DANIEL EK has stated that he has lodged an official bid to take over Arsenal.
However, he added that the Kroenke family declared that they “don’t need the money”.
On the transfer front, Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell Nicolas Pepe, should the right offer be made.
The Gunners have a number of big transfer targets this summer, including Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga.
Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
CAMPBELL ‘WOULD LOVE’ GREALISH
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell “would love” for Arsenal to sign Aston Villa’s main man Jack Grealish.
I would love Arsenal to make a move for Grealish but I don’t think the club could afford him at the moment,” Campbell told Football Insider.
“He has proved to be a world-class player this season. He is very consistent with his performances and he is only young.
“What a huge difference he has made to Aston Villa this year.
“I think any one of the big boys would look at him. I wouldn’t put it past Manchester City to sign him, even though they have a wealth of attacking talent. I could see him there.
“Listen, that would be making the strong stronger. It could be an embarrassment of riches.
“You have to keep strengthening. If you don’t, you are standing still and others will catch you.”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES DOUBLE TROUBLE
Granit Xhaka and Bernd Leno are among a string of Arsenal players set to leave this summer, reports say.
Xhaka has been a vital part of manager Mikel Arteta’s reign, playing as a central partner for Thomas Partey and also as a makeshift left-back.
And keeper Leno has been the Gunners No1 since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018.
But according to The Athletic, Arsenal staff are growing concerned the experienced pair will push for a transfer in the summer.
And it gets worse, with defender David Luiz, 34, and striker Alexandre Lacazette, 29, also facing uncertain futures.
LOST THE WILL
WILLIAN is expected to leave Arsenal this summer with Inter Miami among those in the transfer race, reports say.
The Brazilian arrived from Chelsea on a free transfer last summer but has failed to hit the same heights he once achieved in the Blue side of London.
With only one goal all season, Willian has largely been overlooked in Arsenal’s frontline, leaving his future in doubt.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the winger, along with countrymen David Luiz, is looking to leave the club.
Inter Miami were interested in taking him to MLS last year before he opted to remain in England with Arsenal.
And they are joined by other European sides lodging interest in the 32-year-old.
DEBUT
Arsenal’s 2021/22 away kit is on display today as Arsenal’s women’s team take on Crystal Palace!
GUNNING FOR GLORY
Arsenal failed to capitalise on last season’s FA Cup triumph.
DEAL OR NO DEAL?
Arsenal have denied receiving a £2bn takeover approach from Spotify founder Daniel Ek’s consortium.
But the Swedish billionaire, 38, hit back and insisted he DID table a bid to buy the Premier League side from unpopular owner Stan Kroenke.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, he said: “This week an offer was made to both Josh Kroenke and their bankers that included ownership, representation at the board and a golden share for the supporters.
“They replied they don’t need the money. I respect their decision but remain interested and available should that situation ever change.”
CAM AND GET ME
Arsenal have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Eduardo Camavinga with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich looking to sign the Rennes ace.
The Ligue 1 side are poised to cash in on the French midfielder in the summer with the 18-year-old having just one year left on his contract.
It has been claimed that the France international is refusing to commit his future to Rennes, leading to a number of clubs to weigh up an offer.
Mikel Arteta is rumoured to have made Camavinga his No1 target with the Gunners doing ‘everything they can’ to nab him.
But according to Marca, they are in competition with Bundesliga champions Bayern and LaLiga giants Real.
OUT THE DOOR
Willian could leave Arsenal this summer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
According to Romano, a host of European clubs, and David Beckham’s Inter Miami wanted to sign the Brazilian last summer.
But Arsenal won the race for the former Chelsea player.
Willian scored his first goal for Arsenal in last Sunday’s 3-1 win against West Brom.
CASH GUZZLERS
Arsenal made a profit on just EIGHT of the players who joined the club in the last ten years.
Since 2010, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been the biggest money spinner while Mesut Ozil represented the largest loss.
