Arsenal transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I was a Champions League runner-up with Arsenal, set up a company worth £10billion, and I’m in business with Mesut Ozil

      by

      IN 2010 Mathieu Flamini launched start-up GFBiochemicals as a side-project to his football career.The Paris-based company’s aim was to find a green alternative to petrochemicals, which can be found in plastics, rubber, and even shower gel.
      Mathieu Flamini is now worth £10bn, according to ForbesCredit: Getty
      Flamini starred for Arsenal from 2004-2008Credit: Getty
      Some 13 years on, Flamini has kept a 60 per cent stake in the business – while landing the CEO job.
      According to Forbes, the former Arsenal star – who was a Champions League runner-up with the Premier League club – now has a net worth of £10billion.
      Flamini, now 39, set up the company when he was just 25.
      He has also found time to launch another business called Unity Performance Lab with former team-mate Mesut Ozil.
      read more Arsenal news
      It is a digital health, fitness and lifestyle community that fuses evidence-based performance and wellness advice with expert guidance from elite athletes, coaches and academics.
      However, it’s his first business that aims to save the planet.
      “As a child I had two passions: football and sustainability,” he told Sifted.
      “I grew up in Marseilles near the sea, and was aware of the environmental questions around ocean plastics and chemical pollution from a very young age.”
      Most read in Football
      Flamini and business partner Pasquale Granata met with scientists in Milan with an idea of founding an operation that promoted sustainability.
      He revealed: “We didn’t know if it’d be energy, chemical or urban recycling, and we just ended up meeting with a team of scientists in Milan and started moving in that direction.”
      GFBiochemicals take biomass, which could be manure or household waste, and turn it into levulinic acid.
      Levulinic acid is seen as a potential replacement for petrochemicals, which are found in everyday items such as detergents and skin care.
      According to research by the University of Maastricht, levulinic acid could reduce the CO2 made from manufacturing those products with petrochemicals by up to 80 per cent.
      Top secret
      Flamini, who was starring for Serie A side AC Milan when he set up GFBiochemicals, decided to keep his venture away from his team-mates.
      “I was questioning myself, and I didn’t know which direction the business would go in,” he said.
      The three-cap former France international also said being a footballer didn’t help his cause.
      He said: “When you’re a footballer and you’re in a meeting talking about chemicals or sustainability, there is even more pressure on you.
      “People really want to test you and see if you’re going to be able to deliver — because you’re not a businessman. I had to prove myself more than anyone else in the room.” Was this annoying? “Obviously it can be, but I took it as a challenge.”
      In 2010 Flamini set up GF Biochemicals – with the aim to create green alternatives to petrochemicalsCredit: Instagram @mathieuflamini
      CEO
      Last year, GF Biochemicals received a major cash injection.
      Sofinnova Partners, a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specialising in healthcare and sustainability, and investment company Sparta Capital ploughed $15million (£12.3million) into the group.
      Flamini kept a 60 per cent stake and was made CEO.
      “Now the question is when do I not work,” he explained.
      “When you’re an entrepreneur you have to be dedicated and you don’t count the hours. I’m not working when I sleep, but for the rest of the time I’m available.”
      And he feels just like teen environmentalist, Greta Thunberg.
      As CEO of GFBiochemicals, Flamini has kept a 60 per cent stake in the companyCredit: Instagram @mathieuflamini
      Like Greta Thunberg Flamini feels like he’s doing something important for the environmentCredit: Twitter @MathieuFlamini
      “I feel like I’m part of this effort of the younger generation like Greta Thunberg that’s setting up the future,” he said.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Although at the age of 15 I can guarantee you I was not in the street fighting for my future.” More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      I have more goals than Lionel Messi and Neymar this season with the help of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry

