ARSENAL are set to revisit their interests in former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham according to reports.
The Gunners were linked with the in-form striker last summer before he completed the switch to Roma from Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Napoli have put a £67 million price tag on Victor Osihmen amid a potential move to the Emirates.
RB Leipzig have said that Christopher Nkunku will NOT be for sale in the summer transfer window.
And Gabriel Jesus has refused to discuss his future amid his potential summer switch from Manchester to North London.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the Emirates in our live blog…
From SunSport reporter Mark Irwin
Arsenal are ready to listen to offers for record signing Nicolas Pepe as they look to generate funds for another summer spending spree.
But they are resigned to taking a massive hit on the Ivorian international who cost £72million when he joined from Lille three years ago.
Pepe has become increasingly frustrated with his lack of first team action after becoming an almost permanent fixture on the subs’ bench this season.
Now it is understood that the club would be prepared to let him leave for a fee of around £25million before his value drops even further.
Thuram available for bargain fee
Arsenal and Chelsea target Marcus Thuram could be available for as little as £10million this summer.
The Athletic claims Borussia Monchengladbach are ready to let their versatile striker leave for a bargain fee.
That’s because Thuram is out of contract in 2023 and unlikely to extend his deal.
Spurs are also thought to be keen on the France international.
Arsenal’s biggest sales in history
Arsenal are no strangers to players leaving for big fees.
But with record signing Nicolas Pepe reportedly set to be sold this summer, will the Gunners recoup anything close to his £72million transfer fee?
Rivals set for final five
The race to finish in the final Champions League spot has essentially become a two-horse race after the weekend’s results – and it’s left North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham to battle it out over the last five games of the season.
The Gunners hold a two-point advantage after Spurs faltered at Brentford, but arguably have the tougher run-in than their neighbours.
However, it’s all likely to boil down to when the two clubs meet at the Tottenham Hotspur on May 12. It’s a derby not to be missed.
4th: Arsenal – P33, 60pts (GD +12)
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5th: Tottenham – P33, 58pts (GD +18)Gunners recall Invincibles’ title triumph
Arsenal and Tottenham may be going toe-to-toe in the Premier League this season – but 18 years ago today it was a very different story.
On April 25, 2004, the Gunners sealed their third title under the Arsene Wenger, and did so at the home of their rivals following a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.
While Robbie Kane’s late equaliser from the penalty spot gave the Spurs fans something to cheer on the afternoon, the day – and season – belonged to Arsenal.
Indeed, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Ashley Cole and co. would end the league campaign unbeaten, cementing their place in history as the Arsenal Invincibles.
The North London club have not won the Premier League since.
Striker Victor at all costs
Arsenal will reportedly have to fork out £67million to land striker Victor Osimhen.
The Napoli ace has 16 goals to his name this term and has played a key role in keeping his side in the hunt for the Serie A title.
According to CBS, Arsenal have been tracking the Nigeria international for a number of months, but any move would cost the Gunners the eye-watering price tag.
La Gazzetta dello Sport are also reporting that Arsenal have “already taken several concrete steps, through intermediaries” to lay the groundworks for a deal.
However, the striker is keen to play Champions League football ensuring that the Gunners fight to finish in this season’s top four is even more crucial to their ambitions.
Jesus refuses to discuss future
Gabriel Jesus has refused to rule out leaving Manchester City this summer with Arsenal ‘believing they can seal’ his signature.
The Brazilian forward was in sensational form on Saturday as he scored four in City’s 5-1 win over Watford.
The 25-year-old only has a year left on his deal at the Etihad and appears to be facing an uncertain future.
City are closing in on the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, which would limit the game time for Jesus.
That has sparked Arsenal’s interest, with Mikel Arteta identifying him as a top target for the upcoming transfer window.
When asked by The Guardian this weekend on whether he will stay at City, Jesus said: “It’s not time to think about this.
Gunners struggles highlight Arsene’s brilliance
The difficulties that Arsenal have had since Arsene Wenger left the club in 2018 only go to show just how good their legendary manager actually was.
Wenger was hounded by a section of fans towards the end of his time in North London, often criticised for only targeting a top-four finish – a feat the club haven’t achieved in six years.
