DANIEL EK and his consortium have held a meeting with the Arsenal Supporters Trust as the Spotify founder steps up his takeover bid.
However, the Kroenke family are reportedly planning a huge summer of spending on transfers as they look to get angry Gunners fans on side.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s side are preparing to face Villarreal in their huge Europa League semi-final encounter at the Emirates.
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Stay up to date with every twist and turn from North London in our live blog…
RAM-WOE
Aaron Ramsey has opened up on his injury frustration at Juventus.
The Wales midfielder has started just 19 of Juve’s 47 games in all competitions this season due to several injury setbacks.
Ramsey joined the Serie A giants on a free transfer from Arsenal in 2019 but the 30-year-old has failed to hit the heights in Italy.
The lack of fitness and form has raised speculation that Rambo could return to the Premier League, with Everton linked as a potential summer target.
Ramsey told FourFourTwo: “It’s been a pretty frustrating couple of years for me, picking up little injuries and not being able to get back to full fitness.
“It’s been a strange time in general, which hasn’t helped – arriving at Juventus with an injury, trying to get my fitness back, then you’re hit by a pandemic and we had to start again.
“It’s been difficult to get any consistency going, and that’s had an effect on me playing for Wales.”
AUBA AND OUT?
Here’s how Arsenal could line up tonight against Villarreal.
UNSEEN FOOTAGE
Check out this unseen footage from behind the scenes at Arsenal ahead of last week’s semi-final first leg against Villarreal.
REBEL HELL
Uefa chiefs are threatening two-year European bans for the four Super league rebels who have still not pulled out of the project.
England’s Big Six were the first to withdraw, with Champions League finalists Chelsea and Manchester City quickest out of the blocks once they realised the breakaway was dead in the water.
But Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan have still to formally break free of the Super League project.
And that has left Uefa on the verge of imposing serious sanctions UNLESS the quartet fold in the next few weeks.
The Prem sides, along with Atletico Madrid and Inter, are expected to accept fines for their parts in the rebellion.
Uefa head Aleksander Ceferin IS likely to push for softer punishments on the English teams after their rapid U-turns and acceptance of error.
TAKING THE MIK OUT
Former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is the leading contender to become Arsenal’s next permanent managerial appointment.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve priced the Italian at 13/5 to replace Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are anchored in ninth position having lost a worrying 13 league matches this season and currently sit 12 points outside of the top four.
The Europa League is their last remaining chance of Champions League qualification.
However, they’ll first need to overturn a 2-1 deficit to Emery’s Villarreal before a likely final with in-form Manchester United.
NO LAC OF TALENT
Alex Lacazette was voted Arsenal’s player of the month for April.
NEW NWAN
Arsenal’s 14-year-old whizkid Ethan Nwaneri marked his Under-18s debut with a stunning solo goal.
And incredibly Myles Lewis-Skelly, 14, also came off the bench to score a similar stunner.
Now supporters are already hoping they could be the next big talents to come through at Hale End after Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
Nwaneri was given a starting spot for the U18s’ 6-1 won over Reading on Tuesday evening as both sides agreed to field younger teams made up mainly of U16s.
FINE ART
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta backed Gunners fans’ right to protest against the club’s owners.
Arteta said: “I think fans have to be able to express themselves.
“They have the right do it. We have to prepare for the game in the best possible way and I wouldn’t like to use any excuses if something happens with that.
“I know that the only focus of the fans is to defend the club and they want the best for the team. We will try to give them that.
“We’ve been missing the fans so much and we need them.”
ART OF CONCENTRATION
Mikel Arteta warned his Arsenal stars they must not let talk of a potential takeover put them off ahead of tonight’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal.
The Spanish boss said: “We have to try to be away from all of the rumours and everything that is happening around the club.
“We have to focus on the pitch because the best way to help the football club is to win football matches and be competitive at the highest level.
“It’s a massive game for the club and if we win we will be much closer to getting a trophy.
“Winning always helps for the future, it is the best way to prepare for anything.”
CIECH MATE
Former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny could make a surprise Premier League return with Everton or Chelsea, according to reports.
Juventus are surveying their options in the transfer market in their quest to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The AC Milan goalkeeper, 22, is out of contract at the end of the season with negotiations on an extension progressing slowly.
That has opened the door for long-term admirers Juve, as reported by Tuttosport.
But the Italian would not come cheap given Donnarumma’s wage demands and the hefty fee demanded by agent Mino Raiola.
Therefore the Bianconeri are said to be considering selling Szczesny to raise funds for the deal.
