ARSENAL have entered the race to sign Raphinha from Leeds, according to reports.
The Gunners are also keen on Ruben Neves, who is said to be keen on a move to either the Gunners or Manchester United this summer.
Barcelona are also rumoured to be interested but more recent reports suggest they have turned their attention to Bernardo Silva.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal have completed the signing of Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos.
Arsenal have also received a major boost in their pursuit of Gabriel Jesus this summer.
Manchester City’s initial asking price was a reported £55 million, but the Premier League winners have lowered their asking price to £45m.
Elsewhere, Mikel Arteta is desperate to bring some reinforcements to the midfield in the transfer window.
And reports suggest that the Gunners have been monitoring Brighton ace Yves Bissouma’s situation for months.
But Arsenal will only be willing to negotiate a deal should they fail to sign “priority” target Youri Tielemans, who it is claimed they are “confident” of signing.
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Southgate: Saka the perfect son-in-law
Gareth Southgate reckons Bukayo Saka would make the perfect son-in-law, writes CHARLIE WYETT.
Arsenal star Saka, 20, was subjected to vile abuse after missing from the penalty spot in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
But he is a popular character within the England squad.
And Southgate was full of praise for the Gunners talent, saying: “He’s a fabulous kid.
“If your daughter brings Bukayo home, you’d be more than happy!
“His family have been brilliant with him. Here, he felt the love of the players and staff immediately after the Euros.
“That will have helped, in the immediate aftermath for him. He’s a fantastic talent.”
Elba eyeing two signings
Idris Elba wants Arsenal to sign a new striker and midfielder this summer.
Boss Mikel Arteta is expected to dip into the transfer window ahead of a return to European football next season.
And when asked who Elba would sign, he told Sky Sports: “I’m not the guy to answer that if I’m really honest.
“But I would say that if I could pick where I wanted to strengthen I would put some legs up front for sure.
“And I would certainly bolster in the midfield for some creative play.”
Idris Elba: “I am Arteta in”
Actor Idris Elba reckons Arsenal will be successful under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners blew fourth-place in the table to rivals Tottenham after losing two out of their final three games of the season.
But Elba is confident the club are on the right track under the Spaniard.
He told Sky Sports: “Listen I am Arteta in. I trust the process. All processes have kinks, they’re going to have things that fall over.
“But in this case I think our team is getting stronger. It is a young team and the thing about youth is you pick them up, they get back up and they learn from it.
“There’s nothing worse than a team that doesn’t learn from its mistakes and I’m hoping next season they come back with a lot of confidence.”
Arsenal biggest ever transfers
Gabriel Jesus continues to be linked with a switch to Arsenal, and reports suggest any move would be around the £45million mark.
That would make the Brazilian striker Arsenal’s joint-fifth most expensive signing of all time, tying the sum paid for Thomas Partey.
But it’s still almost £30m less than the whopping £72m shelled out on flop winger Nicolas Pepe, who could leave the club in a cut-price deal this summer.
Morata Prem move off the cards
Juventus striker Alvaro Morata will NOT be moving to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.
The 29-year-old former Chelsea frontman has been linked with both Arsenal and Newcastle in recent weeks.
But, according to GOAL, a Prem switch is not an option.
Morata will either head back to parent club Atletico Madrid next season, or continue at Juventus.
The Spaniard has spent the last two seasons on loan at Juve.
Yet another loan switch has been mooted, with Juve reluctant to pay the £30million Atletico want to sell Morata permanently.
Gunners in for Leandro Trossard
Reports in Belgium claim Arsenal are keen on signing Brighton star Leandro Trossard.
The 24-year-old scored eight Premier League goals for the Seagulls last season.
And according to Voetbal, his form has attracted the attention of the Gunners.
Trossard, capped 17 times by Belgium, has spent the last three years on the South Coast after signing from Genk in 2019.
