ARSENAL have been given a boost in their hunt for Lisandro Martinez with talks confirmed for next week, according to reports.
The Athletic have reported Gunners chiefs will meet with Ajax shortly with Manchester United also interested.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are starting to become impatient as they still await Gabriel Jesus’ imminent announcement.
But there have been leaked pictures of Jesus in the No 9 shirt at the Emirates to allay fears.
And the club returned to pre-season action today, Eddie Nketiah scoring a hat-trick in a 5-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Ipswich.
IN: Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner
OUT: Alexandre Lacazette (released)
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
Out of Nic
Arsenal are struggling to offload club-record signing Nicolas Pepe on a permanent transfer with a loan to Spain on the cards.
Pepe, who cost a whopping £72million in 2019, will be allowed to depart the Emirates this summer after being deemed as surplus to requirements by manager Mikel Arteta.
According to PA, the winger’s £140,000-a-week salary is proving to be a sticking point for potential suitors.
A loan move is the most likely outcome for the Ivory Coast international, who mustered just one goal and two assists in 20 Premier League games last season
Wilshere on Richarlison
Tottenham star signing Richarlison would not get into Arsenal’s starting XI, claims their former star Jack Wilshere.
Wilshere told talkSPORT: “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 Richarlison 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”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Kev to be done
Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell insists his former club needs to sign another midfielder and striker after sealing Gabriel Jesus this summer.
Campbell told talkSPORT: “They’ve got to fix the midfield, it needs more goals, it needs more creativity, hence [Youri] 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”
Arsenal’s Moller delight
Arsenal youngster Nikolaj Moller has returned to Dutch outfit Den Bosch on loan after his spell last season.
Moller spent the second half of the 2021-2022 campaign with the second-division side.
The 19-year-old proved to be a key player for Jack de Gier’s men as he helped the Blue White Dragons finish mid-table.
In total the striker featured in 11 Ereste Divisie matches – chipping in with two goals and a solitary assist
Matteo Gone-douzi
Matteo Guendouzi has completed his permanent move to Marseille from Arsenal after his stunning loan spell last season.
But Guendouzi will be playing for a new manager after Jorge Sampaoli sensationally quit at the Velodrome.
L’OM are understood to have paid around £9million to turn the midfielder’s temporary stay into a permanent switch.
Announcing his departure, an Arsenal 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”
Not so Fab
Arsenal signing Fabio Vieira has picked up an injury before the club’s pre-season tour.
Vieira joined the Gunners last month from Porto in a deal worth £34million.
However, the midfielder has already hit a stumbling block before even putting on the North Londoners’ red shirt.
A picture posted on Instagram clearly shows the Portuguese ace’s left ankle in a protective boot, indicating that he has already sustained an injury.
But according to journalist James Benge, it is just a minor foot issue
Your the one
Leicester star Youri Tielemans has agreed personal terms with Arsenal as he edges closer to departing the King Power Stadium.
However it has been claimed that the Gunners are yet to make an official offer to the Foxes, with Manchester United and Newcastle joining the race to sign Tielemans.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs said: “Youri Tielemans update. Still no formal offers made. Tielemans wants to join Arsenal and Edu still in touch with his agent.
“Arsenal have agreed terms, and worked on the deal for a year, but have never placed an official bid.
“Fabio Vieira’s arrival doesn’t rule out Tielemans. Arsenal still deciding whether to bid. Erik ten Hag is also interested.
“Tielemans was actually a Ralf Rangnick target but didn’t want to join Man Utd under him.
“If Arsenal reach an agreement with Leicester, told Tielemans will sign. But for now, Arsenal haven’t decided on him.
“The genuine interest from Man Utd may force Edu to make a decision quicker than expected, especially if ten Hag pitch proves appealing.”
Dou it right
Arsenal have opened talks with Lille star Amadou Onana’s representatives over a possible transfer this summer.
According to RMC Sport, Onana has caught the Gunners’ attention but Mikel Arteta’s team face competition from rival London clubs.
RMC Sport’s Sacha Tavolieri reports that other unnamed London clubs are also tracking the midfielder.
So the North Londoners may want to act fast if they want to seal a deal for the Belgium international
More on Gnabry
Speaking in June, Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer admitted that talks to extend Arsenal target Serge Gnabry’s stay have stalled.
And Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic recently declared that Bayern may have to sell Gnabry in a cut-price fee if he fails to agree terms on a new deal.
Asked by Sky Sport Germany whether the forward will be sold if he doesn’t renew, Salihamidzic said: “I’m very clear about that, he’s a great guy.
“We really want to keep him. We would love to extend with him. I think we showed him the necessary appreciation. I hope that he chooses FC Bayern.
“We will intensify the talks over the next few weeks. But if a player doesn’t want to decide for the club then it’s only fair to tell us so that we can find a solution that makes everyone happy”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Gunner Gnab him
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eyeing up a possible swoop to bring former team-mate Serge Gnabry back to the Emirates this summer.
The Gunners are on the lookout for a winger after missing out on Leeds star Raphinha, who looks poised to link up with Barcelona while Chelsea are also keeping tabs.
Gnabry is facing an uncertain future in Bavaria with the player having just a year left on his deal at the Allianz Arena.
According to 90min, the North Londoners are closely following his contract situation at Bayern.
Arsenal would be open to securing his services for a second time after they signed him from Stuttgart for £100,000 in 2011.
