ARSENAL are ready to make a shock move to replace Mikel Arteta with Tite after the World Cup, according to reports in the South American nation.
Technical director Edu is said to be leading the talks and is well acquainted with the Brazil boss, having previously played for Corinthians, where Tite was manager.
Erling Haaland has reportedly turned to Martin Odegaard for advice as he chooses which club to join in the summer.
The striker plays with the Arsenal star in the Norway national team and it appears he has tapped into his expertise on the Premier League and La Liga.
As well as playing for Arsenal, Odegaard spent six years in Spain with Real Madrid and Real Sociedad.
And SunSport can exclusively reveal that Arsenal are ready to offer Bukayo Saka a new deal which will quadruple his wages.
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Southgate’s doesn’t understand Saka absence
Gareth Southgate is perplexed as to why Bukayo Saka can’t play for England due to catching Covid.
He said: “I’m lost on the rules really.
“I can’t sit here and give a medical download of all that. I’m not quite sure why he is out because I think you can carry on now with normal life.
“I think people have an ethical responsibility if they’re positive to stay away from others and stop the spread but by the normal rules of life he could carry on.
“Football rules are a bit different but I’m in a maze of confusion frankly.”
Smith Rowe issue ‘not serious’
Gareth Southgate has revealed that the problem that kept Emile Smith Rowe out of England training this morning is not a major one, but he’s unlikely to feature against Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow.
Discussing fitness issues within the squad at this afternoon’s press conference, the Three Lions boss said: “Emile [Smith Rowe] did not train today so he is unlikely to be involved tomorrow. It’s nothing too serious, but we’ll check on him late to see if he can take part.”
Southgate had better news regarding another forward, but was left rueing another increase in Covid-19 cases.
“Raheem [Sterling] is absolutely fine. However, it was a shame to lose Bukayom [Saka], but that we’re back in those moments with Covid where there’s been a spike in the country.”
Arteta future in doubt amid Tite link
Mikel Arteta’s long-term future as Arsenal manager is in question after it emerged that talks had taken place between the Premier League club and Brazil coach Tite.
According to sensational reports in South America, Gunners sporting director Edu has identified his compatriot as the man he wants to take the Londoners forward.
Tite is contracted to the Brazil national team until the completion of this year’s World Cup, but could be installed at the Emirates for the beginning of the 2023-24 season.
Arteta has revitalised a young and exciting Arsenal side in recent months, but is only contracted to the club until the summer of 2023.
Smith-Rowe misses England training
Emile Smith Rowe became the latest Arsenal player to sit out England training when he was absent from this morning’s practice.
The Gunners midfielder also missed Wednesday’s session although there has not yet been an official reason given for today’s non-appearance.
The news comes a day after his club teammate and good friend, Bukayo Saka, withdrew from England duty, having testing positive for Covid-19.
Last week, Aaron Ramsdale was forced to pull out of the squad with a muscle injury.
Gunners fans will be hoping the Arsenal curse doesn’t strike their one remaining England representative, Ben White.
Charming Gunners pursue Benfica’s Nunez
ArsenaL have reportedly begun a ‘charm offensive’ in their bid to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
Nunez, 22, was believed to be on Arsenal’s radar in January with the club making initial contact with the player’s agent.
The Gunners are increasing their contact with Benfica and are beginning to talk up a move to North London, according to Record.
And Arsenal are reportedly a few steps ahead of Newcastle and West Ham in the race to sign Nunez.
Both clubs were said to be interested in the Uruguayan in January but were put off by his asking price.
At one point Toon were prepared to pay £50million for the forward but given interest in Nunez is only increasing his asking price is now believed to be in the region of £67m.
Another north London derby postponed
Tomorrow’s clash between Arsenal and Tottenham in the Women’s Super League has been postponed due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Spurs squad.
The announcement follows in the footsteps of the men’s teams, who had their Premier League clash in January called off, and has yet to be arranged.
On that occasion, it was the Gunners that forced the cancellation with their squad depleted due to coronavirus, injuries, suspensions and the African Cup of Nations.
Spurs figureheads were critical of Arsenal on that occasion, but are likely to be more understanding today.
Arsenal’s Tierney opens Scotland account
Kieran Tierney scored his first international goal for Scotland in last night’s 1-1 draw with Poland – and then joked afterwards that it only puts him on an equal balance for his country.
The Arsenal defender headed home John McGinn’s free-kick at Hampden to give Steve Clark’s men a first half lead in Thursday’s friendly.
And after the game, Tierney laughed: “It’s good to get my first goal. That’s one goal and one own-goal for Scotland so that’s me even.
“I was thinking ‘is this onside or offside?’ but that’s just the shock. When do I score a header?”
Proud Martinelli makes Brazil bow
Gabriel Martinelli’s fine season with Arsenal was last night rewarded with a first senior cap for Brazil.
The 20-year-old winger was brought on by head coach Tite in the 76th minute of Selecao’s 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile.
The Gunners forward was introduced into the game alongside fellow Premier League star Richarlison, and joined the likes of Neymar and Thiago Silva on the pitch.