Everton and Chelsea are named as two clubs being offered the goalkeeper for around £17million.
Credit: PA:Empics Sport THIERR THEM DOWN
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry confirmed he was involved in Daniel Ek’s takeover bid and here’s how it could shape up.
RAF AND READY
Bayern Munich are reportedly ready to join the race for Achraf Hakimi amid interest from Arsenal.
The right-back, 22, has been a key part of Inter Milan’s Serie A title triumph but could still leave the club.
Financial problems at the Giuseppe Meazza have alerted prospective bidders although reports in Italy suggest Hakimi will be fiercely defended in the upcoming market.
Arsenal and Chelsea had both been credited with interest in recent months.
In particular, the Gunners may be seeking a replacement for Hector Bellerin amid reports linking him with Paris Saint-Germain.
But Bundesliga giants Bayern are also on the lookout ahead of Julian Nagelsmann’s arrival.
According to German football reporter Manuel Bonke, the Bavarians are targeting Hakimi although the transfer fee could be a big stumbling block.
Credit: AFP GOOD MORNING GUNNERS FANS
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has taken responsibility for Arsenal’s miserable season and admits he has fallen short of expectations.
Aubameyang said: “This has been my most difficult season for a few years because I’ve had some issues on and off the pitch and it’s been really tough.
“I know that everyone was expecting me to score more goals so maybe I feel a bit responsible for the situation that we are in right now.
“The criticism hurts but you have to accept it because people were waiting for me when you have done what I have done in the last few years.
“But now we have this opportunity to change our season so maybe this is the biggest game of my Arsenal career so far.”
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta will remain Arsenal boss next season, according to reports.
Eurosport claims Stan Kroenke has no plans to part ways with the Spaniards despite a below-par campaign.
But there is hope Arteta can salvage things by winning the Europa League.
And Kroenke is also said to be ready to back Arteta in the transfer window following backlash from supporters over the Super League.
Finally, Genk’s goal machine Paul Onuachu reportedly hopes to end up an Arsenal player by the end of the summer.
The 6ft 7in forward has been a revelation at the Belgian club, smashing home an incredible 32 goals in 37 games in all competitions this season.
Voetbal Belgie reports the 26-year-old is eyeing up a move to the Emirates and is optimistic he could land a dream Prem move by the end of the upcoming transfer window.
The report states he is willing and able to progress his career to the next step after lighting up the Belgian league.
Genk are believed to be willing to sell their prized asset for £25million.
GUNNER BE GOOD
It’s crunch time for Arsenal as they prepare for their Europa League semi against Villarreal.
The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are going to be vital as the Gunners look to battle back from 2-1 down.
With an all-English Champions League final confirmed, and Man United virtually already in the Europa showpiece – can Arsenal make it another home-grown affair?
OH DANI BOY
Ian Wright believes Mikel Arteta must drop Dani Ceballos for Arsenal’s clash with Villarreal.
And the Gunners legend has instead urged Mo Elneny to get a start.
He told the Wrighty’s House podcast: “For me Ceballos doesn’t make my team.
“I’d rather have Elneny in there, I know he scored the other day, but he has got a drive and determination about him.
“You cannot dislike his output and what he’s trying to do for the team.”
Ian Wright hopes Dani Ceballos does not start against Villarreal
CASH WOE
Europe’s leading clubs lost £50m in Champions League prize money as a result of LAST season’s Covid crisis.
But they still bagged lots more than their Europa League competitors.
£9.74m was stripped from the FOUR English clubs in the Champions League.
Despite handing back £2.85m, Manchester City still made £81.73m from their run to the last eight, a sum only exceeded by PSG, who topped the list with £109.4m, winners Bayern Munich (£108.24) and Barcelona (£86.48m).
Liverpool grossed £73.33m, including their Super Cup victory bonus, Chelsea £71.6m and Spurs £55.66m.
By contrast, Manchester United earned just £26.36m from their Europa League run, with Wolves taking £19.62m and Arsenal, eliminated in the last 16, £16.08m.
There were smaller cash prizes for Champions and Europa League teams this term ART OF THE MATTER
Mikel Arteta will remain Arsenal boss next season, according to reports.
Eurosport claims Stan Kroenke has no plans to part ways with the Spaniards despite a below-par campaign.
But there is hope Arteta can salvage things by winning the Europa League.
And Kroenke is also said to be ready to back Arteta in the transfer window following backlash from supporters over the Super League.
Arsenal have no plans to axe Mikel Arteta this summer EURO STARS
Man City are set for a 4,000 ticket allocation for the Champions League Final – after UEFA confirmed it will go ahead in Istanbul despite Turkey’s covid crisis.
