ARSENAL have been given a huge boost in their sensational pursuit of Serge Gnabry as the German ace has reportedly rejected Bayern Munich’s final contractual offer.
Gnabry, 26, has one year left on his deal with the Bavarians and the German giants will be keen to avoid losing him on a free.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have officially confirmed that they have cut ties with their 2018/2019 Player of the Season Alexandre Lacazette.
And the Gunners are currently discussing the possibilities sending last year’s summer signing Nuno Tavares out on a loan deal according to reports.
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Arsenal closing in on Jesus, writes Mark Irwin
Arsenal are increasingly confident of sealing a deal for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.
But Mikel Arteta is scaling back on his plans for a major spending spree after initially targeting up to seven new signings.
Now he might have to settle for just three new faces as Arsenal count the cost of missing out on Champions League qualification.
And that will leave him relying on many of the players who came up just short in the fight with Spurs for a fourth place finish last season.
Arteta has told technical director Edu that he needs a squad of 22 outfield players to cope with the extra demands of Europa League football next season.
Read more HERE.
Tavares available on loan
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to offload Nuno Tavares on loan after just one season.
The Portuguese left-back was guilty of inconsistent performances when deputising for Kieran Tierney.
And according to The Athletic, Tavares could be available for loan to aid his development.
Though they state he could be on the move in January to give time to impress in the Europa League group stage.
Szczesny disappointed by Arsenal
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has declared he was left disappointed that the club failed to secure a top four finish.
But the Juventus ace believes it won’t be too long until Mikel Arteta’s side are back in the Champions League.
He said: “As a fan, it was really disappointing. They gave it a good go and nobody would have said before the season started that they had a chance.
“They were still in it with two games of the season left. It’s disappointing but they have actually done a good job this year.
“I can see Mikel’s idea of football, he has a young team so they will be all right. Another couple of years and they will be back in the Champions League.”
Arsenal warned by Barcelona over Depay
Barcelona have reportedly warned Arsenal they are unwilling to sell Memphis Depay this summer unless they find a replacement.
Sport claims the Gunners are eager to snap up Barca’s Dutch forward after returning to the Europa League.
But the Spaniards will not part ways with Depay unless they can find a suitable attacker to fill his shoes.
Depay, 28, has just one year left on his Nou Camp deal despite only joining Barcelona from Lyon last June.
And Mikel Arteta reckons he can land a real bargain for Arsenal’s attack in the upcoming transfer window, allowing the club to focus the majority of their resources elsewhere.
Lacazette writes emotions goodbye statement
Alexandre Lacazette has declared it was a “dream come true” to sign for Arsenal after it was announced he will be leaving the club.
Taking to social media, he said: “5 years ago, my dream came true.. To sign for Arsenal.
“It’s been an honour to wear the jersey, to be a part of this family.
“I won trophies, I met real and nice people, and I fell even more in love with this club.
“Good luck for the future of the club and the fans, it’s been a pleasure.
“Once a gunner, Always a Gunner. Thank you Arsenal.”
Lacazette exit continued
Technical director Edu added: “A big thank you to Laca from everyone at Arsenal.
“He’s been really important for us.
“He will always be part of the Arsenal family and we wish him well for everything in the future.”
Arsenal confirm Lacazette exit
Alexandre Lacazette will depart Arsenal when his contract expires, the club have announced.
In a statement released on the Gunners’ website, Arsenal said: “Alex Lacazette will be leaving us at the end of his current contract, which runs until June 30.”
Boss Mikel Arteta remarked: “Laca has been a fantastic player for us.
“He’s been a real leader on and off the pitch and has been a very important influence to our younger players.
“His commitment with us has been exceptional and we wish him and his family success and happiness.”
Arsenal fail in Scamacca bid
Gianluca Scamacca has snubbed a £35million move to Arsenal in favour of staying in Italy, according to reports.
Arsenal offered a transfer package of £35million plus bonuses to Sassuolo in order to bring the 23-year-old to The Emirates, but this was rejected by the player.
Alfredo Pedulla has reported Scamacca rejected the bid as he is waiting for a move to one of the Italian giants.
He is hoping the likes of Inter, AC Milan, or Napoli will make a concrete offer for him.
However, the report indicates that this could be some way off.
A move to this year’s Serie A runner ups Inter would take time to materialise, while one to the likes of champions Milan or third place Napoli would require more than an enquiry to be made.
