ARSENAL have reportedly made Youri Tielemans their top midfield transfer target.
This comes despite a reported £47m bid for Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Tielemans is said to be available for a cut price £25m after refusing to sign a new deal with Leicester, while Milinkovic-Savic is valued at closer to £70m.
And the race for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez seems to be getting intense as reports suggest that Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is set to go all out for the Argentinian.
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More on Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino is “happier” in the Premier League because he knows he is admired for his work at Tottenham.
As reported earlier, Pochettino wants to return to the Prem but would never consider Arsenal due to his Spurs past.
A close friend said: “Mauricio has never hidden his belief that he feels happier in the Premier League than anywhere else.
“He loves it in England and he also knows he is admired here for what he has done in the past”
Pochettino wants Maur
Mauricio Pochettino is targeting a Premier League return after his dismissal as Paris Saint-Germain manager.
Pochettino is already eyeing the next major vacancy in the Prem as he prepares for a quick comeback to top flight football.
The ex-Tottenham boss has retained his home in London even after being sacked by Spurs in 2019.
Chairman Daniel Levy was keen on bringing the Argentine back to N17 last summer only for Poch to stay on in Paris.
With Antonio Conte now installed and in command at Tottenham, the door appears closed.
But while his love for Spurs means Pochettino would rule out the prospect of joining Arsenal if Mikel Arteta was shown the door, SunSport understands he would be willing to consider any other ambitious and serious Prem outfit
Lisandro Martinez demand
Ajax star Lisandro Martinez has allegedly told his club that he wants to quit the club and move to the Premier League.
Martinez is wanted by both Manchester United and Arsenal to bolster their backlines.
The two clubs have both been haggling with the Amsterdam giants over his transfer fee.
But it is the United that appear to be leading the chase after offering just shy of £40million for the centre-back.
Now both the Red Devils and the Gunners have received a major boost after reports emerged that the Argentina international has told Ajax he wants to depart for England
Lisandro Martinez bidding war
Manchester United are confident of beating Arsenal to signing Lisandro Martinez after meeting with Ajax chiefs.
United have reportedly tabled a fee just shy of £40m for Martinez.
The Dutch champs’ new director of football Klaas-Jan Huntelaar travelled to London on Saturday to meet with United reps, according to the Mirror.
And after talks with Huntelaar, the Red Devils are said to be confident of beating the Gunners in the race to sign the centre-back.
The Manchester giants have made a bid worth an initial £35.3m, with a further £4.3m available in add-ons.
The total package works out at £39.6m, with the Amsterdam giants reportedly valuing the Argentina international at £43m.
Martinez would rather reunite with former boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford than join the Gunners.
According to The Athletic, United have “edged ahead as favourites” to land the 24-year-old for around £35m
Arsenal insist on Milinkovic-Savic
Arsenal, though, are still persistent in the transfer pursuit of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Gunners reportedly had a €55million (£47.2m) offer for Milinkovic-Savic rebuffed as the Serie A side wanted more cash.
But the North Londoners are preparing to issue a new and improved bid for the midfielder, according to Il Messaggero.
However, Arsenal are reluctant to depart with the €65m (£55.8m) Lazio president Claudio Lotito is demanding.
Although the Gunners are said to be in constant contact with the Serbia international’s agent Mateja Kezman to try and get a deal done
Arsenal prioritise Tielemans
Arsenal are pressing ahead with plans to sign a new midfielder this summer.
And the Gunners are prioritising Leicester star Youri Tielemans for the role ahead of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Fabrizio Romano.
That’s because Tielemans will cost the Gunners 40million less than Milinkovic-Savic.
The Belgium international’s contract expires in 2023, which means the Foxes could be open to letting him go on the cheap now.
Whilst Lazio are demanding £68m for Milinkovic-Savic this summer
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Man United transfer fears revealed
Man United are unlikely to prise fourth spot from Arsenal next season.
That’s according to United Stand host Mark Goldbridge who reckons the Gunners’ transfer business will put them above Man United, who’ve had a quiet window in comparison.
He said on talkSPORT: “Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have got top four nailed on for me.
“So it is Spurs, Arsenal, Manchester United and any other teams that has a good season going for fourth.
“That is the limit, and that is not Erik ten Hag’s fault. With this transfer window, and what Spurs and Arsenal are doing, it could be fifth or sixth, and that is never good enough.”
Arsenal plan new transfer bid
Arsenal are remaining persistent in the transfer pursuit of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Gunners reportedly had a €55 million offer for the Lazio midfielder rebuffed as the Italian side wanted more cash.
