ARSENAL are reportedly on the verge of signing Brazilian star Marquinhos.
The 19-year-old Sao Paulo winger (not to be confused with the PSG centre-back) is out of contract this year and the Gunners are preparing the paperwork to complete the deal.
A fee of around £2.9m is expected to be paid to the Brazilian club for the transfer to go through.
Arsenal are also reportedly planning for on loan Frenchman William Saliba to return to the club and fight for his spot next season.
Paulo Dybala is another talented star who the Gunners could be tempted into luring to the Emirates as the Argentinian’s agent has been spotted in London.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the Emirates in our live blog…
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Prem giants battle Barca for Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich this summer, the Bundesliga giants have confirmed.
The Pole has been linked with a move to Barcelona, having snubbed a new deal at Bayern.
Lewandowski’s deal has one year left to run.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
“In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
“He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
“The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
According to The Times, Barca have agreed a three-year deal with Lewandowski and believe they can sign him for a fee between £25million and £35m.
Dom ‘n gloom
Arsenal and Newcastle have received a blow in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton manager Frank Lampard has now insisted the England international is in his long-term plans.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brentford, he said: “He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren’t many around. It’s been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven’t had him fit.
“He’s had little moments but we know that strikers – particularly out of any position – need runs of games and fitness and confidence.
“We’ve never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him. But yeah, he’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.
“I know he hasn’t been playing at the minute because he’s been getting fit, but now he’s fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he’s our player.
“He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.
“There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”
Marseille boss keen on Saliba
Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli wants to keep hold of Arsenal star William Saliba on a permanent basis.
Sampaoli said, via talkSPORT: “William’s progress is linked to his development this season and the maturity he now has and his playing time.
“He is now consistent, he’s grown up as a player.
“In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team.
“But I don’t know if it depends on Olympique Marseille, William or Arsenal, I don’t know the possibilities in this case.”
Fiorentina boss wants Torreira permanently
Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano has urged his club to make Lucas Torreira’s loan from Arsenal permanent.
Italiano said: “The playmaker is the fulcrum of the team, so if the midfield is running smoothly, the whole side runs smoothly.
“This is one of the main principles of football. Lucas brought balance and has been prolific in front of goal too, showing his extraordinary quality.
“There are no doubts over what he can give this squad in future.”
Arsenal face transfer battle
Arsenal reportedly face a transfer battle for Jonathan David.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Lille striker.
But according to But! Football Club, West Ham and Aston Villa are also tracking David.
Arsenal will have first Dybs
Arsenal have been tipped to win the transfer race for Paulo Dybala.
But that’s only if they qualify for the Champions League.
That’s according to Italy legend Massimo Brambati.
He told Juventus24: “I was told by a person close to the environment that if Arsenal qualifies for the Champions League the Argentine will go there.”
Arsenal legend at Wembley
There will be at-least one Arsenal legend involved in the FA Cup final.
Liverpool take on Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea at Wembley for the prize.
And Arsenal legend Ian Wright has turned up to see the action.
Nketiah to West Ham?
Eddie Nketiah has been tipped for a transfer to West Ham.
That’s according to football pundit Paddy Kenny.
He told Football Insider: “West Ham have needed a backup striker since January.
“If they have the opportunity to sign Nketiah on a free, well, he’s already in London. I imagine they are favourites.
“For me, it’s a great signing and it would be a brilliant piece of business if he comes on a free.
“I think he’s perfect for what they are looking for.”
Juventus set Arthur asking price
Arsenal will have to fork out a huge sum for Juventus star Arthur.
The Serie A giants are seeking no less than £33.9m for the midfielder, according to TuttoJuve.
However, the Gunners may be able to lure him to England as Juve are willing to let Arthur leave this summer, the report also states.
Arsenal receive Marquinhos transfer boost
Arsenal reportedly look set to land young Brazilian star Marquinhos for a cut price of £3million following a legal issue.
The 19-year-old forward, who currently plays for Sao Paulo, was thought to be tied down to a five-year deal at his current club – a contract he signed in 2019.
However, FIFA have now ruled that the contract is only valid for three years – the maximum length for a player signing their first professional deal.
As a result, this means Marquinhos, who has scored three goals in 15 games this season, will become a free agent in the summer.
According to Globo Esporte, Sao Paulo have attempted to negotiate a new deal but the teenager is not thought to be interested.
The report states he is keen for a move to Europe and Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners.
Making the right impression
Former Arsenal star Emiliano Martinez has impressed his new Aston Villa team-mates.
Most notably, Martinez’s Villa compatriot John McGinn led the praise for the goalkeeper.
McGinn raved over Martinez: “Oh, he’s brilliant, he’s been an amazing signing, I think there was a lot of criticism when he left Arsenal.
“I don’t think they were too pleased which was good for us and he’s just signed a new deal so he’ll be here for a while yet.”
Arsenal receive transfer blow
Arsenal and Newcastle have received a blow in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton manager Frank Lampard has now insisted the England international is in his long-term plans.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brentford, he said: “He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren’t many around. It’s been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven’t had him fit.
“He’s had little moments but we know that strikers – particularly out of any position – need runs of games and fitness and confidence.
“We’ve never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him. But yeah, he’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.
“I know he hasn’t been playing at the minute because he’s been getting fit, but now he’s fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he’s our player.
“He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.
“There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”
Fabregas plans Monaco exit
Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas will quit Monaco in the summer after the “worst year of his life”.
Fabregas has made just two league appearances this campaign but the 35-year-old isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet.
He told So Foot: “It’s certain that it’s finished between me and Monaco. My contract expires in June and I am looking to depart. My head needs a departure elsewhere.”
