ARSENAL’S transfer business continues as Eddie Nketiah has officially put pen to paper.
The England international is set to get a reported £100 thousand a week as well as the iconic number 14 shirt.
And they’ll be hoping Ajax ace Lisandro Martinez will be next to follow Fabio Vieira through the Emirates door.
But the Gunners will need to improve on their bid having seen an initial offer of £25m rejected.
That won’t be the only thing Mikel Arteta will be hoping gets wrapped up quickly as Granit Xhaka’s booking against Leeds in December is being investigated by the National Crime Agency.
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Red Devils duel Gunners for Lisandro
Manchester United have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Gunners are rumoured to have had a £25million bid rejected for the Argentine ace.
And now the Red Devils have emerged as rivals to Arsenal for Martinez’s signature.
Boss Erik ten Hag has been asked to be kept in the loop with Martinez’s situation, according Sky Sports.
Martinez has spent the last three seasons at Ajax, winning two Dutch titles under Ten Hag.
And now it seems the United gaffer is keen on a reunion with the 24-year-old centre-back.
The Red Devils struggled at the back last season, with skipper Harry Maguire often coming under-fire for his performances.
Raphael Varane also struggled for consistency in an injury-hit first campaign at Old Trafford.
United are yet to make a transfer this summer, but Ten Hag appears open to linking up with Martinez once again.
However, the left-footed defender is also a target for Mikel Arteta, and understood to be interested by the idea of working under the Spaniard.
Arsenal target Dusan ‘only wanted to join Juve’
Dusan Vlahovic has finally opened up over snubbing Arsenal for Juventus and insisted there was only one club for him.
When asked about the offer from the Gunners, he told The Telegraph: “Maybe my agent knows but I never talked to anyone about it.
“I just had one club in my mind because Juventus is Juventus. There is nothing else to say.
“And now I feel honoured to be given this jersey. It’s incredible every time I put it on.
Fabio Vieira’s first words as Gunners player
Fabio Vieira underwent a medical at Arsenal on Friday afternoon ahead of a £30m move to the Emirates.
The Gunners agreed a transfer fee for the 22-year-old earlier this week, and are also understood to have agreed personal terms with the player.
Vieira will pen a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
The midfielder said: “I was always happy at Porto but this chance is important for any professional.
“Playing in the Premier League won’t be easy and I promise only to work, work, work.
“My agent worked on the deal between the two clubs and I accepted the deal because it was important for all parties. I have always watched the Premier League on TV.”
Playing in the Premier League won’t be easy and I promise only to work, work, work
Fabio Vieira
Xhaka’s yellow card vs Leeds investigated by National Crime Agency
Granit Xhaka’s yellow card against Leeds in December is being investigated by the National Crime Agency after a £65,000 bet on him getting booked was placed, writes Kealan Hughes.
It follows a six-month inquiry by the FA after being alerted to the incident by leading bookmakers.
The Arsenal star, 29, was booked for timewasting in the 86th minute of the Premier League match at Elland Road.
Xhaka delayed taking a free-kick with the Gunners leading the game 4-1 at the time, prompting referee Andre Marriner to show him a yellow card.
Bookies were alerted after a bet of £65,000 was placed during the game on him being booked in the match. It won the punter £250,000.
There has never been any suggestion of any wrongdoing by Xhaka or any other Arsenal player with the investigation not examining the midfielder’s behaviour.
A look back for Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas released by Monaco and in a statement, they praised the ex-Gooner.
It read: “He has an exceptional CV, with 833 top-level games played – with the earliest under Arsene Wenger’s management and alongside Thierry Henry at Arsenal.”
Fabregas scored 57 goals in 303 Arsenal games, winning the 2005 FA Cup with the Gunners.
Credit: Getty Capped 110 times, the midfielder also helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup as well as the Euro 2008 and 2012 titles.
Now a free agent, the Spaniard will need to find a new club if he is to prolong his football career.
Fabregas released by Monaco
Cesc Fabregas has been shown the door by Monaco after an injury-plagued stay on the French Riviera.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea star joined the Ligue 1 club amid high expectations in January 2019.
But Spain midfielder Fabregas has since made just 67 appearances for them – including a mere FIVE last season.
Monaco have now opted not to offer the 35-year-old a new contract.
Nketiah will wear Henry’s iconic No14 shirt
Eddie Nketiah will wear the No14 shirt from next season, having previously worn No30.
He joined the club at the age of 14 and rose through the ranks before making his competitive first team debut in 2017.
Nketiah has also been given the iconic No14 shirt, previously worn by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and club legend Thierry Henry.
Aubameyang left the club in January after falling out-of-favour with Arteta and club officials.
Edu on new Nketiah contract
Technical Director Edu has lauded Arsenal’s academy system after Eddie Nketiah signed a new contract to stay at the club.
It has recently produced a selection of stars such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, as well as Nketiah himself.
Edu said: “The foundations of this squad are built on young talent and in particular those who have come through our Academy system.