And now one the Frenchman’s former players believes Wenger’s achievements in his later years at the club need to be reassessed.
In an interview with I News, Kieran Gibbs said: “It showed when he left, right? It showed how tough it was.
“We used to get in a lot of trouble for just managing to finish in the top four every year. Which is strange, because the whole scope around it now is: who’s going to make the top four?
“We felt…not ashamed, but we all wanted to win. It just showed the difference even at that high level to go to the next level. We’ve not managed to make the top four since he left.”
Arsenal have a big chance to qualify for the Champions League this year, currently occupying fourth place – two points ahead of Tottenham – with five games remaining.
“Hopefully they can do it this year and use that as building blocks to compete for titles again,” Gibbs continued.
“They look really good at the moment. It feels like they’ve got a new lease of life.”
Mo would sign new deal
Mohamed Elneny would have no hesitation in signing a new Arsenal deal – despite not being guaranteed gametime at the Emirates.
The Egyptian has played a key role in recent victories over Manchester United and Chelsea, having not previously featured for the Gunners since New Year’s Day.
The injury to Thomas Partey, however, has offered Elneny the chance to shine, and he’s indicated he’d be willing to bide his time again if offered a new contract.
The Irish Examiner report him as saying: “If I don’t play, I keep going until I get my chance.
“And if Arsenal say ‘we want you’, I don’t think about leaving. It’s my family for six years. I love this club.”
The 29-year-old’s current deal runs out at the end of June.
Morning, Arsenal fans
Monday mornings surely don’t get much better than this – for Champions League hopes AND transfer speculation.
Saturday’s 3-1 win over Manchester United means the Gunners will stay fourth until at least next Sunday.
And strikers linked to Arsenal over the weekend include Gabriel Jesus, Victor Osimhen and Tammy Abraham.
Jesus kept Manchester City top of the Prem with four goals in Saturday’s 5-1 defeat of Watford.
But the 25-year-old is still tipped to leave this summer, a season before his contract ends.
And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano describes Arsenal’s interest in the Brazilian as ‘confirmed and serious’.
But it’s claimed the Gunners would have to fork out £67million for Napoli’s Osimhen, who is expected to be on Manchester United’s wishlist too.
Ex-Chelsea frontman Abraham is again being linked with the Gunners – should they qualify for the Champions League.
But he could cost around £50m, compared to the £34m Roma paid for the England ace last summer.
That’s because the 24-year-old has hit 24 goals this season.
Finally, Arsenal have reportedly been told FC Koln right-winger Jan Thielmann, 19, would cost them £12.5million.
Government back plan to block rogue owners
Powers to stop rogue owners buying clubs at all levels will be formally backed by the Government today, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston will announce the 10 main recommendations of November’s “fan-led review” are to be introduced in a Parliamentary Bill.
That will see the legal establishment of an “independent regulator” with powers to oversee the game at all levels.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and her team urged the adoption of a new “integrity test” for owners.
That is aimed at ensuring no repeat of the chaos that saw Bury go bust after more than a century of football at Gigg Lane.
Huddleston wants to “protect clubs and their fans from unscrupulous owners” amid concetat the number of clubs throughout the pyramid living beyond their means.
Huddleston said: “Radical change is needed to protect the future of our national game.
“We will establish a strong, independent regulator but the football authorities can take action now to tackle issues currently facing the game.”
Shearer baffled by Utd display in Arsenal defeat
Alan Shearer is baffled at what Ralf Rangnick and his staff do in training at Manchester United.
The Red Devils suffered another crushing defeat yesterday as they were beaten 3-1 at Arsenal to virtually end their top four hopes.
That result follows the terrible display at Anfield on Tuesday when United were walloped 4-0 by Liverpool.
And after watching them at the Emirates, the Newcastle and England legend Shearer insists Rangnick’s team showed zero reaction to being “battered” by the Reds.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “New manager, they’ve been battered by Liverpool, changed personnel – left Harry Maguire out – so I’m thinking there’s going to be a bit of a response, certainly in the first 20 or 30 minutes and there wasn’t at all.
