More stories

  • in

    Piers Morgan ‘underwhelmed’ as Arsenal close in on Kai Havertz signing – with fans fuming at ‘classic Wenger mistake’

    PIERS MORGAN is “underwhelmed” by the imminent arrival of Kai Havertz at Arsenal.Gunners fans are also fuming as they fear Mikel Arteta is making a “classic Wenger mistake”.
    Piers Morgan is not keen on the signing of Kai HavertzCredit: Reuters
    Kai Havertz is close to joining Arsenal from ChelseaCredit: Rex
    Havertz is close to joining Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea in what would be the club’s first signing of the summer.
    According to reports, a £65million deal is on the verge of being finalised, with personal terms agreed over a five-year deal for the German.
    However, his poor form for Chelsea last season has Arsenal supporters concerned about the signing, including TalkTV host and Sun columnist Morgan.
    Responding to an update on the deal, he tweeted: “Am I the only Arsenal fan underwhelmed by this news?
    READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
    “Why does Arteta think under-performing Chelsea stars are the missing link to our Title chances?”
    Havertz scored just nine goals for the Blues last season as he was deployed as a centre forward by all four of the club’s managers.
    Despite that low return, though, he did end the campaign as Chelsea’s leading scorer in both the league and across all competitions.
    That does not appear to be enough to convince Arsenal fans, with others agreeing with Morgan’s assessment of Havertz’s arrival.
    Most read in Football

    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    One supporter, who also referenced the expected departure of Granit Xhaka, wrote: “He’s making the classic Wenger mistake of signing a tricky attacking midfielder when we need CDM enforcers.
    “They should not be selling Granit either – He’s had an incredible season.”
    Another also commented: “You are not the only one. Another Chelsea cast-off? They never seem to work out at Arsenal.
    “Perhaps Arteta believes he can inspire Havertz to greater things at Arsenal.” More

  • in

    Arsenal ready to pounce for £40m relegated Leicester star after Tottenham’s double transfer bid rejected by Foxes

    ARSENAL are keeping tabs on a relegated Leicester star after Tottenham’s failed bid.And that is none other than Harvey Barnes, who has been linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium as he stood out for the Foxes last season despite their relegation to the Championship.
    Arsenal have joined the bidding war for Leicester star Harvey BarnesCredit: Getty
    Tottenham had a bid rejected for Barnes and his Leicester team-mate James MaddisonCredit: Getty
    The winger amassed 13 goals and three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
    That has led to a raft of interest from Premier League clubs, such as Spurs and West Ham, who are keen to bring the England international back to the top flight.
    According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are also looking to make a move for the 25-year-old.
    This comes after the Gunners’ rivals Tottenham had a £50million bid rejected by Leicester for both Barnes and his team-mate James Maddison.
    Read More on Football
    Spurs’ new manager Ange Postecoglou seems more interested in Maddison.
    That could clear the way for Mikel Arteta’s side to pounce for Barnes in the summer.
    However, a deal could take a while to complete with the Foxes yet to decide on a fixed release clause.
    Much will depend on Leicester’s new manager Enzo Maresca, who is facing the heavy task of swiftly returning the club to the Premier League.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Previous reports claimed the forward costs at least £40m to price away in the summer transfer window.
    Arteta is looking to add some firepower to the wings, which he lacked from the bench last season.
    That is why Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Chelsea star Kai Havertz, who has proven to be very versatile up front. More

  • in

    Folarin Balogun issues stern warning to Arsenal as USA star reveals summer transfer wishes