“Eddie was released by another club as a young man but has always shown he has the attitude as well as the ability to become a top player.
“The fact he’s signed a new contract is an important part of our squad planning for next season and we’re all delighted.”
Arteta on new Nketiah contract
Manager Mikel Arteta has praised Eddie Nketiah after he signed a new long-term contract to stay at the club.
Arteta said: “I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club.
“We are very happy that he has extended his contract and now we have to get to work and continue to develop the great talent and person that we have in him.”
I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us
Mikel Arteta
Eddie Nketiah signs new long-term deal
Eddie Nketiah is STAYING at the club after agreeing a new “long-term” contract.
A club statement read: “Eddie has been with us since he was 14, making 92 first-team appearances and scoring 23 goals since his first-team debut in 2017.
“Eddie will wear the number 14 shirt from next season, having previously worn the number 30.
“The new contract is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”
Not a Fab deal for Porto
Porto’s decision to sell Fabio Vieira to Arsenal for £34m hasn’t sat well with former club president José Fernando Rio.
He thinks Porto have undersold the attacking midfielder.
Speaking to Rádio Renascença, via Record, he fumed: “The financial administrator had already announced the need to realise between €70-100m in capital gains this year, and I was already waiting for the bleeding to start.
“Obviously, we have to discount the intermediation costs. At Porto, we never know they are high or low, but normally they are quite high.
“President Pinto da Costa has been filling his mouth with numbers, saying that Porto has a situation that allows players to be negotiated only through the release clause, and we see that this is not true.”
Happy Birthday Martinelli!
Gabriel Martinelli is 21 today!
Martinelli, joined the North London side from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019.
After establishing himself as a first team regular under Mikel Arteta this campaign, the club have rewarded him with a new shirt number.
Having chipped in with five goals and as many assists in 28 Premier League games this term, the youngster will don the No11 shirt from next season.
Ozil set for career switch
Mesut Ozil is set for a new career once he hangs up his boots – by becoming a PROFESSIONAL GAMER!
Ozil’s agent Dr Erkut Sogut told The Telegraph: “He will go more into esports, play himself and maybe become an esports athlete.
“He’s really good, to be honest, at Fortnite and I think one day I wouldn’t be surprised if he is competing.
“He owns a team – M10 Esports – and he has players.
“He has a gaming house in Germany.
“He has football, like Fifa, and Fortnite.”
Fabio Vieira’s first words as Gunners player
Fabio Vieira underwent a medical at Arsenal on Friday afternoon ahead of a £30m move to the Emirates.
The Gunners agreed a transfer fee for the 22-year-old earlier this week, and are also understood to have agreed personal terms with the player.
Vieira will pen a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
The midfielder said: “I was always happy at Porto but this chance is important for any professional.
“Playing in the Premier League won’t be easy and I promise only to work, work, work.
“My agent worked on the deal between the two clubs and I accepted the deal because it was important for all parties. I have always watched the Premier League on TV.”
Playing in the Premier League won’t be easy and I promise only to work, work, work
Fabio Vieira
New Arsenal keeper speaks
Incoming Arsenal keeper Matt Turner has bid farewell to his New England Revolution team-mates.
In a virtual press conference, he said: “I’m just focused on saying goodbye to these fans who hold a special place in my heart.
“They welcomed me to this team, made me feel like a superstar even when I was playing [at USL League One’s] Richmond [Kickers].
“It’s been tough with COVID, not getting the chance to be with them one-on-one, signing autographs as frequently. I hope Sunday we’ll rectify all that and leave on good terms.”
Xhaka’s yellow card vs Leeds investigated by National Crime Agency
Granit Xhaka’s yellow card against Leeds in December is being investigated by the National Crime Agency after a £65,000 bet on him getting booked was placed, writes Kealan Hughes.
It follows a six-month inquiry by the FA after being alerted to the incident by leading bookmakers.
The Arsenal star, 29, was booked for timewasting in the 86th minute of the Premier League match at Elland Road.
Xhaka delayed taking a free-kick with the Gunners leading the game 4-1 at the time, prompting referee Andre Marriner to show him a yellow card.
Bookies were alerted after a bet of £65,000 was placed during the game on him being booked in the match. It won the punter £250,000.
There has never been any suggestion of any wrongdoing by Xhaka or any other Arsenal player with the investigation not examining the midfielder’s behaviour.
In January a betting source told SunSport: “This bet was flagged to all bookmakers, because it was so big and it paid out.
“The investigation is looking at the bet rather than Xhaka’s behaviour —– it is not unusual for him to be carded at all.”
Merson makes transfer plea
Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to buy Southampton star James Ward-Prowse amid interest from West Ham.
He told the Daily Star: “Arsenal cannot allow West Ham to buy James Ward-Prowse. I think he is a great signing for whoever gets him.
“I think he is one of the best passers of the ball in England. Him and Trent Alexander-Arnold see things few other English players do and they can spray it around the pitch because they have such a good range of passing.
