ARSENAL hit a blow in their bid for Brighton ace Ben White, with Everton joining the race.
Elsewhere, the Gunners have made an official bid for Manuel Locatelli, according to Sassuolo’s CEO Giovanni Carnevali.
The Gunners are also keeping tabs on Renato Sanches if they can offload multiple flops this summer.
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Follow all the latest from North London with our live blog below…
GUNNERS ON THE BERGE
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Sheffield United ace Sander Berge with a view to bolstering their midfield ranks ahead of Granit Xhaka’s possible departure.
But the Gunners are facing a transfer tug-of-war for the Blades ace with Napoli, Lazio and Liverpool reportedly after his signature.
The Sheffield Star claims the Norway international midfielder is among the names on the club’s ‘for sale’ list following the arrival of new manager Slaviska Jankovic.
Bramall Lane chiefs are thought to be eager to boost funds following the club’s drop from the Premier League. And Berge, 23, who is reportedly unenthusiastic about the prospect of playing in the Championship, is believed to have a £35million release clause in his contract.
Arsenal, who finished eighth last term, are looking to strengthen their midfield options with wantaway star Xhaka heavily linked with a move to Roma.
Earlier this month it was reported the North London giants had a £17.2m bid for Berge rejected by Bramall Lane officials. However, the Star claims a concrete bid for the Norwegian is yet to be put forward.
NOT GOING FOR GOLD
Arsenal and Chelsea players William Saliba and Malang Sarr have both withdrawn from France’s Olympics squad.
Saliba, 20, and Sarr, 22, were initially named in the party for the Tokyo Games.
The tournament at the Olympics is due to start on July 22.
The final will take place on August 7, which would mean those involved would miss the majority of pre-season.
Now the duo are amongst several names to pull-out of the final squad prior to kick off in the Far East.
Saliba will now report back to the Gunners for their pre-season training under Mikel Arteta.
BEFRIEND IT LIKE BECKHAM
Victoria Beckham has been crowned England’s ultimate Wag ahead of the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 quarter-final clash with Ukraine.
Manchester United legend David’s wife has topped the list of the most popular partner just ahead of Coleen Rooney and Abbey Clancey.
England’s current Wags were allowed to roar on Gareth Southgate’s men during their 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley.
They included Harry Kane’s missus Katie Goodland, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison and Harry Maguire’s fiancee Fern Hawkins.
Yet according to a survey by bettingexpert.com of over 1000 Brits ahead of the game, the partners of former players were more popular.
And it was England’s most famous Wag – Victoria – who remains the biggest fan-favourite with over half the vote.
Credit: Getty – Contributor
RAVING SAK-CESS
Bukayo Saka has been a revelation at Euro 2020 for England.
And the Gunners star has taken it all in his stride.
The Three Lions face Ukraine in the quarter-finals in Rome tomorrow with the 19-year-old expected to start.
Not that the weight of the nation’s expectation seems to be weighing on the young ace.
NOT WRIGHT
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has slammed his former club’s decision to let Granit Xhaka go amid an impressive Euro 2020 campaign with Switzerland.
Xhaka appears to be on the verge of joining Jose Mourinho’s Roma after the tournament.
Wright told ITV’s Football Show Podcast: “That is the best I’ve ever seen him [Xhaka] play.
I feel for him because he’s someone I’ve been very critical of in the past and when you see a performance like, do you blame him or the coaches for not getting those performances out of him in the past?
“I have never seen him used to that effect. There’s no way Arsenal should be selling a player that can play like that, at that level.
“So unfortunately for us it looks like he is going but I’m delighted for him because he’s answered a lot of critics. He was magnificent.”
ZIE-LINKED
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Napoli star Piotr Zielinski during the summer transfer window.
Reports suggest the Gunners have added Zielinski to their list of options to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Arteta is determined to sign a highly-rated player to partner up with Thomas Partey in the middle of the park.
However, Napoli value the Poland international at around £45million
SAK ATTACK
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand also praised Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
Saka has proven to be one of England’s best players during the Three Lions’ impressive Euro 2020 campaign.
Ferdinand told BBC Sport: “He’s got no qualms about roaming about, what is great about him he has confidence to drive forward and draw fouls.
“He’s got that unpredictability, one thing you do know he is willing to turn defence into attack”
GETTY IMAGES SHEAR PRAISE
Premier League Hall of Famer Alan Shearer believes Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is England’s “best player”.
Shearer told BBC Sport: “England need more players like that.
“He’s been so brave, when someone’s marking him tightly he still wants the ball.
“I think he’s been our best player”
WILL I NEVER
Inter Miami have ended their interest for Arsenal ace Willian, Steve Brenner reports.
SunSport understands the winger wanted around £8.7million a year to play in MLS, which is too much for David Beckham’s side.