Brazil have already qualified for Qatar 2022 as one of CONMEBOL’s top four teams.
In demand Diaby considering options
Bayer Leverkusen’s hottest property Moussa Diaby is already thinking about his future move – and it could depend on who clinches fourth spot in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old winger, wanted by both Arsenal and Manchester United, has revealed his desire to play in the Champions League.
In a conversation with Le Parisien (via Football.London), the French international admitted: “Obviously, I’m thinking about [my future], but not too much yet. I remain focused on the end of the season. For the moment it is my only concern.
“I want to play all the high level matches. The objective is to qualify with Bayer for the Champions League. I love participating in games with pressure.”
Diaby has scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 35 games for Leverkusen this season, and is expected to cost in the region of £50m.
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica ace Darwin Nunez ahead of Premier League rivals West Ham and Newcastle.
The Prem trio are all keen on recruiting Nunez this summer in a bid to bolster their respective attacks.
But according to Record, the Gunners are in pole position to snag the striker as they are the club out of the interested parties who will most likely be able to offer him Champions League football.
Meanwhile, Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has been omitted from Fenerbahce’s first-team photo.
The Turkish titans declared Ozil’s exclusion on social media earlier today.
However, no explanation was given for the midfield maverick’s omission.
Elsewhere, David Seaman has praised Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka for raising his game and always producing 8/10 performances.
Seaman said: “What I love about Saka is that when he gets the ball, he wants to go forward, he wants to turn and get at the defenders.
“He did that in the summer with England and he’s carried it on and gone to another level. He’s nearly always an 8/10 every game.”
And finally, Buyako Saka has revealed that he’s gutted about having to leave England’s squad due to illness.
He wrote on Twitter: “I am gutted to withdraw from the England camp, but I have tested positive for Covid-19 and I will be isolating until I am negative.
“I’ll be supporting the boys from home this weekend and I can’t wait to be being back doing what I love soon.”
Ben White’s tough rise
Ben White was toughened up for the Premier League with pre-match curries and dressing-room punch-ups.
White smiled when asked about life in Wales with Newport he explained: “I don’t think I ever thought about playing for England back then.
“You’re having a curry for your pre-match meal.
“Everything was totally different from what I knew in the academy.
“In my first game there was a punch-up at half-time — between our own players in our own dressing room.
“It was a bit scary to be fair. I didn’t want to make any mistakes, that’s for sure.”
Lloris praises Saliba
Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris has praised Arsenal star and fellow French team-mate William Saliba.
Lloris said: “What he’s doing at a club like Marseille at 21 years of age, that’s impressive. He’s got this calm strength about him.
“We feel him ready and serene. He’s got the assets to go up another level in his career.
“If the chance presents itself, there’s nothing better for him to play his first game for France at the Vélodrome.”
Saka’s gutted about England exit
Buyako Saka has revealed that he’s gutted about having to leave England’s squad due to illness.
He wrote on Twitter: “I am gutted to withdraw from the England camp, but I have tested positive for Covid-19 and I will be isolating until I am negative.
“I’ll be supporting the boys from home this weekend and I can’t wait to be being back doing what I love soon.”
Winterburn on Tammy Abraham
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn reckons Tammy Abraham would’ve been a perfect signing for Arsenal before he left Chelsea to join Roma.
Speaking to FreeSuperTips, Winterburn said: ‘Back in the summer when he was moving, there was a link with Arsenal, I don’t know how strong, but he fits into the bill of what Arsenal were trying to do.’
‘A young player with huge potential, so my opinion doesn’t change that he would have been a great option for Arsenal.
Saka leaves England squad
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for England after testing positive for COVID-19.
Saka has left the Three Lions’ camp, where he had been isolating since Wednesday, and is now back home.
Manager Gareth Southgate is not expected to call up any replacements for the upcoming international friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
The FA released the following statement: “Bukayo Saka has left the England camp having tested positive for COVID-19.
“The Arsenal player had been isolating from the rest of the squad at St. George’s Park since Wednesday and has now returned home.
“No further replacements are planned with a squad of 24 in place for the forthcoming fixtures against Switzerland, An Alzheimer’s Society International, on Saturday (26 March, 5.30pm kick-off) and Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday (29 March, 7.45pm kick-off) at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.”
Seaman praises Saka
David Seaman has praised Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka for raising his game and always producing 8/10 performances.
Seaman said: “What I love about Saka is that when he gets the ball, he wants to go forward, he wants to turn and get at the defenders.
“He did that in the summer with England and he’s carried it on and gone to another level. He’s nearly always an 8/10 every game.”
Bellerin’s opinion on Ukraine war
Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has slammed global leaders for allegedly prioritising Ukraine’s war with Russia above other global conflicts.
Bellerin said to Marca: “I find it pretty grim seeing how we’ve been so interested in this war, but there were others that we didn’t bother with.
“I don’t know if it’s because it could affect us more economically or in terms of refugees, but the war in Palestine has been silenced and nobody has talked about it.
