ARSENAL are reportedly ready to smash their club record transfer fee to sign RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku.
The German side are reportedly demanding a huge £100m for the player – a price the Gunners and his former club PSG are said to be ready to pay.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have confirmed that winger Marquinhos has joined from Sao Paulo.
The North Londoners are also stepping up their pursuit of Leicester City star Youri Tielemans but they will need to fork out a minimum of £25 million according to reports.
The Belgium international is entering the final year of his contract at the King Power and Mikel Arteta is hoping to lure him to North London this summer.
Arteta is also said to be keen on a £42m deal for former Man Utd target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is currently at Lazio.
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Arsenal confirm first summer signing
Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Marquinhos.
The Gunners have confirmed that the 19-year-old has penned a “long-term contract” after joining from Sao Paulo.
Arsenal’s technical director Edu said: “We’re delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while.
“At 19, he is still very young, so he is a player for the future.
“We look forward to Marquinhos now joining us for pre-season, making his new home, and continuing to grow and develop with us.”
Leno’s gets glowing praise
Bernd Leno is the best keeper at Arsenal despite losing the No1 spot to Aaron Ramsdale, according to his agent.
Leno’s agent Joannis Koukoutrigas told Bild: “He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player.
“For me personally, Bernd is also the clear No.1 at Arsenal. With all due respect to the competitors.
“Yes, Fulham is trying hard to get Bernd. Very professionally. This is also true for some other clubs and shows his status.
“But, as I said, for me he is the No.1 at Arsenal and we are therefore also relaxed.”
Arsenal face transfer battle
Arsenal face stiff competition from AC Milan in the pursuit of Marco Asensio, reports claim.
Milan are determined to bring the Real Madrid striker to Italy this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport.
And Milan’s director Paolo Maldini has directly contacted Real boss Carlo Ancelotti in order to make Asensio’s move to the Serie A happen, the report adds.
However, Milan will hope a move can get done soon as Man United along with the Gunners also want Asensio.
Fulham pushing hard for Leno
Newly-promoted Fulham are in talks to sign goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Arsenal.
The German stopper is widely expected to leave the Emirates this summer, having fallen behind Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order, and following the arrival of back-up Matt Turner.
However, Leno’s agent Joannis Koukoutrigas believes that his player should still be considered Arsenal’s number one and could yet remain in North London.
Bild journalist Tobi Altschaffl reports Koukoutrigas as saying: “He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player.
“For me personally, Bernd is also the clear number one at Arsenal – with all due respect to the competitors.
“Fulham is trying hard to get Bernd. Very professionally. This is also true for some other clubs and shows his status. But as I said, for me he is the number one at Arsenal and we are therefore also relaxed.”
Nicholas: Young Gunners lack experience
Arsenal missed out on Champions League football due to a lack of experience in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
That’s the view of legend Charlie Nicholas, who hopes his former club can bring in some senior players with a track record of winning trophies.
In a conversation with BonusCodeBets, Nicholas said: “After letting Alexandre Lacazette go, there is certainly a risk that Arsenal could field a side next season with very little experience.
“Some of these kids are playing as part of the youngest squad in the Premier League. But they have a good level of experience now; they’ve been in this team for a decent period.
“Although they kind of bottled the Champions League place in the last four games, the players like Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka were trying their best. They just didn’t quite have the know-how. They need that kind of experience.
“Mikel Arteta will add experience this summer, even potential signings like Gabriel Jesus have a lot of it. He’s won the Premier League a few times, has been involved in massive games and would help.
Haaland deal gives Gooners hope
Manchester City’s signing of Erling Haaland has taken the headlines this morning.
But eagle-eyed Arsenal fans are optimistic that it has also given them the green light to get their man.
A throwaway statement on City’s website read: “Haaland shirts will be made available once his squad number is confirmed in due course.”
And some Gooners on social media believe that is because the Norwegian is waiting to receive his favoured number nine shirt once City’s current number nine – Gabriel Jesus – departs the Etihad.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Jesus in recent weeks, and are hopeful of completing a deal despite missing out on Champions League football.
Maitland-Niles heading for Forest
Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles has emerged as a transfer target for newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old looks set to finally leave the Emirates on a permanent basis after loan spells away at Roma and West Bromwich Albion.
And Steve Cooper’s Forest are considering an offer that would keep the England international in the Premier League.
Though traditionally a midfielder, Maitland-Niles has excelled as a right wing-back in the past, and could be seen as the ideal replacement for Djed Spence.
