ARSENAL are reportedly set to announce Brazilian wonderkid Marquinhos in coming days.
The 19-year-old Sao Paulo winger (not to be confused with the PSG centre-back) is out of contract this year and the Gunners are preparing the paperwork to complete the deal.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have also reached an agreement with Italian outfit Bologna for full-back Aaron Hickey according to reports.
And it has been claimed that Paulo Dybala will be willing to earn his living at the Emirates should Arsenal qualify for the Champions League.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the Emirates in our live blog…
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Nketiah in demand
Crystal Palace target Eddie Nketiah is tipped for West Ham.
Ex-Sheffield United keeper Paddy Kenny told Football Insider: “West Ham have needed a backup striker since January.
“If they have the opportunity to sign Nketiah on a free, well, he’s already in London. I imagine they are favourites.
“For me, it’s a great signing and it would be a brilliant piece of business if he comes on a free.
“I think he’s perfect for what they are looking for.”
Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
“In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
“He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
“The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
Arteta admits headache over defensive selection
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could move Granit Xhaka or Mohamed Elneny back from midfield to tackle a defensive crisis fot Monday’s crucial trip to Newcastle.
Hamstring injury victim Ben White has missed three games and Rob Holding is ruled out due to his red card in Thursday’s 3-0 loss at Tottenham.
Gabriel hurt his hamstring as defeat put Spurs just a point below the fourth-placed Gunners with two matches left.
Arteta suggested it’s too early to start 21-year-old Zak Swanson.
Asked about his backline selection, the Spanish manager replied: “Good question. I will know probably more tomorrow.
“We want to extend this period as much as possible to understand how they are recovering, how they are feeling, assess them and tomorrow we will know more about how they are.”
Wolves duel Arsenal for Marquinhos
Arsenal are tipped to beat Wolves to Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos.
Atletico Madrid are also said to be keen on the 19-year-old.
But respected journalist Fabrizio Romano believes the Gunners are preparing paperwork to sign Marquinhos.
Marseille eye permanent Saliba deal
Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli wants to keep hold of Arsenal star William Saliba on a permanent basis.
Sampaoli said, via talkSPORT: “William’s progress is linked to his development this season and the maturity he now has and his playing time.
“He is now consistent, he’s grown up as a player.
“In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team.
“But I don’t know if it depends on Olympique Marseille, William or Arsenal, I don’t know the possibilities in this case.”
‘Gunners win race for Hickey’
Arsenal have beaten AC Milan and Napoli to Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, reports in Italy suggest.
It’s claimed the Gunners have agreed terms with the twice-capped Scotland star.
The Italians reportedly rate Hickey at around £21million after he hit five Serie A goals this season.
Arsenal line up ‘opening bid for Jesus’
Arsenal’s pursuit of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is tipped to step up with an opening bid.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons City rate the Brazilian at between 50million to 80m euros – £42.5m to £68m.
It’s understood the Gunners have been in touch over Jesus over the past week.
Happy birth-dale
Aaron Ramsdale’s 23rd birthday today could be laced with joy or despair – depending on how Arsenal fare at Newcastle on Monday.
Few Prem stars have progressed so smoothly this season as the one-cap England keeper.
But Thursday’s 3-o loss at Tottenham means the Gunners are just a point clear of their neighbours in the race for the fourth and final Champions League spot.
Prem duo in for David
Arsenal reportedly face a transfer battle for Jonathan David.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Lille striker.
But according to But! Football Club, West Ham and Aston Villa are also tracking David.
Xhaka or Elneny could move to defence
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could move Granit Xhaka or Mohamed Elneny back from midfield to tackle a defensive crisis for Monday’s crucial trip to Newcastle.
Hamstring injury victim Ben White has missed three games and Rob Holding is ruled out due to his red card in Thursday’s 3-0 loss at Tottenham.
Gabriel hurt his hamstring as defeat put Spurs just a point below the fourth-placed Gunners with two matches left.
Arteta suggested it’s too early to start 21-year-old Zak Swanson.
Asked about his backline selection, the Spanish manager replied: “Good question. I will know probably more tomorrow.
“We want to extend this period as much as possible to understand how they are recovering, how they are feeling, assess them and tomorrow we will know more about how they are.”
Hammers tipped to rival Palace for Eddie
Crystal Palace target Eddie Nketiah is tipped for West Ham.
Ex-Sheffield United keeper Paddy Kenny told Football Insider: “West Ham have needed a backup striker since January.
“If they have the opportunity to sign Nketiah on a free, well, he’s already in London. I imagine they are favourites.
“For me, it’s a great signing and it would be a brilliant piece of business if he comes on a free.
“I think he’s perfect for what they are looking for.”
Prem giants battle Barca for Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich this summer, the Bundesliga giants have confirmed.
The Pole has been linked with a move to Barcelona, having snubbed a new deal at Bayern.
Lewandowski’s deal has one year left to run.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
“In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
“He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
“The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
According to The Times, Barca have agreed a three-year deal with Lewandowski and believe they can sign him for a fee between £25million and £35m.
Dom ‘n gloom
Arsenal and Newcastle have received a blow in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton manager Frank Lampard has now insisted the England international is in his long-term plans.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brentford, he said: “He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren’t many around. It’s been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven’t had him fit.
