ARSENAL’s announcement of Gabriel Jesus is imminent.
The Brazil striker has had his medical with the Gunners and has been pictured with the club’s technical director Edu.
However, Arsenal look to have missed out on Leeds forward Raphinha with Chelsea stealing a march on the transfer.
The Leeds forward, 25, has been one of the Gunners’ top targets but the Blues have reportedly agreed a fee for him.
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More on Martinez
Arsenal’s opening bid of £26m was rejected – as was their second which was £8m higher.
Their latest offer is a similar downpayment but with more add-ons – so that may not be enough to tempt Ajax to do business.
They are now likely to wait to see if a firm offer comes in for Lisandro Martinez from United.
He had previously indicated he was happy to join Arsenal but the prospect of re-uniting with his former boss Ten Hag at Old Trafford may change his mind.
It would be a blow for Mikel Arteta who has also seen Chelsea move in for another of his key targets, Raphinha, in recent days.
Spanish giants Barcelona are also in the race for the Brazilian who is rated at around £60m by his current club Leeds.
Meanwhile United are happy with the way their move for Malacia is progressing – despite a late bid from Lyon to turn his head back towards them.
He is expected to move to the North West and provide competition for Luke Shaw next season.
S-mart money
Man Utd are looking to hijack Arsenal’s bid to land Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Gunners have put in a third offer for the Argentine centre-back – after being told their previous bid of £34million was not enough.
But United have now registered their interest to the Dutch giants and asked to be kept informed of developments.
Erik ten Hag was planning to switch his attention to his forward line now deals for Frenkie de Jong and Tyrrell Malacia have been set up.
However the Red Devils were concerned that the 24-year-old Martinez would be heading for North London unless they made their interest known quickly.
Martinez has set his heart on a move to the Premier League – although the Dutch giants will demand around £43m to think about letting him leave.
AC Milan turn attention to Saliba
Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim Serie A Champions AC Milan are set to turn their attention to Arsenal defender William Saliba this summer – after missing out on Sven Botman, who is set to join Newcastle United.
CM say that Milan will now turn their attention to Saliba – but as previous reports claim, Arsenal will only accept an offer for the five-time France international if ‘unavoidable’.
He has a contract at Arsenal until June 2024.
RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (12984701fk) William Saliba (Olympique Marseille) of France during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 match between France and Croatia at Stade de France on June 13, 2022 in Paris, France. France v Croatia: UEFA Nations League â League Path Group 1, Paris â [â¦]Credit: Rex
Hec of a session
Hector Bellerin was pictured training with Arsenal on Wednesday.
And he knows “first-hand” of interest from Atleti and it is making him rethink his future.
He is “seduced” by the option of playing in the capital but Betis remains his preferred option after his successful 2021-22 campaign in Seville.
The Spain international impressed for his boyhood club where he helped them win the Copa del Rey, as well as finishing fifth.
Bellerin made 32 total appearances and provided five assists from right-back.
He has made no secret of his desire to remain at the Estadio Benito Villamarin after releasing an emotional statement to Betis fans.
But it is believed that Betis could struggle to turn Bellerin’s temporary stay into a permanent switch due to financial reasons.
The defender looks set to depart Arsenal this summer either way, having just one year left on his contract.
Work of Art
Mikel Arteta appears to be quite the motivator when it comes to managing his Arsenal team.
The Spaniard has plenty of inspiration for his players on the walls at both the Emirates and the club’s London Colney training base.
A sneak peek at Amazon Prime’s All or Nothing: Arsenal was released yesterday, which gave an inside look at the Gunners’ dressing room.
At one point it shows Arteta delivering a rousing speech to his team with pictures of wolves displayed on a screen behind him.
And the decision to use wolves to motivate his players appears to be a nod to the great Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman is claimed to have once drawn a wolf on the board in the dressing room and telling his players to act like the hungry pack animals in a match his side went on to win.
ICYMI
PSG star Neymar has been informed by club chiefs he is no longer wanted at Parc des Princes, reports suggest.
That is according to RMC Sport, who claim PSG are keen to rebuild without the star forward ahead of this coming season.
The Brazil international has been linked with a summer exodus from Paris this summer with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United showing interest,
United, Chelsea and Newcastle would be the only realistic transfer options for Neymar if he does leave PSG, whom he joined for a world record £200million in 2017.
The Premier League trio are the only clubs with the financial might to meet the Parisians and the striker’s financial demands.
Raph news
Raphinha’s agent was spotted at the Nou Camp less than 24 hours after Chelsea appeared to move into pole position to sign the Leeds winger.
The West Londoners dealt a hammer blow to Arsenal’s hopes of signing the Brazilian on Tuesday by tabling a bid north of £55million for his services.
A deal has yet to be reached and talks with the player’s agent – former Barcelona ace Deco – are set to take place later this week.
But Barca could be poised to land the winger after Deco was spotted at the Nou Camp with club chiefs Rafa Yuste, Mateu Alemany, Enric Masip and president Joan Laporta.
