ARSENAL summer signing Ben White has responded to the criticism from Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher at the start of the season.
The recent England international mentioned that it is not a nice feeling but gave him more of an incentive to prove them wrong.
Meanwhile, Wolves talisman Pedro Neto’s situation at Molineux is being monitored by the Gunners according to reports.
The Portuguese sensation is currently going through contractual talks but is yet to sign on the dotted line.
And former Arsenal skipper Laurent Koscielny has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.
Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates in our live blog…
Tite linked with Gunners
Brazil boss Tite is reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a potential job once he departs his position after the 2022 World Cup.
The 60-year-old is poised to leave his role within the Selecao set-up later this year after the tournament in Qatar.
And it has been claimed that he could be heading to the Emirates following discussions with Gunners technical director Edu.
The pair worked together when Tite was the Corinthians gaffer and Edu was their director of football.
During ESPN’s broadcast of Brazil’s 4-0 win against Chile on Thursday, in which Gabriel Martinelli made his international debut, TV Globo reporter Eric Faria spoke of the talks.
He said: “There is already a negotiation of Tite to work in English football.
“To work at Arsenal. He worked with Edu Gaspar.
“There is the intention, negotiations have started.”
How Arsenal lined up the last time Laurent Koscielny played
Laurent Koscielny has announced his retirement from football aged 36 following a bitter January exit from Bordeaux.
Arsenal lined up the last time Laurent Koscielny played with just TWO surviving 2019 Europa League final thrashing.
The defender has departed Ligue Bordeaux 1 after being frozen out, and hasn’t found a club in the meantime.
The former France international also left Arsenal on poor terms back in 2019, following nine years in North London.
Despite being club skipper, Koscielny refused to jet out on their pre-season tour in order to force through a transfer.
He eventually got his wish, meaning that the 2019 Europa League final was the last of his 353 appearances for the club.
Unai Emery’s side were mauled 4-1 by Chelsea that day, with their former forward Olivier Giroud coming back to haunt the Gunners that day – while Eden Hazard put on a masterclass to bring his time at Stamford Bridge to an end.
Arsenal’s starting XI that day featured just two players that remain with the club to this day.
Xhak attack
Roma have reportedly reignited their interest in signing Granit Xhaka from Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho has been keen to sign the midfielder since he arrived in Italy last year.
Xhaka was also open to the move, but the two clubs could not agree on a fee.
But, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, a deal could finally be struck this summer.
Mourinho is said to be very impressed with the 29-year-old’s personality and performances this season, so much so that he is eager for the club to make a bid for the upcoming transfer window.
The only potential issue that could prevent the move is the cost.
Arsenal were demanding a fee of at least £21.5million for Xhaka last year, whilst Roma were only willing to pay £10million.
Arsenal and Man Utd ‘consider Tammy Abraham transfer swoop’
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Tammy Abraham in the summer.
The England international has flourished since leaving Chelsea for Italian giants Roma, scoring 23 goals in 40 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side this season.
And the former Blues man’s displays in the Italian capital have reportedly caught the eye of United and Arsenal – both of whom are in the market for a new striker.
That’s according to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, who claim United are contemplating signing Abraham as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arsenal in transfer fight with Spurs for ‘next Patrick Vieira’
Arsenal are reportedly in a transfer battle with rivals Tottenham for Rennes wonderkid Lesley Ugochukwu – dubbed the next Patrick Vieira.
The French midfielder turns 18 today but is already attracting plenty of attention with his performances.
According to L’Equipe, the North London enemies have been taking a keen look at him in recent weeks.
Credit: Getty This season he has made 17 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Europa Conference League.
Most of those have been off the bench, including when he scored his only senior goal in a 5-0 thumping of Saint-Etienne in December.
And both Arsenal and Tottenham could look to pounce with summer offers.
Xhaka ahead of Switzerland clash
Granit Xhaka is delighted Arsenal teammates Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka will be missing for England’s clash with Switzerland.
But the Swiss skipper, 29, insists he does not fear a Three Lions midfield brimming with talent.
