ARSENAL have made an enquiry to sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay this summer, according to reports.
The Dutchman could be the perfect replacement for Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette who are both set to leave the club in June.
But Barcelona are reportedly insisting the Gunners also sign France World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti as part of the deal.
Reports in Spain says Umtiti is looking for a coach who could offer him minutes and their confidence, with Mikel Arteta being seen as fitting the bill perfectly..
And Gabriel Jesus could still be open to a move to North London despite the club set to miss out on Champions League football.
In the midfield, the Gunners could be ready to sign Jesus’ Man City team-mate Ilkay Gundogan.
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Nunez ‘snubs’ Man United
Darwin Nunez has reportedly rejected an approach from Manchester United to sign him from Benfica.
Arsenal and Newcastle have both been linked along with the Red Devils in making a move.
And French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on Nunez.
Now RMC Sport have offered an update on his situation, claiming that United have informed the star’s camp that they would be willing to pay £67.8million for him.
However, it states that Nunez has refused United’s approach.
He wants to sign for a club that will be competing in the Champions League next season – with United only able to qualify for the Europa League at best.
Arsenal didn’t expect top four
Arsenal reportedly had no intention of finishing fourth this season.
And that’s why the club’s transfer budget will not be affected in the summer, according to ESPN.
However, the Gunners will wait to see what European competition they end up in before deciding their recruitment strategy, the report adds.
Arsenal ponder summer move
Arsenal are considering making a move for Marseille ace Boubacar Kamara.
The Gunners reckon Kamara could be the perfect midfield partner for Thomas Partey next season, according to Fichajes.
It comes after William Saliba has been linked with a permanent move to the French side where he’s been on loan this season.
Arteta’s not to blame
Mikel Arteta’s tactics weren’t to blame for Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle.
That’s the view of ex-Gunner Kevin Campbell.
He told Football Insider: “People can question the substitutions but it wasn’t the reason Arsenal lost.
“We were not at the races from minute one to minute 90. Do not blame substitutions for that defeat.
“The fact of the matter is, that was a learning curve. It is all good and well playing good for the majority of the season but these are the moments that define you as a player. This is where you earn your name.”
Saka ‘loves’ Arsenal
Bukayo Saka is in love with Arsenal and has no intention of leaving the club, according to reports.
That’s the opinion of Fabrizio Romano who said: “There will be a direct discussion because the club is preparing the proposal for the extension of the contract, and from the player there has always been a positive feeling.
“At the moment there are no changes related to the situation for the Champions League spot race: Saka is in love with Arsenal, but obviously the negotiations are still at early stages.
“As of today, Saka is not yet negotiating with other clubs, even if you may have heard murmurings about interest from Manchester City and Liverpool.”
Arsenal make transfer
Arsenal have sold Konstantinos Mavropanos to Stuttgart following a £3million deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
Mavropanos has been on loan at the German club for the last two years and has impressed manager Pellegrino Matarazzo so much that the higher-ups decided to sign him permanently.
Mavropanos told Stuttgart’s official website: “I’ve always given my best and will continue to give my best for this great club.
“The trust of the management and the affection of the fans in Stuttgart serve as a great motivation for me.”
Guendozi sends Saliba a message
Former Arsenal star Matteo Guendozi wants William Saliba to join him at Marseille on a permanent basis.
Guendozi joined Marseille last summer, and Saliba went to the French side on loan.
But Gunedozi would like his former Arsenal pal to remain with him at Marseille.
He said: “I hope William stays here. He’s having a great season, he deserves everything that has happened to him. He’s a great guy outside, he’s had a lot of great games.”
Arsenal outcast makes shirt joke
Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira gave a hilarious response after discovering Gabriel Martinelli had been handed the No11 shirt.
Torreira was stripped of the number in an apparent signal that the on-loan Fiorentina man would be leaving the club for good this summer.
Although the 26-year-old seemed to have other plans.
Replying to Arsenal’s Instagram post unveiling Martinelli as the new No11, Torreira joked: “What number will I wear next year? Good luck amigo @gabriel.martinelli. I love you.”
Fabregas snubs Arsenal
Cesc Fabregas has snubbed former club Arsenal by declaring he wants the youngsters he’s helped to develop at Monaco to move to Liverpool or Bayern Munich.
Fabregas told RMC Sport: “Today, I feel like I have won the respect and sympathy of this younger generation.”
“I hope I have helped. We like each other and I will continue to follow them, exchange with them.
“I would like to see (Youssouf) Fofana, (Sofiane) Diop or (Aurelien) Tchouameni at Bayern or Liverpool!”
Bellerin set for Arsenal return
Hector Bellerin will return to Arsenal this summer with Real Betis president Angel Haro hopeful a permanent deal can be reached.
The right-back, 23, has starred during his loan spell at his boyhood club this season where he has helped the club win the Copa del Rey.
Betis president Haro has admitted he will be sad to see the defender leave, but hopes the pair’s paths will cross again in the future.
Refusing to rule out turning his temporary stay into a permanent switch, he told reporters: “Hector is a fantastic player and a very good person.
