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    Arsenal set to KEEP Joe Willock this season and reject Newcastle transfer interest after stunning loan spell last year

    NEWCASTLE are set for disappointment in their pursuit of Arsenal star Joe Willock.The 21-year-old headed to St James’ Park back in January on loan after struggling for action under Mikel Arteta.
    Steve Bruce is set for frustration in his pursuit of Joe Willock from ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    Willock went on to produce a number of impressive displays to help the Magpies secure their top-flight status.
    And the England Under-21 ace also scored in the last SEVEN games of the season.
    Newcastle boss Steve Bruce confirmed in May that he wanted to keep the midfielder on a permanent basis.
    However, The Northern Echo claims that Arsenal are set to hold on to Willock.
    They state that Arteta has been impressed by the player since he returned for pre-season this week.
    And now he will give Willock an opportunity to prove his worth ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.
    Willock will have his first chance to shine later tonight.
    Arsenal are in Scotland and head to Easter Road to face Hibernian in a pre-season friendly.

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    The Gunners then go to Ibrox on Saturday to take on Steven Gerrard’s Rangers.
    This latest report states that Arteta was open to letting Willock go at the beginning of the summer transfer window.
    Now the Spaniard has changed his stance after watching the youngster closely over the past week.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Joe Willock sends a message to Newcastle fans More

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    Hector Bellerin hints at Arsenal stay as right-back travels with squad for pre-season tour of Scotland

    HECTOR BELLERIN was pictured travelling to Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Scotland amid his uncertain future. The right-back is believed to be open to a move away from Arsenal after eight years with the club, who he joined at youth level.
    Hector Bellerin was pictured travelling to Arsenal’s pre-season tour of ScotlandCredit: Instagram / @omarrekik
    Hector Bellerin is believed to be open to a move away from ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Inter Milan and PSG are among those linked with him, while manager Mikel Arteta looks set to raise funds this summer by selling unwanted players.
    But for now, Bellerin will feature in Arsenal’s pre-season preparations, where they play Hibs tomorrow night.
    The defender is part of the 30-man squad that travelled to Scotland.
    Despite looking to clear out their squad, Arsenal have received hardly any bids so far.
    William Saliba will join Marseille on a season’s loan, having spent the last year with Nice.
    Ahead of his move, it means the £27million centre-half will spend a third year away from Arsenal without ever kicking a ball for the club.
    He will team up with Matteo Guendouzi, who has also signed for Marseille on loan with a £10m permanent move guaranteed next summer.
    Arsenal have already spent £7m on full-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica.

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    Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is currently completing his isolation period before sealing his £17m move from Anderlecht.
    Arsenal also remain optimistic of concluding a £50m deal for Brighton defender Ben White, although the clubs continue to haggle over the proposed payment schedules.
    Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is another key target despite a £20m asking price for a player who has twice been relegated from the Premier League in the last two seasons.
    Juventus star Chiellini admits he was a ‘fool’ to snub Arsenal’s £66k-a-year transfer offer when he was 16-years-old More

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    Houssem Aouar lets down excited Arsenal fans who thought agent was in London securing transfer move

    HOUSSEM AOUAR has poured cold water on internet gossip of an Arsenal switch by firmly shutting down rumours his agent was in London. The Lyon ace had been at the centre of speculation concerning a move to the Emirates last summer – and the murmurs have refused to go away.
    Lyon midfielder Houssem says his agent was not in London following transfer gossip on social mediaCredit: Getty
    Earlier this month SunSport reported Arsenal fans were getting giddy online, amid rumours the player’s brother and agent had been seen in London. 
    However, Aouar, 23, whose Lyon contract expires in June 2023,  has taken to social media to confirm photos shown in an Instagram story were actually of his best friend. 
    And he appeared to dismiss rumours of an impending Groupama Stadium exit by his ending his message with “Allez Lyon”.
    In a post on his Instagram account, Aouar wrote: “Guys leave him. He is one of my best friends, not my real brother. By the way… not my agent also.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    “Once again, unfortunately, an umpteenth “fake news” story has been released about me on multiple social media accounts. 
    “I’m not in the habit of responding to what is said about me…[but I was] sick, I was hospitalised over the weekend. 
    “Know that I am a lot better and that I am ready for the future!
    “Thank you to those who have always supported me, in the good times as in the less good times. Allez Lyon.”
    Lyon has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates and Arsenal are thought to have bid for the playerCredit: AFP

    Arsenal, who have bid farewell to Real Madrid loan stars Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos, are on the hunt for a playmaker. 
    And it is reported Aouar was one of Mikel Arteta’s top transfer targets prior to the Gunners prising Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid last term.

