ARSENAL have reportedly made the capture of Martin Odegaard their No1 transfer priority this summer.
The Real Madrid playmaker has made a real impression at the Emirates on loan and Mikel Arteta looks set to swoop in the close-season.
We’ve also got the very latest on Emi Buendia and Granit Xhaka, while Raheem Sterling has been linked with the Gunners after it emerged he could leave Man City.
Follow all the latest from North London with our live blog below…
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EUR IN TROUBLE
UEFA are planning to make a ‘robust’ defence after the European Super League attempted to wage war on them.
Remaining members Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus claim Uefa have violated European Union competition law by seeking to block the ESL, and are now suing.
But a Uefa statement read: “Uefa takes note of the announcement by the European Court of Justice of the referral from a Madrid court on the so-called European Super League, notwithstanding the withdrawal of nine of its founding member clubs.
“Uefa is confident in its position and will defend it robustly.”
AAR YEAH
John Barnes has urged ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey to make a sensational Premier League return… with Liverpool.
Speaking about the Juventus and Wales midfielder with bettingodds.com, Barnes explained: “What Aaron Ramsey offers is a great work rate, physicality, an ability to get box-to-box, humility and commitment.
“I think he’d be a great fit for Liverpool, 100 per cent.
“I think he would suit the type of player that Liverpool would want as he can get up and down the pitch.
“He’s a strong, all action, box-to-box footballer, which is what Liverpool want from their midfielders.
COME AND GET MI
Arsenal could be set for a major transfer boost after the agent of Inter milan star Achraf Hakimi suggested ‘all players have a price’.
Alejandro Camano told Telelombardia: “In the future I don’t know, all players have a price and I believe that if all of Europe has seen Inter and their title-winning football, all the players will be taken into consideration.
“There is no situation at the moment (with Hakimi). I haven’t talked to any club and I don’t think Inter have either. It is a difficult time for football, there is a difficult economic situation.
“I think it is not possible today to say who will leave Inter to fix this difficult economic situation.
“He (Hakimi) is very young, joining Inter was a very intelligent decision. When the transfer window opens, we receive calls for all the players.
“The transfer market begins and if Inter are in trouble we will understand what to do. The market will tell.”
PUT A SOK IN IT
Reiss Nelson could join Sokratis at Olympiacos, according to reports.
The young winger has struggled for game time under Mikel Arteta, finding himself behind Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Willian and Nicolas Pepe in the pecking order.
According to SDNA in Greece, Nelson could head out on loan again this summer, and reunite with a familar face.
Sokratis left Arsenal in January for his home country, after being frozen out by Mikel Arteta.
Sokratis and Reiss Nelson could link up next seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor PAT ON THE BACK
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has compared Chelsea star N’Golo Kante with his former Gunners team-mates Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva.
He wrote in his Mail column: “Right now, there is not a finer defensive midfielder in the world than the all-action Kante.
“Is he the best ever? That is hard to say. You could definitely make a case.
“I was blessed to play behind Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva. Those players provide you with pure protection and you feel safer with them in front of you. Kante gives that to this Chelsea defence.
“Maurizio Sarri tried playing him in a different position but Thomas Tuchel is playing him where he is at his best. Not only do we have to say Leicester found a gem in Kante but Chelsea got an absolute bargain when they spent £32 million on him in 2016.
“The Blues had just finished 10th in the Premier League, remember, so were not even in Europe. Yet while other sides went to sleep, Chelsea signed a world beater. Every team in Europe would love to have this midfielder, with a twin engine, starting for them now.”
Kante has been compared with Arsenal legend Vieira and SilvaCredit: PA:Press Association ON YOUR ED
Rumoured Arsenal target Edmond Tapsoba will play a ‘big role’ at Bayer Leverkusen next season, according to sporting director Simon Rolfes.
The defender, 22, has been linked with a move to North London.
But Rolfes’ comments would suggest that he is going nowhere.
He told Bild: “Edmond should also play a very important role for us next season.
Edmond Tapsoba has been linked with a move to LeverkusenCredit: AFP LIFE ON MARS
Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi has reportedly agreed to join French side Marseille.
And the Ligue 1 outfit also want Gunners prospect William Saliba this summer, it is claimed.
Guendouzi, 22, spent the season on loan at Hertha Berlin in Germany after falling out of favour at the Emirates.
His Gunners career appears to be over after being frozen out by manager Mikel Arteta following a number of incidents.
