ARSENAL are frontrunners to land the signature of Ousmane Dembele according to reports.
The French winger finds himself out of contract this summer and is reportedly open to a switch from the Nou Camp to North London.
Meanwhile, legendary Gunner manager Arsene Wenger has admitted where he went wrong in Arsenal’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
And Arsenal have revealed their three kits for the 2022/23 season.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the Emirates in our live blog…
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Demebele is Ous
Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to land Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele this summer.
That is according to FourFourTwo, who claim Dembele is keen to join the Gunners.
Manchester United have also expressed interest in signing the striker.
But the North Londoners have already spoken to the France international’s agents
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Arsenal win corner prize
Despite not winning a trophy this season, there’s one accolade that belongs to Arsenal this season.
The Gunners are currently battling for a spot in next season’s Champions League.
But the North Londoners are the only team in the Prem not to concede a goal from a corner in this campaign, according to HITC.
And the Gunners’ defending from corners has been credited to the work of the club’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.
Gunner stay on?
Arsenal Women boss Jonas Eidevall hopes Caitlin Foord remains a Gunner following her clinical efforts in their 3-0 defeat of Tottenham.
Gunners gaffer Eidevall said: “I really want Caitlin to stay.
“She has been excellent for us, especially since her return from the Asia Cup.
“In all the games (she has played) when we’ve been in possession and out of possession she has been a huge part of the success that we have had.”
Chelsea issued top-four warning
Chelsea could lose their spot in the league to Arsenal.
Chelsea are in third at the moment, but Gunners legend Michael Thomas reckons his former club can pip the Blues for the position.
He said to CaughtOffside: “Chelsea are in a tough position because they had third wrapped up for so long that they took got too relaxed and now it’s looking very open again.
“I do think they will still qualify for the Champions League, but as you can see, it can quite easily change at any game week.
“As for Arsenal, they should just be looking to win all their remaining games and see where that leaves them.”
Arsenal reveal shock kit change
Arsenal have shocked fans with a treported unique colour choice for their kit next season.
The Gunners will adorn their usual red home top, along with a black away kit.
But it’s the third kit choice that seems to have stunned fans.
The Gunners have allegedly opted for a PINK top as their last option, according to FootyHeadlines.
Darwin Nunez plea
Benfica ace Darwin Nunez has been urged to join Man United instead of Arsenal by Red Devils legend Diego Forlan.
Forlan told Breaking The Lines: “I think that he is a very good player, a good kid who is doing really well at Benfica and is enjoying a strong season.
“It is not just the Portuguese league where he is doing well but in the Champions League too, where he scored six goals this season and helped take Benfica to the quarter-finals.
“He is a player who has a lot of potential and he could fit in at Manchester United. But obviously, everyone needs to have patience, although he is getting better with more and more experience.
“He would not be a bad signing for Manchester United and it would be nice to see him there.
“It is a club that gives you time, that makes you feel comfortable and as if you are in a familiar place, very cosy and nice. It would be spectacular having him playing for Manchester United.”
What Arsenal need for success
Arsenal need a striker like Olivier Giroud to fire them to success once again.
That’s the view of former Arsenal star Anders Limpar.
Limpar told BookiesBonuses.com: “[Alexandre] Lacazette is in a bit of a storm,” said the Swede in an interview with BookiesBonuses.com.
“We released [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and I don’t know if you can trust [Eddie] Nketiah to be this real goal scorer.
“We need a really good striker again. Someone who can score 20-30 goals in a season, like Olivier Giroud, who is an obvious choice and the first name the coach writes down for the starting 11.”
Arsenal’s dirtiest players
Bukayo Saka is officially Arsenal’s dirtiest player this season.
The winger has committed more fouls than any of his Gunners team-mates, according to HITC.
Behind Saka on the list is Alexandre Lacazatte, Thomas Partey, and Granit Xhaka.
Arsenal target thrives in Italy
Former Arsenal transfer target Dusan Vlahovic is fitting in well at Juventus.
Vlahovic snubbed the Gunners for a move to Turin in January.
And Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri couldn’t be happier with Vlahovic’s contribution.
