ARSENAL have been given a boost in their hunt for Lisandro Martinez with talks confirmed for next week, according to reports.
The Athletic have reported Gunners chiefs will meet with Ajax shortly with Manchester United also interested.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are starting to become impatient as they still await Gabriel Jesus’ imminent announcement.
But there have been leaked pictures of Jesus in the No 9 shirt at the Emirates to allay fears.
And the club returned to pre-season action today, Eddie Nketiah scoring a hat-trick in a 5-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Ipswich.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
Rich Arsenal statement
Tottenham star signing Richarlison has delighted the club’s fans after he immediately looked to rile Arsenal supporters with a “s***house” Instagram post.
Almost immediately after his big-money move was confirmed, the forward took to his Instagram story to share an old picture of him playing for Everton against his new local rivals.
In the image, Dani Ceballos is laying on the ground injured with Richarlison squaring up to Hector Bellerin.
Though Arsenal fans will have the last laugh from that picture as the Brazil international ended up on the losing side from the match
Credit: Instagram / @richarlison Serge Gnabry exclusive
Bayern Munich star and Arsenal transfer target Serge Gnabry is a shock name on the transfer radar of both Manchester clubs, according to SunSport’s Phil Thomas.
And Gnabry will leap to the top of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s hit list if Raheem Sterling does leave the Premier League champions for Chelsea in the summer.
The winger has turned down a new deal with Bayern worth just over £200,000 a week.
The German champions are keen to keep the former Gunners ace who has just 12 months left on his current deal.
But the Bavarians will be open to a sale if they cannot reach an agreement with the Germany international.
If the 26-year-old shows no sign of putting pen to paper in the current window, Bayern would be prepared to cash in for around £35million, as it is their last chance to demand a decent fee
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Work of Art
Juventus are hoping that Arsenal make another offer to sign Arthur Melo this summer.
Arthur was heavily linked with a move to the Gunners throughout January but a deal never materialised.
However, the North Londoners are still said to be considering a swoop with Juve pushing for a sale.
According to Calciomercato, the Bianconeri are desperate for Arsenal to make another bid.
Juventus chiefs are eager to offload the Brazil international’s £4.3million-a-year wages before the start of the season, whether that be through a loan deal or a permanent transfer.
But Arsenal have already signed a new midfielder this summer, so they could be reluctant to place a suitable offer after Fabio Vieira’s arrival
Jesus video leaks
Gabriel Jesus’ Arsenal shirt number has been revealed in a leaked clip of him at the Emirates.
Footage shows Jesus walking around his new ground in the Gunners shirt with the No9 on his back.
The leaked video appears to show the centre-forward with the club’s media team preparing for the unveiling of the signing.
Arsenal fans are now waiting for the official announcement but the deal seems completed
Friendly victory reminder
Arsenal thrashed Ipswich Town with a 5-1 win in a behind-closed-doors friendly at London Colney on Saturday.
Eddie Nketiah stood out for the Gunners as he netted a hat-trick in his bid to prove manager Mikel Arteta he should run the attack after the signing of Gabriel Jesus.
Nketiah didn’t stop there, however, as he also assisted Albert Sambi Lokonga’s goal.
And it was Folarin Balogun who sealed the North Londoners’ victory in the second half
Arsenal battle Man Utd
Manchester United have made a £39.6million offer for Ajax star Lisandro Martinez as they look to hijack the transfer from Arsenal.
The Gunners have already seen their £34m bid for Martinez rejected, leaving the door open for United manager Erik ten Hag to raid his former club.
According to The Mirror, the Red Devils have lodged a £39m offer, which falls closer to the Dutch giants’ £43m evaluation.
They add that the Manchester giants have told the AMsterdam giants they will splash £35.3m up front with a package of add-ons worth a further £4.3m
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Clubs battle for Hector Bellerin
Villarreal have joined the race to sign Hector Bellerin, according to Tuttojuve.