But the North Londoners are preparing to issue a new and improved bid for Milikkovic-Savic, according to Il Messaggero.
However, the Gunners are reluctant to depart with the €65 million Lazio president Claudio Lotito is demanding, the report adds.
Although the Gunners are said to be in constant contact with Milinkovic’s agent Mateja Kezman to try and get a deal done.
Arteta speaks on dressing room plans
Mikel Arteta wants to create his own United Nations at Arsenal after vowing to crack down on any dressing-room cliques, MARK IRWIN WRITES.
“I don’t want any Brazilian group and I don’t want a Portuguese group.
“The important thing for me is that they unite with the entire squad. I want a team that is fully integrated so they can build a strong and trusting relationship between each other.
“Obviously you will have more chemistry between some players than between others and it’s important for new players to have somebody they have already spent time with who understands your culture.
“But for sure we will promote that integration between all of them.”
Then there was three
Gabriel Jesus can’t wait to share the pitch with his Arsenal namesakes next season.
Jesus’ arrival at The Emirates makes him the third Gabriel, along with Martinelli and Magalhães.
And the ex-Man City striker is itching to play alongside both Gabriels, whom he also shares Brazilain heritage with.
He said to Arsenal’s media: “Now it’s three! There’s a lot of jokes with us now, but they are very good guys.
“I’m so happy for them because they deserve to be in a big club like Arsenal, and they did so well last season. I’m so happy to be here with them.”
Arsenal’s business savvy praised
Arsenal’s shrewd business deals have been praised by club legend Alan Smith.
He said to Sky Sports: “The good thing about Arsenal’s recruitment now is that they are signing players without too much media fanfare.
“For example, we did hear about Jesus but when we did hear they were already quite far down the line in terms of securing his signature.
“Then there was Fabio Vieira from Porto. Nobody saw that one coming either and the best recruitment teams at clubs are able to do that.
“They do a lot of work behind the scenes, maybe even six months to a year in the build-up to signing a player, but they do it without too much fanfare or drama.
“That points to a department of the club that is really functioning well and it’s really encouraging that they have got that side of things working well because it was a bit of a mess a few years back. Now Edu and Arteta are on the same page, they agree what is needed and that relationship is vital.”
Gakpo urged to snub Prem
Arsenal transfer target Cody Gakpo has been urged to stay with PSV Eindhoven by team-mate Luuk de Jong,
De Jong reckons Gakpo can flourish at PSV for another season before taking the plunge elsewhere.
He told Voetbal International: “I used to talk to him in the past, I also did it for the Dutch national team and I still do it.
“I saw him come in and see him make strides. When he came, the talent was already there.
“I think he can have another very good season, finish it by winning the league and then take a nice step.”
Arsenal ‘prioritise Tielemans transfer’
Arsenal are pressing ahead with plans to bring in a new midfielder this summer.
And the Gunners are prioritising Leicester City man Youri Tielemans for the role, ahead of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Fabrizio Romano.
That’s because the Belgium international will cost the Gunners 40m less than Milinkovic-Savic, the report adds.
Tielemans’ contract with Leicester City expires in 2023, which means the Foxes could be open to letting him go on the cheap now.
Whilst Lazio are demanding £68m for Milinkovic-Savic, the report claims.
Jovic set for Fiorentina transfer
Luka Jovic is set to join Fiorentina on a two-year deal, according to reports.
The striker, 24, signed for Real Madrid three years ago in a huge £52million move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
But he failed to make an impression, scoring just three goals in 51 appearances for Los Blancos.
As a result, the club have decided to let him go on a free transfer despite the fact he still has three years remaining on his contract.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Fiorentina have agreed to sign Jovic on a permanent deal.
The two clubs originally discussed the prospect of a loan, but Real Madrid decided to negotiate a 50 per-cent sell-on clause instead.
Jovic is set to have a medical this week before finalising the move which will see him sign on until June 2024 with the option for two additional years.
Arsenal staff member leaves club
Arsenal have lost their Head of Academy Performance Tony Strudwick to West Brom.
Strudwick has left the Gunners to become the Baggies’ new Director of Medical.
Upon bringing in Strudwick, West Brom’s Chief executive Ron Gourlay, said, via Birmingham Mail: “We are delighted to have Tony at the football club.
“He is one of the very best in his field of expertise and arrives at the club with an incredible CV. Tony is highly respected within football.
