ARSENAL will have to wait until July to approach Phillipe Coutinho – but the Brazilian is reportedly free to leave Barcelona.
Reports also suggest that the Gunners could land long-term target Houssem Aouar for just £25m after Lyon missed out on the Champions League.
We’ve also the very latest on Martin Odegaard, as well as an update on Alexandre Lacazette’s Emirates future.
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Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
WILL I NEVER
WIllian is 100 per cent leaving Arsenal this summer.
That is according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has declared he will NOT be joining another English side.
It has been claimed that Willian was keen on a return to Chelsea, but Romano has ruled out that transfer.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, he said: “Willian. Willian is leaving the club, I want to confirm that Willian is leaving the club.
“There is nothing going on with other English clubs, but he’s leaving the club, so 100 per cent, Willian is going to leave.”
ALL THE MOUR REASON
Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has reportedly opened talks with Roma over a shock transfer to link up with Jose Mourinho.
The Gunners finished the season in eighth meaning the Emirates outfit will be without European football for the first time in over two decades.
And Arteta is expected to oversee a mass exodus from north London with the likes of David Luiz, 34, already confirmed to be leaving.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that Xhaka is among the players with offers to quit Arsenal this summer.
The report adds that former Tottenham boss Mourinho is a fan and has already begun talks to bring the Swiss international with him to Roma.
A return to the Bundesliga where Xhaka spent four years at Borussia Monchengladbach has also been mooted.
LOAN RANGER
Arsenal defender Konstantinos Macropanos could reportedly be yet again shipped out on loan next season.
According to Kicker, Stuttgart – where Mavropanos has enjoyed this campaign at – are keen on keeping hold of the Greece international on loan once more.
And that deal could include an option to buy clause.
But it has been claimed that Lazio are also in the race to lure the centre-back away from the Emirates.
Mavropanos has featured in eight games for the Gunners since he made the move to North London in January 2018.
BOY WONDERS
Take a look at Arsenal’s latest instalment of their ‘UnClassic Commentary’ series.
The latest episode involved Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe covering the 2-0 Premier League win over Newcastle in January.
BISSOUMA BATTLE
Arsenal are reportedly battling Liverpool for the signing of Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
The Mali international, 24, is expected to depart the Amex Stadium in the summer.
Commenting on his future, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Yves Bissouma is appreciated and he’s ‘one of the options’ in the Arsenal list as midfielder but NOT the first one.
“Arsenal are also looking at different kind of players in this position.
“Many clubs are interested in Bissouma – Liverpool too. The race is open.”
TAKE XHAK
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka could be set for a summer switch to Roma to link up with Jose Mourinho.
According to Di Marzio, the Serie A side are desperate to bring the Swiss international to Italy.
And is has been stated that Roma are already in talks with his representatives over a move.
German clubs are also monitoring his situation should the Gunners decide to sell him.
Xhaka has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent midfielder this term, with Mikel Arteta putting huge trust in him.
HIT THE ROAD JACK
Jack Wilshere has declared he is unsure of what the future holds for him after being released by Bournemouth.
Taking to Instagram, he said: “Thank you to everyone @officialafcb for the last five months.
“My team-mates, All the staff and especially the fans. You were amazing last time and continued to support me this time.
“Being honest, I don’t know if this is the end. The coming weeks will tell.
“Unfortunately we didn’t reach our goal of promotion but there is plenty of positives and experience to take into next year to get this club back where it belongs!
“Have a good summer.”
JACK-ED IT IN
Jack Wilshere has been released by Bournemouth as his second spell with the club was brought to an end.
Wilshere rejoined the Cherries in January, four years after he first left, and played 17 times for the club, scoring twice.
He helped Bournemouth reach the play-offs after finishing sixth, but they were beaten by Brentford over two legs.
Facing another season in the Championship, the Cherries confirmed Wilshere’s departure but wished him all the best.
A statement read: “A class act on and off the pitch.
“We’d like to thank Jack Wilshere for his efforts since returning to the club and wish him all the best moving forward.”
HOW ABOUT MAT?
Matteo Guendouzi has lauded former boss Unai Emery’s style of play as Villarreal were crowned as Europa League champions.
And the French midfielder – who was signed by the Spanisrd at Arsenal – has taken to social media to congratulate Emery on his fourth trophy.
He tweeted: “What a journey! This Football… so smart and elegant! You made the dream of an entire city, of a club, a team, and of all the fans come true! You did it!
“You know how to win trophies! Hats off Monsieur Emery. You are so unique.”
Bedore adding: “I am honoured and proud to have had the opportunity to evolve by your side.
“Words will never be strong enough to qualify your personality, your benevolence and your authenticity in human relationships. All my congratulations coach Unai Emery and bravo to Villarreal.”
ON THIS DAY
Four years ago today, Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
It was Per Mertesacker’s first start and second appearance of the season.
Relive his epic performance below.
LAC RUN OUT?
Arsenal reportedly remain undecided whether to hand Alexandre Lacazette a new contract.
The 29-year-old French striker – who has top scored for the Gunners this season with 17 goals – has just a year left on his deal.
Commenting on future, Goal journalist Charles Watts said on his YouTube channel: “Lacazette’s future is going to be decided very, very soon.