The French former U21 international has a year left on his deal at the Emirates.
And L’Equipe in France report that he has agreed to join Marseille.
But the report adds that the clubs are yet to agree a deal and talks may have not even started yet.
Guendouzi reportedly travelled to the French city in recent days and discussed a move with Marseille officials.
The Gunners would be keen to move on from him as they look to rebuild their squad after a disappointing campaign.
EMER-GENCY MOVE
Arsenal are reportedly interested in a £21.5million transfer for Barcelona’s forgotten man Emerson Royal.
The 22-year-old signed for the Catalan giants from Atletico Mineiro in 2019 but is yet to make his debut.
Royal has a rented house in Barcelona from July 1 but there is a clause in his contract to break the lease should he be let go.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have called a meeting with Royal’s agent to discuss his future.
And the same outlet report Arsenal could make a move for the defender.
Barcelona would demand a £21.5m transfer fee to make a healthy profit on Royal.
BEST OF A BAD BUNCH
It was a difficult season for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta’s men sank to an eighth place finish in the Premier League.
But a Player of the Season still has to be named, with voting having now opened.
Who would you selection be, Gunners fans?
GUEN, GOING, GONE
Arsenal outcast is set to leave the club for Marseille this summer, according to reports.
The Frenchman impressed at times under Unai Emery, but fell out of favour because of disciplinary issues following Mikel Arteta’s arrival.
Guendouzi, 22, spent last season on loan at Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga.
And according to Le10Sport, the midfielder is about to join Marseille for a fee between £10.3million and £12.9million.
Guendouzi spent last season on loan at Hertha BerlinCredit: AFP MART PRICE
Arsenal have been told to stump up £52million if they want to keep Martin Odegaard, reports say.
The Norway playmaker, 22, played 20 times for the Gunners after joining on loan from Real Madrid in January.
But the North London side might need to pay a premium to keep hold of his services.
Reports in Spain say that Real Madrid will not accept any less than £52million to let hm go.
The Spanish giants will reportedly listen to offers because of Odegaard’s attitude.
He could still force his way back into Real’s plans, though, after manager Zinedine Zidane left the club.
WAT A PLAYER
Promoted Watford want to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah ahead of their Premier League return, according to reports.
The Gunners will reportedly demand £15million for the England youth international, who has a year left on his Emirates contract.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal are looking to cash in on Nketiah before his contract expires – and Watford are willing to make a bid.
The forward has shown plenty of promise since making his debut under former Gunners manager Arsene Wenger in September 2017.
But he’s failed to climb the pecking order under current boss Mikel Arteta, spending time on loan at Leeds United during their promotion-winning campaign in 2019-20.
Nketiah has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season – many off the bench – scoring six goals.
It is unclear the whether the talented youngster will sign a contract extension at this stage and the recent report casts further doubt over his Arsenal future.
Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah, 21, is believed to be wanted by Watford FEEL THE BERND
Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is gearing up for Euro 2020.
The German has been called up by his country for the finals, and is staying ready in training.
Manuel Neuer will be first choice for the tournament.
But with Marc-Andre ter Stegen missing through injury, Leno could be next in line.
SAK TO BUSINESS
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is doing his best to impress Gareth Southgate, ahead of the England boss’ trimming of his squad tomorrow.
The Gunners teenager impressed this season, but is in danger of missing out on the Three Lions 26-man squad for Euro 2020.
TOP THIER
Belgium have announced that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has returned to their coaching staff for Euro 2020.
The Frenchman was previously part of Roberto Martinez’s coaching team, before taking top jobs at AS Monaco and then CF Montreal.
Having found himself a free agent, Henry elected to return to work for the Spaniard this summer.
And with Martinez linked with a return to club football after the tournament, Henry may have his eye on the top job.
RAM RAID
Liverpool legend John Barnes believes that former Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey would be a great signing for the Reds this summer.
The former England icon told bettingodds.com: “What Aaron Ramsey offers is a great work rate, physicality, an ability to get box-to-box, humility and commitment so of course I think he’d be a great fit for Liverpool, 100 per cent.”
He then added: “I think he would suit the type of player that Liverpool would want as he can get up and down the pitch, he’s a strong, all action, box-to-box footballer, which is what Liverpool want from their midfielders.
Ramsey left Arsenal for Juventus in 2019, but has struggled to nail down a spot in the Italian giants’ starting XI.
