ARSENAL have been labelled favourites to land the signature of PSV star Cody Gakpo this summer according to reports.
The youngster compared to as Thierry Henry, has caught the eye of a number of top European clubs and the Gunners are thought to be closest to securing a deal for him in the transfer window.
Elsewhere, Erling Haaland’s transfer move to Manchester City could help Mikel Arteta land top target Gabriel Jesus.
And the Gunners are reportedly one of four Premier League clubs to begin ‘discussions’ for Argentine international Paulo Dybala.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the Emirates in our live blog…
The Arsenal way
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has rejected the notion of Arsenal needing to copy Liverpool in order to win the Premier League.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta highlighted Liverpool’s project for comparison, but revealed they were not able to copy The Reds.
He said: “There are things you can try to compare, and you can acknowledge how other clubs have been through these processes and these phases of a project, like Liverpool.
“But what the league was six years ago and what the league is today is completely different. We need to focus on what we want to do and how we are going to execute it, and not look too far ahead.”
Mino Raiola’s family release statement
Super-agent Mino Raiola has died aged 54, his family have confirmed.
In a statement posted on Twitter, it was announced the Italian sadly lost his health battle.
It read: “In infinite sorrow we share the passing of the most caring and amazing Football Agent that ever was.
“Mino fought until the end with the same strength he put on negotiation tables to defend out players.
“As usual, Mino made us proud and never realized it.
“Mino touched so many lives through his work and wrote a new chapter in the history of modern football.
“His presence will forever be missed. Mino’s mission of making football a batter place for players will continue with the same passion.
“We thank everybody fo the huge amount of support received during these difficult times and ask for respect and privacy of family and friends in this moment of grief.
“The Raiola Family.”
Arsenal target Gnabry refuses new contract
Arsenal’s hopes of landing Serge Gnabry have been given a boost after reports that he is refusing to sign a blockbuster Bayern Munich contract.
The winger would reportedly see his pay double if he put pen to paper, but is yet to do so.
The stand-off could open the door to Arsenal tempting the superstar back to the Emirates.
Gnabry left the club in 2016, but has since gone on to make a name for himself playing in Germany.
But Bild report that contract talks with Bayern have stalled, despite big money being on the table.
The German newspaper say Gnabry could potentially double his wages from a reported £6.7m a year to between £14m and £16m.
Credit: Getty
Cedric set to reject Newcastle offer
Cedric Soares is set to snub a move to Newcastle and pledge his future to Arsenal, according to reports.
The full-back has seized opportunities at the Emirates this season and could spurn advances from other teams.
Clubs both in England and abroad are interested in the former Southampton defender.
But Sports Witness report that Soares does not want to go anywhere, despite the interest in him.
And newspaper Correio da Manha report that a source close to the player told the outlet: “It’s speculation. There are no offers. Cedric has no interest in leaving Arsenal.”
Xhaka on Man United goal
Granit Xhaka has revealed that his goal for Arsenal in their 3-1 win over Man United was special.
He said to TV2: “It was special. My whole family was in the stands, my father came from Switzerland to watch the match
“It’s always special when you score at home, but this was special because I had not scored in a long time for Arsenal.
“It was a key moment for me. I forgot everything there and then. I just wanted to enjoy it with my teammates, with the fans, with the people around. It was a good feeling.”
Brandt new opening
Arsenal could make a move for Borussia Dortmund ace Julian Brandt this summer.
Brandt has been deemed surplus to requirements at the German club who are open to letting him go for around £16.5million, Bild report.
And the Gunners could pounce on the winger they tried to sign in January’s transfer window once again.
Arteta on Arsenal legends
Mikel Arteta has revealed that he’s happy to have legends such as Jehns Lehmann and Gilberto back at the club as the pair hung out with Edu earlier this week.
Arteta told Sky Sports: “I always said they are all welcome here.
