More stories

  • in

    Arsenal have Nikola Milenkovic transfer offer rejected as Mikel Arteta targets 24-year-old Fiorentina defender

    ARSENAL have seen a bid for Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic rejected, according to reports.The Gunners’ back three of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba impressed on Friday night as Mikel Arteta’s men secured a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
    Milenkovic is being linked with a move to the Emirates this summerCredit: Getty
    But Arsenal’s strength in depth at centre-half remains a little concerning given Rob Holding’s inconsistent performances at the Emirates.
    According to Corriere dello Sport, Arteta attempted to address that issue by putting in an offer for Milenkovic.
    But the man who is valued at around £18.5million saw the offer rejected by Fiorentina.
    Juventus, Inter Milan and Sevilla also approached the Serie A side about signing the 24-year-old Serbian.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Fiorentina swatted away interest from all of them and are now keen to tie Milenkovic down to a new deal.
    His current contract expires at the end of this season.
    And the Gigliati are confident they can extend that deal to 2025 as they bid to keep hold of their promising talent.
    It comes after Fiorentina also managed to hang onto him last summer when West Ham and Tottenham were both interested.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Meanwhile, despite missing out on Milenkovic, Arteta has insisted Arsenal will still try to sign more players this summer.
    Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira have all arrived already in the current window.
    But following the win over Palace, Arteta was asked if there would be more signings.
    To which the Spaniard told Sky Sports: “We are going to try. If we can do them, great. But now it’s work with the players we have, the focus should be with the players we have.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    “You need the right balance because if you come short in terms of physicality in this game, you’re going to be exposed. 
    “The most important thing is to win the first match, to build confidence and momentum.
    “Then you can talk about things we need to improve – there were quite a few today, to be honest.” More

  • in

    Aaron Ramsey reveals how his French ex-Arsenal team-mates helped persuade him into joining Nice on free transfer

    AARON Ramsey has revealed Arsenal’s former French stars played a key role in convincing him to join Nice.The Wales midfielder, 31, moved to the south of France on a free transfer after terminating his Juventus contract.
    Ramsey netted on his Ligue 1 debut just ONE MINUTE after coming off the benchCredit: AFP
    The former Arsenal man made the perfect start to life in FranceCredit: Getty
    Ramsey, who scored on his Nice debut against Toulouse last Sunday just a minute after coming off the bench, says he tapped into his own contacts before making the switch to Ligue 1.
    Ramsey, who played with the likes of Frenchman Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna at Arsenal, where they were managed by countryman Arsene Wenger, said: “I have spoken to a lot of players from my days at Arsenal.
    “I played with many French players who have experienced the French league so I spoke to a lot of them in the last few weeks.
    “They told me a lot about this league, how good and technical it is. They told me about the history of the club and I was very interested in that.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    “I know some great players have played here in the past and I hope to be a part of a very successful period for the club.
    “The project that they want to try and achieve here is very inviting for me. I’m looking forward to it and it’s exciting. Hopefully I can contribute.”
    Ramsey spent 11 years at Arsenal before leaving the Emirates for Juventus three years ago.
    The 75-cap Welshman struggled for form and fitness at the Serie A giants and spent the second half of last season on loan at Rangers.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Now Rambo is excited about a fresh start on the French Riviera where he has been joined by ex-Cardiff team-mate Kasper Schmeichel, who left Leicester last week.
    Ramsey added: “I went to Juventus and experienced that. Now I have experienced that, coming here it’s a lot easier for me. I know what to expect.
    “The last few years were a great experience for me. I spent a long time at Arsenal, 11 years, but for me to go out and experience something different and go out of my comfort zone was great for me and my family. I’ll forever be grateful for that opportunity. But now I have a new opportunity, one I’m really excited about.
    “I have played against Kasper many times. I played with him at Cardiff many years ago so it’s come full circle. We’re back as team-mates again.
    “We have played a lot of games together and at the highest level so hopefully we can have an influence on some things and help the younger players even though these days they don’t need it as much.”
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Ramsey’s focus is on Nice but he will also have an eye on November’s World Cup in Qatar – Wales’ first global finals appearance since 1958.
    He said: “Of course, the World Cup is really important for me. But, right now, I just want to concentrate on Nice. I want to get up to match speed as quickly as possible and help my team-mates.
    “Then, obviously, I will look forward to that when it comes around. My focus now is on Nice. We have a very important season ahead of us to try and achieve our targets.” More