“It was a loan that we had from Arsenal, now he returns to Arsenal and from then on, we’ll see.
“It is true that he has been very caught up in everything about Betis because, in addition, his parents are Betis fans.
“Hopefully we cross paths again.”
‘No hurry’ for Jesus decision
SunSport reported last week that the Brazilian striker wants to stay in England – with his representatives trying to sort a move away from Manchester City this summer.
And now we understand Jesus’ agents are not going to rush into a decision and are keen for their player to end on a high with City before deciding on his next move.
Arsenal were seen as favourites to snap up the 25-year-old – who only has one year left on his current deal – having already initiated positive talks for a £40m-£50m move.
But there is “no hurry” to sort the player’s future after Arsenal’s Monday night collapse.
The red half of North London are Norwich fans this weekend
Football data analysts SBK have produced a Premier League table supercomputer, predicting the final standings this season.
Unsurprisingly it’s bad news for Arsenal, who miss out on a Champions League place.
Tottenham should clinch qualification against Norwich City in their final game of the season.
Victory or even a draw will be enough – regardless of Arsenal’s result against Everton.
The predictor also has Leeds to be relegated with Watford and Norwich.
‘Always a chance’, says Arteta
Arsenal appear to have thrown away a Champions League spot with two key defeats in a week.
Mikel Arteta‘s men look likely to record a fifth placed finish.
BUT the Gunners could pip rivals Tottenham to fourth, should Norwich pull off an unlikely win.
And boss Arteta has told Arsenal’s official site that there is “always a chance in football”.
Gunners saving the No14 shirt for a striker?
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has been handed a new shirt number in a sign that the club will bring in a striker this summer, writes Jake Lambourne.
The Brazilian winger has worn the No35 at the Emirates since arriving from Ituano in 2019.
Having chipped in with five goals and as many assists in 28 Premier League games this term, the youngster will don the No11 shirt from next season.
Martinelli had called for the No14 shirt after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left to join Barcelona earlier this year.
And fans believe that the fact the No14 has been left free means that it is being saved for a new centre-forward…
Arsenal face battle to tie Saka down to new deal
Arsenal reportedly face a battle to keep Manchester City target Bukayo Saka if they miss out on a top four finish this weekend, writes Anthony Chapman.
The Athletic claims the Gunners want to hand their star man a lucrative new deal this summer.
Saka, 20, has just one year left on a £30,000-a-week contract, although Arsenal have the option to extend it for a further 12 months.
Mikel Arteta is ready to make Saka one of his top-paid players after the ace struck 12 goals in all competitions this term, however Arsenal’s chances of keeping Saka could be in jeopardy.
That’s because the England international, with 14 caps to his name, is desperate to play in the Champions League.
One major suitor for the versatile winger is Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola is thought to be a big fan, and Saka could be in line to replace the ageing Riyad Mahrez.
Liverpool have also been linked with Saka this year.
And should either club come forward with a bid, Arsenal could struggle to convince Saka that his future lies in north London.
Pepe ‘not a great signing’, says Winterburn
Nigel Winterburn has claimed that record-signing Nicolas Pepe was a waste of money.
Arsenal appear to have thrown away a Champions League spot with two key defeats in a week.
Mikel Arteta‘s men look likely to record a fifth placed finish, but could pip rivals Tottenham to fourth should Norwich pull off an unlikely win.
Credit: Getty Ahead of the final round of Premier League fixtures, Paddy Power caught up with ex-Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn.
Winterburn was asked his opinion on Pepe after another disappointing season.
He said: “If Nicolas Pepe leaves Arsenal, he won’t go down as a great signing simply because of the amount of money he cost.
“It was a huge amount of money, and it was a risk which looks as if it isn’t going to work out.
“There have been periods where he’s done okay but there’s also been times where he’s been left out of the team for long spells.
“Money wise, we can’t hide from it. Arsenal haven’t got value for money.”
Man City ‘expecting striker to make transfer request to leave’
Manchester City are reportedly expecting Arsenal target Gabriel Jesus to submit a transfer request in his bid to depart the Etihad, writes Jake Lambourne.
And it has also been claimed that the Gunners are set to make a £35million offer for the Brazilian striker as Mikel Arteta eyes up a reunion at the Emirates.
Jesus has one year left on his deal at the Etihad and has no desire to extend his stay with the Premier League leaders.
The ex-Palmeiras ace believes he will struggle for minutes next season following the arrival of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
And City are now prepared to offload him to avoid losing the ace on a free transfer in 2023.
According to ESPN, the Citizens are now expecting Jesus to ask for permission to leave.
They even state that Pep Guardiola will not stand in the way of him departing the club.
2022-23 home kit release
What do we think of the new kit Arsenal fans?
Credit: Jamie Stoker 2020. All Rights Reserved. Freddie Hudson, Head of Arsenal in the Community, said: “We’re extremely proud of the work we’ve been doing to bring our community together and support the lives of people in our local area for more than 35 years.
“People are the heartbeat of our community and the £5 donation from our home shirt sales will provide vital support for the local projects that serve our diverse community in north London so well.