“The experiences they had together, what they transmitted as a team, and what they actually achieved was phenomenal.
“That’s for the history and the legacy of the Premier League, so for us to have contact, for them to feel welcome here, and for them to be supportive with what we want to do, I think it’s something really valuable and important.
“I was really pleased to see them back here with smiles on their faces, feeling relaxed and doing something that is natural, and that should happen in a natural way because it’s their club.
“The way Arsenal is viewed today is because of players and people like them.”
Arteta wants team investment
Mikel Arteta has alluded to Arsenal’s board that the team needs investment this summer.
He told DAZN: “People have thrown themselves into the team, they have felt what the team transmits, they feel identified with the young people, with the model.
“That is what is going to give us a lot of strength; it is going to give us an advantage to take another leap forward.
“Which we already know where it is going and which is going to require investment and time again.”
Arsenal can Gnab him
Arsenal hopes of landing Serge Gnabry have been given a boost after reports that he is refusing to sign a blockbuster Bayern Munich contract.
The stand-off could open the door to Arsenal tempting the superstar back to the Emirates.
Gnabry left the club in 2016, but has since gone on to make a name for himself playing in Germany.
But Bild report that contract talks with Bayern have stalled, despite big money being on the table.
The German newspaper say Gnabry could potentially double his wages from a reported £6.7m a year to between £14m and £16m.
Arteta on Partey’s presence
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal suffer without Thomas Partey in the side.
Arteta said: “The stats are there and they are unquestionable.
“The win rate when Thomas is there is higher. It is something that is not good for us because in the last two seasons he has not been there as much as we want.
Mikel Arteta Arsenal plea
Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal side to keep their momentum against West Ham to secure the final Champions League spot.
He said: “We all know how difficult it is to win games in the Premier League and now we had two really good results that put us in a really good position.
“But it is about doing it again at West Ham.
“I think in the league when you are able to win consecutively away and at home, it gives you a huge platform and things quickly change. We have some momentum now and we want to make the most out of it.”
Arsenal in Rashford boost
Marcus Rashford should move on to further his career.
That’s the view of Jamie Redknapp who feels the Man United striker has become too complacent recently.
Redknapp’s recommendation will be a huge boost to Arsenal who have been linked with the England ace.
Redknapp said: “I think it might be best for him to move on and try something different. He looks too comfortable.”
In the Nic of time
Nicolas Pepe has been offered to a Premier League rival by Arsenal ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports.
Pepe, 26, would welcome a return to France or a move to Spain or Italy.
But he is also gathering interest from the Premier League.
According to the Express, West Ham are among the teams interested in acquiring the winger.
Arteta on Champions League qualification
Mikel Arteta has stressed how important it is for Arsenal to qualify for the Champions League.
He said: “Qualifying for the Champions League would be an important achievement, and something very necessary and powerful for the club moving forward.
“That’s part of the job and the expectation that we have here is to not only be in the Champions League but also win trophies every single year.”
Jesus told to stay put
Gabriel Jesus has been urged to stay with Man City next season by Paul Merson.
Merson told the Daily Star: “Gabriel Jesus should stay at Manchester City. There’s speculation about his future and people think he’s unhappy he doesn’t play enough – but he’s started 17 Premier League games this season.
“I think that’s a lot. He’s played 36 times for City this season. And started a lot of big, big games.
“Where is he going to go where he can do any better than that? Even if City sign Erling Haaland, he shouldn’t leave. No way.
“This is a team that is going to go deep in four competitions every year and he will always get games.”
Good morning Gunners fans
Arsenal are battling Man United for Juventus star Paulo Dybala.
The versatile forward will be available on a free transfer this summer.
And ESPN claims Dybala has received tasty offers from United and Arsenal.
But Newcastle and Spurs are also preparing contracts, with both ready to disrupt the party.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Marcus Rashford’s situation at Man United.
Football Insider claims Mikel Arteta is a fan of the England forward, who is out of favour at Old Trafford.