Credit: Reuters Bent names three dream signings
Former Aston Villa striker Darren Bent wants the Gunners to make three statement signings this summer.
He said on talkSPORT: “I’m led to believe it’s quite close [a move for] Gabriel Jesus. I’d like to see him go to Arsenal. I think he would be brilliant.”
Bent then added: “I’d love to see Yves Bissouma from Brighton. I think he’s top-drawer.”
“I love Thomas Partey but again he’s had his injuries and consistency has been a problem. But he’s durable Yves Bissouma so I think I would like to see him through the door.
“And Christian Nkunku from RB Leipzig.”
Arsenal eyeing Giovanni Simeone
The Gunners are keen to add a striker to their ranks this summer, and have been heavily linked with Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus.
But the Brazilian forward isn’t the only name on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist.
Cagliari striker Giovanni Simeone is also a target, according to Tutto Mercato Web.
It’s claimed the Gunners and Juventus could battle it out for Simeone’s signature, after he scored 17 league goals while on loan at Hellas Verona.
Verona have an option to buy the 26-year-old, which they are expected to trigger, before immediately selling him for a hefty profit.
Reports claim the Argentinian forward would cost around £17million.
Credit: EPA Lopes key in Laca switch
Alexandre Lacazette has revealed Lyon star Anthony Lopes has been begging him non-stop to re-join the club for the last SIX MONTHS.
Frenchman Lacazette has officially signed for Lyon on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal.
And nobody will be more delighted than goalkeeper Lopes.
Lacazette said at his unveiling: “There have been a lot of changes since I left.
“The club is progressing well. Antho (Lopes), he has been writing to me every week for six months to find out if I have made my decision.”
Wilshere: “Big chance” Arsenal sign Jesus
Jack Wilshere has said he would “love” Gabriel Jesus to join Arsenal, and reckons the Brazilian star’s relationship with Mikel Arteta will help the Gunners in their bid for his signature.
Jesus spent time working with Arteta when the Spaniard was a first team coach at Manchester City.
And Wilshere told talkSPORT: “He has a year left on his contract? They could get him cheaper if they hold out.
“I’ve done that before [run down my contract] – you get more money that way, it’s a fact.
“That’s why the players do it. I think they will be queuing up [for Jesus].
“I think Arsenal will have a big chance of signing him because of his relationship with his manager. I think Newcastle would go for him. But I would love to see him at Arsenal.”
Arsenal confirm Emirates exits
The Gunners’ retained list for next season was released earlier today.
Five players were listed by the club, including Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
Elsewhere youngsters Jonathan Dinzeyi, Joel Lopez and Jordan McEneff will all depart.
Nketiah though could still end up staying.
The striker is currently in talks with the club over a contract extension after enjoying a prolific spell in the team towards the end of the season.
Forest chasing Maitland-Niles
Newly promoted Nottingham Forest are reportedly keen on a move for Arsenal outcast Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The versatile Maitland-Niles spent the second half of last season on loan at Roma.
And now Forest have made contact with the Gunners regarding a deal for the 24-year-old, according to the Mirror.
Maitland-Niles has just one year left on his Arsenal contract and is keen to play regular first-team football.
The Gunners are open to selling, while Forest are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of a first Premier League campaign since 1998-99.
Credit: Getty Lacazette opens up on Arsenal exit
Alexandre Lacazette has confirmed heading back to Lyon was the “best decision” for him after leaving Arsenal.
Speaking at his unveiling in France, Lacazette said: “Thank you for the welcome and the love shown in recent months.
“My return has become obvious in recent weeks. Even without Europe, the project is important.
“I felt useful in the locker room and on the pitch. It was the best decision to make.
“I took some time to make my decision. Football is a beautiful profession.
“It was complicated to follow OL’s last season from a distance because I couldn’t help.
“I hope this period is over and that we are going to find a great Lyon.
“The priority is above all to help the club return to the top of the bill with European qualification.”