    FOLARIN BALOGUN issued a stern warning to Arsenal as he revealed his summer transfer wishes.The striker, 21, spent last season impressing out on loan at Reims.
    Folarin Balogun has a big decision to make over his transfer futureCredit: Getty
    He scored a whopping 22 in 39 in France and faces a big decision during the off-season regarding his future.
    Balogun is desperate to be playing regular first-team football – but is unsure if he can leapfrog Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to be Arsenal’s main striker.
    However, he has already ruled out another temporary switch away from the Emirates.
    Balogun, who joined Arsenal aged eight in 2008, said on international duty with the USA: “What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.
    READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
    “I’m not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.
    “But I’m just committed to now, I try to stay present.”
    Balogun scored his first senior international goal for the Stars and Stripes on Sunday night in his second cap after pledging allegiance to the country of his birth instead of England.
    The Yanks beat Canada 2-0 to lift the CONCACAF Nations League trophy.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    AC Milan, Inter Milan and RB Leipzig are being linked with a move for young forward Balogun.
    But Arsenal, who have Balogun tied down until 2025, are understood to be demanding a staggering £40million.
    Gunners legend Thierry Henry reckons Balogun must choose a club where he is guaranteed to be playing regularly – because he cannot afford to waste a critical season of his career.
    Henry said: “It’s going to be important next season to play.
    “I don’t know if he’s going to play for Arsenal. We all know for the national team with England he had to battle with Callum Wilson, [Ivan] Toney, Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham, Harry Kane.
    “He’s been great in the league. He’s a good nine. Now he’s going to have to find a team where he’s going to play next year, that’s very important.”
    The US team beat Canada to be crowned CONCACAF Nations League championsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Arsenal ‘very confident of signing Declan Rice AND Kai Havertz’ in huge summer transfer spree

    ARSENAL are “very confident” of completing deals for both Declan Rice and Kai Havertz as part of their summer transfer spree this summer.The club remain confident of completing a deal for Rice, 24, despite having a transfer offer worth £90million rejected by West Ham last week.
    Declan Rice is Arsenal’s highest priority this summerCredit: Getty
    Havertz emerged as a surprise transfer target for Arsenal last weekCredit: Getty
    West Ham owner David Sullivan confirmed that Rice will leave the club this summer following the Hammers’ Europa Conference League victory this month.
    And despite Arsenal having their initial bid rejected for Rice last week, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenburg reports that the club are in advanced stages to capture the midfielder’s signature.
    It is believed that Arsenal will pay a fee of £100m to secure the England man.
    Plettenburg also reports that Arsenal are in advanced negotiations to sign Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.
    READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
    Fabrizio Romano yesterday reported that Arsenal had agreed personal terms with the German forward, 24.
    Arsenal will match Havertz’s current wages at Chelsea by offering him a £220,000-per-week contract.
    But there remains work to be done between Arsenal and Chelsea regarding a fee for the player – with the Blues reportedly demanding £70m.
    Arsenal have so far only offered £60m but Chelsea are keen to recoup the £70m they paid to sign the forward from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    While Havertz has largely played as a striker for Chelsea, Mikel Arteta sees the German as a player that can bolster his midfield options.
    Arsenal face competition from Bayern Munich to sign Havertz, with the Bavarian club keen to sign the German international as a successor for Robert Lewandowski who left for Barcelona last summer.
    Chelsea hope that Bayern’s interest will see Arsenal offer closer to their asking price for the German.
    It is shaping up to be a busy summer for outgoings at the Bridge, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech all close to agreeing moves to the Saudi league.
    Mason Mount and Romelu Lukaku are also expected to leave the club this window. More

  • in

    Fans think Bukayo Saka has hinted at next transfer destination as Arsenal star is filmed singing to England team-mate