Spence starred for Forest on loan from Middlesbrough last season, but looks set to join Tottenham instead of opting for a return to the City Ground.
Gunners linked to United target
Arsenal have emerged as a surprise rival for Real Madrid and Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Serbian midfielder is expected to leave Lazio this summer, and has been linked with some of Europe’s elite clubs.
However, neither United nor Madrid have made an official move, and reports suggest the Gunners could beat the pair to the punch.
Corriere dello Sport report that Mikel Arteta is keen on the 27-year-old as he prepares for a midfield rebuild at the Emirates.
The North London outfit are expected to move for Youri Tielemans, and could yet pair the Belgian with Milinkovic-Savic – particularly if Granit Xhaka moves in the opposite direction to join Roma.
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal have had a £51million offer for Victor Osimhen rejected, according to reports from Italy.
The Nigerian striker is one of many forwards that Mikel Arteta’s side are currently trailing.
And according to Il Mattino, Arsenal have tested the water with Napoli by tabling a £51million bid for the hotshot, which has been dismissed by the Serie A giants.
The report adds Napoli are after a fee in the region of £85million for their talisman.
Arsenal are chasing Lille centre-back Sven Botman, according to reports.
La Repubblica claim the Gunners have joined the race for the defender’s signature.
Spurs, Man Utd and Newcastle have also been credited with an interest in the Dutch international.
Arsenal star Marcelo Flores was praised for his talent by Mexico boss Tata Martino.
He said of Flores: “Marcelo is everything a coach expects, that the player has those desires to assert his dribbling, he does what we all expect of him, he executes the ‘one on one’, which is one of the best qualities and the penalty is anecdotal.
“It’s fine…We had Santi, Chávez and Orbelín, Santi decided to give it to him and the boy is in the dressing room crying inconsolably, and it’s sad because this career has many disappointments.
“But everything that happened is well, everything is experience and everything is knowledge; Marcelo is something different, he needs peace of mind and hopefully they can give it to him.”
Tielemans wants trophies
Youri Tielemans is desperate to copy Belgium pal Kevin de Bruyne and win more major trophies.
The Leicester midfield ace, who is a £25million summer target for Arsenal, got his hands on the FA Cup in 2021 by scoring the Wembley winner over Chelsea.
Tielemans said: “Every player wants that. That is just natural when you are in the game, you want to win trophies.
“That is the best feeling to win trophies. Obviously every player would say the same, definitely.”
Tielemans showed just why Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made him a transfer target when he coolly stroked home Belgium’s opener in the 1-1 Nations League draw with Wales on Saturday night.
When asked for an update on his future, Tielemans, who has one year left on his Foxes contract, added: “No sorry. I have expressed myself on that before and there is nothing new. I don’t think this is the moment and place to discuss that.”
Barça stance on Depay
Barcelona will only let Memphis Depay leave, if they can find a replacement.
The Gunners have been linked with the Dutch forward, who appeared on our shores for Man Utd.
And it was previously said the Catalans would be willing to let him go this summer.
However, Sport via Sport Witness have said they will only let Depay leave if someone else can fill his void AND they receive a really good offer.
Nketiah salary
Eddie Nketiah has been offered a six-figure salary to sign a new contract.
According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, the striker has been offered at least £100,000-per-week.
“Nketiah is an interesting one, because I was told the other day that he’s been given a six-figure salary to sign his new contract, and that seems a lot of money to me for him.”
Richarlison fee
Arsenal are one of many sides that have been linked Everton ace Richarlison.
The Brazilian could be set to move this summer – with the Emirates touted to be a desitination.
However, the Mail and Telegraph both report it could take an offer of more than £50million to prise him from Goodison Park.
Spurs are also said to be interested.
Arsenal enter Botman race
Arsenal are chasing Lille centre-back Sven Botman, according to reports.
La Repubblica claim the Gunners have joined the race for the defender’s signature.
Spurs, Man Utd and Newcastle have also been credited with an interest in the Dutch international.
McEneff’s emotional message
Jordan McEneff has said an emotional goodbye to Arsenal, following his release from the club.
He wrote on Instagram: “Just wanted to say thank you to everyone at Arsenal for the last 6+ years!
“There’s been a lot of setbacks over the years but the club has stuck by me and helped me develop so much as a person and a player, I have met friends for life and wish every player, coach and member of staff all the best for the future once a gunner always a Gunner.”
Osimhen bid rejected
Arsenal have had a £51million offer for Victor Osimhen rejected, according to reports from Italy.
The Nigerian striker is one of many forwards that Mikel Arteta’s side are currently trailing.