  • in

    Arsenal in Yeremy Pino transfer boost with Villarreal ‘ready to accept bid of around £34m if player wants to leave’

    ARSENAL have reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of Villarreal starlet Yeremy Pino ahead of a potential summer swoop.The Gunners, as well as Liverpool, are claimed to be interested in the 19-year-old winger with boss Mikel Arteta keen to bring in another forward.
    Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino is on Arsenal’s radar ahead of a potential moveCredit: Getty
    Big things are expected of the teenager, who chipped in with seven goals and four assists in 40 games in all competitions last season.
    His fine form saw him called up for senior duty for Spain in October, where he has since made four appearances under Luis Enrique.
    Understood to boast a release clause worth a whopping £67million, it is believed that Villarreal would be willing to sell him for considerably less.
    According to AS, the LaLiga outfit are bracing themselves to receive an offer in the region of £34m-£42m.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Should they receive that much money, it has been said that they would likely accept it as it would ease their economic situation.
    And the sale could match or eclipse their record departure which stands at £34m when Chinese side Beijing Guoan activated Cedric Bakambu’s release clause in February 2018.
    And Villarreal will be more likely to allow the transfer to take place if Pino expresses his desire to leave the club.
    The Spanish news outlet has also stated that it remains to be seen whether it will be Arsenal or Liverpool that make the first move for the 2021 Europa League winner.
    latest arsenal news
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Arteta witnessed Pino first hand in May 2021 after the player starred against Arsenal in the Europa League semi-final second leg at the Emirates.
    He gave left-back Kieran Tierney a torrid time in North London as the Yellow Submarine avoided defeat to set up a final clash against Manchester United.
    Pino started the clash against the Red Devils, but was brought off in the 77th minute, with his side going on to win on penalties.
    Along with Pino, Bayer Levekusen ace Moussa Diaby has also been linked with a switch to Arsenal.
    Though with the Frenchman valued at £60m, the Gunners could decide against making a move.
    Pino featured against the Gunners in the Europa League semi-final in 2021Credit: Reuters More

  • in

    Ex-Arsenal keeper Maty Ryan seals Copenhagen move on free transfer after Real Sociedad contract ends

    FORMER Arsenal goalkeeper Mathew Ryan has completed a transfer to FC Copenhagen.The news of the transfer was confirmed on Tuesday morning via a club announcement.
    Mathew Ryan was confirmed as a new signing for CopenhagenCredit: https://www.fck.dk/en/news/mathew-ryan-joins-fck
    Ryan bites a ball during his time at ArsenalCredit: Getty
    In a statement on their website, Copenhagen said: “F.C. Copenhagen have signed Australian international goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from Real Sociedad.
    “Ryan has signed a contract at FCK for the next two seasons.”
    The 30-year-old spent last season with Real Sociedad after leaving Brighton on a free transfer.
    Ryan spent three and a half years with The Seagulls before Arsenal brought him in on loan for the second half of the 2020/21 season.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    His loan was not turned into a permanent deal by The Gunners and Brighton subsequently allowed him to move back to Spain.
    Copenhagen sporting director Peter Christiansen added: “We are getting an experienced and strong keeper in his prime, who arrives to take on the competition with our other goalkeepers.
    “After Kamil Grabara’s injury, we have been looking for an addition to the goalkeeper position, and we are very satisfied with the solution, which both in the short and long term ensures increased competition and quality in that position.
    “Maty has played many games in some of the world’s biggest leagues and still has plenty of hunger to do well at FCK and for Australia in the World Cup. 
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “We are looking forward to having him in the team and are sure that he will strengthen our squad.”
    Ryan has made 73 appearances for the Australian national team and played 123 times in the Premier League. More

  • in

    Where ex-Arsenal transfer guru Sven Mislintat’s nine signings are now as Lucas Torreira becomes last to quit Emirates

