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

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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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.”
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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      Arsenal and Liverpool ‘line up Yeremy Pino transfer’ with Villarreal ready to sell winger, 19, for right price

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      ARSENAL and Liverpool are reportedly lining up a move for Villarreal star Yeremy Pino, with the Spanish club prepared to sell at the right price. The 19-year-old is seen as one of their future stars after coming through their youth team.
      Yeremy, or Yeremi, Pino has caught the eyes of scouts from EnglandCredit: Getty
      The club were not expecting any moves for him and the Premier League interest has reportedly caught them by surprise.
      They are keen to hang on to their teen prospect but acknowledge that England’s big clubs may have too much money to resist.
      AS report that Villarreal have recently become aware of the interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
      The report states that a big offer would lead to a “difficult decision” for the Yellow Submarine.
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      Pino’s release clause is reportedly around £67million, which would represent a huge outlay for either Arsenal or Liverpool.
      But AS say he is seen as one of the “jewels of the yellow crown” and there is much excitement about his development.
      If Villarreal were to recoup the cash, the money could go towards a permanent move for Tottenham’s out of favour midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso.
      At the moment he is set to join Unai Emery’s team on loan again after impressing in the second half of last season.
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      Reports suggest they would be able to land him permanently for £12.6m at the end of the agreement as part of the draft loan terms.
      Arsenal and Liverpool have both already spent part of this window drafting in youngsters for the future.
      The Gunners signed Brazilian wonderkid Marquinhos in June on a long-term contract.
      The talented 19-year-old has already earned comparisons to his countryman Douglas Costa.
      Meanwhile Liverpool managed to land Fulham’s winger Fabio Carvalho on a free this summer.
      The Portuguese teen took the Championship by storm last season and netted 10 goals and managed eight assists. More

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      Arsenal star Lucas Torreira finally ends Emirates hell with £5m transfer to Galatasaray who also snap-up Dries Mertens

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      LUCAS TORREIRA has finally ended his Arsenal hell by completing a move to Galatasaray.Torreira spent last season on loan with Fiorentina where he wanted to remain following a successful spell in Italy.
      Lucas Torreira has completed a move to Galatasary after months of speculation surrounding his futureCredit: AFP
      The midfielder was spotted in Instanbul draped in a Galatasaray scarf along with fellow new signing Dries MertensCredit: beINSPORTS @FabrizioRomano
      But he was forced to return to the Emirates as the Serie A side failed to trigger his release clause due to a price disparity.
      Nonetheless, the Uruguayan midfield rock made it clear there was no chance of him staying at Arsenal beyond the summer.
      This led to Galatasaray making a swoop for the disgruntled midfielder.
      He was poised to complete the move in early August after agreeing a three-year deal with the Super Lig titans.
      But the transfer was thrown into chaos when Torreira allegedly refused to board the plane taking him to Turkey.
      However, any doubts Torreira initially had have been cast aside as he was spotted at a Turkish airport draped in a Galatasaray scarf upon agreeing personal terms with the club, the Daily Mail reported.
      And he’s set to be unveiled by the club this week once his medical is completed.
      The Gunners have been appeased by the £5.5million Galatasary will pay them for Torreira, the report adds.
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      Torreira will be joined at the Nef Stadyumu by former Chelsea target Dries Mertens.
      Mertens also jetted into Instanbul to complete his switch from Napoli to Galatasaray.
      The Blues were keeping tabs on the striker, along with new signing Kalidou Koulibaly a few years ago.
      But a move never materialised, and now Mertens is poised to pen a one-year contract with Galatasaray which includes the option to extend for another term, Football Italia reported.
      The 35-year-old was also being chased by Juventus, Lazio, and Inter Milan, but opted to leave Italy as he didn’t want to play against Napoli with a rival team, it was added. More

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      ‘Always rated him…’ – Arsenal fans in disbelief as Nuno Tavares scores SCREAMER on debut for loan club Marseille

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      NUNO TAVARES showed Arsenal fans what they are missing as he scored a screamer on his debut on loan at Marseille.Tavares, 22, helped L’OM thrash Reims 4-1 at the Veldrome in their first Ligue 1 match of the season.

      Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares scored a wondergol on his Marseille debutCredit: Reuters
      Nuno Tavares’ goal on his Marseille debut impressed Arsenal fans
      The left-back netted the French giants’ second, which practically ended their opponents’ hopes of getting back in the game after Wout Faes’ own goal, in the first half.
      The Portugal Under-21 international picked up a long ball by Leonardo Balerdi down the left flank and danced around Reims’ defenders.
      The 22-year-old took the ball to the edge of the box and fired a thunderous right-footed shot that hit Patrick Pentz’s bottom left corner in the first minute of stoppage time.
      Arsenal fans were in awe of the full-back’s wondergoal following a hapless debut season at the Emirates that convinced manager Mikel Arteta to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko to compete with Kieran Tierney.
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      Tavares was considered a flop upon his departure for Marseille but the Gunners’ faithful took to Twitter to express their hope he will return a changed man, just like William Saliba did.
      This fan tweeted: “Always rated him tbf.”
      Another posted: “Love him and yes…get the experience.”
      A third wrote: “This bloke will come back to us as an absolute monster, mark my words, raw talent who needs a season or two away from the club, sounds familiar.”
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      This fan said: “He is going to come back bigger and stronger like Saliba.”
      And that one tweeted: “Bring him back to do RB [right-back].”
      But Tavares wasn’t the only Arsenal loanee to mark his debut with a goal in Marseille.
      Folarin Balogun came off the bench and scored Reims’ one and only goal to ease the pain, while Luis Suarez’s brace sealed the hosts’ triumph. More

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      ‘Arsenal will blow teams away’ – Man Utd legend Gary Neville won over by Gunners’ new-look front-four after Palace win

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      GARY NEVILLE has warned the Premier League that Arsenal will be a real threat this year. Following on from their opening day victory against Crystal Palace Neville lavished praise on The Gunners, revealing his thoughts on Arsenal’s new-look front-four.
      Arsenal celebrate a goal during their win against Crystal PalaceCredit: AFP
      Gabriel Jesus appears to have fit like a glove into Arsenal’s attackCredit: Getty
      Gary Neville has warned Arsenal’s front-four will be among the deadliest in the leagueCredit: Getty
      He told Sky Sports: “I think the way in which Arsenal play will mean there is no problem for (Gabriel) Jesus to play in the left channel or the right channel if he sees an opportunity.
      “They have the ability to interchange and that front-four are so exciting. They’ll cause massive problems.
      “They were electric in that first 15-20 minutes and they will blow teams away.”
      Gabriel Martinelli’s header and a Marc Guehi own goal either side of half-time saw Arsenal triumph over The Eagles, who have been known to be somewhat of a bogey team for them over the years.
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      Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash once again this summer, bringing in nearly £120million worth of talent to bolster his squad.
      Former Manchester City forward Jesus is arguably the most important of these, with the Brazilian expected to add goals where Alexandre Lacazette could not while providing a potent attacking presence.
      Despite not scoring on his debut, Jesus looked sharp and was given a glowing review in SunSport’s player ratings.
      Goals will almost certainly come his way as the season progresses, and Arteta hopes the £45m man can fire them into the top four by the end of the season.
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      Ex-Manchester United captain Neville added: “Lots of teams they will be two or three up and they will kill a lot of teams off and we’ll see more of that.
      “They’ve got outstanding players and they do play a bit like Man City’s front players in the way they play.
      “They play in that clever little way, make the extra pass, those little sort of underlaps and overlaps at the edge of the box.
      “Arteta obviously working with Pep Guardiola (had influence) and Arteta said something before the game which will stick with me.
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      “He said ‘I feel they’re now at the level I wanted’.”
      Arsenal’s next test will be the visit of Leicester City to the Emirates stadium next week. More