“Within three minutes you’ve had three big mistakes: Varane and Telles make one and you’ve also got one from Dalot letting Tavares go.
“There was no pressing, no organisation, the understanding of when or how to press in this team zero, probably because they don’t know how to do it or they are not working on it at all in training.
“They don’t know how or when to do it… what they’re doing on the training ground, I don’t know, because it doesn’t look like they’re doing much in terms of the pressing.”
Gabriel third on error list
Four Manchester United players feature among the players who have made the most errors leading to shots in the Premier League, writes JOSHUA JONES.
And it is blundering captain Harry Maguire who tops the unwanted list. The 29-year-old is struggling to catch a break on the pitch at the moment – and was inexplicably sent a shocking bomb threat.
Now Opta’s stats show Maguire has made seven mistakes in 62 appearances that have allowed opponents to take a shot since the start of last season.
That is more than any other outfield player in England’s top flight.
And to make matters worse, Nemanja Matic is second on the list with six from 40 games. Red Devils full-backs Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also feature among the top 17 with four errors each, from 52 and 54 appearances respectively, in a further blow for David De Gea.
Arsenal defender Gabriel and Luke Ayling both have made six mistakes.
Wham bam, thank you Gran
Here’s how Granit Xhaka’s 25-yard cracker looked from the stands as it rounded off Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United yesterday.
After three straight losses against mid-table sides, victory over erratic Chelsea and hapless United have lifted the Gunners back to fourth, two points clear of Spurs.
Arsenal & Utd target Osimhen valued at £67m
Arsenal will reportedly have to fork out £67million to land striker target Victor Osimhen, who has also been linked to Man Utd.
The Napoli ace has 16 goals to his name this term and has played a key role in keeping his side in the hunt for the Serie A title.
Napoli are sat third, five points behind table toppers Inter Milan with four matches to go.
But with Osimhen’s fine form comes interest in acquiring his services.
And according to CBS, Arsenal have been tracking the Nigeria international for a number of months.
But any move would cost the Gunners an eye-watering £67m to land Osimhen.
La Gazzetta dello Sport are also reporting that Arsenal have “already taken several concrete steps, through intermediaries” to lay the groundworks for a deal.
However, the striker is keen to play Champions League football.
Thiel the money
Arsenal have reportedly been told they can land FC Koln star Jan Thielmann for £12.5million this summer.
The 19-year-old right winger has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this term.
He has been a regular at Koln, scoring once and providing two assists during his 26 top-flight appearances.
And despite his stats not being outstanding, his displays have captured the attention of Mikel Arteta.
Now Tag 24 states that Koln are willing to cash in if they receive an offer of £12.5m.
They claim the club can “hardly say no” to such a figure due to the financial impact of the coronavirus.
Ready to grab Ab
Arsenal are reportedly lining up a summer move for Tammy Abraham… if they qualify for the Champions League, writes Giacomo Pisa.
The Gunners were linked with Abraham last summer before he joined Roma in a £34million deal from Chelsea.
But 12 months on Mikel Arteta is set to reignite his interest in the striker after a stunning first season under Jose Mourinho.
The 24-year-old has scored 24 goals in all competitions this campaign.
And his form could see Arsenal lodge a bid this summer if they finish in the top four, according to the Daily Star.
It’s claimed the Gunners are plotting a £50million offer for the upcoming transfer window.
Woeful Utd hit train barrier
Alan Shearer is baffled at what Ralf Rangnick and his staff do in training at Manchester United.
The Red Devils suffered another crushing defeat yesterday as they were beaten 3-1 at Arsenal to virtually end their top four hopes.
That result follows the terrible display at Anfield on Tuesday when United were walloped 4-0 by Liverpool.
And after watching them at the Emirates, the Newcastle and England legend Shearer insists Rangnick’s team showed zero reaction to being “battered” by the Reds.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “New manager, they’ve been battered by Liverpool, changed personnel – left Harry Maguire out – so I’m thinking there’s going to be a bit of a response, certainly in the first 20 or 30 minutes and there wasn’t at all.
“Within three minutes you’ve had three big mistakes: Varane and Telles make one and you’ve also got one from Dalot letting Tavares go.
