ARSENAL fans are starting to become impatient as they still await Gabriel Jesus’ imminent announcement.
However, the Brazilian was spotted doing a photoshoot at the Emirates where he was wearing the number nine shirt which shows signs that there is nothing to worry about.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Barcelona seem to be in a tug-of-war for Gunner’s transfer target Raphinha.
But reports suggest that Arsenal are now ‘monitoring’ Serge Gnabry’s contractual situation at Bayern Munich.
And the North London outfit remain optimistic on their chances of signing Lisandro Martinez despite the Ajax ace ‘hoping’ for a Manchester United move.
IN: Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner
OUT: Alexandre Lacazette (released)
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Tielemans ‘should play for Arsenal’
It’s shocking Arsenal haven’t made a formal move for Leicester ace Youri Tielemans, according to Steve Nicol.
Nicol reckons Tielemans has outgrown the Foxes, and would make a ideal midfield partnership with Gunners star Thomas Partey in the place of Granit Xhaka.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: “I am surprised someone like Arsenal haven’t gone in to sign him. I think he ends up staying at Leicester City. I think he’s better than Leicester, to be honest.
“I think Arsenal should have gone and signed this guy. Granit Xhaka is a good Premier League player, but I don’t think he is good enough to push Arsenal into the top four or certainly challenge for any major competition.
“I think Tielemans and Thomas Partey would be a great partnership in the middle of the park. So, I am surprised there hasn’t been more talk of Tielemans, especially from an Arsenal point of view.”
Man United will hope Arsenal don’t take heed of Nicol’s advice as they also want the Belgium international.
Nou development
Barcelona are odds-on favourites to sign Leeds winger Raphinha.
That’s according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who’ve priced the Spanish heavyweights at 1/2 to clinch the Brazilian’s signature.
Chelsea looked certain to secure his services having agreed a £55m deal plus add-ons with Leeds.
But he’s now drifted out to 13/8 to arrive at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.
A stay at Leeds is available at 18/1, with Arsenal and Newcastle offered at 20/1 and 25/1 respectively.
Manchester United are major outsiders, coming in at 40/1.
Parlour makes Martinez wish
Ray Parlour has admitted that he wants Arsenal to sign Lisandro Martinez.
He said to talkSPORT: “I know they are in for him from Ajax. I am looking down the spine of the team and I think that’s where they might strengthen.
“As you mentioned, Tielemans is a really good ball-player. They have got [Thomas] Partey, who had his injury problems last season.
“He missed quite a lot of games. You have got [Albert Sambi] Lokonga, who is going to get better and he’s still young.
“But I think that’s the area. [Granit] Xhaka is getting that little bit older. I think that’s the area they really need to look at.
“Get balls through the line and Tielemans would be ideal. Let’s hope, with my Arsenal hat on, they can somehow get him over the line, and in the ideal world, get everyone signed up by the (pre-season) tour.”
Gunner be interesting
New signing Fabio Vieira now faces a race against time to prepare for the Gunners’ upcoming pre-season tour in the United States.
All of Arsenal’s new signings are expected to make their club debut’s before the season starts next month.
Arteta has already confirmed that 19-year-old Marquinhos will be given his chance to shine following his £3m transfer from Sao Paulo.
Matt Turner is also set to appear between the sticks upon his return to America.
And new No.9 Gabriel Jesus is expected to alternate with Eddie Nketiah in attack.
Credit: Getty Not so fab
Arsenal new boy Fabio Vieira has picked up an injury BEFORE the club’s pre-season tour.
Vieira, 22, joined the North London side last month in a deal worth £34million.
Upon his arrival, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed him as a “special” player that is set to bolster his team’s attack.
He said: “I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent.
“Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play.”
However, the midfielder has already hit a stumbling block before even putting on the red shirt.
A picture posted on Instagram clearly shows his left ankle in a protective boot, indicating that he has already sustained an injury.
But according to football journalist James Benge, it is just a minor foot issue.
Prem king
Man City and Liverpool are favourites to be crowned 2022-23 Premier League champions.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who are predicting another two-horse race with Pep Guardiola’s Citizens available at 8/13 and Liverpool at 12/5.
Liverpool, who start against promoted Fulham, are next at 12/5 having missed out by a single point last term.
Tottenham are now considered third-favourites at 14/1 after a flurry of incomings.
Antonio Conte’s side have signed Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster to join Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, who arrived in January.
They are ahead of London rivals Chelsea (16/1) who have seen Romelu Lukaku, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leave the club. The futures of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are also in doubt, while Barcelona are now favourites to sign Raphinha.
Manchester United are 25/1 to clinch the title during Erik ten Hag’s debut campaign, ahead of Arsenal (40/1) and Newcastle (100/1).
On the Lis-t
Man Utd are trying to reach an agreement with Ajax for Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez.
Meanwhile, United’s proposed offer to Tyrell Malacia includes a four-year contract with the option of a 5th.
And according to The Athletic, his medical may happen this weekend.
Credit: Getty Pep talk
Pep Guardiola understands when players decide to leave in search of regular game time.