“We believe his appointment will strengthen the medical and sports science departments which he will oversee.
“His appointment is another positive step in improving standards across the football club as we ready ourselves to take on the challenges ahead.”
Arsenal defender joins Portsmouth
Portsmouth have signed defender Zak Swanson from Arsenal.
The 21-year-old penned a two-year deal with Pompey, with a 12-month extension option.
But the transfer fee for the move is yet to be revealed, the BBC reported.
Swanson’s been at Arsenal since the age of six, but couldn’t get into the first team.
Saka tipped for Arsenal stay
Bukayo Saka will not be leaving Arsenal this summer.
That’s according to Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell who said to Highbury Squad: “He is already under contract. These things are not just going to get done in a couple of months.
“These things could take six months, but Arsenal are not, trust me, they are not going to sell Saka in this window. No chance. No chance.”
Dybala ‘seeks Premier League switch’
Paulo Dybala is reportedly considering a move to the Premier League this summer.
The 28-year-old officially left Juventus when his contract expired at the end of last month, so he is now a free agent.
Inter Milan have been heavily linked with a swoop for the Argentina international, who met with the club’s vice-president Javier Zanetti last month.
However, according to Sky Sport Italia, the Black and Blues have put Dybala on stand-by following the return of Romelu Lukaku.
Arsenal have reportedly been in contact with the Argentine’s agent in a bid to lure him to North London.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are eager to bring Dybala to Old Trafford.
Martinez makes quit demand
Lisandro Martinez has allegedly told Ajax that he wants to quit the club and move to the Premier League.
The centre-back, 24, is wanted by both Manchester United and Arsenal to bolster their backlines.
The two clubs have both been haggling with Ajax over his transfer fee.
But it is the Red Devils that appear to be leading the chase after offering just shy of £40million for the Argentinian international.
Now both they and Arsenal have received a major boost after reports emerged that Martinez has told his employers he wants to depart for England.
He’s a fab signing
New Arsenal signing Fabio Vieira embodies the way Mikel Arteta wants the club to play, he revealed.
Arteta said: “In the case of Fabio, again, a talent that when I started to look at him, I said, ‘This is the type of player that I feel represents the way I want to play and the type of player we should have.”
“I was on the phone with him, Edu was on the phone with him and we were all really impressed with his maturity at his age, because it’s not long ago that he’s made his debut with Porto.
“But again, he fits in our model, the way we want to play, the project that we are in and I’m really excited with him as well.”
Arteta on Matt Turner
Mikel Arteta has revealed why he chose to snap up keeper Matt Turner.
The Arsenal boss told the club’s media: “Matt is a deal we did in January. We identified the possibility to strengthen the team in a position we believe was necessary.
“You will get to know him, a great character, a really special person with qualities in that goalkeeping area that we don’t have, he’s going to make the group and the team better.”
Jesus and Richarlison debate
Gabriel Jesus will bag more goals for Arsenal next season than Tottenham’s new recruit Richarlison.
That’s according to football pundit Tony Cascarion, who told the Daily Mail: “I think Gabriel Jesus ticks a lot more boxes and they’ve got him at a better price.
“If you said to me now who will get the most goals, I’d say Gabriel Jesus would get more goals than Richarlison for Tottenham.
“And he’s more versatile than Richarlison. Gabriel Jesus has played left-wing, right-wing, and centre-forward for Man City.”
Arteta shares Jesus excitement
Mikel Arteta has spoken of his excitement after sealing the signing on Gabriel Jesus.
He said: “I’m very excited.
The club has done a tremendous job to recruit a player of this stature. I know Gabriel personally very well, and we all know him well from his time in the Premier League and being really successful here.
“This is a position that’s been on our radar for a long time now and we have managed to get a player that we all wanted, so I’m really happy.”
‘No chance’ of Gabriel leaving
Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell has poured cold water on reports linking Gabriel with Juventus.
The defender has been linked with a £23m swoop for the defender.
But Campbell’s adamant that Gabriel will remain at Arsenal for the upcoming season.
He said to the Highbury Squad YouTube channel when asked about the possibility of Gabriel’s exit: “No chance. I am just telling you, no chance.”
Jesus makes ambition clear
New Arsenal signing Gabriel Jesus has revealed he’s joined the club to score goals.
He also referenced where he feels his best position is on the pitch.
Jesus said, via Arseblog: “I’m the number 9! I’m a striker, you know. I can play in three or four different positions, but I think my position is 9.
“I have come to score goals.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
