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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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.
‘ONANA TOO GOOD FOR GUNNERS’
Ajax star Andre Onana has been advised to snub Arsenal in the summer transfer window… because he is made for a “top” club.
Onana has been linked with a move to the Gunners as manager Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his goalkeeping options ahead of next season.
However, Inter Milan legend Wesley Sneijder has advised the 25-year-old to ignore the north Londoners’ advances because they have “slipped in recent years”.
Sneijder also claims the shot-stopper is made for the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The Netherlands great 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.”
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.”
ICYMI – ONANA BAN REDUCED
Ajax star and Gunners transfer target Andre Onana has had his doping suspension reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Onana was banned for a year by UEFA last February after testing positive for Furosemide.
But the goalkeeper has always maintained that he accidentally took medicine that was prescribed for his wife and launched an appeal to CAS, which was heard last week.
The verdict is in, and the 25-year-old’s ban has been reduced by three months.
Arsenal are now expected to step up their interest for the Cameroon international, who will be able to play again in November.
OH MY POD
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.”
EK TAKEOVER LATEST
Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek looks set to increase his bid to buy Arsenal to £2billion.
Three weeks ago, Ek announced his initial offer of £1.8bn had been turned down by club owner Stan Kroenke.
Despite Kroenke’s rejection, the Swedish billionaire confirmed he remains interested in buying the club he has been supporting since childhood.
However, the Gunners’ American owner and his son Josh released a statement at the end of April saying they remain ‘100 per cent committed to Arsenal and are not selling any stake in the club’.
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.
DE MAN FOR ARSENAL
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.
RAM RACE
Aaron Ramsey drafted in his own medical team to ensure he can play a full part in another Wales Euro fairytale.
The Juventus midfielder arrived at the Dragons camp last month suffering from muscle fatigue – a problem he had encountered five times in the Italian season.
So during a warm weather training trip to Portugal, and in Cardiff, he brought in his trusted people to nurse him back to fitness.
Former Arsenal favourite Ramsey gave fans a scare when he sat out training yesterday – but he is confident the extra lengths he has gone to will pay off.
Wales take on Switzerland in their opening game in Baku tomorrow and he is hoping to play some part.
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Credit: Getty Images – Getty
BR-ITE PROSPECT
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.
XHAKA LATEST
Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka has agreed personal terms with Roma, who wish to sign him in the summer transfer window.
That is according to Football London, who claim Xhaka has agreed a five-year deal with the Serie A giants.
The midfielder looks set to move to the Stadio Olimpico for a fee of £16million.
The Switzerland international is currently preparing for Euro 2020.
If the deal goes ahead, he’ll join the new Roma manager Jose Mourinho in the Italian capital.
We’ll keep you updated on this developing story.
SAKA GETS ENGLAND CAP
Bukayo Saka has been given a special cap by England.
He’s the 1,253th man to play a senior international for his country and has been given the cap to commemorate his efforts.
England and Arsenal fans will be hoping the 19-year-old will go on to achieve a lot more in his blossoming career.
ARSENAL’S OLYMPIANS
Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli both played for Brazil’s Olympic team earlier in the week as they beat Serbia’s U21s 3-0 in a friendly.
Arsenal’s Brazilian stars will be keen to make the squad for Tokyo 2020, which starts next month.
Brazil’s squad for the tournament will be announced on June 17.
TRIPPED UP
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.
Gunners fans – how much is Trippier worth?
PART-ING GIFT
Thomas Partey will wear the No5 at Arsenal next season, according to reports.
The last player to wear the famous jersey was Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
ICYMI – BUENDIA DONE DEAL
Aston Villa have announced the signing of Emi Buendia from Norwich on a five-year contract for a club-record fee.
Villa landed their top target after beating competition from the likes of Arsenal.
A club statement read: “Emiliano has just completed an outstanding season in a championship-winning Norwich side with 31 combined goals and assists and was named player of the season across the league.
“He is equally capable as a wide attacker or as a number 10 and is a great addition to our attacking options.
“We are delighted to have made such an exciting signing so early in the summer and look forward to Emi joining up with us for a full pre-season.”
ONE IN EMILE
Emile Smith Rowe is being eyed by Aston Villa as a shock potential replacement for Jack Grealish, according to reports.
The Villans face another summer desperately trying to hold on to their influential captain.
But journalist Duncan Castles reckons they have already got someone lined up in the shape of Smith Rowe if their star man does depart.
The Arsenal playmaker, 20, was a rare bright spark in a disappointing season for the club.
He racked up four goals and seven assists in 33 appearances.
But with Villa ‘preparing’ for life after Grealish, Smith Rowe – heading into the final two years of his Emirates contract – may be a suitable target.
ARSENAL’S EURO STARS
Just FOUR Arsenal players have been selected for Euro 2020.
And one of those is Swiss star Granit Xhaka, who is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club.
Back in 2004, they had twice as many!
Bernd Leno (Germany), Bukayo Saka (England) and Kieran Tierney (Scotland) are the other three players on European duty this summer.
ARSENAL ‘WORKING NIGHT AND DAY’
Edu and Mikel Arteta are said to be ‘working night and day’ on signing fresh talent for the Gunners.
That’s the verdict of Sky Sports’ transfer specialist Dharmesh Sheth.
Here’s a round-up of their transfer activity…
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