The right-back had a successful loan spell at Real Betis last season but the La Liga club cannot afford to sign Bellerin on a permanent basis.
But with Arsenal open to offers Villarreal are ready to make a move, along with Juventus.
Arsenal struggling to offload Pepe
Arsenal may have been handed a potential problem in sealing a transfer exit for winger Nicolas Pepe this summer, according to reports.
The Ivory Coast international has struggled since making the £72million switch to the Emirates.
But a permanent move away for Pepe is looking unlikely according to the Press Association, as the player’s £140,000-a-week salary is proving to be a problem for potential interested parties.
Other reports claim Arsenal have put too high of an asking price on the winger which may mean a loan move is more likely amid interest from La Liga clubs.
Juventus pushing for Arthur sale
Juventus are hoping that Arsenal make another offer to sign Arthur Melo this summer, according to reports.
The midfielder, 25, was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates throughout January, but a deal never materialised.
However, the Gunners are still said to be considering a swoop with Juventus pushing for a sale.
According to Calciomercato, the Italian giants are desperate for Arsenal to make another bid.
Club chiefs are eager to offload his £4.3million-a-year wages before the start of the season, whether that be through a loan deal or a permanent transfer.
Jesus better buy than Richarlison
Arsenal’s acquisition of Gabriel Jesus is a better signing than Tottenham’s Richarlison, says Tony Cascarino.
The ex-Chelsea striker Cascarino weighed in on the debate as to who is the better coup, admitting he favours Jesus to score more goals next season.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I think Gabriel Jesus ticks a lot more boxes and they’ve got him at a better price.
“If you said to me now who will get the most goals, I’d say Gabriel Jesus would get more goals than Richarlison for Tottenham.
“And he’s more versatile than Richarlison. Gabriel Jesus has played left-wing, right-wing and centre-forward for Man City.”
Cazorla not ready to coach
Arsenal icon Santi Cazorla has been linked with a return to the Emirates in a coaching capacity under Mikel Arteta.
Cazorla said previously that he and Arteta shared a “coaching gene” and admitted coaching under the Arsenal boss was something he was seriously considering.
However, that move is not set to happen this summer, as the 37-year-old has officially penned a new one-year deal with Al-Sadd.
This will extend his playing career further, but it remains to be seen what his plans are for afterwards.
Eddie off to bright start
Arsenal’s faith in Eddie Nketiah is already paying off after the striker scored a hat-trick against Ipswich in a pre-season friendly.
It was a prolific day at the office for Nketiah, as he scored three goals and even provided an assist inside 35 minutes against Ipswich.
Nketiah opened the scoring after just 30 seconds before assisting Albert Sambi-Lokonga, who will be looking to improve on last season.
The 23-year-old then completed his hat-trick in a very different looking Arsenal line-up.
Folarin Balogun also got on the scoresheet as Arsenal beat the Tractor Boys 5-1.
Arsenal set for Martinez talks
Arsenal will meet Ajax in the coming days to discuss a deal for Lisandro Martinez and are refusing to give up on the defender despite his preference being to join Manchester United.
They had been adamant they would not let Martinez leave unless they received an offer that was too good to turn down, and now both Arsenal and United are nearing that price tag for the Argentine.
Arsenal have also had several offers rebuffed, but The Athletic report that the Gunners’ hierarchy have scheduled a meeting with Ajax this week and are preparing to ramp up negotiations.
The north Londoners are still hopeful of agreeing a deal with both the club and the player and believe Martinez is open to joining them despite his links to Erik ten Hag.
Gabriel being eyed by Juventus
Juventus will come sniffing for Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes if Chelsea get a Matthijs de Ligt deal over the line, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Chelsea are looking to react to losing two of last season’s star defenders in Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is a long-term target, but Netherlands international De Ligt has recently emerged on the Blues’ radar.