      by

      AN ARSENAL loanee striker taking France by storm has revealed he is getting advice from none other than Gunners legend Thierry Henry. Folarin Balogun, who has more goals than PSG pair Lionel Messi and Neymar, has proved to be one of the surprise packages across Europe.
      Folarin Balgoun is enjoying an outstanding season while on loan at ReimsCredit: Getty
      Last season the forward scored hit the net just three times while out on loan at Championship Middlesborough.
      But now in his debut season in Ligue 1 he has been outscored by just two players so far – one of which is Kylian Mbappe.
      Balogun leads the frontline for Stade de Reims who made headlines around Europe for their incredible 19 game unbeaten run under rookie English boss Will Still.
      The streak came to an end against Marseille on Sunday – but unstoppable Balogun scored again to make it 17 in this campaign with 10 games still to go.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      He revealed that he had been receiving advice from a man who knows a thing or two about scoring goals.
      The 21-year-old told the Athletic: “I saw [Henry] a few times at the Emirates when I was at Arsenal but it was just passing conversations.
      “It’s nice to get to know him on a more personal level. I’m asking him questions and he’s helping me. So it’s a nice person to have in your phone.
      “[He is] somebody who’s seen the heights of the game and has taken steps in his career than I’m now taking in terms of playing abroad. He knows the feeling and how uncomfortable it can be. So I’m asking more general questions about his career and how he felt at certain points.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      “[Henry] takes a lot of accountability for what happened in his life. It’s the same advice he gives to me. He says: ‘You’re here for a reason and it’s up to you. Whether you grab the opportunity or not is another question. But you have to prove why you’re here.'”
      Balogun copied one of Henry’s celebrations after meeting the star just before Reims’ game against PSG.
      The star scored deep in stoppage time to rescue a draw in Paris.
      Balogun is now just one goal away from equalling Glenn Hoddle’s record for most goals scored by an Englishman in a Ligue 1 season, with Hoddle netting 18 with Monaco in 1988-89. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea outcast Aubameyang could have contract ripped up for second time in career to seal summer transfer

      by

      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG could have his contract ripped up for the second time in the space of 18 months this summer.Aubameyang left Barcelona on transfer deadline day last August and joined the Blues following a £10m deal between the two clubs.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could reportedly be released by Chelsea this summerCredit: Rex
      But the former Arsenal star’s return to London has quickly developed into a nightmare.
      He has fallen well out of favour since Thomas Tuchel was sacked days after his arrival and has since only managed 123 minutes of football without starting a single game this year.
      The Gabon international was also axed from Graham Potter’s Champions League squad after Chelsea’s huge January spending spree.
      And all of this has led to Spanish publication SPORT claiming that “everything indicates that he could be released this summer” by the Blues.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Aubameyang is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2024 and currently earns £160,000-a-week.
      We reported yesterday how Barcelona are keen on bringing him back.
      That was after Aubameyang was pictured celebrating with his former team-mates in the dressing room after their 2-1 triumph over Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico.
      The forward still has an excellent relationship with the Blaugrana stars, especially Ousmane Dembele with whom he played at Borussia Dortmund.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Barcelona manager Xavi is also keen on the ex-Arsenal star as his 13 goals in 24 appearances during the second half of last season sealed Champions League qualification.
      His move there came after Arsenal agreed to terminate his contract there in order to get him out of the club. More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans convinced Declan Rice is making summer transfer after clip of England camp emerges

      by

      ARSENAL fans are convinced Declan Rice will join the club in a summer transfer after a clip from the England camp emerged.Rice, 24, is in the Three Lions squad that met at St George’s Park yesterday ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
      Decland Rice gave a potential future club team-mate a big hug on international dutyCredit: YouTube
      Bukayo Saka got banter for his FaceTime with Kim KardashianCredit: YouTube
      The West Ham skipper rocked up with a fresh new trim – and Gunners supporters are hoping to see him in a fresh new kit come the new season.
      Viewers watching the England arrivals video on YouTube spotted the warm embrace Rice gave Bukayo Saka when he rocked up.
      Saka, 21, walked into the room and immediately Rice gave him banter about his recent celebrity phone calls.
      Rice shouted: “He’s been on FaceTime with Kim Kardashian bruv, he doesn’t want us anymore.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The winger laughed and replied: “Do you want me to say hello to you or not?”
      Rice then gave him a big smile and a massive hug, telling Saka: “It’s good to see you my friend.”
      Luke Shaw then welcomes Saka, too.
      But plenty of Arsenal fans clipped the video of the touching moment with the West Ham midfielder and want to see more of the same in 2023-24.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      One said: “Saka and Rice bromance already okkk.”
      Another joked: “Saka: Welcome to Arsenal, Rice. Rice: Thank you, Saka.”
      A third added: “You can tell how much every player loves Saka, can’t wait for Rice to be at the Arsenal next season.”
      And a final user wrote: “Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka is the bromance we want to see flourish at the Arsenal.”
      Rice has rejected the offer of a new contract at the London Stadium.
      Keen to stay in London and play in the Champions League, Arsenal could be the suitable next destination for one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
      And Rice will no doubt have the likes of Saka and fellow Gunner Aaron Ramsdale working as Mikel Arteta’s agents to try and convince him to make the switch across the capital.
      The pair clearly get on well both on and off the pitchCredit: AP More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      People forget I still play for Arsenal… now I’m banging them in and could join Premier League rivals in £30m transfer

