ARSENAL have AGREED a deal in principle with Man City for Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.
A fee of £45m will reportedly be paid to bring the Brazilian to North London.
And the Gunners’ spending is not set to stop there, with claims that the club are more than happy to meet Ajax’s £42m valuation of centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
SunSport can also reveal that Arsenal are in advanced talks with Leeds winger Raphinha.
However, Marseille are set to launch a £26million bid to sign Arsenal defender William Saliba, according to reports.
Saliba impressed on loan at Stade Velodrome last season, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side finish second in Ligue 1
Should the Gunners acquire all their summer targets, here is how their team could look next season.
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Spurs fan ‘nervous’ about Jesus
Tottenham fan and pundit Darren Ambrose is worried about Arsenal’s pursuit of Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners are likely to sign the Brazilian imminently, with Ambrose not happy about the move from a Spurs perspective.
He told talkSPORT: “Good business all round. He has a point to prove. Being a Spurs supporter, a couple of weeks ago, I am, of course, delighted with the signings Spurs are making and the players we are being linked to.
“But Arsenal seem to be making moves now. If this gets over the line, then he’s going with a point to prove. I say that a bit tongue-and-cheek really.
“He has come from Manchester City and has won an abundance of trophies there. He just won the Premier League title and he has played a key role.
“But they have brought in Erling Haaland, he couldn’t really get in as a number nine anyway, they played without a number nine, so it’s a good deal for Manchester City for £45 million and I think it’s a fantastic signing for Arsenal.
“I think he will do very well, Gabriel Jesus. He is a goalscorer and I think with a point to prove, it’s a great signing and, as a Spurs supporter, I am nervous.”
Wouldn’t Nket in the team
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has claimed Eddie Nketiah wouldn’t even get in the FULHAM team.
The Gunners recently tied the 23-year-old down to a new five-year deal as his contract was set to expire at the end of the month.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Merse said: “All Arsenal have got up front right now is Eddie Nketiah, who recently signed a new contract when it looked like he might leave.
“And no disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four. Absolutely no chance. That’s a fact.
“Nketiah can’t be spearheading your Champions League push. He’s not getting in ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at Everton and they almost got relegated.
“He’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted.
“I’m not having a go at him but he’s not getting you top four.”
Arsenal receive double boost
Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney have given Arsenal a huge boost with the pair claimed to be fit for pre-season training.
The Gunners pair both picked up knocks in early April, which saw them miss the last nine and ten Premier League games respectively.
Their absence proved to be crucial for Mikel Arteta as the North London outfit narrowly missed out on securing Champions League football.
But the duo are claimed to be fit in time for pre-season training, with first team players due back at London Colney on Monday.
According to Goal’s Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts, the pair have recovered well from injury, though it is Partey that is further ahead in terms of fitness.
Saliba ‘has positive contract talks’
William Saliba has reportedly held “positive” contract talks at Arsenal as the club look to tie him down to a long-term deal.
The 21-year-old looks finally set to be a part of the Gunners squad three years after joining from Saint-Etienne for £27million.
Boss Mikel Arteta said last month the France international will be integrated into his team following his impressive loan at Marseille.
His stunning form helped the Stade Velodrome outfit finish second in the table, with his performances earning him the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award.
Marseille are keen to turn his temporary stay into a permanent switch amid claims the club are poised to submit a £26m bid.
But the North London giants will refuse to part ways with the youngster, with Saliba to challenge Ben White and Gabriel Magaelhaes for a starting spot.
Raphinha ‘delays transfer decision’
Raphinha will wait a few days before making a decision on his future.
Arsenal are in pole position to sign the Leeds ace.
But he’s holding out to see if Barcelona make an offer for him, according to Actu Football.
The report adds that Barca will only make a bid for Raphinha if Ousmane Dembele leaves the club, with Chelsea favourites to land the winger.
Gabriel Jesus fear revealed
Gabriel Jesus will do very well at Arsenal as he’s a goalscorer with a point to prove.
That’s the opinion of ex-Premier League star Darren Ambrose.
And the Spurs fan admitted he’s nervous about Jesus’ imminent arrival at The Emirates.
Ambrose told talkSPORT: “I think he will do very well, Gabriel Jesus.
“He is a goalscorer and I think with a point to prove, it’s a great signing and, as a Spurs supporter, I am nervous.”
Ballard to Burnley falls through
Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard’s move to Burnley has fallen apart at the last hurdle.
Ballard was set to join Vincent Kompany’s side after completing a medical.
But Ballard will remain at Arsenal as he failed to agree personal terms with Burnley, according to The Athletic.