WRIGHT JEALOUS OF LEICESTER
Arsenal legend Ian Wright admitted that he was jealous of Leicester after their FA Cup triumph against Chelsea yesterday.
Wright was jealous of the relationship between the team and the ownership, and rightly so, it’s a well managed football club.
“I tell you what, look at him with the players, with the manager,” Wright reacted on BBC.
“The jealousy I feel, knowing an owner can be like that… honestly, it breaks my heart.
“I’m absolutely delighted for Leicester and him. Magnificent, magnificent. Brilliant.”
ARSENAL EYE BERTRAND
Arsenal are interested in signing Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
And the 31-year-old will be available for free, after announcing he will be leaving the Saints.
The Gunners are looking to strengthen the left side of defence, to provide cover for left-back Kieran Tierney.
According to the report, Man City are also interested in Bertrand.
STAT ATTACK
Lacazette has stepped up and scored 13 Premier League goals so far this season.
And there’s still two massive games to play!
HAIRAWAY THE LADS!
Newcastle boast the highest number of bald fans in the Premier League — with many blaming the stress of supporting them.
A poll found 49 per cent of followers of the Toon Army have lost their locks — above the national average for men of 39 per cent.
And the average for Premier League fans is 30 per cent.
Researchers at BuzzBingo.com asked 2,000 male Premier League fans if they are bald or balding and asked which club they support.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are in 12th spot with 26 per cent of their supporters sporting a bald look.
MONEY SAVER
Arsenal defender Dinos Mavropanos could extend his stay at Stuttgart beyond the summer IF he is not in boss Mikel Arteta’s plans going forward.
The 23-year-old has impressed whilst on loan in Germany, and could prove a money saver if Arteta was to keep him and use him.
Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo loves him, and said: “He’s our gladiator!
“He’s a monster in terms of physique. And when he makes a mistake, he hums around some Greek swear words. I like that. He’s just a tough dog.”
The praise of Mavropanos didn’t just come from manager Matarazzo.
Sporting director Sven Mislintat weighed in saying: “He (Mavropanos) says very clearly – if he doesn’t play a role in Arsenal’s planning, he wants to stay with us.”
WRIGH OH WHY
Arsenal legend Ian Wright revealed his dismay at the stark contrast between his old club and Leicester’s heartwarming FA Cup glory.
The Foxes lifted the trophy for the first time on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Chelsea in front of 21,000 fans at Wembley.
And Wright told BBC Sport that the moment was ‘magnificent’ – but left him with a touch of ‘jealousy’ as a Gooner.
The ex-striker, 57, said: “I tell you what, look at him with the players, with the manager.
“The jealousy I feel, knowing an owner can be like that… Honestly, it breaks my heart.
“I’m absolutely delighted for Leicester and him. Magnificent, magnificent. Brilliant.”
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Spotify owner Daniel Ek has confirmed that he made a failed attempt to buy Arsenal.
He said in a statement: “Inaccurate reports emerged today saying I have not made a bid for Arsenal Football Club.
“I think it’s important to correct the record – this week an offer was made to both Josh Kroenke and their bankers that included fan ownership, representation at board and a golden share for the supporters.
“They replied that they don’t need the money. I respect their decision but remain interested and available should that situation ever change.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal have spoken to Mohamed Elneny about his pro-Palestinian social media post.
“As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms,” the club told Sky Sports News.
“That said we have spoken to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.
“As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”
And finally, Dinos Mavropanos could extend his stay at Stuttgart beyond the summer IF he is not in boss Mikel Arteta’s plans going forward.
The 23-year-old has impressed whilst on loan in Germany, and could prove a money saver if Arteta was to keep him and use him.
Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo loves him, and said: “He’s our gladiator!“He’s a monster in terms of physique. And when he makes a mistake, he hums around some Greek swear words. I like that. He’s just a tough dog.”