    SVEN MISLINTAT was touted as one of Arsenal’s most important signings when he was lured from Borussia Dortmund to become their head of recruitment.The Gunners forked out around £1.8million in late 2017 for the super scout dubbed ‘Diamond Eye’ to become part of their team.
    Former Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat brought in nine players during his time in North LondonCredit: Getty – Contributor
    But he lasted just over a year, leaving in February 2019 following a number of bust-ups after he was overlooked for the director of football role.
    He then hit out at Arsenal for being a “dysfunctional mess” in June 2020 with Mikel Arteta’s side finishing the Covid-hit season in eighth spot.
    It was an ironic statement from the 49-year-old given the fact that five of his signings were key players at the Emirates at the time.
    The German made nine transfers during his short spell in North London – eight of which were permanent deals – with NONE of them now on Arsenal’s books.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Here SunSport takes a look at each player and where they are now.
    Stephan Lichtsteiner – Retired
    A free transfer after the Swiss right-back left Juventus, the 38-year-old was signed to compete with Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
    He ended up featuring in 23 games in all competitions, but he struggled to cope with the fast tempo and the physicality of the Premier League in the twilight of his career.
    He joined Augsburg on a free in 2019, where he retired the following year.
    Stephan Lichtsteiner was guilty of inconsistent performances during his one year at ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
    Denis Suarez – Celta Vigo
    One of Arsenal’s most bizarre signings in recent years, the Spanish midfielder joined on loan from Barcelona in the winter transfer window of 2019.
    But the player was hardly given any minutes by Unai Emery, with the 28-year-old limited to just six games in all competitions.
    He failed to start a single match, with Suarez featuring in just 95 minutes of action.
    The player joined Celta Vigo at the end of his loan, where he has made 104 appearances in three years.
    Spanish midfielder Denis Suarez barely made an impact during his time with the GunnersCredit: AFP or licensors
    Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Inter Milan
    Arsenal fans were delighted when they secured the services of the Armenian ace in January 2019 in a swap deal with Alexis Sanchez going to Manchester United.
    And he enjoyed a dream first start as he laid on three assists in a 5-1 victory against Everton, but that proved to be his best game in an Arsenal shirt.
    His performances dropped and he was used mainly off the bench in the 2018-19 campaign, before joining Roma on loan in September 2019.
    Mkhitaryan proved to be a key player for the Serie A outfit, who turned his temporary stay into a permanent switch.
    Having rebuilt himself in Italy, he was snapped up by Inter Milan this summer after refusing to extend his stay in Rome.
    Henrikh Mkhitaryan was plagued by inconsistent performances during his time at ArsenalCredit: PA
    Sokratis – Olympiacos
    A £16m arrival from Dortmund in July 2018, Sokratis was meant to bring steel to a leaky Arsenal backline.
    And while he impressed at first, his displays dipped, with the Greek defensive stalwart soon finding himself out of favour under Arteta.
    After being omitted from their Premier League and Europa League squads for the 2020-21 term, Sokratis had his contract ripped up by Arsenal.
    He subsequently returned to his native country to join Olympiacos, where he has won two Greek Super League titles.
    Sokratis featured in 69 games for Arsenal before he was released in January 2021Credit: PA
    Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang – Barcelona
    Undoubtedly Mislintat’s best signing for Arsenal, the Gabonese striker notched up 92 goals in 163 games in all competitions after arriving from Dortmund.
    He will forever be remembered fondly by supporters for his involvement in the club winning the FA Cup in 2020.
    The 33-year-old scored both goals in Arsenal’s semi-final victory over Manchester City and the final against Chelsea.
    Aubameyang then scored the winning penalty in the Community Shield victory against Liverpool, where he also broke the deadlock at Wembley.
    But he soon fell out with Arteta where he was stripped of his captaincy, before he joined Barcelona earlier this year.
    Former Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left to join Barcelona in early 2022Credit: EPA
    Konstantinos Mavropanos – Stuttgart
    The first signing under Mislintat’s stewardship, Arsenal forked out around £2.2m to land the centre-back from Greek outfit PAS Giannina.
    Despite being highly-regarded, Mavropanos was limited to just eight games after being plagued by injuries.
    He impressed on loan at German side Nurnberg, before spending two years on loan at Stuttgart.
    And the Bundesliga outfit triggered a £3m purchase option in his contract in May, much to the frustration of Arsenal’s fanbase.
    Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos is now on the books at German side StuttgartCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Matteo Guendouzi – Marseille
    The French midfielder swapped Lorient for Arsenal in July 2018 in a £7m transfer where he quickly endeared himself as a fan favourite.
    Touted as a future captain, Guendouzi racked up 48 appearances in his opening season where he was a key player under Emery.
    And he was again used heavily by Arteta, before the pair fell out after Guendouzi’s antics away at Brighton in June 2020 where he sparked a brawl as well as boasting about his salary to the Seagulls squad.
    It turned out to be his last match for the Gunners, where he was shipped off on loan to Hertha Berlin for the following season.
    Marseille then landed him on loan the following year where he played a whopping 56 times to help the Stade Veldrome outfit finish second in Ligue 1.
    His permanent switch to Marseille was confirmed last month with Arsenal pocketing £9m.
    Matteo Guendouzi hasn’t featured for Arsenal since the 2-1 defeat against Brighton in June 2021Credit: Getty
    Bernd Leno – Fulham
    Arguably Mislintat’s second best recruit, Leno was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m to provide competition for Petr Cech.
    The German was the club’s No1 choice between the sticks for three years before the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale in 2021.
    He was ousted just three Premier League games into the new season after shipping in nine goals against Brentford, City and Chelsea.
    But Leno never kicked up a fuss in his quest for game time and remained a true professional for the remainder of the campaign.
    Citing his need to play regular first team football ahead of the 2022 World Cup, he left to link up with Fulham in an £8m deal last week.
    Goalkeeper Bernd Leno made 125 appearances for Arsenal during his four-year spellCredit: Reuters
    Lucas Torreira – Galatasaray
    The 26-year-old is the last of Mislintat’s nine signings that have left the club after he was deemed as surplus to requirements by Arteta.
    Brought in from Sampdoria for £22m in 2018, Torreira starred in his opening season where he scored twice in 50 games.
    But just like so many of Mislintat’s recruits, he struggled for consistency in his second year as he was limited to appearances off the bench.
    After two years spent out on loan at Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina, the Uruguay international has finally departed on a permanent deal.
    Despite pining for a move to Italy or Spain, Torreira has linked up with Turkish giants Galatasaray for £5.5m.
    Lucas Torreira has joined Galatasaray after two years out on loanCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Arsenal ‘make Sandro Tonali’ transfer enquiry as Mikel Arteta lines up £46.4m AC Milan midfield ace

