ARSENAL have AGREED a deal in principle with Man City for Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.
A fee of £45m will reportedly be paid to bring the Brazilian to North London.
It is added that a move to Arsenal is far more likely for the Brazilian than a switch to Spurs as it is much clearer where he would fit in the team.
SunSport can also reveal that Arsenal are in advanced talks with Leeds winger Raphinha.
However, Marseilles are set to launch a £26million bid to sign Arsenal defender William Saliba, according to reports.
Saliba impressed on loan at Stade Velodrome last season, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side finish second in Ligue 1
Should the Gunners acquire all their summer targets, here is how their team could look next season.
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Merson blasts Nketiah deal
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has claimed Eddie Nketiah wouldn’t even get in the FULHAM team.
Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “All Arsenal have got up front right now is Eddie Nketiah, who recently signed a new contract when it looked like he might leave.
“And no disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four. Absolutely no chance. That’s a fact.
“He’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted.
“I’m not having a go at him but he’s not getting you top four.”
Lisandro Martinez to Arsenal latest
Arsenal have reportedly had a £25million transfer offer for Lisandro Martinez rejected by Ajax.
Ajax are holding out for a fee closer to £43million for the 24-year-old
He is also a target for Premier League rivals Man United as Erik ten Hag identifies him as an alternative to Jurrien Timber after snubbing a switch following talks with Holland gaffer Louis van Gaal.
Raphinha to Arsenal boost
Arsenal have been handed a boost over their Raphinha pursuit as reports suggest Leeds are lining up his replacement.
Club Bruges’ Charles de Ketelaere has been reportedly identified as the man are targeting if Raphinha goes.
The 21-year-old attacker can operate in false nine or secondary striker roles and Leeds will be hoping he brings the sparkle that Raphinha regularly gave the side.
The Athletic report the highly-rated Belgian international is also attracting interest from AC Milan, who can offer Champions League football.
Arsenal in Asensio blow
AC Milan will turn to Arsenal target Marco Asensio after missing out Lille star Sven Botman, reports claim.
Botman’s on the verge of completing a transfer to Newcastle.
And Milan now want Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder Asensio to provide them with extra oomph upfront next season, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The report states Real want around €30m for the Spanish forward, who’s also seeking €6m in yearly wages.
£26m Saliba bid latest
Marseille are set to launch a £26million bid to sign Arsenal defender William Saliba, according to reports.
Saliba impressed on loan at Stade Velodrome last season, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side finish second in Ligue 1.
According to RMC, Sampaoli’s side are willing to pay £26m to sign Saliba permanently.
Arsenal legend Merson berates Nketiah
Paul Merson has called the quality of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah into doubt, declaring he should not be spearheading Arsenal’s top four push.
Merson told the Daily Star: “no disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four.
“Nketiah can’t be spearheading your Champions League push. He’s not getting in ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at Everton and they almost got relegated.
“He’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandr Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted. I’m not having a go at him but he’s not getting you top four.”
Nketiah, 23, has recently signed a new deal with The Gunners worth £100k per week after netting five goals in the final seven games of the season.
Arsenal urged to sign Lukaku
Arsenal have been urged to sign Romelu Lukaku instead of Gabriel Jesus.
That’s the view of Darren Bent who reckons Lukaku is more prolific than Jesus.
He told talkSPORT: “Lukaku, I would.
“I’ve seen him score goals regularly. He’s in the 100 club!”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Arsenal Martinez offer rejected by Ajax
Arsenal have reportedly had a £25million transfer offer for Lisandro Martinez rejected by Ajax.
Ajax are holding out for a fee closer to £43million for the 24-year-old
He is also a target for Premier League rivals Man United as Erik ten Hag identifies him as an alternative to Jurrien Timber after snubbing a switch following talks with Holland gaffer Louis van Gaal.
Should Martinez join Arsenal, he will provide competition for left-sided centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and fill in at left-back behind Kieran Tierney when needed.
Higuain blasts Arsenal over “too expensive” claim
Gonzalo Higuain has mocked Arsenal for claiming he was “too expensive” before they broke the bank for Mesut Ozil.
The Argentine forward was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates back in 2013.