“I don’t understand why Arsenal are not pulling out all the stops to try and take James Ward-Prowse from Southampton.
“Arsenal need to buy experience and they would be buying an experienced England international who knows the Premier League and would make a huge difference to them.”
Arsenal’s relentess transfer plans
Arsenal have no plans of slowing down in the transfer market despite landing Fabio Vieira.
The Gunners are tailing top priority target Lisandro Martinez of Ajax, according to The Athletic.
And they could be in luck as the defender is open to a transfer, the report adds.
Plus, Arsenal are looking to bring in Gabriel Jesus as swiftly as possible, it was also stated.
Credit: AFP Vlahovic speaks on Arsenal snub
Dusan Vlahovic has finally opened up over snubbing Arsenal for Juventus and insisted there was only one club for him.
When asked about the offer from the Gunners, he told The Telegraph: “Maybe my agent knows but I never talked to anyone about it.
“I just had one club in my mind because Juventus is Juventus. There is nothing else to say.
“And now I feel honoured to be given this jersey. It’s incredible every time I put it on.”
Not a Fab deal for Porto
Porto’s decision to sell Fabio Vieira to Arsenal for £34m hasn’t sat well with former club president José Fernando Rio.
He thinks Porto have undersold the attacking midfielder.
Speaking to Rádio Renascença, via Record, he fumed: “The financial administrator had already announced the need to realise between €70-100m in capital gains this year, and I was already waiting for the bleeding to start.
“Obviously, we have to discount the intermediation costs. At Porto, we never know they are high or low, but normally they are quite high.
“President Pinto da Costa has been filling his mouth with numbers, saying that Porto has a situation that allows players to be negotiated only through the release clause, and we see that this is not true.”
Good morning Arsenal fans
Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira underwent a medical at Arsenal on Friday afternoon ahead of a £30m move to the Emirates.
The Gunners agreed a transfer fee for the 22-year-old earlier this week, and are also understood to have agreed personal terms with the player.
Assuming his medical runs smoothly, Vieira will pen a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
Porto then released a statement informing the market of an agreement to sell Fabio Vieira to Arsenal.
The Portuguese club announced that a ‘deal was complete for the amount of €40m, and of these, €5m are dependent on achievement of sports objectives.’
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has resulted in them missing out on Yves Bissouma.
The Brighton ace has joined Tottenham for £25m.
Bissouma was keen to join a club competing in the Champions League and is excited to work under Antonio Conte.
And Spurs are hoping to use the allure of Champions League football to steal Napoli striker Victor Osimhen from under Arsenal’s nose.
The Gunners had an initial bid of £51million rejected by the Serie A side earlier this week as they eye a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette.
Man Utd have also been linked with a move for the Nigerian.
However, according to journalist Lorenzo Amuso, Spurs could well get there ahead of them both.
Finally, Arsenal have reportedly had a £25m offer for Lisandro Martinez rejected by Ajax.
But the Gunners remain undeterred and will press forward with another bid, according to The Athletic.
It should be smooth sailing for the Gunners if they hash out terms with Ajax as the defender is keen on joining the North Londoners, the report adds.
Ozil set for career switch
Mesut Ozil is set for a new career once he hangs up his boots – by becoming a PROFESSIONAL GAMER!
Ozil’s agent Dr Erkut Sogut told The Telegraph: “He will go more into esports, play himself and maybe become an esports athlete.
“He’s really good, to be honest, at Fortnite and I think one day I wouldn’t be surprised if he is competing.
“He owns a team – M10 Esports – and he has players.
“He has a gaming house in Germany.
“He has football, like Fifa, and Fortnite.”
Arsenal bid rejected
Arsenal have reportedly had a £25m offer for Lisandro Martinez rejected by Ajax.
But the Gunners remain undeterred and will press forward with another bid, according to The Athletic.
It should be smooth sailing for the Gunners if they hash out terms with Ajax as the defender is keen on joining the North Londoners, the report adds.
New Arsenal keeper speaks
Incoming Arsenal keeper Matt Turner has bid farewell to his New England Revolution team-mates.
In a virtual press conference, he said: “I’m just focused on saying goodbye to these fans who hold a special place in my heart.
“They welcomed me to this team, made me feel like a superstar even when I was playing [at USL League One’s] Richmond [Kickers].
“It’s been tough with COVID, not getting the chance to be with them one-on-one, signing autographs as frequently. I hope Sunday we’ll rectify all that and leave on good terms.”
Vlahovic speaks on Arsenal snub
Dusan Vlahovic has finally opened up over snubbing Arsenal for Juventus and insisted there was only one club for him.
When asked about the offer from the Gunners, he told The Telegraph: “Maybe my agent knows but I never talked to anyone about it.
“I just had one club in my mind because Juventus is Juventus. There is nothing else to say.
“And now I feel honoured to be given this jersey. It’s incredible every time I put it on.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