He said to Football Italia: “I am happy with what Vlahovic is doing, I didn’t expect him to do so well at a big club like Juventus.
“He arrived at the end of January, he had to know his teammates and be available. He has done well and he can improve.”
Ramsdale on Cedric Soares
Aaron Ramsdale has labelled Cerdic Soares as ‘brilliant.’
Ramsdale also reckons Soares envisions himself as a future Pep Guardiola.
The Gunners keeper said of Soares: “Cedric Soares, he thinks he’s a future Pep. Brilliant.”
Ous he gonna choose
Arsenal are in pole position to land Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this summer, reports claim.
Man United have also expressed interest in signing Dembele.
But he’s reportedly open to a move to Arsenal, FourFourTwo allege.
And the Gunners have already spoken to his agents, the report continued.
Arsenal youngster signs deal extension
Arsenal youngster Tom Smith as signed a new deal with the club, it’s been revealed.
The 20-year-old stopper signed his first professional Gunners contract in 2019, and has made six appearances for the North Londoner’s U23 side thus far.
And the Gunners expressed delight after announcing the news.
A club statement read: “Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate Tom on his new contract and we look forward to seeing his continued development.”
Wenger admits Champions League mistake
Arsene Wenger has admitted that he made a mistake in Arsenal’s Champions League final loss to Barcelona in 2006.
Wenger told beIN Sports: “In the end, with 15 minutes to go, I took Flamini on for Fabregas out because I wanted to defend the lead.
“Maybe I should have brought a third centre-back in at that time and keep the midfield as it is, take Hleb out and put a centre-back in and to try to defend as long as we could because there was only 13 minutes left.
“Sometimes with 10 minutes to go you just want to get your team over the line and focus on that.
“So overall, I would say many people question the change of Pires but if you had to play the game again it is not exactly what I would change.”
Cat in the bag
Arsenal Women star Steph Cately has revealed she’s delighted to be with the Gunners.
She told Arsenal’s media: “I’ve been here for two years now and I’ve made some incredible friendships and feel right at home here.
“I’ve been through some tough times and some great times, and I feel like I’m growing so much as a person and as a player.
“I’m just so happy to call Arsenal my home for another few years.”
Broja transfer race heats up
West Ham are planning a move for Chelsea striker Armando Broja this summer following his loan spell at Southampton, JACK ROSSER WRITES.
The Saints also discussed a permanent deal in January – but pushed any move until the summer before sanctions put a stop on any Chelsea sales.
No transfers can happen before Chelsea’s ownership crisis is solved but, once resolved, SunSport understands that Saints could quickly tie up a deal if they are willing to offer Broja similar wages to teammates Che Adams and Adam Armstrong.
But the Hammers are set to rival Southampton and could win the tussle with the offer of European football. Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have also registered an interest in the past.
Henry makes Ballon d’Or prediction
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has tipped either Sadio Mane or Karim Benzema to win the Ballon d’Or.
Henry said on CBS Sport: “If you think about the [Champions League] final and to make it even bigger, the two favourites for the Ballon d’Or are Mane and Benzema.
“So that will add a little extra spice into it
“I still believe that Benzema is ahead, but if Mane wins it with Liverpool and they do make the quadruple, that would be a pretty strong case.
“It would be great for Africa, but I’m still going with Benzema.”
Arsene Wenger’s Benzema claims
Arsene Wenger claims Karim Benzema is the reason for Real Madrid getting to the Champions League finals.
Wenger told BeIN Sports: “I would say he’s a demonstration of intelligence and efficiency.
“Everything he does is intelligent, and it looks simple. When I see him play, I think I could do the same!
“We know all that he does is exceptional, and he uses always the right surface to be the most efficient. He slows down to accelerate, he accelerates and slows down.
“He smells the rhythm of the game like nobody else, and it is something interesting we see across Europe now is the oldest strikers are the most efficient.”
Tone it down
Arsenal icon Tony Adams revealed he once walked out of an Arsene Wenger training because he didn’t agree with the Frenchman’s practice methods.
Adams said to The Times: “I walked off in Switzerland at a training camp. I said, ‘No that’s not for me’. I got so angry. I was newly recovering and didn’t have the booze to suppress my feelings.