Leeds given dire warning
Leeds will get relegated if they don’t invest the money they receive for Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.
Raphinha is set to join Arsenal, and Phillip has completed a move to Man City.
And if Leeds don’t replace the duo, they won’t survive in the Prem next season.
That’s according to Gabby Agbonlahor, who tweeted: “Kalvin Phillips to city, Raphina to arsenal.
“Leeds need to invest that money wisely or they will be relegation favourites for sure.”
Real Madrid track Kimpembe
Real Madrid are reportedly tracking PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe.
Kimpembe is said to be frustrated with the French giants for not handing him a new contract.
And Real are waiting in the wings to snap him up, according to Defensa Central.
Chelsea and Arsenal were linked with Kimpembe in the past.
Inter ‘make push for Bremer’
Inter Milan will reportedly meet with Torino next week in order to try and buy in demand defender Gleison Bremer.
Bremer’s been courted by several Prem sides including Chelsea, Man United, Tottenham, and Arsenal.
However, Inter are moving ahead to try and seal his signature, according to Tuttosport.
The publication claims Inter CEO Beppe Marotta is set to jet to Torino to negotiate with their Serie A counterparts over Bremer.
Leeds ‘want Raphinha bidding war’
Leeds are looking to spark a bidding war for Raphinha, according to reports.
Arsenal had an initial bid for the midfielder turned down last week,
And football reporter Ryan Taylor reckons the Whites rejected Arsenal’s offer to whip up interest in the Brazilian.
He told Give Me Sport: “When I spoke to a contact on Monday to try and find out about the interest, I was told that Arsenal are interested but that the kind of feeling is Leeds are looking to encourage a bidding war.
“And Deco is also in the mix in driving up that sort of speculation. Arsenal are keen, but as of Monday, there was no significant developments. Obviously, that changed with the bid on Tuesday.”
Man United are also interested in Raphinha.
Nketiah gets slammed by Merson
Paul Merson has told Arsenal to sign a new striker as Eddie Nketiah isn’t good enough to fire them into the Champions League.
Merson vented to the Daily Star: “All Arsenal have got up front right now is Eddie Nketiah, who recently signed a new contract when it looked like he might leave.
“And no disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four. Absolutely no chance. That’s a fact.
“Nketiah can’t be spearheading your Champions League push. He’s not getting in ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at Everton and they almost got relegated.
“He’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandr Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted. I’m not having a go at him but he’s not getting you top four.”
Tielemans to Arsenal ‘off’
Arsenal have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Leicester ace Youri Tielemans, reports claim.
That’s according to Express journalist Ryan Taylor who said to Give Me Sport: “It’s an interesting one. The information I had was similar to others, that it’s been pulled.
“I was told not to write about Tielemans anymore with Arsenal and that it was very much agent-driven and has never been as close as has been suggested.
“Which is strange because all signs were kind of pointing towards Tielemans happening with Jesus in the past few weeks.”
Liverpool issued Raphinha plea
Stan Collymore wants Liverpool to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit for Raphinha.
Collymore said to Sunday People: “My message to Liverpool is, ‘Go on, get in there and get him, and future proof for the prospect of Salah leaving in a year.
“With Arsenal, he would go there and carry on in the same vein as he plays at Leeds, where I don’t think he is as tactically aware as I’d like him to be, a lot of what he does is off the cuff.
“If Jurgen Klopp can show the boy how to play with more tactical discipline, the Reds will have one hell of a potential threat down the left or right with a promise of goals if he stays high up the pitch rather than drifting.”
Ten Hag advantage for United
Erik ten Hag gives Man United a major advantage in their pursuit of Ajax players such as Anthony and Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez.
Ten Hag worked with the duo while managing Ajax, and football reporter Peter O’Rourke reckons this puts United in pole position above their rivals in negotiations.
O’Rourke told Give Me Sport: “I think it’s a big advantage for Manchester United in their pursuit of these Ajax players because they know ten Hag and know how he works.
“They all, obviously, seemingly enjoyed working under him at Ajax as well.
“I think it gives United an extra advantage in their pursuit of these players from Ajax, the opportunity to work with Erik ten Hag again.”
Prem giants ‘met Martinez’s representatives’
Both Man United and Arsenal are reportedly ramping up their pursuit of Ajax ace Lisandro Martinez.
The Prem giants are locked in a battle for his signature.
And representatives from both clubs met with Martinez’s camp in the week over a possible transfer, the Sunday Mirror claim.