      by

      FLO BALOGUN is determined to show Arsenal that he is no flash in the pan after taking French football by storm.The 21-year-old striker is currently challenging Kylian Mbappe for Ligue 1’s Golden Boot after joining unfancied Reims on loan for the season.
      Folarin Balogun had a tough start at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      But he has hit form on loan at Stade de ReimsCredit: AFP
      And it was his failure to get a minute of action during the Gunners’ summer tour to the USA which convinced the ambitious England Under-21 international to prove himself on the other side of the Channel.
      Only PSG superstar Mbappe and Lille’s Canadian World Cup star Jonathan David have currently scored more than Balogun’s 17 goals in the French league this season.
      He says: “No-one would have expected this when I first came to Reims, but to be in this position now is amazing and I need to continue it.
      “The more you achieve certain things, the more questions you face. Is it something I can do regularly or is it a fluke?
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      “So I’m pretty focused and determined to show people that this is not a blip and that scoring goals is something I can do consistently.
      “A lot of people might forget that I’m still an Arsenal player but it’s still one of my dreams to play in their first team.
      “Last summer I went on tour with the Arsenal first team to America and I didn’t get any playing time out there, so I was a bit frustrated.
      “But I had to be realistic so I spoke with Mikel Arteta and he gave me a few options. Together we decided it would be best for me to come to France.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “At the time I thought I was just another loan player coming to Reims to do a job, but after the reaction to my arrival I knew that it was quite a big deal.
      “That’s when I realised there was going to be more expectation of me than of other players, which is something I’ve had to adapt to and relish.
      “I knew I was joining a team who would be fighting to stay up and that every game was going to be tough, which would be a good challenge for my development.
      “But I also knew that Ligue 1 is one of the top five leagues in Europe and I had a lot of belief in myself.”
      He is third in the race for the Golden Boot in Ligue 1Credit: AFP
      Reims boss Will Still thinks he can have a top careerCredit: AFP
      Balogun has flourished under the guidance of Reims’ Belgian-English coach Will Still, who says: “From his first game with us he showed all the qualities he’s got.
      “He’s a quiet kid but when he does speak up he’s got a brain and his banter is pretty good.
      “If he can go on and have a top career in the game we’re just doing our job in helping him become as good as he can be.
      “He’s a good kid and a good person and I’ll definitely be following him.”
      Reims have made it clear that they would love to sign the New York-born goalscorer on a permanent basis but know they will not be able to afford the asking price for a player whose value has rocketed on the back of this season’s exploits.
      Read More on The Sun
      Now Arsenal must decide whether to sell him in the summer or bring him back to the Emirates to challenge Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard for a starting place next season.
      And with Still being mentioned as a potential replacement for David Moyes at West Ham, there is even the possibility of a £30million move across London for Balogun in the summer. More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal boost in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic transfer hunt as Lazio line up replacement for £31m midfielder