Lazio enter Lucas Torreira race
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is reportedly a target for Lazio after his impressive loan at Fiorentina.
It has been thought that the Florence outfit was set to activate Torreira’s £12.5million buyout clause in his contract, but they are now unwilling to match that fee.
And according to Tuttomercatoweb, that has led Lazio to believe they can now secure the Uruguayan’s services.
Though they add that Fiorentin are still determined to land the player.
No free transfer for Bellerin
Arsenal will NOT release Hector Bellerin to allow him to join Real Betis on a free transfer.
Bellerin in keen to remain at his boyhood club are starring on loan where he held the Seville outfit win the Copa del Rey.
But the LaLiga side are struggling to stump up the cash needed to turn his temporary stay into a permanent switch.
With Bellerin’s contract at the Emirates to expire in 2023, Arsenal want to sell the player this summer to avoid losing him for nothing.
And because, Estadio Deportivo have stated that the North London giants will not terminate his contract a year early.
It has been said that Bellerin is willing to halve his salary in order to force through a move to Betis.
Arsenal coach set to join Crawley
Arsenal’s Under-23 coach Kevin Betsy is set to be named as Crawley Town’s next manager.
The 44-year-old is highly regarded having managed a number of England’s youth sides.
And after his U23 team finished second in Premier League 2, he is now set to move into first team management.
It is understood that Betsy will shortly be appointed in charge of the League Two outfit.
Inter in for Dybala
Arsenal, Man Utd and Tottenham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Juventus playmaker Paulo Dybala.
Inter Milan have reportedly been holding talks with the Argentine ace and are optimistic that a deal can be struck.
Dybala, 28, is set to leave Juve this summer when his contract expires.
As well as Premier League interest, Dybala has also been in direct talks with Inter Milan vice president Javier Zanetti, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Commenting on a potential transfer, Zanetti told ESPN: “I am quite calm, the people who work with are taking care.
“In Italy I am very comfortable. I would still like to know other leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga… but I’m happy in Italy.”
Arsenal in Sao Paulo relationship
Sao Paulo director of football Carlos Belmonte has declared the club will be having a partnership with Arsenal which will see the Gunners sign their top talents.
Arsenal are set to announce the signing of Marquinhos from Sao Paulo, where they have offered them a small fee instead of nabbing him as a free agent.
In an interview with Canal do Arnaldo e Tironi, Belmonte said: “We have a spectacular relationship with Edu Gaspar, who told us that he knew that Marquinhos could leave for free.
“But that he was still going to look for funds to pay for Sao Paulo, because he wants to have a relationship with Soo Paulo similar to the one that Ajax has it with us.”
Belmonte added: “He [Edu Gaspar] wants to be closer to eventually be able to bring younger players from Sao Paulo to Arsenal.
“We are even studying the possibility of exchanging our base with their base.”
Arsenal in Serge Gnabry boost
Serge Gnabry has reportedly rejected Bayern Munich’s latest contract offer in a boost for Arsenal.
With one year left on his deal at the Allianz Arena, the Gunners have been linked with bringing the German back to the Emirates.
And according to Sport Bild, the North London outfit could have received positive news in their quest to sign the ex-West Brom loanee.
They state that Gnabry has turned down Bayern’s latest contract proposal, with the club not willing to improve their offer.
No further talks are planned, and a sale is now likely with Bayern keen to offload him to avoid losing him on a free.
Arsenal transfer round-up
Arsenal are reportedly confident of snapping up Leicester contract rebel Youri Tielemans in a £25million deal.
That is according to John Cross of the Mirror who has outlined the Gunners’ transfer targets.
He stated that Manchester City ace Gabriel Jesus remains a top priority with Alexandre Lacazette set to return to Lyon.
As for Bologna’s versatile full-back Aaron Hickey, reports that he is close to joining is wide of the mark.
Cross claims that are doubts whether Mikel Arteta is as interested in the player as Italian media is playing out.
Meanwhile Arsenal are convinced they have done enough to persuade Gabriel to stay instead of joining Juventus, and are considering offering the defender a new contract.
Allegri aims dig at Dybala
Juventus manager Max Allegri has given a parting dig to Paulo Dybala amid Premier League transfer speculation.
The 28-year-old, linked with moves to Arsenal, Man Utd and Totteham, is currently a free agent after bringing an end to a seven year spell with the Old Lady.
However, the Argentina international drew criticism from former manager Allegri for attitude issues during his time at the club.
