ARSENAL have made an official bid for Manuel Locatelli, according to Sassuolo’s CEO Giovanni Carnevali. The Gunners are also keeping tabs on Renato Sanches if they can offload multiple flops this summer.
We’ve also got the latest on Ben White, with Brighton demanding £50m plus add-ons for the England centre-back.
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GUNNER BE OK
EXCLUSIVE – Gutted Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles was filmed surveying the wreck of his £105,000 car after flipping it on the M25.
The 23-year-old had a lucky escape after his Mercedes G-Wagon tipped onto its side following a smash with another car on the busy motorway on Wednesday morning.
An Arsenal spokesperson said: “We’re aware of a car accident involving Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Ainsley is unhurt and at home.”
The Gunners starlet was spotted sat on his phone at the side of the road in the moments after the shocking crash which led to rush hour tailbacks between junctions 23 and 25.
Footage from a passing car showed Maitland-Niles looking glum – adding to the misery of missing out on Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad after his England first-team call-up last year.
Maitland-Niles’ £105,000 Mercedes G-Wagon rolled onto its side
TAKE XHAK
Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka has starred at Euro 2020 for Switzerland.
No other midfielder left in the tournament has made more progressive passes.
1,924 – Granit Xhaka has completed 181 forward passes at EURO 2020, accounting for a total progressive distance of 1,924 metres; the most of any midfielder remaining in the competition. Director. #SUI #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/QQ5WLgT5sw— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 30, 2021
WHITE NOISE
Brighton centre-back Ben White is claimed to be keen on making a summer switch to Arsenal.
The Gunners remain locked in negotiations with the Seagulls after having two bids turned down.
According to the Daily Mail, Graham Potter’s men are holding out for £55million.
They state that Brighton are demanding £50m up front with the rest to be paid out in potential add-ons.
A move North London is understood to be close with White keen to link up with Mikel Arteta’s side.
MUL THROTTLE
Arsenal have identified Sassuolo ace Mert Muldur as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin.
That is according to The Athletic, who claim Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has been keeping a close watch on Muldur following an impressive Serie A campaign.
Bellerin is wanted by Inter Milan, who are set to lose Achraf Hakimi to PSG.
And Muldur could be on his way to the Emirates this summer.
RED CARPET
Emile Smith Rowe looks set to stay at Arsenal with a ‘verbal agreement’ in place to sign a new deal, according to reports.
The highly-rated youngster has been the subject of two bids from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims Smith Rowe will sign a new contract at Arsenal and end speculation over his future.
Romano said: “Before Emile was going to holiday this summer, he had like a verbal agreement ready with Arsenal, this is what I know.
“So he’s waiting to come back from holiday and then to meet with Arsenal, complete some details and then sign the new contract with Arsenal.
“So from Smith Rowe’s side, he wants to stay at Arsenal, many times he said about he’s living his dream playing for Arsenal, he wants to stay and Arsenal are so happy with him.”
HE’S THE MAN
Arsenal are reportedly ready to meet Sassuolo’s £34million demands to bring Manuel Locatelli to the Emirates.
According to Sport Mediaset, the midfielder’s move to Juventus has stalled as the Ole Lady are only prepared to offer a player plus cash deal.
Sassuolo are requesting their asking price to be met or no club will be able to sign the player.
And it has been claimed that the Gunners as well as Borussia Dortmund are willing to fork out the £34m required.
Locatelli, who has been keen to join Juve, is understood to not have ruled out a move abroad.
GUNNER GET YA
Arsenal are close to announcing the double swoop of Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Take a look below at the Gunners’ most expensive signings.
VARCICAL
Premier League chiefs will not copy the way Euro 2020 has deployed VAR next term – because they simply haven’t got enough officials.
Uefa’s system sees three VAR officials on duty for each match, with one delegated to only deal with offside decisions.
That has sped up the process, with the average overturned decisions taking just 63 seconds in the group phase.
But to mirror that set-up, the VAR hubs at Stockley Park would have to be reconfigured for extra seats, when there simply is not enough space at the moment.
It would also require more officials to work at Stockley Park, taking them off EFL duty – as VAR teams can only be current recently-retired refs and assistants.
And with up to six matches played simultaneously most weekends, with the return of the Saturday 3pm slot, it is felt to be impossible to replicate the Uefa process.
LATE DRAMA
Where does Thierry Henry’s last minute winner against Manchester United in the 2006-07 season rank amongst Arsenal’s best late goals?
Have your say below.
NU RECRUIT
Arsenal should complete a £7million move from Benfica today as the first arrival in Arsenal’s summer shake-up.
The Portugal Under-21 star is tipped to end the Gunners’ search for left-back cover, with paperwork confirming the “done deal” expected to be signed within hours.
Scotland ace Kieran Tierney has just penned a new long-term deal to reward his outstanding 2020-21 Premier League season.
But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been chasing defensive back-up down that flank, as England’s Euro 2020 hero Bukayo Saka is being used further forward and Ainsley Maitland-Miles is also more attack-minded.
And for a fee of 8million euros plus add-ons, 21-year-old Tavares would be the type of investment Arteta prefers as he builds for the future.
Respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Wednesday the move was a “done deal”.
He added: “Paperwork to be signed today between #AFC and Benfica board.”