“The last couple of years have been especially tough and the impact continues to be felt, but it’s amazing what we can achieve when we all come together to support each other.
“We continue to draw inspiration from those who make the Arsenal family so special, and we’re thrilled to be able to give a little back in this unique way.”
Arsenal unveil new 2022-23 home kit
Arsenal have unveiled their new 2022-23 home kit with a zig-zag collared design and £5 from every shirt bought through the club will go to The Arsenal Foundation.
The Gunners’ fresh design will be worn in a season where they return to European competition after having a season off.
Mikel Arteta’s men look likely to record a fifth placed finish, but could pip rivals Tottenham to fourth should Norwich pull off an unlikely win.
Adidas have stuck with red as the prominent colour, with the sleeves white.
The shoulders have stripes leading up to the collar, which has a zig-zag design.
The kit will make its debut on the final game of the season against Everton on May 22.
Aubameyang retires from international football
Ex-Gunner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reportedly retired from international football.
The Barcelona forward won 72 caps for Gabon, and had been captain of his country until the time of his retirement.
In a letter to the Gabonese FA, Aubameyang wrote, as reported by Mundo Deportivo: “After 13 years of pride in representing my country, I announce that I am ending my international career.
Credit: Getty – Pool “I would like to thank the Gabonese people and all those who have supported me in the good like the bad times.
“I will keep a lot of good memories like the day I made my debut at romnisports, or the day I came back from Nigeria with the African Ballon d’Or.
“And sharing it with all the people was an unforgettable moment. I thank our President, his Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba who has always supported the Panthers and has always worked for football to evolve in our country.
“I would also like to thank all my coaches, staff and the players that I have come across during this career.
“Finally, I thank my father who gave me the desire to do like him, hoping to have made him proud by wearing our colours.”
Art attack for next season
Arsenal are set to hand boss Mikel Arteta another huge transfer warchest despite missing out on Champions League qualification, reports claim.
The Spaniard spent £150million on fresh talent last summer, as he attempts to rebuild his squad, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
The Gunners looked set to achieve a surprise top four finish – only to blow it in the final weeks of the season.
Should Tottenham avoid defeat at Norwich on Sunday, Arsenal will be consigned to the Europa League.
According to the Telegraph, however, failure to reach Europe’s premier competition won’t affect the North Londoners’ spending power.
Club chiefs view the upcoming window as a “major opportunity” to bolster their squad.
Despite missing out on a lucrative Champions League payday, many of Arsenal’s targets will remain the same as if they had qualified.
Whether they will still be able to attract that high class talent, remains to be seen.
First Dybs for Spurs or the Gunners?
Tottenham are reportedly in talks to sign Arsenal target and Juventus free agent Paulo Dybala, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
Transfer guru Pedro Almeida claims Spurs have joined local rivals Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for the Argentina forward.
And Antonio Conte’s Juve links could seal the deal, with sporting director Fabio Paratici already holding talks with Dybala’s representatives.
The versatile attacker, 28, has confirmed he will leave Turin when his contract expires next month.
Dybala has been at Juventus since 2015 after a move from Palermo.
And he is regarded as one of world football’s top talents, having won five Serie A titles and four Italian Cups.
Morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal have contacted Barcelona regarding a summer swoop for Memphis Depay.
The Gunners are in the market for at least one forward, and ABC believe they are now contemplating making the Dutchman their first choice.
Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah isn’t at the level to play for Arsenal.
That’s the opinion of Gabby Agbonlahor who reckons Nketiah’s compatriot Alexandre Lacazette is getting too old to deliver the goods.
Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT: “They play with one striker. Nketiah, for me – he’s a decent player but not Arsenal level.
“He’s not going to be the striker to get you into the top four. [Alexandre] Lacazette [also] looks like he’s ageing a bit.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal could add Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti to the club’s ranks this summer.
The Gunners have reportedly been offered the chance to sign the defender.
According to SPORT, Barca are keen to offload the injury-prone star as they undergo a squad revamp in the summer months.
Finally, Juventus are planning to raid Arsenal when representatives from the club come to England to speak with Paul Pogba.
Along their travels, Juve reps plan to continue talks with Arsenal duo Gabriel and Thomas Partey, according TuttoSport.
However, Juve are focused on wrapping the deal for Pogba when they make the trip before turning their attention to the Gunners pair, the report states.
Tomiyasu will be missed
Arsenal will miss the crocked Takehiro Tomiyasu who Ian Wright reckons can do everything.
Wright said after the defender was injured against Newcastle: “He’s been magnificent.
“Him as a player is one missed because of his versatility, not just his defending, but his attacking too.
“His defending one v one. Positional play. He sniffs out danger. He does everything. And he will always tries to play.”
Door remains open for Bellerin
However, the door has been left open for Bellerin to return to Betis one day.
Betis’ president Haro admitted that the club shared an affinity to Bellerin as his parents are from the Spanish region.
Haro added: “It’s true that he’s been enamoured with everything involved in Beticismo because his parents are also Beticos.
“Let’s hope we cross paths again somewhere along the way.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