And should Juventus decided to sell the centre-back they will eye Gabriel as his replacement.
Standing returns
Premier League clubs will get the go-ahead to open safe standing areas in their grounds from the start of the new season.
Ministers are expected to announce the success of a trial at five stadiums – and invite all top-flight teams to introduce their own sections.
It will mean that fans will be able to stand to watch Prem or Championship matches for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Standing has been illegal in the two top divisions since all-seater stadiums were introduced in 1994 following the Taylor report into the Hillsborough disaster.
But following a pilot scheme last season at Chelsea, Spurs, Cardiff City, Man City and Man United, all other top clubs will be give the all clear to follow suit.
A final report on the government-commissioned trial seen by The Sun on Sunday says the sections delivered a positive impact on spectator safety and improved fans’ matchday experience.
Credit: EPA
Arsenal and Ajax arrangement
Gunners chiefs are set to meet with their Ajax counterparts next week to discuss the possible transfer of Lisandro Martinez.
The defender is high on Mike Arteta’s wish list – but United are also keen.
The Athletic say the Dutch giants want £43m for the Argentina international.
Raph cash boost
Raphinha is reportedly set to receive a massive pay rise if his proposed move to Barcelona goes through.
The Spanish giants have stolen a march on Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for the Leeds winger.
And the Brazilian will reportedly receive a lucrative contract worth £5.2million per year should the deal go through.
That works out to be £100,000 a week, a whopping £40,000 increase on the winger’s current weekly wages.
Chelsea appeared to move ahead of the Gunners into pole position to sign Raphinha earlier this week after they tabled a bid north of £55million for his services.
But a late swoop from Barcelona could potentially scupper the London clubs’ pursuits of the player.
Surge for Serge
And another SunSport transfer exclusive…
Serge Gnabry is a shock name on the transfer radar of both Manchester clubs.
And he will leap to the top of City boss Pep Guardiola’s hit list if Raheem Sterling does leave the Premier League champions this summer.
Gnabry has turned down a new contract with Bayern Munich worth just over £200,000 a week.
Bayern are keen to keep the former Arsenal attacker who has just 12 months left on his current deal.
But the German champions will be open to a sale if they cannot reach an agreement.
And if Gnabry, 26, shows no sign of putting pen to paper in the current window, Bayern would be prepared to cash in for around £35million, as it is their last chance to demand a decent fee.
Piers tries his luck
With Cristiano Ronaldo ready to quit Manchester United for Champions League football, there will no doubt be a few of Europe’s elite clubs scrambling to sign him.
But Arsenal fan Piers Morgan attempted a cheeky bid to get the Portuguese superstar to the Emirates.
The TalkTV host shared a photo of himself presenting Ronaldo with a Gunners shirt, as Georgina Rodriguez looks on on Twitter.
Morgan captioned the snap, “It’s time @Cristiano #afc” in the ultimate of cheeky tweets.
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal thrashed Ipswich Town with a comfortable 5-1 win in a behind-closed-doors friendly at London Colney on Saturday.
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 the signing of Gabriel Jesus.
Nketiah didn’t stop there, however, as he also assisted Albert Sambi Lokonga’s goal.
And it was Folarin Balogun who sealed the North Londoners’ triumph in the second half.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow in their pursuit of Bologna star Aaron Hickey with the left-back set to sign for Brentford in a £14million deal.
Hickey has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer with Arteta keen to bring in a back-up for Kieran Tierney.
But the Gunners have always been in competition with the Bees in the race to secure the Scotland international.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Brentford could announce the signing of the 20-year-old next week after his medical.
And Manchester United have made a £39.6 million offer for Ajax star Lisandro Martinez as they look to hijack the transfer from rivals Arsenal.
The Gunners have already seen their £34m offer for Martinez rejected, leaving the door open for United manager Erik ten Hag to raid his former club.
According to The Mirror, the Red Devils have lodged a £39m bid, which falls closer to the Dutch giants’ £43m evaluation.
