seven glittering years at Bayern where he has won a whopping seven consecutive Bundesliga titles as well as the 2020 Champions League trophy.
According to AS, however, the star striker is open to a “changing of scene and facing new challenges” after Euro 2020, where he will be representing Poland.
The 32-year-old also believes this is the “perfect time to get to know another culture and another league “.
If Lewandowski does decide to leave Munich then he would attract plenty of offers as he is already targeted by Premier League teams.
Manchester United are looking for a centre-forward, even though Edinson Cavani signed a contract extension recently. Premier League champions City are also searching for someone to replace record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who recently signed for Barcelona.
Chelsea are on the lookout for a striker as well after winning the Champions League with Timo Werner failing to convince in his maiden season at Stamford Bridge.
WHITE-HOT SUMMER FOR GUNNERS?
Reminding you that Arsenal have joined the bidding war for Brighton ace Ben White amid the summer transfer window.
According to the Daily Mirror, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is a “big admirer” of White after his impressive campaign with the Seagulls.
The centre-back amassed 39 appearances across all competitions and earned an England call-up.
However, the 23-year-old has also attracted interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United.
LUKAS IN WAGS ROW
Ex-Arsenal star Lukas Podolski has sparked an angry response after claiming that Wags ‘get on my nerves’.
He said: “Most of the players’ women really get on my nerves.
“You didn’t even see many of them before they met a footballer, and then suddenly they make a huge wave on all social media channels.”
His statement caused a furious reaction from Jessica Contento – wife of former Bayern Munich left-back Diego.
She told BILD: “In general, I cannot understand his statement. Here the cliché is taken up again, against which many player women, including myself, have been fighting for years.
“That’s not okay, he lumps everyone together.”
GUNNERS PUSH FOR PAUL
The Gunners are interested in signing Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul as a replacement for Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos, according to reports.
The 27-year-old played 36 Serie A games last term and is a senior Argentina international.
Ceballos – for the time being, at least – has returned to parent club Real Madrid and Xhaka is reportedly close to a move to Roma.
FRONT ROWE SEAT
Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly set to finally sign a new long-term contract with the club.
Fabrizio Romano claims the playmaker will pen new five-year terms as the Gunners flog Willian, Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi.
The transfer guru wrote: “Emile Smith-Rowe is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal until June 2026 after negotiations started in March.
“Just waiting last details to be completed – then it’ll be done.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