Spanish journalist Victor Navvaro captured footage of the group leaving the stadium and shared it on Twitter.
Man United join ‘Tielemans transfer race’
Man United have reportedly joined Arsenal in the hunt for Youri Tielemans.
The Times claims Leicester’s midfield star, 25, is “of interest” to Erik ten Hag this summer.
And Tielemans features on a shortlist of playmakers the Dutchman is interested in signing.
The Belgium international has been a long-term target for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
But the Gunners now risk seeing their move hijacked – just like Chelsea have done with Leeds’ Raphinha.
Arsenal urged to sign another striker
Arsenal have been urged to bring in another striker despite signing Gabriel Jesus.
That’s the view of football pundit Noel Whelan who reckons the Gunners need a six-footer to be a menace in the box.
Whelan told Football Insider: “You can never have enough options.
“Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah – these are both players who like to run off the last defender’s shoulder and spend most of their time in and around the box.
“If there’s an opportunity to bring someone in who is six-foot and above – a different type of player, someone who can attack balls into the box – then that could be worthwhile.
“It would give Arsenal that out ball if they are struggling. I’m sure it’s something Mikel Arteta will be looking into.”
Arsenal ‘miss out on Doucoure’
Arsenal have reportedly lost out to Crystal Palace in the transfer chase for Lens star Cheick Doucoure.
The Guardian claims that it is Palace that are winning the race to sign him after they agreed an initial £18million fee with Lens.
Doucoure is now allegedly set to agree a five-year contract at Selhurst Park after agreeing personal terms.
However, they have returned with an improved bid which could potentially end up being worth over £22m depending on performance related add-ons.
The move will come as a bitter blow to Arsenal, who launched a late move earlier this month, but a major boost for Palace boss Patrick Vieira.
Credit: Getty Rab race
Adrien Rabiot wants to leave Juventus to join a Premier League club this summer.
The Telegraph claim Rabiot wants to leave the Serie A heavyweights to join an English club playing Champions League football.
And Juventus have agreed to his requests and will look to offload him for between £13-17million this summer.
Betfair think Chelsea are the frontrunners at odds of 5/2.
Three other Champions League sides in Liverpool (5/1), Manchester City (8/1) and Tottenham (10/1) are next in the betting markets.
Italian publication Calciomercato claim Liverpool are hatching a plan to swap Adrien Rabiot and Naby Keita, who are both 27 with 12 months remaining on their current deals.
There’s a large jump to Europa League duo Manchester United and Arsenal, who are locked together at 20/1.
Ball rolling
Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard is reportedly set to sign for Sunderland after his move to Burnley collapsed.
Ballard, 22, reportedly arrived at Turf Moor for a medical but terms could not be agreed and talks broke down at the last minute.
According to Football Insider, however, the centre-back’s camp moved quickly and he is now set to join the Black Cats.
The same report claims a deal has been agreed between Sunderland and the Gunners.
Ballard has already completed a medical at the Stadium of Light and the agreement will become official within the next 24 hours.
Sunderland manager Alex Neil is looking to boost his squad following their return to the Championship.
Mad for you
Atletico Madrid are reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a transfer for Hector Bellerin.
Bellerin, 27, spent the season on loan at Real Betis and a move back to La Liga could be on the cards.
ElDesmarque report Atletico are “already negotiating” with the Gunners over the full-back, who has told the North London club of his desire to leave.
Bellerin knows “first-hand” of interest from the Madrid side and it is making him rethink his future.
He is “seduced” by the option of playing in the capital but Betis remains his preferred option after his successful 2021-22 campaign.
The Spain international impressed for his boyhood club where he helped the Seville outfit win the Copa del Rey, as well as finishing fifth.
Tierney ‘set for Arsenal stay’
Defender Kieran Tierney will remain at Arsenal this summer, despite interest from Man City.
City have been linked with a £50m move for the full-back.
But that rumour has been rubbished by Football Scotland who claim City haven’t made a formal bid for the Scotland star.
And the report adds that Tierney’s camp are confident he will be at The Emirates next season.
Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun Hey Jude
Liverpool lead of clutch of clubs looking to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham.
That’s according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who’ve priced Jurgen Klopp’s side as 9/4 favourites for his coveted signature.
Champions Manchester City are second in the betting market at 6/1 despite the imminent £42million arrival of Kalvin Phillips.
Further behind at bigger prices are Manchester United and Arsenal, who are available at 16/1 and 20/1 respectively.
Chelsea are offered at 25/1, while Antonio Conte’s Tottenham are the outsiders of the field at 33/1.
Primed and ready
Arsenal and Amazon have confirmed that the hugely-anticipated doc will be released on Thursday, August 4, 2022.
Cameras will follow the Gunners around this season providing brand new insight into Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Amazon have also announced the staggered release of the episodes:
Episodes 1-3 – Thursday August 4
Episodes 4-6 – Thursday August 11
Episodes 7-8 – Thursday August 18Out of Luc
Lucas Torreira revealed he has NO chance of staying at Arsenal after being brutally told there is no place for him in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Speaking to El Telegrafo, the 2021 LaLiga winner was asked what the chances are of him remaining at Arsenal.