    It is thought Arteta is an admirer of the playing style of the France international who registered seven goals and three assists in 30 Ligue One appearances last term. 
    This week French outlet Le10 Sport reported Arsenal had submitted a formal offer for the player.
    It is thought the Gunners – who finished eighth in the Prem last term – are hoping to sign the attacker for a price between £17million and £21.4m.  
    And SunSport reported the club were preparing a contract worth £100,000-a-week in a bid to lure the player to the Emirates. 
    Arsenal are thought to be looking for a playmaker following Martin Odegaard’s return for Real MadridCredit: Getty
    However, the France midfielder is also on the radar of Serie A champions Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. 
    And both European giants may be able to tempt the player with Champions League football next term. 
    It is thought the player had to address transfer speculation concerning his absence from pre-season training.
    Jose Mourinho predicts Arsenal star Bukayo Saka will start for England in Euro 2020 final against Italy More

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    Emile Smith Rowe set to commit future to Arsenal with new five-year-deal despite Aston Villa transfer interest

    EMILE SMITH ROWE is set to sign a new five-year deal with Arsenal despite interest from Aston Villa.The 20-year-old attacking midfielder made himself a regular first-team starter for Mikel Arteta in the 2020-21 season.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Smith Rowe is set to stay at Arsenal despite interest from VillaCredit: Getty
    The youngster enjoyed a breakout season with the north London outfitCredit: Getty
    Smith Rowe, whose current contract runs until 2023, played 33 times for the Gunners and was a rare bright spark in a difficult campaign, scoring four goals.
    Understandably, his quick rise to stardom has attracted interest from rival clubs, most notably Aston Villa.
    Dean Smith’s outfit had offers of £25million and £30m rejected and were said to be preparing a third bid, according to Birmingham Mail.

    But Smith Rowe returned to pre-season training this week and is said to be continuing his contract talks with Arsenal.
    There are still issues to be ironed out but a new five-year deal is expected to be agreed.
    Arsenal keeping hold of Smith Rowe would be a small victory for the London club after they were beaten to Norwich’s Emiliano Buendia by Villa.
    The Midlands outfit signed the 24-year-old Argentine for £33m despite an offer also being on the table from Arsenal.
    But the Gunners did complete the £8m signing of Benfica defender Nuno Tavares on Saturday.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    The Portugal Under-21 international has signed a long-term deal with Arteta’s side.
    And the Arsenal boss told the club website: “We welcome Nuno to the club. He is a young player with great promise who has developed very well with Benfica in recent seasons and has also shown his quality by being part of Portugal Under-21s.
    “Nuno’s arrival will give the squad extra strength and options in defence, particularly with this energy on the left side of the pitch.
    “We look forward to Nuno’s arrival soon, his integration into the Arsenal family and playing in front of our fantastic supporters.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger baffled by England penalty and blasts VAR for ‘letting referee down’ in Euro 2020 semi-final More

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    Patrick Vieira eyes Arsenal transfer raid for Eddie Nketiah with Crystal Palace also keen on Nice star Kasper Dolberg

    CRYSTAL PALACE boss Patrick Vieira is going back to old clubs Arsenal and Nice to sign Eddie Nketiah and Kasper Dolberg.Vieira is keen to add extra firepower to his squad and would love Nketiah — and he is available for £20million.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Eddie Nketiah has struggled for game time at Arsenal and is wanted by Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex
    Vieira has taken over at Crystal Palace following Roy Hodgson’s departureCredit: Instagram @cpfc
    The 22-year-old striker may be at the point where he has to move on after years of trying to be first choice for the Gunners and with just a few games to show for it.
    Vieira is also checking out a potential deal for Denmark hitman Dolberg.
    The new Eagles chief signed him from Ajax two seasons ago when he was boss at Nice.
    The silky 23-year-old forward was the club’s top scorer in his first season but his form dipped and Vieira was sacked in 2020.
    However, there were signs of his old magic as Denmark reached the Euro semi-finals.
    Dolberg is up for sale but he could be more expensive than Nketiah at £25m — with Vieira only likely to take one of the pair.
    Palace are still looking for a wide man and could revisit their interest in Watford’s Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr, 23.
    They had an offer of £25m plus extras turned down at the start of last season.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    Dolberg scored three goals for Denmark at Euro 2020Credit: Getty

    The Eagles are also interested in Danish centre-half Victor Nelsson, 22.
    Copenhagen want £10m for the defender who may be the answer if Gary Cahill does not sign a new deal.
    Nelsson has clubs after him in Germany but wants to come to the Premier League and is waiting on a deal being agreed.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Wayne Hennessey shows his goalkeeping skills at Crystal Palace training More