Gunners pair Ramsdale and Saka were originally named in Gareth Southgate’s squad to take on Switzerland and Ivory Coast in friendlies during this international break.
Keeper Ramsdale was ruled out with a hip injury suffered against Liverpool on March 16, while Saka left the camp on Thursday having tested positive for Covid-19.
Xhaka said: “Two of them are not playing so that is good.
“We know the quality they have. Of course, they have a very good generation now, playing well, not only in the national team but with Arsenal as well.
“So, we are happy Saka and Aaron are not playing tomorrow.
“But I think England have a very strong with a lot of young players, and they have experienced players as well.”
Brazil coach Tite in talks with Arsenal
Brazil boss Tite is reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a potential job once he departs his position after the 2022 World Cup.
The 60-year-old is poised to leave his role within the Selecao set-up later this year after the tournament in Qatar.
And it has been claimed that he could be heading to the Emirates following discussions with Gunners technical director Edu.
The pair worked together when Tite was the Corinthians gaffer and Edu was their director of football.
During ESPN’s broadcast of Brazil’s 4-0 win against Chile on Thursday, in which Gabriel Martinelli made his international debut, TV Globo reporter Eric Faria spoke of the talks.
He said: “There is already a negotiation of Tite to work in English football.
“To work at Arsenal. He worked with Edu Gaspar.
“There is the intention, negotiations have started.”
Good morning to Gunners fans
Mikel Arteta’s long-term future as Arsenal manager is in question after it emerged that talks had taken place between the Premier League club and Brazil coach Tite.
According to sensational reports in South America, Gunners sporting director Edu has identified his compatriot as the man he wants to take the Londoners forward.
Tite is contracted to the Brazil national team until the completion of this year’s World Cup, but could be installed at the Emirates for the beginning of the 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate has revealed that the problem that kept Emile Smith Rowe out of England training this morning is not a major one, but he’s unlikely to feature against Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow.
Discussing fitness issues within the squad at yesterday afternoon’s press conference, the Three Lions boss said: “Emile [Smith Rowe] did not train today so he is unlikely to be involved tomorrow. It’s nothing too serious, but we’ll check on him late to see if he can take part.”
However, Southgate’s perplexed as to why Smith-Rowe’s Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka can’t remain on international duty after being struck with Covid.
Southgate said: “I’m lost on the rules really.
“I can’t sit here and give a medical download of all that. I’m not quite sure why he is out because I think you can carry on now with normal life.
“I think people have an ethical responsibility if they’re positive to stay away from others and stop the spread but by the normal rules of life he could carry on.
“Football rules are a bit different but I’m in a maze of confusion frankly.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal have reportedly approached wantaway Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele’s contract with Barca is up in the summer and according to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV, the Gunners want to bring him to the Emirates.
Talks between the parties have already begun as the report states Dembele’s agent Moussa Sissoko has met with the North London side.
Finally, Darren Bent doesn’t think Arsenal should try and sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.
Bent reckons the Welsh veteran will stifle Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s growth at the club.
He told talkSPORT: “It’s not that he is not good enough, but he has got Saka in front of him, Martinelli, these guys are getting better and better.
“You don’t want to stunt their development.”
Xhaka’s joy for England game
Granit Xhaka is happy that Arsenal team-mates Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe will miss England’s game against Switzerland.
The Swiss captain said: “Two of them are not playing tomorrow so it’s good because we know the quality they have.
“Of course they have a very good generation now, playing very well, not only in the national team but with Arsenal as well.
“We’re happy that Saka and Aaron are not playing tomorrow.”
Campbell praises Ramsdale
Kevin Campbell has praised Aaron Ramsdale’s warm gesture to fellow Arsenal stopper Bernd Leno after the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
Campbell told Football Insider: “Leno came in and did really well against Aston Villa.
“It was really nice to see Ramsdale push Leno towards the fans to get his acclaim because he deserved it. It was amazing to see.”
Wolves hope to keep Neves
Wolves have opened contract talks with Ruben Neves in a bid to keep him out of Arsenal’s clutches this summer.