“There was no pressing, no organisation, the understanding of when or how to press in this team zero, probably because they don’t know how to do it or they are not working on it at all in training.
“They don’t know how or when to do it… what they’re doing on the training ground, I don’t know, because it doesn’t look like they’re doing much in terms of the pressing.”
Gunning for Jesus?
Gabriel Jesus will leave Manchester City this summer in a boost to Arsenal’s transfer hopes, according to reports.
The 25-year-old Brazilian ace has just over 16 months remaining on his current contract at the Etihad and the champions may have to cash in.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Gabriel Jesus will leave Man City in the summer, the plan is clear since months as they’re working on Haaland deal and contract expires in 2023.
“Arsenal interest is confirmed and serious, as per David Ornstein – but still no bid or direct talks between clubs.”
Mikel Arteta is desperate to bolster his attack, and is claimed to have identified the striker as a potential option in the upcoming transfer window.
Arsenal & Utd target Osimhen valued at £67m
Arsenal will reportedly have to fork out £67million to land striker target Victor Osimhen, who has also been linked to Man Utd.
The Napoli ace has 16 goals to his name this term and has played a key role in keeping his side in the hunt for the Serie A title.
Napoli are sat third, five points behind table toppers Inter Milan with four matches to go.
But with Osimhen’s fine form comes interest in acquiring his services.
And according to CBS, Arsenal have been tracking the Nigeria international for a number of months.
But any move would cost the Gunners an eye-watering £67m to land Osimhen.
La Gazzetta dello Sport are also reporting that Arsenal have “already taken several concrete steps, through intermediaries” to lay the groundworks for a deal.
However, the striker is keen to play Champions League football.
Jan could be the man
Arsenal have reportedly been told they can land FC Koln star Jan Thielmann for £12.5million this summer.
The 19-year-old right winger has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this term.
He has been a regular at Koln, scoring once and providing two assists during his 26 top-flight appearances.
And despite his stats not being outstanding, his displays have captured the attention of Mikel Arteta.
Now Tag 24 states that Koln are willing to cash in if they receive an offer of £12.5m.
They claim the club can “hardly say no” to such a figure due to the financial impact of the coronavirus.
Arsenal in for Tammy again
Arsenal are reportedly lining up a summer move for Tammy Abraham… if they qualify for the Champions League, writes Giacomo Pisa.
The Gunners were linked with Abraham last summer before he joined Roma in a £34million deal from Chelsea.
But 12 months on Mikel Arteta is set to reignite his interest in the striker after a stunning first season under Jose Mourinho.
The 24-year-old has scored 24 goals in all competitions this campaign.
And his form could see Arsenal lodge a bid this summer if they finish in the top four, according to the Daily Star.
It’s claimed the Gunners are plotting a £50million offer for the upcoming transfer window.
Fab Gab ‘WILL leave City in the summer’, say reports
Gabriel Jesus will leave Manchester City this summer in a boost to Arsenal’s transfer hopes, according to reports.
The 25-year-old Brazilian ace has just over 16 months remaining on his current contract at the Etihad and the champions may have to cash in.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Gabriel Jesus will leave Man City in the summer, the plan is clear since months as they’re working on Haaland deal and contract expires in 2023.
“Arsenal interest is confirmed and serious, as per David Ornstein – but still no bid or direct talks between clubs.”
Mikel Arteta is desperate to bolster his attack, and is claimed to have identified the striker as a potential option in the upcoming transfer window.
Xhak-attack
After his wonder strike yesterday, the club awarded the midfielder their Man of the Match award.
Do you agree Arsenal fans?
Playing for the shirt
Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard bizarrely gave their Manchester United shirts to Arsenal fans following their side’s 3-1 defeat, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
Both men came on as second half substitutes at the Emirates as the Gunners beat the Red Devils to leapfrog Tottenham into fourth.
Rashford is one of 12 players that could be heading out the door at the Theatre of Dreams when Erik ten Hag takes charge.
He has even been linked with a shock move to link up with the Gunners.
Rashford and Lingard have endured a strained relationship with United’s supporters recently due to poor form and questions over their work rate.
And the club’s faithful haven’t reacted kindly following their antics after the full-time whistle at Arsenal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
