ARSENAL’s away shirt for next season has been released – and it’s a beauty inspired by the 1971 FA Cup triumph.
On the transfer front, the club are looking to make a big statement in the transfer market by securing Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga.
Meanwhile, there are updates on chases for Yves Bissouma and Max Aarons.
Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
NOT WRIGHT DEAL
Arsenal should not sign Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid on a permanent deal, according to club legend Ian Wright.
The Spanish midfielder is currently on loan until the end of the season.
Wright told Premier League Productions: “I don’t think we should be signing Ceballos, I just don’t think he’s what we need now.
“I think that we’ve got young players coming through who should get an opportunity in front of Ceballos.
“If he’s going to do anything to stay at Arsenal it would’ve been seen already by now.”
Wright has not been convinced by Ceballos during his time at the Emirates and believes the club should put their faith in younger players.
FIN LINE
Real Betis favourite Finidi George has told Nabil Fekir to keep working hard if he wants to earn a move to Arsenal.
Previously linked with the Gunners and Liverpool, Fekir has hit four goals for Betis this season.
And ex-Nigeria international George 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.”
ELNENY CONTINUED
In a statement to the JC, an Arsenal spokesman said: “As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms.
“That said, we are speaking 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.”
MO LAUGHING MATTER
Arsenal sponsor Lavazza are holding ‘urgent talks’ with the club after a controversial tweet from Mohamed Elneny.
The Egyptian midfielder posted a pro-Palestine message amid the worsening conflict with Israel.
The Jewish Chronicle reported coffee group Lavazza’s insistence on urgent talks with the club following Elneny’s social media post.
The post included an image with the text ‘Palestine Lives Matter’ which shows an outline of Israel with pro-Palestine images within.
The Lavazza Group told the JC: “We’ll immediately reach out to Arsenal to remark we are concerned about the club associated with such a message.
“Content of this post is totally not aligned with our company values. Lavazza Group is fully committed against racism and antisemitism.”
FOCUS ON IT
Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus, becoming the show’s first permanent female host in its 47-year history.
The former Arsenal and England star will take over from Dan Walker, who is stepping down after 12 years at the helm.
The 36-year-old full-back made more than 200 club appearances during her playing career, earned 140 caps for her country and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
Announcing the appointment in a column for BBC Sport, she wrote: “When I was a kid, I would never have watched television and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus.
“For the BBC to trust me with this role and allow me to be my true, authentic self means a lot.”
Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus PEPE TALK
Nicolas Pepe could reportedly depart Arsenal in the summer should they receive a suitable offer.
The Ivorian winger is in his second season at the Emirates, where he has chipped in with 12 goals and five assists in 45 games in all competitions.
But he has yet to justify his £72million price tag, with the ex-Lille ace failing to nail down a regular starting spot under Mikel Arteta.
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.”
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.”
TALKING TACTICS
Arsenal Women’s boss Joe Montemurro has discussed the winning tactics behind the Gunners’ title-winning side in 2019.
Take a look at the clip below.
GUNNING FOR MORE
Arsenal are reportedly ready to bring a handful of players to the club in the summer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on the Arsenal Lounge YouTube channel, he said: “I can guarantee you 100 per cent that they are working on some positions in particular.
“Right-back, centre-back, midfielder and number 10, if Odegaard will leave, since February. So they are already talking with people, with agents and with clubs to be prepared.
“The market this summer will be particular, as always when we have the Euros or the World Cup, the summer will be the end of May or the start of June, they will start something and I expect Arsenal to do something at the beginning of the market.
“At the beginning of the market, Arsenal will be ready to do something, let’s see if it will be the right-back, the absolute priority is at right-back at the moment, that and the midfield.
“So I expect that at the beginning of the market they will be close to signing two players in these positions.”
HEART AND SOL
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.
Sol Campbell has been linked with the England Under-21s job TRANSFER BATTLE
Arsenal will reportedly go toe-to-toe with bitter rivals Tottenham to sign Lyon defender Joachim Andersen.
Anderson, 24, spent the season on loan with the recently-relegated Fulham but impressed in what was a disappointing campaign for the Cottagers.
The centre-back’s displays for the west Londoners are said to have caught the eye of Arsenal, who are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements following a dismal season.
But they’re also said to have impressed the Gunners’ north London neighbours Tottenham.
And according to The Daily Telegraph, Spurs are ‘in pole position’ to sign the Denmark international.
It’s been reported Tottenham are willing to splash out close to £35million to add Andersen to their collection of centre-backs.
Tottenham are reportedly in pole position to sign Joachim Andersen TAKE XHAK
Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly seeking an exit away from the Emirates in the summer.
The Gunners midfielder could be on of a number of players that could depart North London in what looks set to be a busy window for the Gunners.
According to The Athletic, the Swiss international ‘intends’ to leave the club he has been at since 2016.
Xhaka has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent midfielder this season.
Should he depart, Arsenal could replace him with either Yves Bissouma or Sander Berge.