Manchester City forwards Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are expected to be sold this summer.
And they could be followed by defensive duo Nathan Ake and Oleksandr Zinchenko, while midfielder Bernardo Silva would like a move to Spain.
City boss Guardiola said: “The most complicated thing to manage in a team is the players who do not play and to keep them happy.
“There’s no solution — that’s why good players leave their teams, because they want to play.
“I cannot retain a player who does not play just because he has a contract.
“I told my players I want to see them happy. We’ve known each other a long time and if anyone is unhappy, they have to leave.”
Jesus, 25, is poised to join Arsenal for £45million after fearing his chances would be limited by the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.
Sterling, 27, has similar concerns and is wanted by Chelsea, who have also enquired about Ake and Zinchenko.
Ben White is ‘overrated’
Arsenal’s defence has been blasted by Gabby Agbonlahor who reckons Ben White is over-rated.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “Arsenal’s defence is nowhere near good enough to get top-four.
“For me, Ben White is very overrated, I watched him against Newcastle towards the end of the season and he was absolutely dreadful.
“He lacks pace, he lacks aggression. Yes, he’s good on the ball but he’s not a defensive midfielder, he’s a centre-half.”
Wilshere’s plans if Spurs win title
Jack Wilshere has revealed he’ll move to Australia if Tottenham ever win the league.
Tottenham have been making waves in transfer market this summer.
Signing the likes of Everton ace Richarlison has shown the club’s ambition.
And if Spurs’ shrewd business moves lead to a Prem title, Wilshere won’t be around to witness it.
He revealed to talkSPORT: “I’m moving to Australia if that ever happens!”
Credit: Reuters Arsenal offload Swedish starlet
Arsenal starlet Nikolaj Moller has returned to Dutch outfit FC Den Bosch on loan after his spell last season.
The 19-year-old striker spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign with the second division side.
He proved to be a key player for Jack de Gier’s men as he helped the Blue White Dragons finish mid-table.
In total he featured in 11 Ereste Divisie matches – chipping in with two goals and a solitary assist.
And Arsenal have decided to send the Sweden youth international back on loan to the club to continue his development.
A statement from the Gunners read: “We wish Nikolaj all the best at FC Den Bosch and look forward to seeing his development in the upcoming season.”
Credit: Getty Gift of the Gab
Gabriel Jesus was spotted wearing his new Arsenal kit and walking around the Emirates in a video leaked online earlier this week.
The clip shows the Brazil international, with what appears to be the club’s media team, while dressed in the full kit.
The 25-year-old was wearing the No9 shirt – possibly bringing the guessing game over his new number to an end.
This comes after the Brazilian was pictured in a SunSport exclusive hugging Arsenal chief Edu as he arrived for his medical.
Matt’s your lot
Stade Velodrome has called it quits at Marseille after being left frustrated by the club’s lack of intent in the transfer market.
The announcement of his exit came just hours before Marseille confirmed the acquisition of Matteo Guendouzi.
It has been claimed that Sampaoli was left disappointed after the French side failed to sign Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, who has returned to the Emirates after his loan.
And he is said to have been left outraged by Boubacar Kamara joining Aston Villa on a free transfer.
He was also of the belief that Belgium international Axel Witsel should have been snapped up.
But Marseille dithered on the deal, with the midfielder now poised to link up with Atletico Madrid.
Done deal
Matteo Guendouzi has completed his permanent switch to Marseille from Arsenal following his stunning loan spell last season.
But he will be playing for a new manager after Argentine boss Jorge Sampaoli sensationally quit at the Stade Velodrome.
Guendouzi enjoyed a brilliant 2021-22 campaign with the French side as he helped the club finish second in Ligue 1.
He proved to be a key player under Sampaoli where he chipped in with five goals and 14 assists in 56 games in all competitions.
Marseille are understood to have paid around £9million to turn his temporary stay into a permanent switch.
Announcing his departure, a Gunners statement read: “Everyone at Arsenal thanks Matteo for his contribution during his time with us and wish him all the best in this next chapter of his career.”
Cup for it
The FA has announced that replays will return to the FA Cup up to the fourth round.
Replays were scrapped from the third round onwards in last season’s competition due to worries over fixture congestion.
Several matches were postponed around the new year period when the third round was scheduled to take place.
So to prevent fixture congestion the FA removed replays in both the third and fourth rounds.
Replays were also scrapped for the 2020-21 campaign to relieve similar fears after the start of the season was delayed due to the pandemic.
But now replays will be reintroduced to ties including qualifiers and all the way up to the fourth round.
Poor Rich
Richarlison would not get into Arsenal’s starting XI, claims their former midfielder Jack Wilshere.
The Everton star is set to join Tottenham in a £50million deal, rising to £60m with add-ons.
Richarlison, 25, has been acquired to bolster Spurs’ already strong attack, but Wilshere is nonplussed at his rivals’ swoop.
Appearing on talkSPORT, the 30-year-old said: “I think he improves the squad, definitely… he gives them something different.