Keown: Arsenal need “A-line striker”
Gunners legend Martin Keown has claimed Arsenal need to bring in a star striker this summer, regardless of whether Eddie Nketiah signs a new deal.
Nketiah is currently in talks with the club over extending his contract.
And while Keown is eager for Nketiah to stay, he also wants more forward reinforcements.
He told talkSPORT: “You have to take players through the ranks. You want them to sign new deals. I’m not sure he’s going to play. In an ideal world, Arsenal will have someone else, an A-line striker, they will bring in.
“Nketiah did really well at the end of last season, but to play every week? Arsenal need to strengthen in that area, you could argue that cost them a Champions League position.
“You saw what their near neighbours did in the transfer market at the same time. It’s always the challenge at the start of every pre-season. Secure the players you want and protect players and get those players signed up first.
“Arsenal will need to do both, of course.”
Update on Gabriel Jesus saga
Arsenal transfer target Gabriel Jesus will “for sure” leave Manchester City this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
And the Italian journalist has revealed Jesus will STAY in the Premier League.
Real Madrid had been linked with a swoop, but the Samba star is not expected to leave the country.
Both Chelsea and Tottenham are thought to be keen on Jesus, as well as the Gunners.
Arsenal still in for Arthur
Arsenal are the only club interested in signing Arthur Melo from Juventus, according to reports.
Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Mikel Arteta’s side are keen to sign the midfielder and will try again this summer.
Juventus may have to consider offloading the midfielder to make way for Paul Pogba, who is expected to re-join on a free transfer from Manchester United.
The Italian giants value Arthur at around £39million, but they have also considered using him in a swap deal for either of Gunners pair Gabriel Magalhaes or Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal are said to be willing to pay £21m for him, without a swap deal included.
But, reports have also suggested that a compromise could be reached at £30m.
Merson: Lukaku’s a bargain Belgian
Paul Merson believes Arsenal are the perfect club to rescue Romelu Lukaku from his Chelsea nightmare.
And the former Gunners star reckons his old team could land the Belgian for a cut-price fee.
“Arsenal should make a cheeky £60m bid for Romelu Lukaku this summer,” Merson said in his column for the Daily Mirror.
“Because if Chelsea are so desperate to let him go that they’re talking about loaning him to Inter Milan, surely they would take the money!
“I know he hasn’t scored a lot of goals this season but Lukaku is an elite goalscorer. Arsenal play great football up to the edge of the box but then it often fizzles out.
“Arsenal go through the lines. They want their striker on the edge of the box. It would suit him.”
Lukaku scored just eight goals in 26 Premier League appearances last season following his £97.5m move back to Stamford Bridge.
Gunners plotting Old Lady revenge
Arsenal were left reeling when Juventus beat them to the signing of Dusan Vlahovic back in January, but they are now preparing for some swift revenge.
Juve are said to have identified Verona centre-forward Giovanni Simeone – son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego – as a potential strike partner for Vlahovic.
However, according to Tuttomercatoweb, the Gunners are now considering swooping for the 26-year-old from under the nose of the Old Lady.
The 26-year-old Simeone bagged 17 goals in 36 Serie A appearances for Verona last term.
Arsenal enter race for Raphinha
Arsenal are the latest club to be considering a bid for Leeds United ace Raphinha, according to The Telegraph.
The Brazilian is widely expected to depart Elland Road this summer with a number of of European giants linked to the 25-year-old.
Barcelona had been considered favourites to land the forward, but their financial constraints may make it difficult to finalise a deal – and now the Gunners are hoping to take advantage.
The Londoners will make an attractive offer for Raphinha, supplemented by the sale of record signing Nicolas Pepe.
Rivaldo: Richarlison should join Arsenal
Brazilian legend Rivaldo believes that a move to Arsenal would be perfect for his compatriot Richarlison.
The Everton forward has been linked with the Emirates after his exploits in helping the Toffees beat the drop last season.