The Arsenal boss sees the £50million-rated Molineux midfielder as key to his rebuilding plans with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also monitoring Neves, who will have two years left of his current contract this summer.
However Wolves know they must move now to convince Neves to extend his current deal – or cash in this summer while his value remains high, to fund new signings for Bruno Lage.
“We’re obviously talking to him and we all know how much he loves playing for the club. We know how much he has settled here, but he is also an ambitious young man,” said Wolves Technical Director Scott Sellars.
“As with all players, you try and have an open dialogue with them and their representatives to come to the best scenario for the club and the player.
“Rightly so, elite clubs all over Europe will have Ruben on their radar, but we have an excellent relationship with him and will do things properly, and collaboratively, when the time is right.
“Ruben is having a fantastic season and everybody should take a pat on the back in terms of how well he is playing.”
Bent on Bale’s Arsenal links
Darren Bent doesn’t believe Wales hero Gareth Bale would be a good signing for Arsenal as he could stifle Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s growth.
Bent said on talkSPORT: “No, I don’t think so.
“It’s not that he is not good enough, but he has got Saka in front of him, Martinelli, these guys are getting better and better.
“You don’t want to stunt their development.”
Merson praises Odegaard
Paul Merson claims Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s best player at the moment despite initially being sceptical about the midfielder’s arrival at The Emirates.
Merson said to the Daily Star: “Martin Odegaard has proved me wrong and is becoming the leader Arsenal need to pass their toughest test yet,’ Merson told the Daily Star.
“He is the main man there now and the first name on the teamsheet for me. He has really improved and is doing the business.
‘I think the players respect him because they can see he’s a real player. I didn’t see it at first, I have to admit.
“It looked like he didn’t really want to leave Real Madrid, and I didn’t think he pulled up any trees on his loan spell at Arsenal.
“He could have sulked and lost his confidence when Madrid didn’t want him any more, but he’s playing better than ever now. He’s Arsenal’s go-to man and he makes them tick.”
Merson on Sancho for England
Arsenal legend Paul Merson reckons Gareth Southgate should’ve picked Jadon Sancho instead of Raheem Sterling for the England squad.
Merson said in his Daily Star column: “Gareth Southgate should have picked Jadon Sancho instead of Raheem Sterling in his England squad.
“Surely you’re better off having Sancho in the squad than Sterling? We know what Sterling can do.
“We know he’s going to the World Cup. Sterling always performs for England. Leave him out, he’s got big games coming up for Manchester City. And put Sancho in.”
Ben White’s England appreciation
Arsenal star Ben White has shared his pride after getting another call-up for England.
He said: “Getting called up again shows that what I’ve done this season is really paying off.
“The last time I got called up I was straight into a tournament, so to come back in and be part of it again is a really nice feeling.”
Ousmane Dembele to Arsenal?
Arsenal have reportedly approached wantaway Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele’s contract with Barca is up in the summer and according to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV, the Gunners want to bring him to The Emirates.
Talks between the parties have already begun as the report states Dembele’s agent Moussa Sissoko has met with the North London side.
Southgate’s doesn’t understand Saka absence
Gareth Southgate is perplexed as to why Bukayo Saka can’t play for England due to catching Covid.
He said: “I’m lost on the rules really.
“I can’t sit here and give a medical download of all that. I’m not quite sure why he is out because I think you can carry on now with normal life.
“I think people have an ethical responsibility if they’re positive to stay away from others and stop the spread but by the normal rules of life he could carry on.
“Football rules are a bit different but I’m in a maze of confusion frankly.”
Smith Rowe issue ‘not serious’
Gareth Southgate has revealed that the problem that kept Emile Smith Rowe out of England training this morning is not a major one, but he’s unlikely to feature against Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow.
Discussing fitness issues within the squad at this afternoon’s press conference, the Three Lions boss said: “Emile [Smith Rowe] did not train today so he is unlikely to be involved tomorrow. It’s nothing too serious, but we’ll check on him late to see if he can take part.”
Southgate had better news regarding another forward, but was left rueing another increase in Covid-19 cases.
