ARSENAL have been dealt a transfer blow as Bologna full-back Aaron Hickey has decided to join Brentford instead.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are starting to become impatient as they still await Gabriel Jesus’ imminent announcement.
However, the Brazilian was spotted doing a photoshoot at the Emirates where he was wearing the number nine shirt which shows signs that there is nothing to worry about.
But reports suggest that Arsenal are now ‘monitoring’ Serge Gnabry’s contractual situation at Bayern Munich.
And the North London outfit remain optimistic on their chances of signing Lisandro Martinez despite the Ajax ace ‘hoping’ for a Manchester United move.
IN: Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner
OUT: Alexandre Lacazette (released)
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
Raphinha blocks Chelsea
Leeds star and Arsenal transfer target Raphinha has asked his agent to block any further advances from Chelsea.
According to Sport, the Brazil international is not keen on moving to the Blues and is prepared to wait for Barca.
The winger has asked his representative Deco to “stop’ negotiations with Chelsea in order to ‘prioritise” a move to the Nou Camp.
Stamford Bridge chiefs have been left flummoxed by the 25-year-old’s stance against joining them as they did not expect him to turn them down
Arsenal 5-1 Ipswich Town
Arsenal thrashed Ipswich Town with a comfortable 5-1 win in a behind-closed-doors friendly at London Colney.
Eddie Nketiah stood out for the Gunners as he scored a hat-trick in his bid to prove manager Mikel Arteta he should run the attack after Gabriel Jesus’ arrival.
Nketiah didn’t stop there as he also assisted Albert Sambi Lokonga’s goal.
Folarin Balogun sealed the North Londoners’ triumph in the second half
A look at Arsenal’s new signings in USA pre-season tour
New signing Fabio Vieira now faces a race against time to prepare for the Gunners’ upcoming pre-season tour in the United States, starting July 16.
All of Arsenal’s new signings are expected to make their club debut’s before the season starts next month.
Arteta has already confirmed that 19-year-old Marquinhos will be given his chance to shine following his £3m transfer from Sao Paulo.
Matt Turner is also set to appear between the sticks upon his return to America.
And new No9 Gabriel Jesus is expected to alternate with Eddie Nketiah in attack.
Arsenal target Hickey set to join Brentford
Arsenal have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Aaron Hickey with the Bologna left-back set to join Brentford in a £14million deal.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer with Mikel Arteta keen to bring in a back-up for Kieran Tierney.
But they have always been in competition with the Bees in the race to secure the services of the Scotland international.
And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the West London outfit could announce the signing of the defender next week after his medical.
He tweeted: “Brentford are set to sign Aaron Hickey on permanent deal.
“Scottish talented fullback will join for £14m plus add-ons to Bologna. Five-year deal agreed… and here we go.
“Hickey will travel to England next week in order to undergo medical tests and sign.”
Ben White is ‘overrated’, says Agbonlahor
Arsenal’s defence has been blasted by Gabby Agbonlahor who reckons Ben White is over-rated.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “Arsenal’s defence is nowhere near good enough to get top-four.
“For me, Ben White is very overrated, I watched him against Newcastle towards the end of the season and he was absolutely dreadful.
“He lacks pace, he lacks aggression. Yes, he’s good on the ball but he’s not a defensive midfielder, he’s a centre-half.”
Highest-paid player at every Premier League club
Mohamed Salah’s new contract at Liverpool has doubled his wages, making him one of the highest earning Premier League players.
The new deal, which was announced on Friday, ended months of speculation regarding the forward’s future, with his previous deal due to expire in the summer of 2023.
His new £400,000 deal makes him the Premier League’s joint-second highest paid player.
How do you feel about your club’s highest paid player?
Thomas Partey is on £200k-a-week. Great when he isn’t injured…
Parlour makes Martinez wish
Ray Parlour has admitted that he wants Arsenal to sign Lisandro Martinez.
He said to talkSPORT: “I know they are in for him from Ajax. I am looking down the spine of the team and I think that’s where they might strengthen.
“As you mentioned, Tielemans is a really good ball-player. They have got Partey, who had his injury problems last season.
“He missed quite a lot of games. You have got Lokonga, who is going to get better and he’s still young.
“But I think that’s the area. Xhaka is getting that little bit older. I think that’s the area they really need to look at.
“Get balls through the line and Tielemans would be ideal. Let’s hope, with my Arsenal hat on, they can somehow get him over the line, and in the ideal world, get everyone signed up by the pre-season tour.”
But Gunners still in the hunt for Argentina star
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insists Arsenal are “still there” when it comes to signing Lisandro Martinez.
In a boost to the Gunners, the Ajax player wants to join the Premierl League.
Romano tweeted: “Manchester United official proposal for Lisandro Martinez, better than Arsenal’s one but not enough yet. Arsenal are still there.