Bacary Sagna’s title claim
Arsenal cult hero Bacary Sagna has declared that the club can win the Premier League within the next TWO years.
That is despite Arsenal being thumped 3-0 by arch-rivals Tottenham in Thursday’s North London derby.
Sagna has stated that his former employers were “robbed” in the clash as he slammed the questionable decisions made by referee Paul Tierney.
But even though Arsenal failed to impress against Antonio Conte’s men, Sagna has seen enough of them this season to be confident going into next campaign.
Regardless of whether Arsenal finish in the Champions League, Sagna believes they can soon challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Dybala transfer scramble
Paulo Dybala’s agent is reportedly in London to hold transfer talks with Premier League clubs.
The 28-year-old forward is set to leave Juventus in the summer upon the expiry of his contract.
And there’s no shortage of interest in the Argentina international from the Prem.
Dybala’s agent, Jorge Antun, is currently in the capital to listen to offers from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, according to Calciomercato.
Good morning Gunners fans
Bacary Sagna believes Eddie Nketiah should stay at Arsenal and commit his future on a new deal.
He exclusively told SunSport: “Nketiah should stay. It’s never been easy for him.
“But he’s played a few games in a row now and demonstrated his ability and answered his critics perfectly.
“He’s shown the world he’s a top striker that can really help the club.
“He’s a great addition to the team, he’s scored some great goals and should think about committing his future to Arsenal.”
Meanwhile, the Gunners are keen on Racing star Charly Alcaraz who has already been named the ‘next Lautaro Martinez’.
Spanish outlet Marca report that nine clubs are set to battle for the 19-year-old’s signature.
Alongside Arsenal, the teams that are ready to bid are Spurs, Wolves, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.
Alcaraz has a contract until 2026 but there is a release clause of £20.5million.
Finally, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Season award.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season scoring 11 times in the league as the Gunners go for a top four finish.
He has been nominated along with Joao Cancelo, Kevin De Bruyne, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Bowen, Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-Min and James Ward Prowse.
Sagna backs Arsenal for title
Bacary Sagna reckons Arsenal can win the title in the next TWO years.
He exclusively told SunSport: “I was worried about how Arsenal were going to perform this season, but they’ve proven me wrong.
“There’s clearly a process and fans need to trust the process and keep the faith.
“Write them off next season if you want, but I’m sure in two seasons’ time, they’ll be topping the league as champions.”
Nketiah told to sign contract
Bacary Sagna believes Eddie Nketiah should stay at Arsenal and commit his future on a new deal.
He exclusively told SunSport: “Nketiah should stay. It’s never been easy for him.
“But he’s played a few games in a row now and demonstrated his ability and answered his critics perfectly.
“He’s shown the world he’s a top striker that can really help the club.
“He’s a great addition to the team, he’s scored some great goals and should think about committing his future to Arsenal.”
Keown haunted by derby prediction
Martin Keown was left red-faced after predicting a simple win for Arsenal against Spurs… with Tottenham ending up winning 3-0.
He said: “Tottenham are dangerous and have become so much more difficult to beat under Conte.
“Their front three is different class, and I’ve been immensely impressed by their new signings, Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.
“But I believe this will finish 2-1 to Arsenal, with the confident Nketiah bagging the winner.”
Exclusive by SunSport’s Jake Lambourne
Bacary Sagna has warned Arsenal off a move for Leicester star Youri Tielemans, urging Mikel Arteta to invest in other areas of his squad.
Sagna said: “Arsenal already have quality midfield players and [Mohamed] Elneny who’s doing really well.
“So, I’m not sure whether they should cover more of the midfield position, we’ve got [Thomas] Partey too and he’s important.
“In my mind they should focus on signing a centre-back and a striker.”
Exclusive by SunSport’s Jake Lambourne
Bacary Sagna believes Arsenal were ROBBED in their defeat at Spurs.
He said: “Arsenal were robbed. The two major events changed the game for me.
“Ultimately it’s a shame, it was a really important game for Arsenal and by making such a big decision, the referee changed the outcome of the game.
“For me it wasn’t a penalty, and it wasn’t a red card for Rob Holding either.
“It’s crazy how other players and teams can get away with bad tackles and even worse behaviour and then you see a player being booked so easily at Arsenal?”
Keane targeted revenge on Fabregas
Roy Keane threatened to “SMASH” Cesc Fabregas after claiming the Spaniard “killed” him with a brutal tackle in 2005.
The Manchester United legend was left fuming during the 2005 FA Cup final against Arsenal following a chunky challenge from Fabregas.
The ace said: “I tackled Roy Keane really hard and felt really good about it because he was always giving me a tough time.
“A few years later, Pique said to be that at half-time Keane said, ‘That Spanish friend of yours, I will smash him, he killed me’.”
Parlour slams Son over elbow
Ray Parlour led the Arsenal fans’ fury as Son Heung-min went unpunished for an alleged “elbow” on Rob Holding.
He said: “When Son was on the floor, I think this was the first one, he was holding onto Holding and he just gave him a little elbow.
“I don’t know if you saw it. No one saw it, to be fair.
“Maybe that’s a reason he was a little bit highly strung through the game, Holding, because he got an elbow.”
Teams with most Prem titles
Arsenal have won an impressive three titles in the Premier League era.
The most famous of those was the “Invincibles” season of 2003/04, when Arsenal went the WHOLE season unbeaten.
However, the Gunners are yet to top the league ever since.
Can Mikel Arteta finally steer the ship around next term?
Dybala’s agent in London
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.com via Football Italia, the agent of Juventus star Paulo Dybala is in London.
Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea have all be rumoured to be interested in the attacker previously,
The 28-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