“Raheem [Sterling] is absolutely fine. However, it was a shame to lose Bukayom [Saka], but that we’re back in those moments with Covid where there’s been a spike in the country.”
Arteta future in doubt amid Tite link
Mikel Arteta’s long-term future as Arsenal manager is in question after it emerged that talks had taken place between the Premier League club and Brazil coach Tite.
According to sensational reports in South America, Gunners sporting director Edu has identified his compatriot as the man he wants to take the Londoners forward.
Tite is contracted to the Brazil national team until the completion of this year’s World Cup, but could be installed at the Emirates for the beginning of the 2023-24 season.
Arteta has revitalised a young and exciting Arsenal side in recent months, but is only contracted to the club until the summer of 2023.
Smith-Rowe misses England training
Emile Smith Rowe became the latest Arsenal player to sit out England training when he was absent from this morning’s practice.
The Gunners midfielder also missed Wednesday’s session although there has not yet been an official reason given for today’s non-appearance.
The news comes a day after his club teammate and good friend, Bukayo Saka, withdrew from England duty, having testing positive for Covid-19.
Last week, Aaron Ramsdale was forced to pull out of the squad with a muscle injury.
Gunners fans will be hoping the Arsenal curse doesn’t strike their one remaining England representative, Ben White.
Charming Gunners pursue Benfica’s Nunez
ArsenaL have reportedly begun a ‘charm offensive’ in their bid to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
Nunez, 22, was believed to be on Arsenal’s radar in January with the club making initial contact with the player’s agent.
The Gunners are increasing their contact with Benfica and are beginning to talk up a move to North London, according to Record.
And Arsenal are reportedly a few steps ahead of Newcastle and West Ham in the race to sign Nunez.
Both clubs were said to be interested in the Uruguayan in January but were put off by his asking price.
At one point Toon were prepared to pay £50million for the forward but given interest in Nunez is only increasing his asking price is now believed to be in the region of £67m.
Another north London derby postponed
Tomorrow’s clash between Arsenal and Tottenham in the Women’s Super League has been postponed due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Spurs squad.
The announcement follows in the footsteps of the men’s teams, who had their Premier League clash in January called off, and has yet to be arranged.
On that occasion, it was the Gunners that forced the cancellation with their squad depleted due to coronavirus, injuries, suspensions and the African Cup of Nations.
Spurs figureheads were critical of Arsenal on that occasion, but are likely to be more understanding today.
Arsenal’s Tierney opens Scotland account
Kieran Tierney scored his first international goal for Scotland in last night’s 1-1 draw with Poland – and then joked afterwards that it only puts him on an equal balance for his country.
The Arsenal defender headed home John McGinn’s free-kick at Hampden to give Steve Clark’s men a first half lead in Thursday’s friendly.
And after the game, Tierney laughed: “It’s good to get my first goal. That’s one goal and one own-goal for Scotland so that’s me even.
“I was thinking ‘is this onside or offside?’ but that’s just the shock. When do I score a header?”
Proud Martinelli makes Brazil bow
Gabriel Martinelli’s fine season with Arsenal was last night rewarded with a first senior cap for Brazil.
The 20-year-old winger was brought on by head coach Tite in the 76th minute of Selecao’s 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile.
The Gunners forward was introduced into the game alongside fellow Premier League star Richarlison, and joined the likes of Neymar and Thiago Silva on the pitch.
Brazil have already qualified for Qatar 2022 as one of CONMEBOL’s top four teams.
In demand Diaby considering options
Bayer Leverkusen’s hottest property Moussa Diaby is already thinking about his future move – and it could depend on who clinches fourth spot in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old winger, wanted by both Arsenal and Manchester United, has revealed his desire to play in the Champions League.
In a conversation with Le Parisien (via Football.London), the French international admitted: “Obviously, I’m thinking about [my future], but not too much yet. I remain focused on the end of the season. For the moment it is my only concern.
“I want to play all the high level matches. The objective is to qualify with Bayer for the Champions League. I love participating in games with pressure.”
Diaby has scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 35 games for Leverkusen this season, and is expected to cost in the region of £50m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