They add that the Manchester giants have told Ajax they will splash £35.3m up front with a package of add-ons worth a further £4.3m.
Finally, Leicester star Youri Tielemans has agreed personal terms with Arsenal as he edges closer to departing from the King Power Stadium.
However it has been claimed that the Gunners are yet to make an official bid to the Foxes, with Manchester United and Newcastle joining the race to sign Tielemans.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs said: “Youri Tielemans update. Still no formal offers made. Tielemans wants to join Arsenal and Edu still in touch with his agent.
“Arsenal have agreed terms, and worked on the deal for a year, but have never placed an official bid.
“Fabio Vieira’s arrival doesn’t rule out Tielemans. Arsenal still deciding whether to bid. Erik ten Hag is also interested.
“Tielemans was actually a Ralf Rangnick target but didn’t want to join Man Utd under him.
“If Arsenal reach an agreement with Leicester, told Tielemans will sign. But for now, Arsenal haven’t decided on him.
“The genuine interest from Man Utd may force Edu to make a decision quicker than expected, especially if ten Hag pitch proves appealing.”
Out of Nic
Arsenal are struggling to offload club-record signing Nicolas Pepe on a permanent transfer with a loan to Spain on the cards.
Pepe, who cost a whopping £72million in 2019, will be allowed to depart the Emirates this summer after being deemed as surplus to requirements by manager Mikel Arteta.
According to PA, the winger’s £140,000-a-week salary is proving to be a sticking point for potential suitors.
A loan move is the most likely outcome for the Ivory Coast international, who mustered just one goal and two assists in 20 Premier League games last season
Wilshere on Richarlison
Tottenham star signing Richarlison would not get into Arsenal’s starting XI, claims their former star Jack Wilshere.
Wilshere told talkSPORT: “I think he improves the squad, definitely… he gives them something different. I wouldn’t say I’m gutted. He’s 25, so not young.
“There comes a point where you’re going to have to turn that potential into something but to be fair if any one can do it, it’s Antonio Conte.
“I wouldn’t say I’m devastated as an Arsenal fan but he could be one to watch, he could be really good.”
Further quizzed about whether he’d have Richarlison at the Emirates, Wilshere added: “Yeah, but I don’t think he gets in the XI.
“He’d definitely challenge for it and be a good part of the squad but I don’t think he gets in the XI”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Kev to be done
Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell insists his former club needs to sign another midfielder and striker after sealing Gabriel Jesus this summer.
Campbell told talkSPORT: “They’ve got to fix the midfield, it needs more goals, it needs more creativity, hence [Youri] Tielemans.
“I still think Arsenal need an alternative striker, a big striker, someone who, when teams bank up and it’s not going so well, someone who you could fire crosses in, and he can get on the end of it.
“I think Arsenal have missed that change of alternative in the set up and the flexibility of Jesus as well means he could start as a nine or he can play wide, he’s comfortable anywhere”
Arsenal’s Moller delight
Arsenal youngster Nikolaj Moller has returned to Dutch outfit Den Bosch on loan after his spell last season.
Moller spent the second half of the 2021-2022 campaign with the second-division side.
The 19-year-old proved to be a key player for Jack de Gier’s men as he helped the Blue White Dragons finish mid-table.
In total the striker featured in 11 Ereste Divisie matches – chipping in with two goals and a solitary assist
Matteo Gone-douzi
Matteo Guendouzi has completed his permanent move to Marseille from Arsenal after his stunning loan spell last season.
But Guendouzi will be playing for a new manager after Jorge Sampaoli sensationally quit at the Velodrome.
L’OM are understood to have paid around £9million to turn the midfielder’s temporary stay into a permanent switch.
Announcing his departure, an Arsenal statement read: “Everyone at Arsenal thanks Matteo for his contribution during his time with us and wish him all the best in this next chapter of his career”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