Aaron Ramsey isn’t a first-team regular at JuveCredit: Alamy GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has admitted he is flattered by interest from Jose Mourinho over a potential move.
Mourinho is the new Roma boss and is reportedly interested in bringing Xhaka to Italy.
Xhaka told Blick: “Of course I read [about the interest]. But now I’m 100 per cent focused on the national team here.
“That’s more important than Arsenal or rumours right now. I have another two years on my contract in London and Arsenal they know what they have in me. When the time comes to talk about a transfer, I’ll be here.”
The Switzerland midfielder added: “To be honest, I didn’t hear what Mourinho has said about me. But that makes you proud.
“Everyone knows Mourinho, knows what he has achieved. Mourinho knows how to win titles.
“You can now see what work I have done over the past few years.”
Meanwhile, left-back Ryan Bertrand is now a free agent after his contract at Southampton expired.
Arsenal have shown interest in signing Bertrand in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Football London, however, Leicester are leading the race as they held talks with the talented full-back.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is looking to significantly strengthen his squad after a poor season that saw the team miss out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
And finally, Willian is likely to leave the club in the summer.
The attacking midfielder failed to deliver at the Emirates since his move from Chelsea last year.
According to Sky Sports, the Brazil international is keen on a return to the Blues or a move to the MLS.
That could lead to a £15million profit for the Gunners, who are looking to raise funds ahead of the transfer window.
KEEP AN EYE OUT
Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has joined up with Germany’s squad ahead of the Euros.
EYES ON RY
Left-back Ryan Bertrand is now a free agent after his contract at Southampton expired.
Arsenal have shown interest in signing Bertrand in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Football London, however, Leicester are leading the race as they held talks with the talented full-back.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is looking to significantly strengthen his squad after a poor season that saw the team missing out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
WILL I NEVER
Arsenal ace Willian is likely to leave the club in the summer.
The attacking midfielder failed to deliver at the Emirates ever since his move from Chelsea last year.
According to Sky Sports, the Brazil international is keen on a return to the Blues or a move to the MLS.
That could lead to a £15million profit for the Gunners, who are looking to raise funds ahead of the transfer window.
GUEN TO GO?
Arsenal have rejected an approach from Marseille for midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
Marseille want Guendouzi on loan, but the Gunners immediately rejected that as he has 12 months on his deal and no extension in the works.
Marseille then returned looking for a permanent deal at around £6.8m, but Arsenal want more than double that.
Negotiations are still taking place and one part of the deal seems to have been agreed, as the Marseille board have largely convinced Guendouzi to make the move.
SPECIAL GRAN
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has admitted he is flattered by interest from Jose Mourinho over a potential move.
Mourinho is the new Roma boss and is reportedly interesting in bringing Xhaka to Italy.
Xhaka told Blick: Of course I read [about the interest]. But now I’m 100 per cent focused on the national team here.
“That’s more important than Arsenal or rumours right now. I have another two years on my contract in London and Arsenal they know what they have in me. When the time comes to talk about a transfer, I’ll be here.”
The Switzerland midfielder added: “To be honest, I didn’t hear what Mourinho has said about me. But that makes you proud.
“Everyone knows Mourinho, knows what he has achieved. Mourinho knows how to win titles.
“You can now see what work I have done over the past few years.”
BURN ON HIM
Burnley ace Dwight McNeil could help Arsenal sign Norwich star Emi Buendia in the summer.
Buendia is among the Gunners’ top targets but are facing competition from Aston Villa.
According to The Athletic, however, Villa are also keeping tabs on McNeil ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Nevertheless, the Burnley winger, who is of “‘serious interest” for Dean Smith’s side, poses as a plan B to Buendia.
EM-PATHETIC
Arsenal are facing some stiff competition in their bid to land Norwich star Emi Buendia in the summer.
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on Buendia, who played a key role in the Canaries’ return to the Premier League.
The same source states that Villa have the financial might to outbid the Gunners for the talented playmaker.
As it stands, Villa and Arsenal are the two most prominent suitors for the Argentina international.
ODE TO JOY
Martin Odegaard poses as Arsenal’s “No1” target ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to The Athletic, who report that the Gunners’ top priority is to sign Odegaard on a permanent basis.
The attacking midfielder joined the north Londoners from Real Madrid on loan last January.
The Norway international put together a number of impressive performances and has since impressed manager Mikel Arteta to a point that he convinced him to hold on to him.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