And Rivaldo feels it could be a signing that suits Mikel Arteta’s team too.
Speaking in his role as Betfair Ambassador, the former Barcelona star said: “This could be a big summer for Richarlison.
“He looks set to leave Everton, with several big clubs interested, and Arsenal looks a good option for the forward.
“The Gunners have Edu as their director and, after working with Tite until 2019, the ex-Arsenal midfielder knows Richarlison very well from the Brazilian national team.
“Joining a club that fights near the top of the Premier League could be important for Richarlison, after a tough season with Everton, in which he was crucial to saving the club from relegation.
“If he gets a big move, he will have a better chance of becoming a first choice forward for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar.”
Gunners confirm Nketiah contract offer
Arsenal have included Eddie Nketiah among the list of players whose contracts are due to expire this month as the Premier League prepare to announce their free transfer list.
However, the Gunners are keen to point out that a new deal has been offered to the striker, and discussions are ongoing.
In a statement on the club’s website, Arsenal said “Please note, any further developments regarding players extending their contracts; joining/re-joining us; or leaving us will be officially communicated as soon as they are confirmed.”
Gnabry and Zinchenko off table
The cost of missing out on Champions League football continues to haunt Arsenal as Mikel Arteta prepares for next season.
Two ambitious transfer targets are now understood to be off with the Gunners unable to finance the moves they had hoped to when the top four was within reach.
Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry had been linked with a return to the Emirates, having previously spoken about unfinished business with the Londoners, but The Athletic now report that deal as being extremely unlikely.
And they also understand that there will be no swoop for Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Ukrainian ace was being considered by the club, but any move would require the bulk of Arsenal’s transfer budget.
Gunners hoping to do Botman
The Express reports that Arsenal are plotting a late raid for Sven Botman – just as the Lille centre-back was on the brink of finally joining Newcastle.
The Toon Army missed out on Botman in January, but had returned to the negotiation table since the end of the Premier League season.
However, with William Saliba stalling on a new deal, and Gabriel linked with a move to Italy, the Gunners are considering defensive reinforcements.
Arsenal and Newcastle have become something of rivals in the transfer market since the St James’ Park club beat the Londoners to Brazilian Bruno Guiamaraes earlier this year.
Dutch defender Botman has impressed during his two seasons in France, and has previously been a target for Tottenham.
Morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal are battling London rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners are claimed to be leading the race to prise the Brazilian away from the Etihad this summer.
But they face competition from the Blues, with Thomas Tuchel said to be a huge admirer of the ex-Palmeiras ace.
German reporter Christian Falk tweeted: “Thomas Tuchel would also like to work with striker Gabriel Jesus.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been told how much it would take to sign Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Gunners have already failed with an initial £27million bid rising to £34m with add-ons.
And it has been said that the Serie A outfit would be willing to cash in on the 23-year-old this summer.
The Italian news outlet states that Arsenal can secure the services of the centre-forward should they stump up £42.5m.
In other news, Arsenal will reportedly offer William Saliba a new contract with the defender tied down at the Emirates until 2024.
That is despite the Frenchman yet to feature for the Gunners since joining from Saint-Etienne in 2019.
Saliba is expected to battle for a starting spot next term with Ben White and Gabriel Magelhaes.
And according to L’Equipe, such is their desire to keep the youngster, Arsenal will hand him fresh terms to convince him he has a future in North London.
Finally, Alexandre Lacazette has sealed his emotional return to Lyon after being released by the Gunners.
The French centre-forward has penned a three-year deal back at his former employers.
Could he be the Man?
Arsenal and Man Utd have joined Newcastle in the race to sign Lille centre-back Sven Botman.
That is according to Italian news outlet La Repubblica.
It had been thought that the Magpies were in competition with AC Milan in the hunt to snap up Botman.
But it has now been said that both the Gunners and the Red Devils have made enquiries for the Lille defender.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