Speaking to DAZN, Allegri said: “Paulo needs to go back to being himself. There was a time where he got all carried out by those who labeled him as ‘the new Messi’ “
“A player can’t go around trying to play, to think or to be like someone else.”
Good morning Arsenal fans
Paulo Dybala, who recently quit Juventus and is available for a free transfer, has spoken about moving to the Premier League.
The Argentinian star revealed: “I am quite calm, the people who work with are taking care.
“In Italy I am very comfortable. I would still like to know other leagues like Premier, LaLiga… but I’m happy in Italy.”
Dybala has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Man Utd, and Spurs in recent weeks.
Alexandre Lacazette has agreed to half his salary to force through a move away from Arsenal, according to reports.
The French striker, 31, looks set to sign for Lyon – the club where he broke through as a youngster.
And L’Equipe say Lacazette has taken a huge pay cut to make the deal happen.
The £46.5million signing endured a difficult campaign last season with the Gunners – managing just six goals in 36 games.
Arsene Wenger is set to be honoured by Arsenal with his own statue, according to reports.
The legendary French manager, who led the Gunners to an unbeaten league season and won three Premier League titles, would join former players Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Tony Adams in being immortalised.
Gunnerblog is privy to the information – but hasn’t said when it will be revealed.
There is also a mural of Wenger at Arsenal’s training ground, which players reportedly high five on their way in to the complex.
Lacazette salary
Alexandre Lacazette has agreed to half his salary to force through a move away from Arsenal, according to reports.
The French striker, 31, looks to set to sign for Lyon – the club where he broke through as a youngster.
And L’Equipe say Lacazette has taken a huge pay cut to make the deal happen.
The £46.5million signing endured a difficult campaign last season with the Gunners – managing just six goals in 36 games.
Dybala talks up Prem move
Paulo Dybala, who recently quit Juventus and is available for a free transfer, has spoken about moving to the Premier League.
The Argentinian star revealed: “I am quite calm, the people who work with are taking care.
“In Italy I am very comfortable. I would still like to know other leagues like Premier, Liga… but I’m happy in Italy.”
Dybala has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Man Utd, and Spurs in recent weeks.
Wenger statue
Arsene Wenger is set to be honoured by Arsenal with his own statue, according to reports.
The legendary French manager, who led the Gunners to an unbeaten league season and won three Premier League titles, would join former players Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Tony Adams in being immortalised.
Gunnerblog is privy to the information – but hasn’t said when it will be revealed.
There is also a mural of Wenger at Arsenal’s training ground, which players reportedly high five on their way in to the complex.
And next to the giant portrait is his legendary quote. It reads: “Here you have the opportunity to get out the greatness that is in each of you.”
Martinelli swap
Arsenal transfer chief Edu has reportedly been given a transfer headache by Juventus.
The Italian giants are said to have offered longterm target Arthur in exchange for Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners were tipped to have signed the Brazilian back in January, however a move never materialised.
Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri was said to be impressed by Martinelli, who enjoyed a fruitful campaign at the Emirates netting six goals last season.
Arsenal miss out on Hlozek
Czech wonderkid Adam Hlozek has signed for Bayer Leverkusen, the German side has confirmed.
The 19-year-old was linked with a move to the Gunners as recently as last week.
However, it appears they were pipped to his signature by the Bundesliga giants – who have splashed £13million plus add-ons and a 30 per cent sell on clause.
Sevilla was also in the mix, but the forward has chosen German football as he continues his football education.
Gone but not forgotten
Classy Arsenal paid tribute to Jose Antonio Reyes – three years to the day of his death.
The Spanish forward played for the Gunners between 2004-2007 – scoring 23 goals in 110 games.
He was ultimately a member of the Invincibles team, as well as an important first team star in their run to a Champions League final.
Reyes tragically lost his life in 2019 in a car accident aged just 35.
Youngster on his way
Arsenal kid Remy Mitchell is ready to join Swansea City next week, according to reports.
Wales Online says the 18-year-old goalkeeper is expected to leave the Gunners for the Swans’ U23s.
Mitchell played 18 times for the U18 side last campaign.
Barcelona hold talks with Neves
Barcelona have reportedly held talks with Arsenal target Ruben Neves.
A number of top clubs are said to be interested in the Wolves midfielder, 25, but he is said to favour a switch to the Nou Camp.
And Barca boss Xavi has got the ball rolling by holding informal talks with the Portugal star, according to Sport.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