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    Matteo Guendouzi hints that Arsenal outcast William Saliba is set to follow his transfer to Marseille with cryptic post

    MATTEO GUENDOUZI has hinted Arsenal outcast William Saliba is set to follow him to Marseille. Guendouzi completed his loan move to the French club and posted a cryptic message over Saliba’s future.
    Matteo Guendouzi has joined Marseille on loanCredit: AFP
    William Saliba could be following Guendouzi to FranceCredit: Getty

    Guendouzi ended his Arsenal hell by joining Marseille on loan, with an obligation to buy him next summer.
    After Saliba reacted to Guendouzi’s post on Instagram, the midfielder said: “Hope to see you very soon brother.”

    Saliba has reportedly rejected interest from Newcastle in favour of joining Guendouzi at Marseille.
    The 20-year-old defender is expected to head out on loan rather than compete for a place in Mikel Arteta’s squad next season.
    Saliba joined Nice on loan during the second half of the last campaign and it appears Arsenal do not currently see him as a first-team option.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    The Gunners are pursuing Brighton and England centre-back Ben White this summer.
    And Arsenal made their first signing of the summer after completing an £8million deal for Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares.
    It is expected to be a busy summer for the club as Arteta attempts to revive the club’s fortunes after missing out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.

    Jose Mourinho predicts Arsenal star Bukayo Saka will start for England in Euro 2020 final against Italy More

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    Man Utd ‘very tempted’ by transfer move for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti with Arsenal also keen on French star

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly very tempted by a move for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti. But while the Red Devils are keen to land Umtiti, they could face competition from Arsenal.
    Samuel Umtiti is attracting the interest of Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    According to Gol, the Red Devils are leading the chase for the powerful centre-back.
    The French defender fell out of favour under Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp last season.
    Umtiti was limited to just 16 appearances for Barca and the 27-year-old is likely to be interested in a move to the Premier League.
    The defender was linked with a move to Everton at the end of last year but Carlo Ancelotti’s exit could end this possibility.
    United are focused on strengthening their squad to push rivals Man City after finishing second in the Premier League last season.
    And experienced defender Umtiti would add another physical presence alongside Harry Maguire.
    United have also been strongly linked with a move for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
    But Arsenal have also shown an interest in Umtiti and could offer competition for his signature.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    The Gunners started their summer rebuild by signing Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares in an £8million deal.
    Barca are reportedly ready to offload Umtiti as they attempt to cut their wage bill due to their financial problems which have been worsened by the pandemic.
    And their focus is on persuading superstar Lionel Messi to stay after his contract expired this summer.

    Man Utd wages revealed as Jadon Sancho becomes club’s second highest-paid star on £350k a week after £73m transfer More

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    Arsenal complete £8m transfer of Benfica star Nuno Tavares as defender becomes Mikel Arteta’s first signing of rebuild

    ARSENAL have completed the £8million signing of Benfica defender Nuno Tavares. The Portugal Under-21 international has signed a long-term deal with Mikel Arteta’s side.
    Nuno Tavares has joined ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Arteta told the club website: “We welcome Nuno to the club. He is a young player with great promise who has developed very well with Benfica in recent seasons and has also shown his quality by being part of Portugal Under-21s.
    “Nuno’s arrival will give the squad extra strength and options in defence, particularly with this energy on the left side of the pitch.
    “We look forward to Nuno’s arrival soon, his integration into the Arsenal family and playing in front of our fantastic supporters.”
    The 21-year-old is Arsenal’s first signing of the summer as Arteta looks to rebuild his squad after a disappointing season.
    The Gunners failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in 25 years after finishing eighth and Arteta is under pressure to revive the club’s fortunes.

    Tavares came through Benfica’s youth system and progressed up into the first team.
    The left-back made his debut in the Portuguese Super Cup win over Sporting Lisbon in 2019.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    Tavares made 25 appearances for Benfica across the last two seasons and came on as a substitute in the second leg of their Europa League last-32 defeat at Arsenal in February.
    Technical director Edu said: “Nuno is a talented young player who was wanted by a number of clubs across Europe.
    “He will provide strong back-up in the left-back position. We look forward to him growing and developing with us and becoming an important member of the first-team squad.”
    Tavares will be pushing Kieran Tierney for a place in the first team.
    Jose Mourinho predicts Arsenal star Bukayo Saka will start for England in Euro 2020 final against Italy More