That is more than what current top earner Gonzalo Higuain makes, as he bags an annual salary of £4.19million.
The ex-Chelsea star’s contract at the Emirates expires in 2023 but he wants to quit after a difficult first season
WINTER IS COMING
Arsenal have been linked with various Euro 2020 stars, such as Manuel Locatelli and Alexander Isak, but club legend Nigel Winterburn has advised his former team to think again.
Winterburn told NetBet: “I think we’ve been linked with a few players at this tournament already, but I’m always weary of these situations.
“Just because a player is performing well in a tournament doesn’t mean they’ll be a good addition.
“Unless that player has been identified already prior to the tournament, I think it would be a huge risk”
FANS NOT ALLOWED
England fans who travel to Rome for the Euro 2020 quarter-final clash against Ukraine, which will feature Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, will not be allowed into the stadium even if they have a ticket.
The Italian embassy in London have warned that “anybody who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days, irrespective of their nationality or residency will not be admitted to the stadium, even if they have a ticket.”
They added: “Anyone who is found to be failing to observe quarantine will be punished as laid down by the law.
“Fans based in the UK should therefore not travel to Italy to attend the match on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.”
The embassy also said that those “who can prove that they have arrived in Italy at least six days previously, have observed five days of quarantine, and have taken a post-quarantine Covid-19 test with a negative result will be allowed into the Stadio Olimpico”.
But they added: “Being exempt from quarantine in Italy for any legal reason, will not translate into permission to enter the stadium.”
LOCATELLI BLOW
Arsenal may have been dealt a transfer blow in their hopes of signing Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli.
That is because Locatelli has his heart set on joining Juventus in the summer transfer window.
That is according to reports in Italy, that claim the star midfielder has decided to join Juve in order to take the next step on his career.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is looking for a highly-rated midfielder to link up with Thomas Partey in the middle of the park
GETTY IMAGES WHITE SITUATION
Brighton star Ben White is very close to joining Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
That is according to Football London, who claim that a deal for White to join the Gunners is all but complete.
It is also expected that the talented centre-back will link up with the north Londoners after Euro 2020.
That is despite recent reports linking the England international with Manchester City and Everton
RES IS HISTORY
Benfica ace Nuno Tavares plans to travel to London today to sign a deal with Arsenal.
That is according to reports in Portugal, who claim Tavares will have to quarantine for five days once he lands in England.
So if everything goes well then the Gunners will be able to present the left-back from next Tuesday.
The Portuguese ace will likely support Mikel Arteta’s starting left-back Kieran Tierney
SHAW PRAISE
Manchester United star Luke Shaw has praised England team-mate and Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka.
Shaw said: “Honestly, I love him.
“I would just love it if he was my child or something, I love him like that and you could ask anyone in the squad and they would say how nice a guy he honestly is.
“I didn’t know him before I came to the camp and I didn’t know what he would be like but I have got on so well with him, I would love him to be my brother”
XHAKA HIJACK
Juventus are interested in hijacking Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, who is close to joining Roma.
That is according to CalcioMercato, who claim Juve are impressed with Xhaka and may make a move if they fail to sign Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo.
The midfielder has reportedly agreed terms with Roma ahead of a potential move but the Serie A side are struggling to meet the Gunners’ asking price.
The 28-year-old is enjoying a stunning Euro 2020 campaign with Switzerland as he helped his country advance to the quarter-finals after eliminating reigning world champions France
SANCHES HINT
Lille star Renato Sanches has told Arsenal defender and former team-mate Gabriel Magalhaes that he is waiting for an ‘invitation’ to join the Gunners.
Sanches was one of the driving forces behind the French champions’ stunning campaign and stood out during Euro 2020 as part of Portugal.
According to 90Min, Arsenal have asked Lille to keep them informed about the star midfielder.
And the 23-year-old has teased fans with a cheeky message on his personal Instagram page.
Gabriel wrote a message to the Portugal international, saying, ‘Come to Arsenal’ along with a smiley face.
Sanches replied to the comment, saying: ‘I wait for your invitation’
LOC & LOAD
Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has confirmed that Arsenal have submitted an official offer for Italy star Manuel Locatelli.
But he warned that Juventus are also keeping tabs on Locatelli…
Carnevali told Sky Italy: “Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli.
“They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid… we will see.
“Also Juventus want Locatelli and we’ve a special relationship with them. We’ve a new meeting scheduled with Juve”
MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Everton have told Brighton they will pay £50million for Ben White – on the instruction of new boss Rafa Benitez.
Arsenal have been trying to persuade the Seagulls into selling them the England defender but have had trouble coming up with the money to match their valuation.
So Everton have moved straight in to tell Brighton that they will pay the guaranteed money they are looking for, and are now attempting to put together bonus packages to try to get the deal secured.