And Arsenal have set aside £45million in case Rashford becomes available for a transfer this summer.
Elsewhere, Mikel Arteta has refused to close the door on Hector Bellerin’s Arsenal career, and says he expects the player to return to the Emirates in July.
The right-back has spent the season on loan at Real Betis, and noises had been made about the player joining the LaLiga club permanently at the end of the season.
Arteta said: “Any player with a contractual obligation with us, both ways, is our player and is to be considered our player.
“Every plan considers the possibility [that Bellerin stays] and how he can fit into our team.”
Arteta also praised Granit Xhaka yesterday, adding: “His character, the way he approaches problems, and how he’s willing to change things [are honourable].
“He’s changing constantly to become a better person and a better player so all credit to him.”
Arsenal’s glittering cabinet of trophies
Arsenal may not have won a title since 2003.
But the Gunners still boast an incredible 13 of them in their brilliant trophy cabinet.
On top of that, Arsenal also have a record 14 FA Cups – two more than Man United.
Arsenal keep tabs on Rashford
Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Marcus Rashford’s situation at Man United.
Football Insider claims Mikel Arteta is a fan of the England forward, who is out of favour at Old Trafford.
And Arsenal have set aside £45million in case Rashford becomes available for a transfer this summer.
Arsenal’s Leao hopes take hit
AC Milan have moved to keep Arsenal away from Rafael Leao by opening contract talks with the star.
Reports in Italy claim the Serie A leaders are desperate to keep hold of their versatile Portuguese forward.
It’s reckoned Milan have offered Leao a new five-year deal on wages of £70,000-a-week.
But should the ace reject their offer, Milan would be open to selling – albeit for around £70million.
Giants battle for Paulo Dybala
Man Utd and Arsenal are battling each other for Juventus star Paulo Dybala.
The versatile forward will be available on a free transfer this summer.
And ESPN claims Dybala has received tasty offers from United and Arsenal.
But Newcastle and Spurs are also preparing contracts, with both ready to disrupt the party.
Saliba told to leave again
William Saliba has been urged by Mikael Silvestre to leave Arsenal on loan yet again.
He said: “If you look at Gabriel and Ben White, I think that should be the partnership for next season. If Saliba comes in, he will be a back-up.
“He is still young and I would be tempted to give him another year on loan so he can become even more consistent.
“He has improved on this loan, but there have been some games where he wasn’t at his best level.
“To develop and to become a big part of Arsenal for the future, if you put him on the bench after playing a full season for Marseille, that would be a backwards step in his development.”
Arsenal predicted XI vs Hammers
Takehiro Tomiyasu could make his long-awaited return to Arsenal’s starting XI against West Ham.
Eddie Nketiah is also set to lead the line again, but Thomas Partey will be unavailable through injury.
Is this how Arsenal will line up against the Hammers?
Fan’s view – Jesus the one
As an Arsenal fan, I believe Gabriel Jesus could transform Arsenal into title contenders.
He has the talent and profile to lift the Gunners out of Premier League obscurity.
And with Jesus leading the line, we have a real shot at emulating Liverpool’s style of play.
READ THE REST HERE
Mikel Arteta – the rebuild master
Arsenal look to keep their top four bid going against West Ham this weekend.
But whatever happens, Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal’s fortunes since taking charge as boss.
From rebooting Granit Xhaka’s career to putting his faith in talented youngsters, Arteta is bringing the good days back to Arsenal.
But how else has Arteta rebuilt the Gunners?
FIND OUT HERE
David valued at over £40m
Arsenal have been told to cough up £42million if they want to sign Jonathan David this summer.
Lille have slapped the mega price-tag on their star striker amid interest from the Gunners.
David has 17 goals in all competitions this season and Arsenal want him to replace Alexandre Lacazette.
But Mikel Arteta could also contend with competition from super-rich Newcastle.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
