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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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.
Click here to read more
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…
XHAKA UPDATE
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 Olimpico for a fee of £16million.
The Switzerland international is currently preparing for Euro 2020
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Arsenal have officially missed out on Emi Buendia as Aston Villa have announced the signing of the former Norwich star on a five-year contract for a club-record fee.
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.”
Meanwhile, 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’.
At the same time, 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 Ajax 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.
And finally, the 2021-2022 Premier League fixtures will be announced in full on Wednesday, June 16 at 9am.
Arsenal endured a difficult season as they finished eighth and missed out on Europe for the first time in 25 years.
The Gunners seem determined to rebuild by making some substantial signings.
But first, manager Mikel Arteta will have to sell in order to raise funds.
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”
NEVER SAY NEVES
Arsenal hero Kevin Campbell believes his former club would be getting Wolves star Ruben Neves for a “great price” if they signed him for £40million.
Campbell told Football Insider: “What a player he is.
“This is the crazy thing, he was never on my radar because as far as I am concerned Wolves would never sell him.
“There will be some big change at Wolves this summer and if Arsenal can sneak in a deal for Neves that would be great. I think £40million is a great price for him to be honest”
LU-KING AHEAD
Former Arsenal and Chelsea ace David Luiz is being targeted by AC Milan shortly after leaving the Gunners.
That is according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, who claims Luiz is part of Milan’s wish list.
The experienced centre-back, who can also play in midfield, is seen as a potential replacement for Alessio Romagnoli.
The Italy international hasn’t left the San Siro but is attracting plenty of interest
AD TO CART
Arsenal are keeping tabs on RB Leipzig ace Tyler Adams amid the summer transfer window.
That is according to The Athletic, who claim the Gunners are keeping tabs on the midfielder, who can also play at right-back.
A signing like that would be major for the north Londoners as they are looking for someone to partner up with Thomas Partey in the middle of the park as well as a replacement for Hector Bellerin, who is likely to leave.
However, Leipzig are not keen on selling having already seen their defence getting significantly weakened following the departures of Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate to Bayern Munich and Liverpool respectively
GETTY IMAGES
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