“I think we’ll find out very quickly about what’s happening with Alexandre Lacazette.
“Talks are being held over the next couple of weeks or so with him regarding his new contract, possible new contract, or whether he moves on.”
A GOOD EBENING
Unai Emery has credited losing with Arsenal in the 2019 Europa League final as a key factor as to how Villarreal beat Man Utd last night.
Speaking after the Europa League final victory in Gdansk, he said: “I believe it’s not a sporting revenge at all. I try to enjoy every moment, winning and losing.
“I try to create new circumstances, so everywhere I have been, even in England at Arsenal, I have learnt a lot, met many people, other cultures and football.
“At the end of that story was professional frustration, but some other doors opened then.
“Winning today is a satisfaction, but for my club today, as it was when I was at Sevilla.
“When I was at Arsenal, we played a Europa League final and could not win but it is a process, from that game I learnt a lot to win this one maybe.”
WILL I NEVER
WIllian is 100 per cent leaving Arsenal this summer.
That is according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has declared he will NOT be joining another English side.
It has been claimed that Willian was keen on a return to Chelsea, but Romano has ruled out that transfer.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, he said: “Willian. Willian is leaving the club, I want to confirm that Willian is leaving the club.
“There is nothing going on with other English clubs, but he’s leaving the club, so 100 per cent, Willian is going to leave.”
HEC OF A SIGNING
Right-back Hector Bellerin has emerged as a summer target for LaLiga outfit Real Betis.
The 26-year-old is expected to depart the Emirates in the summer after ten years spent at Arsenal.
And according to ABC, the Spain international could be on his way back to his native country.
They claim that contact has been made with his representatives about a move.
Bellerin is said to be keen on a move back to Spain, with Betis identifying him as their main target.
GOING, GOING, GUEN
Marseille are reportedly keen on bringing Matteo Guendouzi back to France in the summer.
The French midfielder – who will return from his loan spell at Hertha Berlin – faces an uncertain future at the Emirates after falling out with Mikel Arteta.
And according to L’Equipe, the 22-year-old is being eyed up by the Ligue 1 giants.
With just one year left on his deal, the Gunners could decide to cash in on the player.
PHIL YER BOOTS
Arsenal have been given the green light to land Philippe Coutinho but will have to wait until July, according to reports.
The Brazilian is just one of the names up for grabs from Barcelona this summer as they look to reduce their staggering wage bill.
Arsenal looked into the possibility of landing Coutinho on loan last summer but were put off by the financial aspect of the deal and instead signed Martin Odegaard.
However, they are set to reignite their interest with Everton also interested, according to Sky Sports.
Coutinho is currently undergoing rehabilitation on knee surgery having been ruled out of action since January.
He will hold off making a decision on his future until July when he can start training again.
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Kieran Tierney heard his knee ‘pop’ — and feared his Euros dream was over.
The Arsenal star crashed to the ground in agony after a collision with Liverpool midfielder James Milner in a 3-0 home defeat on April 3.
Feeling sharp pain from his left knee, Tierney became deeply concerned he could be destined for the operating theatre.
He said: “I heard the pop from my knee and it immediately went through my mind ‘Is this bad? Is this my season done?’
“I was worried about it being long term. Arsenal were on course for a European final and I didn’t want to miss the ties we had coming up or the end to the season.
“Then there was Scotland and the Euros. There was everything to play for.”
Meanwhile, 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.
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.
And finally, Patrick Vieira has begged Arsenal’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.”
TIER JERKER
Exclusive by Derek McGregor: Kieran Tierney heard his knee ‘pop’ — and feared his Euros dream was over.
The Arsenal star crashed to the ground in agony after a collision with Liverpool midfielder James Milner in a 3-0 home defeat on April 3.
Feeling sharp pain from his left knee, Tierney became deeply concerned he could be destined for the operating theatre.
He said: “I heard the pop from my knee and it immediately went through my mind ‘Is this bad? Is this my season done?’
“I was worried about it being long term. Arsenal were on course for a European final and I didn’t want to miss the ties we had coming up or the end to the season.
“Then there was Scotland and the Euros. There was everything to play for.”
FINAL COUNT
The FA have confirmed that an extra 2,000 tickets have been made available for the Championship play-off final on Saturday.
Brentford and Swansea City will do battle at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.
The Bees currently boast Arsenal academy star Josh Dasilva who swapped Hale End for west London back in 2018.
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.
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.
FIELD OF DREAMS
Throwback to that memorable night at Anfield back in 1989…
WHAT THE EK
Patrick Vieira has begged Arsenal’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.”
WRIGHT IDEA
Ian Wright made a Gooner’s day by sharing a social media post pleading for Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League games to be played at the Emirates.
ONE IN A MIL
Former Arsenal star Olivier Giroud is reportedly keen on joining AC Milan when his Chelsea deal expires this summer.
French magazine Le10Sport claims the Chelsea striker, 34, is certain to leave Stamford Bridge after Saturday’s Champions League final.
And he now has the San Siro in his sights.
Giroud has been at Chelsea since 2018 after a move from London rivals Arsenal and has gone on to score 39 goals in 119 games, as well as winning the Europa League.
TAP HIM UP
Arsenal are reportedly in negotiations to prise highly-rated centre-back 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.
Manchester United 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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