Although the Gunners are said to be winning the race for his signature despite having their first bid rejected, the report adds.
Liverpool get Saka advice
Now’s the perfect time for Liverpool to make a move for Bukayo Saka, according to ex-Red Jose Enrique.
Enrique reckons the Reds may never get a better opportunity to snag the England international as the Gunners chase Leeds ace Raphinha.
Enrique said in a Twitter exchange: “He is a great player but if I’m not wrong Saka is in one or two years left ?
“Now that it looks that they are going to sign Raphinha maybe is the best moment to go for him.”
Double signing will complete Arsenal
Mikel Arteta will have a great Arsenal squad next season if the club bring in Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha.
That’s according to footy pundit Darren Ambrose who’s been impressed with Arteta’s transfer nous this summer.
He told talkSPORT: “I think it’s great for Arteta. He’s now building a squad, his own squad, a big squad. He seems to be the only manager that realises there’ll be five substitutes next season.
“If they can get those two signings across the line, Jesus and Raphinha, they’re fantastic signings.”
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal will step up their efforts to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha after agreeing a £45million transfer fee for the signing of Man City forward Gabriel Jesus.
The winger, 25, has two years left on his deal at Elland Road but has told Leeds that he will not be agreeing new terms.
Arsenal have seen one approach rejected already this summer but are ready to return with an improved offer with talks over a deal said to be at an advanced stage.
The Gunners have also opened fresh negotiations with Ajax over the transfer of 24-year-old Lisandro Martinez.
It has been reported the Dutch Champions have already rejected a £25million bid from Arsenal and are holding out for a fee closer to their £43million asking price.
In terms of potential outgoings, reports from RMC have indicated Marseille will test Arsenal’s resolve in keeping William Saliba with a £26million bid.
Saliba impressed on loan at Stade Velodrome last season, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side finish second in Ligue 1, but the Gunners would like to finally integrate the centre-back into their first-team set up.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson criticised Hale End graduate Eddie Nketiah, declaring that he wasn’t good enough to lead a Champions League push.
He said: “No disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four. Absolutely no chance.
“He’s not getting in ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at Everton and he’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted.”
Merson blasts Nketiah deal
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has claimed Eddie Nketiah wouldn’t even get in the FULHAM team.
Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “All Arsenal have got up front right now is Eddie Nketiah, who recently signed a new contract when it looked like he might leave.
“And no disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four. Absolutely no chance. That’s a fact.
“He’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted.
“I’m not having a go at him but he’s not getting you top four.”
Lisandro Martinez to Arsenal latest
Arsenal have reportedly had a £25million transfer offer for Lisandro Martinez rejected by Ajax.
Ajax are holding out for a fee closer to £43million for the 24-year-old
He is also a target for Premier League rivals Man United as Erik ten Hag identifies him as an alternative to Jurrien Timber after snubbing a switch following talks with Holland gaffer Louis van Gaal.
Raphinha to Arsenal boost
Arsenal have been handed a boost over their Raphinha pursuit as reports suggest Leeds are lining up his replacement.
Club Bruges’ Charles de Ketelaere has been reportedly identified as the man are targeting if Raphinha goes.
The 21-year-old attacker can operate in false nine or secondary striker roles and Leeds will be hoping he brings the sparkle that Raphinha regularly gave the side.
The Athletic report the highly-rated Belgian international is also attracting interest from AC Milan, who can offer Champions League football.
Arsenal in Asensio blow
AC Milan will turn to Arsenal target Marco Asensio after missing out Lille star Sven Botman, reports claim.
Botman’s on the verge of completing a transfer to Newcastle.
And Milan now want Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder Asensio to provide them with extra oomph upfront next season, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The report states Real want around €30m for the Spanish forward, who’s also seeking €6m in yearly wages.
£26m Saliba bid latest
Marseille are set to launch a £26million bid to sign Arsenal defender William Saliba, according to reports.
Saliba impressed on loan at Stade Velodrome last season, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side finish second in Ligue 1.
According to RMC, Sampaoli’s side are willing to pay £26m to sign Saliba permanently.
Arsenal legend Merson berates Nketiah
Paul Merson has called the quality of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah into doubt, declaring he should not be spearheading Arsenal’s top four push.
Merson told the Daily Star: “no disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four.
“Nketiah can’t be spearheading your Champions League push. He’s not getting in ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at Everton and they almost got relegated.
“He’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandr Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted. I’m not having a go at him but he’s not getting you top four.”
Nketiah, 23, has recently signed a new deal with The Gunners worth £100k per week after netting five goals in the final seven games of the season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