RYAN AIR
Leicester have joined Arsenal in the bidding war over the departing Southampton ace Ryan Bertrand.
Bertrand confirmed on Wednesday that he will be leaving St Mary’s once his contract expires on June 30 and a raft of clubs have reportedly shown interest.
West Ham and Crystal Palace are said to be keeping tabs on the left-back, who will be available for a free transfer in the summer, and the same also goes for Arsenal.
The Gunners have been long-term admirers and manager Mikel Arteta is believed to still be keen on the 31-year-old.
According to the Evening Standard, the same goes for Leicester, who were linked with Bertrand last year.
Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers was reportedly open to reuniting with the player he worked with during his time at Chelsea’s coaching staff.
NOT THE MAINE MAN
Jermaine Jenas believes it is right for Arsenal not to offer David Luiz a new contract.
The Brazilian defender will depart the Emirates after two seasons when his deal expires at the end of the season.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live if he is surprised about the news, Jenas said: “Probably not.
“Making 30 appearances I wouldn’t have thought it’s based on his age, I know he has had more injuries than he would have liked this year.
“I think Arsenal do need to start rebuilding. I would imagine David Luiz is one of the higher earners at that football club.
“And I think it’s a smart move from them to free up some cash and go a bit younger and try and start that rebuild essentially.”
WRIGHT WARNS AGAINST SIGNING CEBALLOS
Arsenal Legend Ian Wright has warned against signing on-loan Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos in the summer.
Wright believes that Arsenal have some very talented players who could fill the void left by the Spaniards departure.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Wright said: “I don’t think we should be signing Ceballos, I just don’t think he’s what we need now.
‘I think that we’ve got young players coming through who should get an opportunity in front of Ceballos.
“If he’s going to do anything to stay at Arsenal, it would’ve been seen already by now.”
ARTETA TO STAY
Mikel Arteta will remain as Arsenal boss with the backing of the club’s hierarchy, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal look set for one of their worst seasons in recent years but the Spaniard is being backed to turn it around at the Emirates.
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
David Luiz is set to leave Arsenal this summer with the Brazil defender informing the club he wants to exit when his contract expires.
The Gunners are reportedly ready to hand defender Calum Chambers a new deal after impressing this season.
Arsenal will have to pay Sander Berge’s £35million release clause if they want to sign the Sheffield United midfielder.
Berge is one of five players Arsenal have lined up to revamp their squad this summer.
PRE-SEASON DATES
Arsenal will reportedly play two of their fiercest rivals in pre-season as well as head out to America.
The Gunners have yet to complete what has been a disappointing Premier League campaign that looks set to result in no European football for the first time in 25 years.
However, supporters will have two whopping friendlies to look forward to ahead of the next one.
Mikel Arteta’s side are reported to be part of a three-team London tournament that will see them collide with Tottenham and Chelsea.
All proceeds from that mini showpiece, set for the first week of August, will go towards charities in the capital.
Credit: AFP DEAL ME IN
Arsenal rising star Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly close to signing a new five-year deal.
The England talent has been one of the few success stories for the Gunners this season.
Mikel Arteta wants to make sure the 20-year-old is a major part of the club’s future.
And Smith Rowe is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract to commit his future to Arsenal.
Credit: Getty ALL GUNNS BLAZING
Arsenal are reportedly looking to bring in five players to revamp the squad this summer.
Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen in five areas with Norwich defender Max Aarons high on their shortlist.
Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Sheffield United’s Sander Berge have also been linked with a potential move to Arsenal.
Credit: Focus Images LUIZ LEAVING
David Luiz is leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, according to the Daily Mail.
The Brazilian held talks with the club today and he has notified them that he wishes to leave the Emirates this summer.
The 34-year-olds contract comes to an end this summer, ending his two year spell at the club.
Luiz helped Arsenal win the FA Cup last season, defeating his former club Chelsea where he spent six years of his professional career.
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
NEW DEAL
Arsenal will hand defender Calum Chambers a new contract, according to Football.London.
Chambers’ contract was due to expire at the end of next season.
But his form has changed the tide of his Arsenal career and he’s set to be handed an extension.
ICONIC
Arsenal are continuing to promote their away kit for next season, but you’ll have to watch to see the short exchange between legend Patrick Vieira and Thomas Partey!
RACE FOR EUROPE
With the race for Europe heating up heading into the final 2/3 fixtures of the Premier League season, here’s what is up for grabs.
ICE BERG
Arsenal will have to pay Sander Berge’s full £35million release clause to land the midfielder despite Sheffield United’s relegation.
Yorkshire Live refuted claims that the Norwegian could be available for a cut-price £12m after the Blades dropped out of the Premier League.
Berge is still £10m cheaper than United’s original £45m asking price due to a relegation clause in his contract with the future Championship outfit.
Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with moves for the 23-year-old, who has just returned to action following a lengthy injury.
The 23-year-old appeared in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday in his first start since suffering a hamstring problem back in December.
The Norway international became United’s club-record signing at £22million when he joined from Genk in January 2020.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