    BUKAYO SAKA was filmed singing Real Madrid’s anthem to England team-mate Jude Bellingham – and it immediately sparked theories over his future.Bellingham became the most expensive British player ever by joining Real in a whopping £115million transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
    Fans think Arsenal star Bukayo Saka hinted at his next transfer destinationCredit: Getty
    Arsenal star Saka sang Real Madrid’s anthem to England team-mate Jude BellinghamCredit: https://twitter.com/RMadridistaReal/status/1670470965719977984?s=20
    The midfielder met with Saka while in training ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia at Wembley.
    And the camera caught the Arsenal winger enthusiastically shaking Bellingham’s hand with a special message.
    Saka sang: “Madrid, Hala Madrid, Y nada mas [Madrid, Hello Madrid, And nothing else].”
    That got fans thinking about a potential deal in what is shaping up to be a thrilling summer transfer window.
    Read More on Arsenal
    Real supporters appear to believe that Saka singing their anthem could be an indication he’s moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in the near future.
    One fan tweeted: “Arsenal fans ain’t ready for that [David] Ornstein exclusive on Real Madrid advanced talks with Arsenal for Saka tweet.”
    Another Real supporter commented: “Let’s go for Bukayo.”
    A third posted: “Your boy will join us soon.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    This supporter wrote: “Bring the English best RW in.”
    And that one stated: “We need a right winger.”
    Nevertheless, the 21-year-old recently signed a new deal tying him to Arsenal until 2027 and is now officially the club’s highest earner. More

  • in

    Man Utd and Arsenal transfer target ‘subject of HUGE bid to join Portugal pal Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia’

    ARSENAL and Manchester United could miss out on signing Ruben Neves after he was reportedly the subject of a HUGE transfer offer from Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal, who finished third in the Saudi Pro League, have submitted a staggering £47million bid to sign Neves.
    Ruben Neves is set to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    Neves is the subject of a huge bid from Al-HilalCredit: Getty
    The report from Relevo states Neves is expected to sign for the club as early as next week providing there are no further alterations to the plan.
    Neves’ current club Wolves are said to prefer a quick sale after drawn-out negotiations with Barcelona, though these talks have been more egged on by Jorge Mendes than the club itself.
    The report adds Al-Hilal’s “decisive” stance on negotiations have allowed talks to progress quickly.
    Neves is already said to be convinced by the deal, meaning the 26-year-old’s six year stay at Molineux Stadium is set to come to an end.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The Portugal star has previously been linked with a move to both Man United and Arsenal, with both identifying him as an option to bolster their midfield.
    However, the Red Devils instead have looked towards Chelsea star Mason Mount, while the Gunners are eyeing up released Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan.
    Both are interested in West Ham skipper Declan Rice, but Man Utd’s ongoing takeover saga has left their pursuit of the Englishman in limbo.
    With Neves set for a move to the Middle East, he will be joining Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Ronaldo headed to Al-Nassr after seeing his contract ripped up at Man Utd.
    Since arriving he has scored 14 goals in 16 league matches.
    The footballing icon was seen meeting social media sensation and super fan Speed, with the pair performing his iconic “Siuu” celebration together. More

  • in

    Five transfers Arsenal should make to take the next step and finally break Premier League title drought