    ARSENAL have reportedly made an enquiry for AC Milan star Sandro Tonali as Mikel Arteta weighs up another big money move. The young midfielder could cost over £45millionh but might prove to be a long-term option in the centre of the park for the Gunners.
    Tonali has admirers across Europe after being a key part of AC Milan’s title-winning side last seasonCredit: Rex
    The club have not been shy in spending cash this summer but are believed to still be in the market for a midfielder.
    Sandro Tonali is highly-rated in Europe and it is reported that Milan have a price tag in mind that could sway them to let him go.
    Calciomercato report that Arsenal have enquired about the 22-year-old’s availability, with AC Milan trying to fend the London club off.
    But a bid of £46.4m would be too much for Milan bosses to turn down, according to the report.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Other reports suggest that club officials of Milan and Arsenal have already met, as negotiators for the London club try to make the Italians budge on their resistance of letting the player go.
    Tonali has only been a permanent player at Milan for a single season, having spent the previous year on loan at the San Siro from Brescia.
    He impressed fans last time out as Milan won Serie A and Tonali played in all but two games, scoring five times.
    The Italian also has 11 caps since making his debut in 2019, having also made several appearances at youth level.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He was once even dubbed “the next Pirlo” due to his skilful and patient play.
    Arsenal’s search for central midfielders saw them pursue Youri Tielemans at the beginning of the summer, but the deal still appears some way off.
    They have new space in the squad for a midfielder after the departure of Lucas Torreira.
    The 26-year-old left for Galatasaray for £5.5m after a difficult spell at the Emirates where he fell out of favour under Arteta. More