“I wouldn’t say I’m gutted.
“He’s 25, so not young. There comes a point where you’re going to have to turn that potential into something but to be fair if any one can do it, it’s Antonio Conte.
“I wouldn’t say I’m devastated as an Arsenal fan but he could be one to watch, he could be really good.”
Further quizzed about whether he’d have the Brazilian at the Emirates, Wilshere added: “Yeah but I don’t think he gets in the XI.
“He’d definitely challenge for it and be a good part of the squad but I don’t think he gets in the XI.”
Nou development
Barcelona are odds-on favourites to sign Leeds winger Raphinha.
That’s according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who’ve priced the Spanish heavyweights at 1/2 to clinch the Brazilian’s signature.
Chelsea looked certain to secure his services having agreed a £55m deal plus add-ons with Leeds.
But he’s now drifted out to 13/8 to arrive at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.
A stay at Leeds is available at 18/1, with Arsenal and Newcastle offered at 20/1 and 25/1 respectively.
Manchester United are major outsiders, coming in at 40/1.
Kev to be done
Kevin Campbell insists his former club Arsenal need to sign another midfielder and striker after sealing Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners are set to announce Jesus imminently after reaching a reported £45million deal with Manchester City.
Campbell told talkSPORT: “They’ve got to fix the midfield, it needs more goals, it needs more creativity, hence Tielemans.
“I still think Arsenal need an alternative striker, a big striker, someone who, when teams bank up and it’s not going so well, someone who you could fire crosses in, and he can get on the end of it.
“I think Arsenal have missed that change of alternative in the set up and the flexibility of Jesus as well means he could start as a nine or he can play wide, he’s comfortable anywhere.”
Moller delight
Arsenal starlet Nikolaj Moller has returned to Dutch outfit FC Den Bosch on loan after his spell last season.
The 19-year-old striker spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign with the second division side.
He proved to be a key player for Jack de Gier’s men as he helped the Blue White Dragons finish mid-table.
In total he featured in 11 Ereste Divisie matches – chipping in with two goals and a solitary assist.
And Arsenal have decided to send the Sweden youth international back on loan to the club to continue his development.
A statement from the Gunners read: “We wish Nikolaj all the best at FC Den Bosch and look forward to seeing his development in the upcoming season.”
Merseille ‘confirm Guendouzi transfer’
Marseille seem to have confirmed the permanent signing Matteo Guendouzi including the midfielder in a promotional video.
Guendouzi was on loan with Marseille last season, and the Ligue 1 side have added him to a clip promoting their kit for next season.
But Arsenal are yet to confirm his departure despite Marseille’s antics.
Although Guendozi has admitted he wants to join the French club.
Credit: Getty PSG sign Wolves flop Vitinha
PSG have announced the signing of former Wolves flop Vitinha from Porto.
The midfielder poses as PSG’s first summer transfer following a reported £35million deal with the Portuguese giants.
The Portugal international signed a five-year deal with the Parisians after helping Porto win the title last season following a disappointing spell at Wolves.
The news will come as a bitter blow to Arsenal who’s bid for Vitinha was rejected.
Hazard set for career revival
Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to revive Eden Hazard’s Real Madrid career by playing him as a false nine, according to reports.
The Belgian joined Los Blancos in 2019 for £130million but injuries have hampered his time at the Bernabeu.
Hazard has missed a whopping 57 games mainly due to muscle injuries.
Despite his absence, Hazard has two LaLiga titles and a Champions League winners medal to his name.
And according to AS, boss Ancelotti will try and revive Hazard’s Real career with a change of position.
Arsenal offload Swedish starlet
Arsenal starlet Nikolaj Moller has returned to Dutch outfit FC Den Bosch on loan after his spell last season.
The 19-year-old striker spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign with the second division side.
He proved to be a key player for Jack de Gier’s men as he helped the Blue White Dragons finish mid-table.
In total he featured in 11 Ereste Divisie matches – chipping in with two goals and a solitary assist.
And Arsenal have decided to send the Sweden youth international back on loan to the club to continue his development.
A statement from the Gunners read: “We wish Nikolaj all the best at FC Den Bosch and look forward to seeing his development in the upcoming season.”
Wilshere makes Spurs admission
Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere admits Tottenham have done some good business by recruiting Richarlison.
He said to talkSPORT: “I think he [Richarlison] improves the squad, definitely… he gives them something different. I wouldn’t say I’m gutted.
“He’s 25, so not young. There comes a point where you’re going to have to turn that potential into something but to be fair if any one can do it, it’s Antonio Conte.
“I wouldn’t say I’m devastated as an Arsenal fan but he could be one to watch, he could be really good.”
Arsenal announce three player exits
Three starlets are set to follow Alexandre Lacazette out the Arsenal exit.
Lacazette officially departed from the Gunners this week to join Lyon.
And the North Londoners have confirmed trio Jonathan Dinzeyi, Joel Lopes and Jordan McEneff have failed to make the cut.
The youngsters were part of the club’s development sides, but won’t be making the leap into the senior side.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