“He’s had little moments but we know that strikers – particularly out of any position – need runs of games and fitness and confidence.
“We’ve never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him. But yeah, he’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.
“I know he hasn’t been playing at the minute because he’s been getting fit, but now he’s fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he’s our player.
“He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.
“There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”
Marseille boss keen on Saliba
Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli wants to keep hold of Arsenal star William Saliba on a permanent basis.
Sampaoli said, via talkSPORT: “William’s progress is linked to his development this season and the maturity he now has and his playing time.
“He is now consistent, he’s grown up as a player.
“In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team.
“But I don’t know if it depends on Olympique Marseille, William or Arsenal, I don’t know the possibilities in this case.”
Fiorentina boss wants Torreira permanently
Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano has urged his club to make Lucas Torreira’s loan from Arsenal permanent.
Italiano said: “The playmaker is the fulcrum of the team, so if the midfield is running smoothly, the whole side runs smoothly.
“This is one of the main principles of football. Lucas brought balance and has been prolific in front of goal too, showing his extraordinary quality.
“There are no doubts over what he can give this squad in future.”
Arsenal face transfer battle
Arsenal reportedly face a transfer battle for Jonathan David.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Lille striker.
But according to But! Football Club, West Ham and Aston Villa are also tracking David.
Arsenal will have first Dybs
Arsenal have been tipped to win the transfer race for Paulo Dybala.
But that’s only if they qualify for the Champions League.
That’s according to Italy legend Massimo Brambati.
He told Juventus24: “I was told by a person close to the environment that if Arsenal qualifies for the Champions League the Argentine will go there.”
Arsenal legend at Wembley
There will be at-least one Arsenal legend involved in the FA Cup final.
Liverpool take on Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea at Wembley for the prize.
And Arsenal legend Ian Wright has turned up to see the action.
Nketiah to West Ham?
Eddie Nketiah has been tipped for a transfer to West Ham.
That’s according to football pundit Paddy Kenny.
He told Football Insider: “West Ham have needed a backup striker since January.
“If they have the opportunity to sign Nketiah on a free, well, he’s already in London. I imagine they are favourites.
“For me, it’s a great signing and it would be a brilliant piece of business if he comes on a free.
“I think he’s perfect for what they are looking for.”
Juventus set Arthur asking price
Arsenal will have to fork out a huge sum for Juventus star Arthur.
The Serie A giants are seeking no less than £33.9m for the midfielder, according to TuttoJuve.
However, the Gunners may be able to lure him to England as Juve are willing to let Arthur leave this summer, the report also states.
Arsenal receive Marquinhos transfer boost
Arsenal reportedly look set to land young Brazilian star Marquinhos for a cut price of £3million following a legal issue.
The 19-year-old forward, who currently plays for Sao Paulo, was thought to be tied down to a five-year deal at his current club – a contract he signed in 2019.
However, FIFA have now ruled that the contract is only valid for three years – the maximum length for a player signing their first professional deal.
As a result, this means Marquinhos, who has scored three goals in 15 games this season, will become a free agent in the summer.
According to Globo Esporte, Sao Paulo have attempted to negotiate a new deal but the teenager is not thought to be interested.
The report states he is keen for a move to Europe and Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners.
Making the right impression
Former Arsenal star Emiliano Martinez has impressed his new Aston Villa team-mates.
Most notably, Martinez’s Villa compatriot John McGinn led the praise for the goalkeeper.
McGinn raved over Martinez: “Oh, he’s brilliant, he’s been an amazing signing, I think there was a lot of criticism when he left Arsenal.
“I don’t think they were too pleased which was good for us and he’s just signed a new deal so he’ll be here for a while yet.”
Arsenal receive transfer blow
Arsenal and Newcastle have received a blow in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton manager Frank Lampard has now insisted the England international is in his long-term plans.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brentford, he said: “He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren’t many around. It’s been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven’t had him fit.
“He’s had little moments but we know that strikers – particularly out of any position – need runs of games and fitness and confidence.
“We’ve never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him. But yeah, he’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.
“I know he hasn’t been playing at the minute because he’s been getting fit, but now he’s fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he’s our player.
“He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.
“There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”
Fabregas plans Monaco exit
Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas will quit Monaco in the summer after the “worst year of his life”.
Fabregas has made just two league appearances this campaign but the 35-year-old isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet.
He told So Foot: “It’s certain that it’s finished between me and Monaco. My contract expires in June and I am looking to depart. My head needs a departure elsewhere.”
Bacary Sagna’s title claim
Arsenal cult hero Bacary Sagna has declared that the club can win the Premier League within the next TWO years.
That is despite Arsenal being thumped 3-0 by arch-rivals Tottenham in Thursday’s North London derby.
Sagna has stated that his former employers were “robbed” in the clash as he slammed the questionable decisions made by referee Paul Tierney.
But even though Arsenal failed to impress against Antonio Conte’s men, Sagna has seen enough of them this season to be confident going into next campaign.
Regardless of whether Arsenal finish in the Champions League, Sagna believes they can soon challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