Authorities in Ankara have confirmed to Uefa they are happy to host Manchester City and Chelsea or Real Madrid at the Ataturk on the last Saturday of May.
Uefa have already confirmed a crowd of 9,500, including 2,000 tickets to each club, for the Europa League Final in Gdansk on May 26.
Man United are virtually through after beating Roma 6-2 in their first leg.
But Arsenal face an uphill battle after losing 2-1 to Villarreal.
English fans are ready for both the Champions League and Europa League finals GUNNERS BE GREAT
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has thanked Arsenal for allowing his compassionate leave to visit his sick mother.
Aubameyang said: “It was a really nice thing from the club to let me go see my mum when I had this issue with her and she’s so much better now.
“I am used to seeing my family quite often and they regularly come to the stadium when we are playing at home, so this year has been very difficult for me.
“I want to see people back at the games because I’m a player that likes these kind of emotions and I wish for every player to be close to their family again.”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has thanked Arsenal for allowing him to visit his sick mother PIE IN THE SKY
Aubamayeng has also revealed he lost over half a stone after being hospitalised with malaria.
The Arsenal ace said: “Physically, I would say I am 90 percent recovered from the malaria although I am more than 100 percent in my mind.
“At first I thought I was just tired after travelling back from Gabon, but then I started feeling very bad and it was the worst sickness of my life.
“It was non-stop for three days and nights and paracetamol was having no effect, so I said to the doctor that I had to go to the hospital because I was too incapacitated to do anything.
“I stayed in hospital for three days and lost four kilograms, so it was a really bad moment.
“You can have big problems if you don’t get the right treatment for malaria quickly but fortunately I had some good doctors and I started to make some improvements.”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lost four kilos after contracting malaria PIE OH MY
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has taken responsibility for Arsenal’s miserable season and admits he has fallen short of expectations.
Aubameyang said: “This has been my most difficult season for a few years because I’ve had some issues on and off the pitch and it’s been really tough.
“I know that everyone was expecting me to score more goals so maybe I feel a bit responsible for the situation that we are in right now.
“The criticism hurts but you have to accept it because people were waiting for me when you have done what I have done in the last few years.
“But now we have this opportunity to change our season so maybe this is the biggest game of my Arsenal career so far.”
Aubameyang has held his hands up for a poor season
FROM SUNSPORT’S MARTIN LIPTON
Away fans will NOT be able to attend the last two rounds of Prem games – after the Old Trafford pitch invasion forced a U-turn.
Prem clubs had been keen to ensure up to 500 visiting supporters were allowed into grounds in the last week of the season, as part of maximum 10,000 crowds.
But League chiefs were concerned that the Government, and local safety officers, might block the proposals in the wake of the violent incidents that saw Manchester United’s game with Liverpool postponed on Sunday.
And now the Prem has confirmed that, while fans are set to be allowed at the games between May 18 and May 23 – one in each of the 20 top flight stadiums – seats will be strictly sold to home fans only.
Man Utd fans storming of the pitch has made the Premier League re-think their plans KIER WE GO
Mikel Arteta will pick his most important team of the season when Arsenal face Villarreal on Thursday.
The Gunners are 2-1 down from the first leg but managed to bag an important away goal in Spain.
But there are doubts over three key players, with Alexandre Lacazette, Kieran Tierney and David Luiz all racing to be fit.
This is how Arsenal could look for their crunch Europa League semi…
How Arsenal could face Villarreal PAUL OVER
Genk’s goal machine Paul Onuachu reportedly hopes to end up an Arsenal player by the end of the summer.
The 6ft 7in forward has been a revelation at the Belgian club, smashing home an incredible 32 goals in 37 games in all competitions this season.
Voetbal Belgie reports the 26-year-old is eyeing up a move to the Emirates and is optimistic he could land a dream Prem move by the end of the upcoming transfer window.
The report states he is willing and able to progress his career to the next step after lighting up the Belgian league.
Genk are believed to be willing to sell their prized asset for £25million.
Paul Onuachu could swap Genk for the Gunners ARTETA HAPPY WITH XHAKA AT LB
Mikel Arteta is happy with Granit Xhaka’s performances at left back.
The Swiss midfielder has been filling in for Kieran Tierney of late but may lose his place to the returning Scottish defender on Thursday evening.
Arteta said: “We have managed to get some clean sheets since he’s [Xhaka] been playing there and that’s something that didn’t happen for 13 games.
“He gives something different to the team.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