To which he said: “There is no chance. From the beginning they told me that I didn’t have a place.
“So I don’t want to stay either because I suffered a lot, it cost me a lot to adapt and my idea is to go to Italy or Spain.
“What I wanted was to stay at Fiorentina, but it didn’t happen for various reasons, so we’ll look for a new direction.”
Mo of that
Mohamed Elneny has vowed to rejoin Egyptian club Al Mokawloon when he leaves Arsenal.
Club president Mohsen Salah insisted the defensive midfielder has promised to end his career with the Mountain Wolves.
Salah said: “Players who represented Al Mokawloon are always loyal. It is something you learn here.
“We are proud of Elneny and Salah, who started their careers here.
“Elneny’s visit made us really happy, and it was a good chance for us to give him honorary lifetime membership.
“What made us even happier is that Elneny promised us that he will come back to end his career here with Al Mokawloon.”
Merson ‘impressed by Arsenal transfers’
Paul Merson reckons Arsenal’s transfer business this summer will see them compete for a top-four spot with Man United and Tottenham next season.
He said to Sky Sports: “I like what Arsenal have done to get that over the line.
“I think they’re in for a good season. There’s a project going on and they’ll be fighting for fourth place with Man United and Tottenham.
“If they can get into the Champions League and have a good cup run – the Europa is winnable – with the squad they’re building they’ve got a chance of getting some silverware this season.”
Credit: Getty Raphinha agent spotted with Barcelona
Raphinha’s agent was spotted meeting with Barcelona chiefs after he orchestrated the Leed ace’s move to Chelsea.
The Blues are poised to complete a £55m transfer for the Brazilian.
But Deco, who represents Raphinha was captured leaving Barcelona’s offices with the club’s hierarchy hours after the deal was finalised.
However, it’s not clear what was discussed in the get-together although Barca have also been strongly linked with the winger.
Daniel Ballard’s Burnley transfer ‘collapses’
Arsenal ace Daniel Ballard’s move to Burnley has “broken down”, reports suggest.
According to The Athletic, Ballard, 22, arrived at Turf Moor for a medical but terms could not be agreed.
And thus a deal collapsed, which works as a significant blow for new manager Vincent Kompany who was keen on bringing the Gunners’ academy graduate to the relegated Championship outfit.
The centre-back’s impressive loan spells at Blackpool and Millwall as well as his stunning performances with Northern Ireland are what caught Kompany’s eye.
Torreira reveals price tag
Lucas Torreira doubts he will return to Boca Juniors due to the transfer fee he commands.
Torreira claims he’s worth just under £13m, which makes a potential move to Boca “difficult.”
The midfielder made the admission to El Telegrafo, while ruling out a future with Arsenal.
He said: “Boca is very difficult.
“It was difficult after what happened to my mother and I really wanted to go there, then I had a very good season and I have one year left on my contract with Arsenal.
“Any team that wants me has to buy me, which would be around €15m, so that’s why I see it as difficult, although I never lose hope.
“I feel a lot of love for that club and at some point I would like to play there.”
Tielemans would be ‘ideal’
Ray Parlour reckons Youri Tielemans is the ideal man to add some steel to Arsenal’s midfield.
Parlour said to talkSPORT: “I’m looking down the spine of the team and I think that’s where they are trying to strengthen.
“Tielemans is a really good ball player they’ve got Partey who had his injury problems last season and missed quite a bulk of the games.
“You got Lokonga who will get better but I think that’s the area. Xhaka is that bit older. That’s the area they really need to look at.
“When you get the ball back you need that quality to get through the lines to Odegaard and Smith Rowe and Martinelli. Tielemans could be ideal.”
Arsenal make third Martinez offer
Arsenal have made a third offer to Ajax for Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez – but they now face a massive battle with Manchester United, CHARLIE WYETT WRITES.
The north London club have improved the financial terms of their second bid of £34million for the centre-back.
But adding extra add-ons is unlikely to tempt Ajax who know that United are set to enter the fight with a first bid.
Ajax believe they are in a strong position and expect to get nearer their £43m asking price.
Martinez, 24, who is just 5ft 9ins tall and can also play at left-back, has indicated that he would be happy to move to Arsenal, whose first bid of £26m was rejected.
But the prospect of working with former boss Erik ten Hag could change his mind.
Bellerin ‘seduced by Atletico interest’
Hector Bellerin is reportedly being seduced by the opportunity to join Atletico Madrid this summer.
Bellerin returned to the Gunners from a loan stint with Real Betis who are also keen on signing him.
However, the full-back’s being swayed by Atletico who have waded into the fray for his signature.
The La Liga giants have initiated contact with the Gunners over Bellerin’s availability, according to ElDesmarque.
And Bellerin’s said to be open to the idea of joining Atletico, although he’s holding out for an offer from Betis who’s still his first option.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