But negotiations eventually broke down between the Gunners and Real Madrid as Arsene Wenger’s side were not willing to meet the Spanish giants’ valuation.
Just over one month later, Arsenal then obliterated their transfer record as they splashed out £42.2million on another Madrid player in Ozil.
Speaking to TyC Sports, he said: “I remember that I was on the verge of going to Arsenal when I went to Napoli, but they said I was too expensive. And a few days later, they paid €80m for Ozil!”
Higuain now plays for David Beckham’s Inter Miami in the MLS.
Arsenal to be rocked by Saliba offer
Marseille are set to launch a £26million bid to sign Arsenal defender William Saliba, according to reports.
Saliba impressed on loan at Stade Velodrome last season, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side finish second in Ligue 1.
According to RMC, Sampaoli’s side are willing to pay £26m to sign Saliba permanently.
The Arsenal starlet came of age at Marseille last season, producing brilliant performances and even forcing his way into Didier Deschamps’ France squad.
The Gunners would like to finally integrate the centre-back into their first-team set up.
Arsenal Raphinha transfer boost
Arsenal have been handed a boost over their Raphinha pursuit as reports suggest Leeds are lining up his replacement.
Club Bruges’ Charles de Ketelaere has been reportedly identified as the man are targeting if Raphinha goes.
The 21-year-old attacker can operate in false nine or secondary striker roles and Leeds will be hoping he brings the sparkle that Raphinha regularly gave the side.
The Athletic report the highly-rated Belgian international is also attracting interest from AC Milan, who can offer Champions League football.
His potential arrival at Elland Road could then open the door to Arsenal to secure Raphinha after weeks of pursuing the Brazilian.
Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal latest
Arsenal transfer supremo Edu is working tirelessly THIS weekend to complete the signing of Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.
The Gunners agreed a £45m transfer with Man City for the Brazilian on Friday.
And they now need to work out personal terms with the striker before the transfer’s completed.
The Gunners have presented Jesus with a five year contract offer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal given transfer tips
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn wants the club to make another five signings along with Raphinha.
He told the Express: “Number one has to be a centre-forward, potentially [another signing in the] wide areas.
“Raphinha’s been mentioned but I’d want another central midfield player, the full-back position and potentially another centre-half. We don’t know what’s happening with [William] Saliba.
“He came with a huge reputation, young player, but we haven’t seen him play, he’s gone back out on loan. The rumours are he’s coming back but it seems a very complicated situation and we need to know what’s happening with him.
“If he’s staying and wants to be here, fine, but if not we’ll need another centre-half. So I’d want another centre-half, two full-backs, a central midfielder and a centre-forward.
“Do I think all those will come? No, because it will cost Arsenal too much money.”
AC Milan want Asensio transfer
AC Milan will turn to Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio after missing out Lille star Sven Botman, reports claim.
Botman’s on the verge of completing a transfer to Newcastle.
And Milan now want Asensio to provide them with extra oomph upfront next season, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The report states Real want around €30m for the Spanish forward, who’s also seeking €6m in yearly wages.
Arsenal were also tracking Asensio but have since swooped on Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal’s Lucas Torreira fury
Arsenal are upset that Lucas Torreira didn’t sign for Fiorentina.
That’s according to football journalist Charlie Watts.
He said: “Lucas Torreira – Arsenal are so disappointed with how that one turned out, over what happened with Fiorentina.
“They thought that one was pretty much a given that was going to happen.
“Suddenly for it to not happen, then you’re left with the player, it’s just another thing to add to the workload, trying to find him another club.
“You’d think it wouldn’t be difficult because he had such a good year in Italy last season, that other Italian clubs will be sniffing around but we’ll see on that one.”
Arsenal keen on double transfer
Arsenal will reportedly return with improved offers for Raphinha and Lisandro Martinez.
The Gunners will focus on the pair after securing the signature of Gabriel Jesus for £45m, the Express reported.
The Gunners’ initial bids for Leeds ace Raphinha and Ajax star Martinez were rebuffed by their respective sides.
But the Gunners are undeterred by the rejections and will present new offers next week, it was added.
Man United are also on the hunt for Martinez.
Arsenal given Lukaku advice
Arsenal have been urged to sign Romelu Lukaku instead of Gabriel Jesus.