It has also been claimed that the Gunners have accepted defeat in their pursuit of Raphinha, and are now keeping a watchful eye on the Germany international
Mart made in heaven
Manchester United have made a £39.6 million offer for Ajax star Lisandro Martinez as they look to hijack the transfer from rivals Arsenal.
The Gunners have already seen their £34m bid for Martinez rejected, leaving the door open for United manager Erik ten Hag to raid his former club.
According to The Mirror, the Red Devils have lodged a £39m offer, which falls closer to the Dutch giants’ £43m evaluation.
They add that the Manchester giants have told Ajax they will pay £35.3m up front with a package of add-ons worth a further £4.3m
Jesus video leaks
Gabriel Jesus’ Arsenal shirt number has been revealed in a leaked video of him at the Emirates.
Footage shows Jesus walking around his new home ground in the Gunners shirt with the No9 on his back.
The leaked video appears to show the striker with the club’s media team preparing for the unveiling of the signing.
Arsenal fans are now waiting for the official announcement but the deal is all but done
Hickey going to Brentford
Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow in their pursuit of Bologna star Aaron Hickey with the left-back set to join Brentford in a £14million deal.
Hickey has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer with Mikel Arteta keen to bring in a back-up for Kieran Tierney.
But the Gunners have always been in competition with the Bees in the race to secure theScotland international’s services.
And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Brentford could announce the signing of the 20-year-old next week after his medical
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Raphinha blocks Chelsea
Leeds star and Arsenal transfer target Raphinha has asked his agent to block any further advances from Chelsea.
According to Sport, the Brazil international is not keen on moving to the Blues and is prepared to wait for Barca.
The winger has asked his representative Deco to “stop’ negotiations with Chelsea in order to ‘prioritise” a move to the Nou Camp.
Stamford Bridge chiefs have been left flummoxed by the 25-year-old’s stance against joining them as they did not expect him to turn them down
Arsenal 5-1 Ipswich Town
Arsenal thrashed Ipswich Town with a comfortable 5-1 win in a behind-closed-doors friendly at London Colney.
Eddie Nketiah stood out for the Gunners as he scored a hat-trick in his bid to prove manager Mikel Arteta he should run the attack after Gabriel Jesus’ arrival.
Nketiah didn’t stop there as he also assisted Albert Sambi Lokonga’s goal.
Folarin Balogun sealed the North Londoners’ triumph in the second half
A look at Arsenal’s new signings in USA pre-season tour
New signing Fabio Vieira now faces a race against time to prepare for the Gunners’ upcoming pre-season tour in the United States, starting July 16.
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 No9 Gabriel Jesus is expected to alternate with Eddie Nketiah in attack.
Arsenal target Hickey set to join Brentford
Arsenal have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Aaron Hickey with the Bologna left-back set to join Brentford in a £14million deal.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer with Mikel Arteta keen to bring in a back-up for Kieran Tierney.
But they have always been in competition with the Bees in the race to secure the services of the Scotland international.
And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the West London outfit could announce the signing of the defender next week after his medical.
He tweeted: “Brentford are set to sign Aaron Hickey on permanent deal.
“Scottish talented fullback will join for £14m plus add-ons to Bologna. Five-year deal agreed… and here we go.
“Hickey will travel to England next week in order to undergo medical tests and sign.”
Ben White is ‘overrated’, says Agbonlahor
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.”
Highest-paid player at every Premier League club
Mohamed Salah’s new contract at Liverpool has doubled his wages, making him one of the highest earning Premier League players.
The new deal, which was announced on Friday, ended months of speculation regarding the forward’s future, with his previous deal due to expire in the summer of 2023.
His new £400,000 deal makes him the Premier League’s joint-second highest paid player.
How do you feel about your club’s highest paid player?
Thomas Partey is on £200k-a-week. Great when he isn’t injured…
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 Partey, who had his injury problems last season.
“He missed quite a lot of games. You have got Lokonga, who is going to get better and he’s still young.
“But I think that’s the area. 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.”
But Gunners still in the hunt for Argentina star
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insists Arsenal are “still there” when it comes to signing Lisandro Martinez.
In a boost to the Gunners, the Ajax player wants to join the Premierl League.
Romano tweeted: “Manchester United official proposal for Lisandro Martinez, better than Arsenal’s one but not enough yet. Arsenal are still there.
“Man United also pushing to agree on personal terms with Lisandro – ten Hag, key factor.
“Lisandro will ask Ajax to leave, as he wants PL move.”
Man Utd ‘make £39m offer’ for Arsenal target Martinez
Manchester United have reportedly made a £39.6 million offer for Lisandro Martinez as they look to hijack the transfer from rivals Arsenal.
The Ajax defender is in hot demand and some of the biggest Premier League clubs are set to scrap over him.
The Gunners have already seen their £34m for Argentine defender rejected, leaving the door open for Erik ten Hag to raid his former club.
The Mirror report the Red Devils have lodged a £39m bid, which falls close to the Dutch club’s £43m evaluation.
Ten Hag has identified the defender as United look to fix their leaky defence.
Arsenal ‘should sign’ Tielemens, says Nicol
It’s shocking Arsenal haven’t made a formal move for Leicester ace Youri Tielemans, according to Steve Nicol.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: “I am surprised someone like Arsenal haven’t gone in to sign Tielemens.
“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.”
Pride In London
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and his players have surprised Arsenal’s LGBT+ supporters group ahead of the Pride In London march today.
Rob Holding signed autographs and posed for photos with the group and the club tweeted their support.
Guen-done-zi
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