And according to Il Mattino, Arsenal have tested the water with Napoli by tabling a £51million bid for the hotshot, which has been dismissed by the Serie A giants.
The report adds Napoli are after a fee in the region of £85million for their talisman.
Ings offered
Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Danny Ings, according to reports.
The Aston Villa hitman, 29, is said to be surplus to requirements to Steven Gerrard.
90min also claim that Man Utd have been sounded for a potential move.
Ings scored seven goals in 31 games for Villa last season.
Wilshere tips Jesus for Arsenal
Jack Wilshere has tipped Mikel Arteta’s relationship with Gabriel Jesus to swing the balance when it comes to signing the Brazilian.
The Gunners remain interested in the Man City man, but face competition from the rivals.
Although Wilshere thinks the Gunners have a good chance of securing his services.
Wilshere told talkSPORT: “I think they will be queuing up to sign him. Arsenal will have a big chance of signing him because of his relationship with Mikel Arteta.
“I can see Newcastle going for him as well but I would love to see him at Arsenal.”
‘Cheeky’ Lukaku bid
Paul Merson believes the Gunners should make a “cheeky” bid for Chelsea’s out-of-favour forward Romelu Lukaku.
“Arsenal should make a cheeky £60m bid for Romelu Lukaku this summer,” he wrote in his Daily Star column.
“Because if Chelsea are so desperate to let him go that they’re talking about loaning him to Inter Milan, surely they would take the money! Arsenal haven’t had someone who is big and strong and dynamic like that since Kevin Campbell.
“I know he hasn’t scored a lot of goals this season but Lukaku is an elite goalscorer. Arsenal play great football up to the edge of the box but then it often fizzles out.
“Arsenal have runners who could get in behind him and supply him with crosses. I would like to think Arsenal is a club Lukaku would consider. They’re talking about him going back to Inter Milan but Arsenal are as big a club as Inter. Arsenal may not be in the Champions League next season, but Inter are not winning it are they?”
Flores praised by Mexico boss
Arsenal star Marcelo Flores was praised for his talent by Mexico boss Tata Martino.
He said of Flores: “Marcelo is everything a coach expects, that the player has those desires to assert his dribbling, he does what we all expect of him, he executes the ‘one on one’, which is one of the best qualities and the penalty is anecdotal.
“It’s fine…We had Santi, Chávez and Orbelín, Santi decided to give it to him and the boy is in the dressing room crying inconsolably, and it’s sad because this career has many disappointments.
“But everything that happened is well, everything is experience and everything is knowledge; Marcelo is something different, he needs peace of mind and hopefully they can give it to him.”
No Chill
Italy star Giorgio Chiellini has spoken on grabbing Bukayo Saka’s shirt in the Euro 2020 final.
“It was in the 90th minute and I’d read the flight of the ball, thinking I could shepherd it out of play when really I could have controlled it.
“But I was convinced I could put my body between Saka and the ball and let it go out of play, but he wriggled round me.”
“When he wriggled round from behind and had that space to run into, my reaction was to grab him. And I grabbed him good!”
Tavares wanted by Marseille
Struggling Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares is wanted in a loan transfer by French outfit Marseille, according to reports.
Tavares joined the Gunners last summer from Benfica in a £7.2million transfer
The 22-year-old was handed more game time than what he was most likely expecting last term, with starting left-back Kieran Tierney struggling with injuries.
Tavares was hit and miss for the Gunners.
At times he’d look electric going forward. But often he was defensively vulnerable.
And according to Lions de l’Atlas, Tavares could be handed the chance to improve on loan in France.
Saliba urged to join Marseille
Matteo Guendozi has pledged to “try and push” William Saliba to leave Arsenal and join Marseille permanently.
Speaking to Telefoot, the midfielder said: “William now has Marseille in his heart, and I’m sure that he’ll come back to Marseille next season.
“So I’m going to keep pushing so that he stays with us.”
Asensio transfer race heats up
Arsenal have reportedly joined rivals Tottenham in the transfer chase for Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio.
Tottenham and AC Milan have allegedly already been offered the player.
Now Arsenal are also in the mix to sign him, according to the Daily Mirror.
This latest report claims that the Gunners have “contacted Asensio’s representatives to seek answers” about his and Real’s demands.
Dybala edges closer to Inter move
Paolo Dybala is on the verge of joining Inter Milan, according to reports.
The ex-Juventus striker has nearly agreed terms with Inter, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
And he will meet with representatives from the club imminently to discuss terms, the report adds.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