“Man United also pushing to agree on personal terms with Lisandro – ten Hag, key factor.
“Lisandro will ask Ajax to leave, as he wants PL move.”
Man Utd ‘make £39m offer’ for Arsenal target Martinez
Manchester United have reportedly made a £39.6 million offer for Lisandro Martinez as they look to hijack the transfer from rivals Arsenal.
The Ajax defender is in hot demand and some of the biggest Premier League clubs are set to scrap over him.
The Gunners have already seen their £34m for Argentine defender rejected, leaving the door open for Erik ten Hag to raid his former club.
The Mirror report the Red Devils have lodged a £39m bid, which falls close to the Dutch club’s £43m evaluation.
Ten Hag has identified the defender as United look to fix their leaky defence.
Arsenal ‘should sign’ Tielemens, says Nicol
It’s shocking Arsenal haven’t made a formal move for Leicester ace Youri Tielemans, according to Steve Nicol.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: “I am surprised someone like Arsenal haven’t gone in to sign Tielemens.
“I think Arsenal should have gone and signed this guy.
“Granit Xhaka is a good Premier League player, but I don’t think he is good enough to push Arsenal into the top four or certainly challenge for any major competition.
“I think Tielemans and Thomas Partey would be a great partnership in the middle of the park.
“So, I am surprised there hasn’t been more talk of Tielemans, especially from an Arsenal point of view.”
Pride In London
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and his players have surprised Arsenal’s LGBT+ supporters group ahead of the Pride In London march today.
Rob Holding signed autographs and posed for photos with the group and the club tweeted their support.
Guen-done-zi
Matteo Guendouzi has completed his permanent switch to Marseille from Arsenal following his stunning loan spell last season.
But he will be playing for a new manager after Argentine boss Jorge Sampaoli sensationally quit at the Stade Velodrome.
Guendouzi enjoyed a brilliant 2021-22 campaign with the French side as he helped the club finish second in Ligue 1.
He proved to be a key player under Sampaoli where he chipped in with five goals and 14 assists in 56 games in all competitions.
Marseille are understood to have paid around £9million to turn his temporary stay into a permanent switch.
A look at Arsenal’s new signings in USA pre-season tour
New signing Fabio Vieira now faces a race against time to prepare for the Gunners’ upcoming pre-season tour in the United States, starting July 16.
All of Arsenal’s new signings are expected to make their club debut’s before the season starts next month.
Arteta has already confirmed that 19-year-old Marquinhos will be given his chance to shine following his £3m transfer from Sao Paulo.
Matt Turner is also set to appear between the sticks upon his return to America.
And new No9 Gabriel Jesus is expected to alternate with Eddie Nketiah in attack.
Vieira spotted in foot brace
Arsenal new boy Fabio Vieira has picked up an injury BEFORE the club’s pre-season tour.
Vieira, 22, joined the North London side last month in a deal worth £34million.
Upon his arrival, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed him as a “special” player that is set to bolster his team’s attack.
However, the midfielder has already hit a stumbling block before even putting on the red shirt.
A picture posted on Instagram clearly shows his left ankle in a protective boot, indicating that he has already sustained an injury.
According to football journalist James Benge, it is just a minor foot issue and he will face a race to be fit for the USA pre-season tour.
Stay tuned
Gabriel Jesus was spotted wearing his new Arsenal kit yesterday and walking around the Emirates in a video leaked online earlier this week.
The clip shows the Brazil international, with what appears to be the club’s media team, while dressed in the full kit.
The 25-year-old was wearing the No9 shirt – possibly bringing the guessing game over his new number to an end.
Fans are waiting for the official announcement of Jesus’ move to the Gunners from Manchester City and the video suggests it is imminent.
Arsenal send Nikolaj Moller back on loan
Arsenal starlet Nikolaj Moller has returned to Dutch outfit FC Den Bosch on loan after his spell last season.
The 19-year-old striker spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign with the second division side.
And Arsenal have decided to send the Sweden youth international back on loan to the club to continue his development.
A statement from the Gunners read: “We wish Nikolaj all the best at FC Den Bosch and look forward to seeing his development in the upcoming season.”
Ben White is ‘overrated’, says Agbonlahor
Arsenal’s defence has been blasted by Gabby Agbonlahor who reckons Ben White is over-rated.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “Arsenal’s defence is nowhere near good enough to get top-four.
“For me, Ben White is very overrated, I watched him against Newcastle towards the end of the season and he was absolutely dreadful.
“He lacks pace, he lacks aggression. Yes, he’s good on the ball but he’s not a defensive midfielder, he’s a centre-half.”
Good morning Arsenal fans
Fabio Vieira has picked up an injury BEFORE the club’s pre-season tour.
Vieira, 22, joined the North London side last month in a deal worth £34million.
But the midfielder has already hit a stumbling block before even putting on the red shirt.