The praise of Mavropanos didn’t just come from manager Matarazzo.
Sporting director Sven Mislintat weighed in saying: “He (Mavropanos) says very clearly – if he doesn’t play a role in Arsenal’s planning, he wants to stay with us.”
FIN LINE
Real Betis favourite Finidi George has told Nabil Fekir to keep working hard if he wants to earn a move to Arsenal.
He told Tribal Football: “Nabil is young and he is a good player.
“If he keeps working hard, keeps his cool and is disciplined, I think he might play for top clubs in Europe.
“Going to Arsenal or Real Madrid depends on him. I think he has the quality. If he has the mindset, I think he can make it.
“He has to continue to do his best for his club and hopefully the bigger clubs will come one day knocking at the door.”
WILL I NEVER
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed Arsenal will demand around £30m before they even consider selling Joe Willock this summer.
Speaking on the Arsenal Lounge, he said: “Arsenal are not going to accept €15 million or €12 million or €20 million.
“They want around €30 million, €35 million to start negotiations. Let’s see if they can find an agreement.”
WHAT THE EK
Spotify owner Daniel Ek has confirmed that he made a failed attempt to buy Arsenal.
PEPE TALK
Nicolas Pepe could reportedly depart Arsenal in the summer should they receive a suitable offer.
Commenting on his future, Fabrizio Romano told the Arsenal Lounge: “The feeling around the player is that Arsenal will try again with him, will try with Arteta also to build this consideration in Europe and let’s see what happens next season.
“But if an important bid will arrive Arsenal are open to consider, but at the moment it’s really difficult to have this money for this player.”
‘WIDER IMPLICATIONS’
Arsenal have spoken to Mohamed Elneny about his pro-Palestinian social media post.
“As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms,” the club told Sky Sports News.
“That said we have spoken to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.
“As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”
OUT OF TUNE
Ian Wright threatened to walk off from BBC’s FA Cup final coverage after Gary Lineker aired his 1993 music video.
Wright joked about leaving after his timeless attempt at pop stardom was shown on TV.
Wright joked: “No! Why are you showing this? I’m going, I’m not staying, get it off!”
Lineker returned the favour on Wright after footage of the BBC presenter’s awkward dancing and miming along in an England Euro 88 song.
CHELSEA 0 LEICESTER 1
Youri Tielemans glorious strike gave Leicester FA Cup final glory at the fifth attempt as Chelsea had a last-minute goal controversially ruled out on VAR.
Tielemans hit a 25-yard top-corner special on 63 minutes – before the video assistant referee adjudged Blues’ sub Ben Chilwell millimetres offside when his cross was deflected home by Foxes’ sub Wes Morgan.
Read SunSport’s match report HERE.
NO SALE
Arsenal have denied receiving a takeover approach from the club legend consortium led by Spotify founder Daniel Ek.
The Swedish billionaire, 38, has claimed to be formulating a £1.8million bid to buy the Premier League side from unpopular owner Stan Kroenke.
Fan protests against the American have escalated since the Gunners’ attempt to join the doomed European Super League.
Arsenal supporter Ek promptly announced his intention to buy the club with the help of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.
But a spokesperson for the North London outfit has denied receiving any official approach.
Kroenke Sports Entertainment insist they have no intention of letting the club go despite the fan fury.
ICYMI
Sol Campbell met with England officials on Thursday for discussions over the vacant Under-21s job.
SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the ex-Arsenal defender, 46, had thrown his hat in the ring to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.
It remains to be seen whether he will get the nod over the likes of current Under-17s chief Justin Cochrane and Liam Rosenior, who are also in the frame.
Campbell, who won 73 caps for the Three Lions, previously bossed Macclesfield and Southend.
Boothroyd is leaving this summer when his contract expires after presiding over a second successive group-stage exit from the Euros.
Prospective candidates have been encouraged to apply as the FA conducts a ‘formal open process’ to appoint the new boss.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