      by

      LAZIO have identified Bologna star Lewis Ferguson as a potential replacement for Arsenal target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports suggest.The Gunners are looking to strengthen in midfield in the summer transfer window and Milinkovic-Savic is among Mikel Arteta’s top candidates.
      Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with a move to ArsenalCredit: Rex
      Lazio have identified Lewis Ferguson as a replacement for Sergej Milinkovic-SavicCredit: Rex
      And according to TuttoMercato, the Biancocelesti have accepted the high possibility of losing the Serbia international in June and are already making contingency plans.
      The Serie A giant’s “hottest” target is Scottish star Ferguson, who has stood out in Italy this season.
      The midfielder has scored four goals in 22 appearances with Bologna.
      However, Maurizio Sarri’s team is facing a bidding war with other major Italian clubs over the 23-year-old’s signature.
      Read More on Arsenal
      That works as a major boost for Arsenal, who are determined to add firepower in the middle of the park after being linked with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo as well as West Ham’s Declan Rice.
      However, the North Londoners are also facing competition from Juventus as well as Newcastle and the Hammers.
      But the Premier League leaders received another boost as Milinkovic-Savic will be available for half his previous asking price.
      The Serbian was on the market for £88million last year with some rumours even suggesting the Serie A side wanted over £100m.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      But with the ex-Genk star’s contract expiring at the end of next season, Lazio would now accept bids of £44m.
      The versatile midfielder’s price could further decrease with his representatives looking to bring the figure down to £31m.
      Milinkovic-Savic has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 36 appearances this season. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka joins four other stars including Messi and Man Utd target in reaching impressive stat this season

      by

      ARSENAL star Bukayo Saka’s sensational season continues to go from strength to strength.The England international, 21, bagged two goals and an assist in the Gunners’ 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
      Bukayo Saka is enjoying the best form of his careerCredit: Reuters
      Lionel Messi and Neymar have both reached 10 goals and assists this seasonCredit: AP
      It takes his tally for the Premier League campaign to 12 goals and 10 assists in 38 games.
      In doing so, Saka becomes just the fifth player in Europe’s top five leagues to reach both 10 goals and 10 assists this season.
      Joining him in completing the feat is Lionel Messi – who has a superb 13 goals and 13 assists to his name for Paris Saint-Germain.
      His team-mate Neymar also managed to reach the milestone before being ruled out for the rest of the season through injury – registering 13 goals and 11 assists.
      READ MORE ON BUKAYO SAKA
      The five players with 10 or more goals and assists in Europe’s top five leagues this season
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has enjoyed a breathtaking first season with NapoliCredit: Getty
      Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also on the list with 12 goals and 10 assists.
      And the final player to have hit double figures in both metrics is Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani.
      The French forward is being heavily linked with a £105million move to Manchester United off the back of his brilliant form.
      Saka is the first English player to achieve the feat in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      And his brilliant form has helped Arsenal open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
      Saka is now set to feature for England in their upcoming internationals against Italy and Ukraine.
      Gareth Southgate has a host of in-form forwards to choose from including Harry Kane, Saka, Phil Foden, Ivan Toney and Jack Grealish.
      Marcus Rashford is another England man firing on all cylinders, but he withdrew from the squad on Monday through injury.
      Randal Kolo Muani is being linked with Manchester United after a stellar run of formCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal in huge backroom shake-up with two new additions ahead of summer transfer window

      by

      ARSENAL are reportedly set to make two major additions to their backroom staff ahead of the summer transfer window.The Premier League leaders are already planning to mount another challenge for the title next season with an internal restructure.
      Arsenal sporting director Edu is set to make changes at backroom levelCredit: Getty
      The former Gunners midfielder is set to appoint an assistant sporting directorCredit: GETTY
      And according to reports, sporting director Edu will be overseeing the changes.
      The Athletic claim the former Gunners midfielder is set to appoint Jason Ayto as his No.2 – with his official title being assistant sporting director.
      First-team scout James Ellis is set to also receive a new role at the Emirates.
      Fulham’s former senior scout is set to be named the north Londoners’ new head of recruitment.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      More appointments are said to be in the pipeline, although it’s claimed first-team scout Mark Curtis, loan manager Ben Knapper and analytics specialist Tolly Colburn will retain “signifcant roles” in the setup.
      Arsenal stretched their lead at the top of the table to eight points with a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
      Defending champions Manchester City, however, do have a game in hand on Mike Arteta’s troops.
      The Spaniard said: “I’m really happy and really pleased with the way we started the game and how we reacted to Thursday.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “We took any question mark away from it. We showed a lot of determination and a lot of purpose in the way we played.
      “I’m really happy with the way we played after playing 120 minutes, after losing two players [William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu], I’m really pleased with what we showed.”
      He added: “Everyone has to give a little bit more.
      ‘It’s not a secret. If you want to maintain that level, everyone has to step in and give a little bit more.
      “Rob [Holding] is an example of what we needed today.”
      Arsenal will be back in action a fortnight on Saturday, welcoming Leeds United to the Emirates. More