“Why was I angry? It made me look silly, and I don’t like looking silly. It was great for the forwards, there were people all round the place scoring goals and the score was 10-10.
“That’s not my game. I want to keep a clean sheet here and I want to have offsides. I’m not having forwards stand behind me. That’s schoolboy stuff.”
Jack gets Wenger flak
Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger has singled out Jack Grealish for criticism after Man City was dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid.
Wenger believes Grealish was at fault for Real’s second goal that sent the tie into extra time, resulting in Karim Benzema’s match-winning penalty.
Wenger told BEIN Sports: “When you look at 1-1, when Grealish is against Carvajal, he is passed easily, too easily. He must absolutely fight to stop that cross.”
Moussa Diaby sparks Premier League interest
A trio of Premier League clubs are reportedly preparing a swoop for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.
Sport Bild claims that Bayern Leverkusen want to keep their attacking star, but they will demand a fee of at least £63m should he depart.
And he could be on his way to England with several Premier League teams circling.
This latest report states that Arsenal have concrete interest in signing Diaby.
Manchester United are also keen on him as are Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.
However, that trio will face competition from Jose Mourinho’s Roma in Serie A.
Arsenal need ‘two strikers’
Arsenal need to sign two strikers this summer to bolster the club’s attack.
That’s the opinion of Kevin Campbell who reckons the Gunners should try and sign Gabriel Jesus, Darwin Nunez, or Victor Osimhen.
He then reiterated the claims that Eddie Nketiah isn’t good enough to lead the Gunners’ front-line.
Campbell added: “We need two strikers. We are talking about a Nunez, Osimhen or a Jesus.
“Nketiah didn’t score against West Ham despite the fact he had chances. The other three would have scored and that is the difference.
“No disrespect but Nketiah is not the answer. He is a fox in the box but he is not the answer. He needs to play games.”
‘Nketiah isn’t the answer’
Kevin Campbell has told Arsenal that Eddie Nketiah is not the answer to the club’s striker woes.
He told Football Insider: “Nketiah has a bit of pace and can run in behind. In the second half I thought he stretched the pitch really well.
“You wouldn’t say Eddie is a top-class striker. If Nketiah was on the market, he is not one of the strikers the club would be going for.
“Arsenal need to upgrade that position. As good as Nketiah is, he is not the answer.”
Ramsdale tipped for greatness
Aaron Ramsdale has been tipped to have a great future by Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand said on his podcast: “He started the season ridiculously well, being talked about to play for England.
“He’ll be a top keeper for years to come.”
Good morning Gunners fans
Arsenal have been monitoring Man City stars Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez.
GiveMeSport claims the duo have been tracked by Mikel Arteta all season.
Mahrez remains a key player at City but is out of contract next year.
Sterling’s deal also expires in 2023 and he has struggled to command a regular spot this term.
Meanwhile, Scottish left-back Aaron Hickey is a reported target for Arsenal.
Football London claims the Bologna defender has caught Mikel Arteta’s eye this term.
And he could cost just £17million despite interest from several other European sides.
Finally, Arsenal target Christopher Nkunku wants to leave RB Leipzig.
L’Equipe claims the ex-PSG star wants a new challenge in a top league.
Arsenal are known to be fans of the goalscoring midfielder.
But they are likely to face interest from several other top sides.
Good morning Gunners fans
Arsenal have been monitoring Man City stars Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez.
GiveMeSport claims the duo have been tracked by Mikel Arteta all season.
Mahrez remains a key player at City but is out of contract next year.
Sterling’s deal also expires in 2023 and he has struggled to command a regular spot this term.
Meanwhile, Scottish left-back Aaron Hickey is a reported target for Arsenal.
Football London claims the Bologna defender has caught Mikel Arteta’s eye this term.
And he could cost just £17million despite interest from several other European sides.
Finally, Arsenal target Christopher Nkunku wants to leave RB Leipzig.
L’Equipe claims the ex-PSG star wants a new challenge in a top league.
Arsenal are known to be fans of the goalscoring midfielder.
But they are likely to face interest from several other top sides.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