That’s the view of Darren Bent who reckons Lukaku is more prolific than Jesus.
He told talkSPORT: “Lukaku, I would.
“I’ve seen him score goals regularly. He’s in the 100 club!”
Race for Marinez heats up
Arsenal are reportedly looking to steal a march on Manchester United in the race to snare Lisandro Martinez away from Ajax.
The 24-year-old is a target for the two Premier League sides as the race hots up to secure the services of the Argentina international.
Mikel Arteta’s side have already had a £25million approach for the centre-back turned down by the Eredivisie champions.
Meanwhile the Red Devils have identified the 2021 Copa America winner as an alternative for his Ajax team-mate Jurrien Timber.
It had been claimed that the Dutchman was set to be reunited with former boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, only for him to snub a switch following talks with Holland gaffer Louis van Gaal.
And if United aren’t fast enough, they could miss out on Martinez‘s signature with the Gunners opening new negotiations with his representative.
Tottenham want Arsenal target
Tottenham have reportedly waded into the race for Barcelona ace Clement Lenglet.
Spurs want to bring Lenglet in on loan next season, according to ESPN.
And they’re willing to pay his wages in full in order to get the move over the line, the report adds.
However, Spurs’ rivals Arsenal have also been linked with Lenglet.
Latest on Jesus transfer
Arsenal transfer supremo Edu is working tirelessly this weekend to complete the signing of Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.
The Gunners agreed a £45m transfer with Man City for the Brazilian on Friday.
And they now need to work out personal terms with the striker before the transfer’s completed.
The Gunners have presented Jesus with a five year contract offer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Raphinha over Richarlison
Ray Parlour reckons Raphinha will be a better signing for top Prem clubs over Richarlison.
Both Brazilian stars are being tracked by the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.
But Parlour reckons Raphinha will be better value for money.
He said on talkSPORT: “I think Richarlison is a top player, don’t get me wrong, but he’s a little bit inconsistent at times.
“Raphinha has shown he’s a top player and I’m sure lots of clubs will be in for him.”
Marseille ‘make Saliba offer’
Arsenal defender William Saliba is being lined up by Marseille where he spent last season on loan, reports claim.
The Ligue 1 side have been impressed with the 21-year-old, and would like to retain his services permanently.
And they’re prepared to pay Arsenal £25m in order to do so, according to Get Frenc Football News.
Marseille view Saliba as a sound investment for the future with his potential to grow, which is why they’re willing to spend the hefty amount on him, the report adds.
Arsenal ‘step up Raphinha pursuit’
Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha after their agreeing a fee to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, JACK ROSSER WRITES.
The Gunners have settled on a £45million fee to bring Brazilian Jesus, 25, to The Emirates with personal terms and a medical still to be agreed.
And now Mikel Arteta is after the striker’s compatriot as they battle to beat London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea, as well as Barcelona, to the signing of Raphinha.
The winger, 25, has two years left on his deal at Elland Road but has told Leeds that he will not be agreeing new terms.
Arsenal have seen one approach rejected already this summer but are ready to return with an improved offer with talks over a deal said to be at an advanced stage.
Tottenham’s stance on Raphinha revealed
Tottenham have reportedly cooled interest in Leeds star Raphinha as they don’t want to pay an excessive fee for the Brazilian.
And the same is true for Tottenham’s rivals Arsenal who are in pole position to land Raphinha.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who said: “Tottenham – they are really interested in Raphinha. They are discussing with Leeds of a potential verbal proposal.
“I understand that Antonio Conte is a big fan of the player. But, at the same point, they know that it is a really complicated deal with many clubs in it.
“Tottenham and Arsenal both clubs don’t want to pay crazy money, they want to pay the right money and they don’t want to enter a bidding war. This is why all the talks are verbal on Tottenham’s side.”
Ramsey to AC Milan fails
Andrea Pirlo has failed in a bid to be reunited with Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
The ex-Arsenal star was wanted by Pirlo, who has recently taken charge of Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey.
But club president Suleyman Hurman says Ramsey, 31, is no longer an option for them.
Hurman said: “We practically reached the stage of an agreement with Ramsey but then we gave up.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