New boss Benitez highlighted signing a new central defender as one of the key areas to strengthen when he was in negotiations to take charge.
And he made it clear White, 23, is his number one choice and the Merseysiders would rather not mess around so told the Seagulls board they will match the £50m they are looking for.
In contrast, Arsenal have only gone as far as offering £42million guaranteed with a further £6m in add-ons, a bid that was quickly dismissed.
Elsewhere, Inter Miami have pulled out of a move for Willian.
SunSport understands the Arsenal man wanted around £8.7million a year – £167,000 per week – to play in MLS which is too much for David Beckham’s side.
It’s a blow for boss Phil Neville who hopes to offload Mexican international Rodolfo Pizarro this month to a club back home in Liga MX.
That would then free up a designated overseas player spot which Neville wanted to use for Willian, 32, before his demands proved too much.
Out-of-sorts Gonzalo Higuain is the club’s current top earner, bagging an annual salary of £4.19million or £80,500 per week.
Willian’s Arsenal contract expires in 2023 but he wants to quit the Gunners after a difficult first season.
Arsenal have offered academy product Reiss Nelson a new contract.
And the Gunners have reportedly reduced their asking price for bad-boy Matteo Guendouzi.
Marseille are edging closer to agreeing a deal to sign the midfielder, according to French journalist Alexis Bernard.
The Gunners initially wanted £17million but the Ligue 1 side did not want to pay more than £10m.
And finally, Arsenal have been dealt a major transfer blow as Sweden star Alexander Isak has signed a five-year deal with Real Sociedad.
The Swedish international has put pen to paper on a new contract with the LaLiga side which will force the Gunners to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.
BENI IN FOR BEN – EXCLUSIVE
Everton have told Brighton they will pay £50million for Ben White – on the instruction of new boss Rafa Benitez.
Arsenal have been trying to persuade the Seagulls into selling them the England defender but have had trouble coming up with the money to match their valuation.
So Everton have moved straight in to tell Brighton that they will pay the guaranteed money they are looking for, and are now attempting to put together bonus packages to try to get the deal secured.
New boss Benitez highlighted signing a new central defender as one of the key areas to strengthen when he was in negotiations to take charge.
And he made it clear White, 23, is his number one choice and the Merseysiders would rather not mess around so told the Seagulls board they will match the £50m they are looking for.
In contrast, Arsenal have only gone as far as offering £42million guaranteed with a further £6m in add-ons, a bid that was quickly dismissed.
WILL I NEVER
Inter Miami have pulled out of a move for Willian, writes STEVE BRENNER.
SunSport understands the Arsenal man wanted around £8.7million a year – £167,000 per week – to play in MLS which is too much for David Beckham’s side.
It’s a blow for boss Phil Neville who hopes to offload Mexican international Rodolfo Pizarro this month to a club back home in Liga MX.
That would then free up a designated overseas player spot which Neville wanted to use for Willian, 32, before his demands proved too much.
Out-of-sorts Gonzalo Higuain is the club’s current top earner, bagging an annual salary of £4.19million or £80,500 per week.
Willian’s Arsenal contract expires in 2023 but he wants to quit the Gunners after a difficult first season.
NEVER GUNNER FORGET
Arsenal have been posting a series of memorable moments online.
And the latest is a throwback video to the club’s most famous season – the Invincibles campaign.
SIGHT FOR SUAR EYES
Former Arsenal target Luis Suarez has admitted that it would be difficult to play for any Premier League team other than Liverpool.
The Uruguayan striker was one of the best to play at Anfield in the modern era before he sealed a £75million move to Barcelona back in 2014.
Yet he looked set to move to Arsenal the summer before his Merseyside exit after the Reds failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Although Suarez ended up staying for another year, the 34-year-old has also linked with a move to another of Liverpool’s rivals – Manchester United – last year before they signed his compatriot Edinson Cavani.
But the Atletico Madrid star has now claimed that it would be weird to play for any other team in England due to his bond with the Kop.
He told World Soccer Magazine: “Playing for any team other than Liverpool in England would be hard. I had, and hope I still do have, such a good relationship with Liverpool fans that it would be strange for me to play for somebody else.”
Credit: Getty Images – Getty CED’S FIRST GOAL IN RED
Arsenal were quick to remind fans of full-back Cedric’s first goal for the club on this day in 2020.
The full-back signed from Southampton and got off the mark in spectacular fashion with this effort against Norwich.
BUKAYO BROMANCE FOR SHAW
Luke Shaw has revealed he loves Bukayo Saka and wishes he was his son.
The England left-back gushed about Arsenal ace Saka who has been one of the Three Lions’ best players during their march to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
And Manchester United ace Shaw says he admires the 19-year-old for ‘taking it all in his stride’.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