A picture posted on Instagram clearly shows his left ankle in a protective boot, indicating that he has already sustained an injury.
But according to football journalist James Benge, it is just a minor foot issue.
Arteta has already confirmed that 19-year-old Marquinhos will be given his chance to shine following his £3m transfer from Sao Paulo.
Matt Turner is also set to appear between the sticks upon his return to America.
And new No9 Gabriel Jesus is expected to alternate with Eddie Nketiah in attack.
But Matteo Guendouzi has completed his permanent switch to Marseille from Arsenal following his stunning loan spell last season.
Tielemans ‘should play for Arsenal’
It’s shocking Arsenal haven’t made a formal move for Leicester ace Youri Tielemans, according to Steve Nicol.
Nicol reckons Tielemans has outgrown the Foxes, and would make a ideal midfield partnership with Gunners star Thomas Partey in the place of Granit Xhaka.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: “I am surprised someone like Arsenal haven’t gone in to sign him. I think he ends up staying at Leicester City. I think he’s better than Leicester, to be honest.
“I think Arsenal should have gone and signed this guy. Granit Xhaka is a good Premier League player, but I don’t think he is good enough to push Arsenal into the top four or certainly challenge for any major competition.
“I think Tielemans and Thomas Partey would be a great partnership in the middle of the park. So, I am surprised there hasn’t been more talk of Tielemans, especially from an Arsenal point of view.”
Man United will hope Arsenal don’t take heed of Nicol’s advice as they also want the Belgium international.
Nou development
Barcelona are odds-on favourites to sign Leeds winger Raphinha.
That’s according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who’ve priced the Spanish heavyweights at 1/2 to clinch the Brazilian’s signature.
Chelsea looked certain to secure his services having agreed a £55m deal plus add-ons with Leeds.
But he’s now drifted out to 13/8 to arrive at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.
A stay at Leeds is available at 18/1, with Arsenal and Newcastle offered at 20/1 and 25/1 respectively.
Manchester United are major outsiders, coming in at 40/1.
Parlour makes Martinez wish
Ray Parlour has admitted that he wants Arsenal to sign Lisandro Martinez.
He said to talkSPORT: “I know they are in for him from Ajax. I am looking down the spine of the team and I think that’s where they might strengthen.
“As you mentioned, Tielemans is a really good ball-player. They have got [Thomas] Partey, who had his injury problems last season.
“He missed quite a lot of games. You have got [Albert Sambi] Lokonga, who is going to get better and he’s still young.
“But I think that’s the area. [Granit] Xhaka is getting that little bit older. I think that’s the area they really need to look at.
“Get balls through the line and Tielemans would be ideal. Let’s hope, with my Arsenal hat on, they can somehow get him over the line, and in the ideal world, get everyone signed up by the (pre-season) tour.”
Gunner be interesting
New signing Fabio Vieira now faces a race against time to prepare for the Gunners’ upcoming pre-season tour in the United States.
All of Arsenal’s new signings are expected to make their club debut’s before the season starts next month.
Arteta has already confirmed that 19-year-old Marquinhos will be given his chance to shine following his £3m transfer from Sao Paulo.
Matt Turner is also set to appear between the sticks upon his return to America.
And new No.9 Gabriel Jesus is expected to alternate with Eddie Nketiah in attack.
Credit: Getty Not so fab
Arsenal new boy Fabio Vieira has picked up an injury BEFORE the club’s pre-season tour.
Vieira, 22, joined the North London side last month in a deal worth £34million.
Upon his arrival, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed him as a “special” player that is set to bolster his team’s attack.
He said: “I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent.
“Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play.”
However, the midfielder has already hit a stumbling block before even putting on the red shirt.
A picture posted on Instagram clearly shows his left ankle in a protective boot, indicating that he has already sustained an injury.
But according to football journalist James Benge, it is just a minor foot issue.
Prem king
Man City and Liverpool are favourites to be crowned 2022-23 Premier League champions.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who are predicting another two-horse race with Pep Guardiola’s Citizens available at 8/13 and Liverpool at 12/5.
Liverpool, who start against promoted Fulham, are next at 12/5 having missed out by a single point last term.
Tottenham are now considered third-favourites at 14/1 after a flurry of incomings.
Antonio Conte’s side have signed Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster to join Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, who arrived in January.
They are ahead of London rivals Chelsea (16/1) who have seen Romelu Lukaku, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leave the club. The futures of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are also in doubt, while Barcelona are now favourites to sign Raphinha.
Manchester United are 25/1 to clinch the title during Erik ten Hag’s debut campaign, ahead of Arsenal (40/1) and Newcastle (100/1).
On the Lis-t
Man Utd are trying to reach an agreement with Ajax for Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez.
Meanwhile, United’s proposed offer to Tyrell Malacia includes a four-year contract with the option of a 5th.
And according to The Athletic, his medical may happen this weekend.
Credit: Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