  • in

    Arsenal in talks with Hector Bellerin over terminating his £110k-a-week contract with Real Betis targeting free transfer

    HECTOR BELLERIN’S agent is reportedly pushing for Arsenal to release the right-back to that he can return to Real Betis.The 27-year-old starred on loan at his boyhood club last season where he featured in 32 games in all competitions.
    Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin is keen to return to boyhood club Real BetisCredit: Getty
    Spain international Bellerin impressed during his loan spell at Betis last seasonCredit: Getty
    He even helped the Seville outfit win the Copa del Rey, which was the club’s first major trophy in 17 years.
    Bellerin has made no secret of his desire to return to Betis having posted an emotional letter to their fans in May.
    The Spain international even broke down in tears after their last home game of the 2021-22 season.
    With the player having no intention to see out the final year of his contract at the Emirates, an exit is on the cards.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Bellerin is one of seven Arsenal players up for sale, but Betis are claimed to be unwilling to fork out a fee.
    They are instead hoping the Gunners and Bellerin agree to mutually terminate his contract.
    According to El Chiringuito, his agent Albert Botines will be speaking with Arsenal to agree to release him.
    It has been claimed that Botines will be heading to London this week to discuss his future.
    latest arsenal news
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And Arsenal could agree to his demand to get Bellerin’s £110,000-a-week wages off their books if they are unable to get a fee for the ex-Barcelona academy ace.
    The Spanish news outlet has also stated that Betis would then be ready to snap him up on a free transfer.
    They are prepared to offer him either a three or four-year deal at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
    Arsenal technical director Edu told SunSport in July how it makes sense for the club to cancel contracts if a player is 26 or older and isn’t performing.
    He also said: “I know it’s strange to go to the board and tell them, ‘Sometimes it’s  better to pay a player to leave than to keep them’.
    “I realise that hurts and some people say that it’s expensive — but you have to take the problem out.”
    READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
    Bellerin is not in the plans of former team-mate Mikel Arteta, with the defender not named in their matchday squad for Friday’s 2-0 win against Crystal Palace.
    Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares are ahead of Bellerin in the pecking order, with centre-back Ben White even preferred instead to cover at full-back. More

  • in

    Arsenal boost as Brooke Norton-Cuffy signs new contract with 18-year-old set to join EFL side on loan transfer

    ARSENAL starlet Brooke Norton-Cuffy has reportedly penned a new long-term contract at the Emirates following his loan spell at Lincoln.The 18-year-old starred during the second half of last season at the League One outfit where he scored once in 17 matches.
    Brooke Norton-Cuffy is claimed to have signed a new long-term deal with ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Gunners right-back Norton-Cuffy impressed during his loan at Lincoln last campaignCredit: Getty
    He then impressed at the European Under-19 Championship earlier this summer where he helped the Young Lions beat Israel in the final.
    It was claimed in March how a new deal was on the cards for the teenager, who is highly-rated in North London.
    And now The Athletic have stated the right-back has put pen-to-paper on a new contract.
    Arsenal were keen to extend his stay with the defender attracting plenty of interest having entered the last 12 months of his previous deal.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    It has been said that the Gunners are likely to officially announce the extension later this week.
    They have also declared that the youngster could once again depart the club on a temporary switch.
    A move to a Championship side has been mooted for Norton-Cuffy, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea when he was 12.
    His former Lincoln boss Michael Appleton, now in charge at Blackpool, has tipped Norton-Cuffy to have a huge future at Arsenal.
    latest arsenal news
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He told Lincolnshire Live in March: “I don’t want Arsenal ringing me up saying ‘what have you said that for?’
    “But I’ve been saying it behind the scenes, I think he will play for Arsenal’s first team on a regular basis.
    “It might not be for a couple of years but it’s definitely going to happen.
    “He’ll hopefully continue his progression over the next few games.
    “There’s one or two things that I think I can help him with, but by the time he goes back to Arsenal, he’ll be much better.”
    Teenager Norton-Cuffy helped England win the European Under-19 Championship earlier this summerCredit: Getty More