    ARSENAL are set to spend big this summer in a bid to launch another title chase.The Gunners were pipped to the Premier League trophy by Manchester City this season, despite topping the table for 248 days.
    Arsenal fell short of the Premier League title this seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Arteta is now determined to Bolster his squadCredit: Getty
    Mikel Arteta is now determined to bounce back, but he will have to make some significant improvements to his squad in order to compete with Pep Guardiola’s side again.
    Several players have already been linked with a move to North London, including two European champions.
    And with the upcoming Premier League season looming, here are five players Arsenal could sign this summer to help mount another title push.
    Declan Rice
    Rice has been heavily linked with a move to ArsenalCredit: PA
    The midfielder made over 2000 passes for West Ham this season
    The 24-year-old midfielder has been Arteta’s top transfer target since January.
    Read More on Arsenal
    West Ham have already announced that he will be leaving the club this summer, but club chiefs are demanding around £120million for their captain.
    The Gunners had a £90m bid rejected earlier this week, but they are expected to launch a second offer worth £100m in the coming days.
    A number of other clubs – including Manchester City and Manchester United – have expressed an interest in signing him, but Rice has his sights set on a move to Arsenal.
    Should he join the club, the England international would slot straight into Arteta’s core starting line-up with Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    He would significantly strengthen Arsenal’s spine, offering a high level of composure both defensively and going forward.
    Ilkay Gundogan
    Gundogan is available on a free transferCredit: Getty
    The midfielder scored eight goals for City this season
    Fresh from winning the Treble with Man City, Gundogan will become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this month.
    He has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Barcelona, but the Gunners could have the edge in a transfer race thanks to Arteta’s links to City.
    Gundogan would add some much-needed experience to Arsenal’s midfield, especially if they find themselves in another title race.
    And despite his age, the 32-year-old proved last season that he is still one of the most gifted players in the Premier League.
    No matter what team he signs for, he will undoubtedly be viewed as one of the bargains of the summer.
    Kai Havertz
    Arsenal are pushing to sign HavertzCredit: Getty
    Havertz scored seven goals last season
    The Gunners have also been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea ace Havertz in recent weeks.
    Arteta views him as a priority target, along with Rice.
    Arsenal had their opening bid for the attacking midfielder rejected on Friday, but they are set to table another offer next week.
    Chelsea want to keep Havertz, but the Germany international reportedly wants to join the North London side.
    Havertz could prove to be an excellent addition for Arteta as he can play in several positions.
    Chelsea have regularly used him as a striker, but he also has the ability to play in midfield or on the wing.
    Joao Cancelo
    Cancelo spent half of the season with Man City before joining Bayern Munich on loanCredit: Getty
    The full-back has been linked with a move to Arsenal
    With Kieran Tierney expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, Arsenal will need to sign another full-back.
    Like Gundogan, Cancelo would offer a winning mentality along with plenty of experience.
    He has already won three Premier League titles and the FA Cup, so he would be a huge asset to the Gunners in a title race.
    Rasmus Hojlund
    Hojlund has been linked with the GunnersCredit: Getty
    Hojlund has been hailed as the ‘next Erling Haaland’
    Arsenal lacked goals at some crucial moments towards the end of the 2022-23 campaign, so Arteta could call in a new striker in order to push for the title next season.
    And who better to sign than someone that’s been hailed as the ‘next Erling Haaland’?
    Read more on The Sun
    The Gunners have previously expressed an interest in signing Hojlund from Atalanta.
    However, the Serie A side are demanding £86m for the 20-year-old. More

  • in

    Arsenal look to pair Declan Rice with Chelsea transfer target in dream midfield with Partey and Xhaka set to go

    ARSENAL want Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia to form a dream midfield pairing.Southampton value Lavia, 19, at £45million but the Gunners now see the Belgian as a better option than Moises Caicedo of Brighton.
    Romeo Lavia is being eyed up by Arsenal as a potential midfield recruitCredit: Getty
    Declan Rice is set to sign for the Gunners in the coming weeksCredit: Getty
    Arsenal could face competition from Manchester City for Lavia, who included a buyback in last summer’s £10.5m move to the Saints.
    Arsenal remain locked in talks over Rice – as Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are linked with moves away from North London.
    West Ham want more than the £106m British record Chelsea paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandez.
    It is expected that the two clubs will agree on a £100m compromise, with the potential for a further £10m in bonus payments and add-ons.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Rice is on England duty but will be on standby to confirm personal terms and undergo a medical from next week.
    He believes he fits perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s policy of building a team around hungry young players who can grow together for the next five or six years.
    And the opportunity to play Champions League football is another huge incentive for the midfielder, who has been told he can leave West Ham after rejecting a new £200,000-a-week contract.
    The Gunners are also being linked with a move for Chelsea’s Kai Havertz.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The Germany international reportedly comes with a £70m price tag, but Arsenal are hoping to sign him for less.
    And it was claimed on Friday that Arteta’s men are now “very close” to agreeing a deal for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man.
    Arsenal face Man City in the Community Shield on August 6, before getting their Premier League campaign underway six days later at home to Nottingham Forest.
    Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey could both leave Arsenal this summerCredit: Reuters More