“It happens in Palestine, Yemen, Iraq… now we’re deciding whether Russia will play in the World Cup or not. In the end these are things that other countries have been doing for many years.
“It is racist to have turned a blind eye to other conflicts and now to have this position.
“It also reflects a lack of empathy for the number of lives lost in many conflicts and we are prioritising those that are near to us.”
Ozil excluded from Fenerbahce’s squad
Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has been omitted from Fenerbahce’s first-team photo.
The Turkish titans declared Ozil’s exclusion on social media earlier today.
Ozil was joined by former Watford loanee Ozan Tufan who was also ousted from Fenerbahce’s first-team.
A statement from the club read: “Our Football A-Team players Mesut Ozil and Ozan Tufan have been excluded from the squad as per the decision taken. It is announced to the public.
However, no reason for the pair’s ruthless expulsion was given.
Arsenal lead Nunez transfer race
Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica ace Darwin Nunez ahead of Premier League rivals West Ham and Newcastle.
The Prem trio are all keen on recruiting Nunez this summer in a bid to bolster their respective attacks.
But according to Record, the Gunners are in pole position to snag the striker as they are the club out of the interested parties who will most likely be able to offer him Champions League football.
Gunners ready for run in
Arsenal players face a crunch month of Premier League football when they return from the international break.
The Gunners have five games during the month of April which are likely to make or break their pursuit of Champions League football.
Within the upcoming fixtures, Arsenal face London derbies at both Crystal Palace and Chelsea, as well a tricky-looking trip to Southampton.
The month ends with the big one as Mikel Arteta’s team welcome top-four rivals Manchester United to the Emirates.
Gooners hit out at football dinosaurs
Arsenal supporters have taken exception to comments made by ESPN pundits Steve Nicol and Alejandro Moreno regarding Bukayo Saka.
Discussing recent calls for the player’s protection, former Liverpool ace Nicol said: “[Saka’s] putting himself in situations where he’s getting caught – and he’s a guy that doesn’t take an awful lot to come off the field because he’s had quite a few knocks.
“If that’s me, my football brain is telling me, ‘don’t put yourself in a situation where you’re going to get caught. Don’t go into a 50-50 with Tyrone Mings because he’s a stone heavier, and he’s going to go through you like a knife through better.'”
Moreno followed up with even more alarming comments: “I’m going to take the side of the defender. He’ll have heard the comments, and he’ll be saying ‘oh, you’re a skilful player, you’re about pace. Don’t worry about it, here I come, and when I get my chance I am going to break you’.
“And when he’s laying on the ground, I’ll say ‘where’s your skill now, buddy? Where’s your speed now?'”
Gunners fans unsurprisingly reacted to the video that surfaced on social media with many referring to the pair as ‘dinosaurs’ for their views.
Saka sits out second session
Bukayo Saka has missed a second England training session with illness, and is now a doubt to feature in Saturday’s friendly against Switzerland.
The in-form Arsenal star trained with The Three Lions on Tuesday after linking up with the squad, but has since been too ill to take part in practices.
Saka has so far tested negative for Covid-19, but has been kept away from his England teammates in case his symptoms are contagious.
Saka will stay with the squad providing he remains free of coronavirus, and could yet be involved for Tuesday’s meeting with Ivory Coast if he recovers.
Ozil in another fine Mes-ut
Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil faces another crossroads in his career after being axed indefinitely from the Fenerbahce squad.
The Turkish club announced this afternoon that the 33-year-old midfielder and his teammate Ozan Tufan has been suspended from the squad with immediate effect. No further reason was given for the decision.
Ex-German international Ozil was Fenerbahce captain for Sunday’s 2-1 win against Konyaspor – but was hauled off at half-time.
The player now faces another spell in the football wilderness with two years still to run on his current deal.
Ozil left the Emirates just over a year ago after Mikel Arteta decided to terminate his contract early.
Arteta nominated for Manager of the Month
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is in contention to be named the Premier League’s Manager of the Month for March after winning three of his side’s four games during the month.
The Gunners beat Watford, Leicester and Aston Villa, and strengthened their grip on fourth spot despite losing to Liverpool.
- Watford 2-3 Arsenal (Mar 6)
- Arsenal 2-0 Leicester (Mar 13)
- Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool (Mar 16)
- Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal (Mar 19)
Other candidates include Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel, Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers and Tottenham’s Antonio Conte.
Arteta has previously won the award on one occasion this season, having led his side off the bottom of table with three consecutive wins in September – including one in the north London derby.
Gunners tracking in-form Nunez
Benfica’s Darwin Nunez is the latest striker to fire himself on to Arsenal’s striker shortlist as Mikel Arteta prepares to bolster his attacking options in the summer.
The Uruguayan hitman has plundered 26 goals in 33 appearances for the Portuguese giants in all competitions this season.
The Gunners continue to pursue other options up front, but Nunez may be considered a cheaper option with his asking price set around £60m.
The Express report that preliminary talks have already taken place between Arsenal officials and Nunez’s representatives.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