Portugal U-21 midfielder Nuno Tavares is ready to switch from home country giants Benfica to the Gunners
BY HEC
Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to loan out Hector Bellerin as the Spanish right-back seeks a move away.
The Gunners defender has been linked with a switch back to his native Spain, while Inter Milan could turn to the player to replace the outgoing Achraf Hakimi.
It has been stated that the Serie A outfit were initially seeking a loan deal for Bellerin, but Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has declared the North Londoners would rather sell him.
He tweeted: “Inter and Paris Saint-Germain are completing paperworks and contract now set to be signed for Achraf Hakimi deal. It’s done as Donnarumma too – never been in doubt.
“There’s still nothing advanced for Hector Bellerin.
“Arsenal are not considering loan bids as of today.”
WHERE EAGLES DARE
Patrick Vieira could return to Arsenal for a selection of young stars to bolster his Crystal Palace squad.
It is widely reported that the former midfielder, 45, will take over at Selhurst Park after Roy Hodgson’s departure.
There is quite the job on in South London this summer with a huge squad rebuild to undertake.
A whopping 22 players were named on the released list earlier this month but the door is not thought to be closed on the likes of Andros Townsend and Joel Ward agreeing fresh deals.
There is also the status of Wilfried Zaha to contend with as the winger is once again reportedly keen to leave Palace.
Vieira could sanction a summer sale to build a considerable transfer kitty to spread across the squad.
Here is how Palace could look under the Frenchman.
WIZARD OF OZ
Arsenal have paid already-departed midfielder Mesut Ozil a final salary.
According to Turkish journalist Talha Arslan – covers Fenerbahce – the Gunners have paid Ozil an eye watering £16.38m.
Arsenal, Mesut Özil’in hesabına bugün yaklaşık olarak 16.38 Milyon £’lik (%90) son maaş ödemesini yatırdı.— Tâlha Arslan (@TalhaArslanTV) June 30, 2021
VERBAL AGREEMENT
Arsenal have a verbal agreement with starlet Emile Smit Rowe, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Aston Villa have submitted two bids for the Gunners academy graduate, but both were swiftly turned down.
Smith Rowe is in the last year of his contract, but seems intent on staying in north London.
Speaking on the Que Golazo podcast, Romano said: “He’s not signed yet.
“But before Emile was going to holiday this summer, he had like a verbal agreement ready with Arsenal, this is what I know.
“So he’s waiting to come back from holiday and then to meet with Arsenal, complete some details and then sign the new contract with Arsenal.
“From Smith Rowe’s side, he wants to stay at Arsenal, many times he said about he’s living his dream playing for Arsenal, he wants to stay and Arsenal are so happy with him.
“So if someone wants to break the agreement, verbal agreement between Smith Rowe and Arsenal, they need to break the bank.
“My feeling is that Smith Rowe is staying, and they’re gonna extend this contract because as I said, some weeks ago, it was already prepared.”
GUNNED DOWN
Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has lifted the lid on his failed move to Arsenal in 2001 and says he was a ‘fool’ to reject the club, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
The Italy international claims the Gunners offered him a huge salary when he was just 16, but felt it would be a betrayal to leave Livorno.
Speaking to So Foot via Goal in February about his failed move, the 36-year-old, who is currently starring for Italy in Euro 2020, said: “In hindsight, I was a fool to decline that offer.
“I was 16, I played in Serie C, I got a huge offer for just under 200 million lira-a-season.
“I didn’t feel ready. If I had accepted, it would have given the impression of betraying Livorno.”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
ARSENAL EYE RAMSDALE
Arsenal will make a move for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after Euro 2020.
According to the Sheffield Star, the Gunners are expected to submit a bid for the England keeper.
Arsenal see Ramsdale as a potential replacement for Bernd Leno, who’s future is in doubt.
The Blades – who bought Ramsdale for as little as £20m last season – rate the goalkeeper at close to £40m.
OPENING DAY
Arsenal travel to Brentford on the opening day of the Premier League season.
HI-XHAK
Italian giants Juventus are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, according to reports.
The Switzerland captain has been linked with Juve’s Serie A rivals Roma, who will be coached by ex-Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho next term, writes THOMAS BLOW.
According to CalcioMercato, Juventus are admirers of Xhaka and may make a move for the Arsenal star if they fail to sign Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo.
The 28-year-old has impressed for the Swiss at Euro 2020, picking up the Star of the Match award for his performance in his country’s famous win against France.
Xhaka has reportedly agreed terms with Roma ahead of a potential move but the Italian side are struggling to meet the Gunners’ asking price.
Mourinho’s new club are understood to have offered €12million plus €3m in add-ons for the player – around £13m in total.
RUBE AWAKENING
Man Utd are in talks to sign Arsenal target Ruben Neves, according to reports.
The Red Devils have identified Neves as a potential summer transfer target.
And they’re looking to potentially beat rivals Arsenal to his signature.
According to the Express, Neves could be free to leave Wolves for a fee of £35m.
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
TAV THAT
Arsenal are set to seal two transfers in the next few days, according to reports.
The Gunners have agreed a deal to sign Anderlecht midfielder Lokonga for £15m plus add-ons.
The two clubs do, however, need to agree on a future sell-on percentage.
And a deal has been agreed for Benfica left-back Tavares for £6.8m – an absolute bargain.
Fabrizio Romano has said that both deals are expected to be completed soon.
Arsenal are set to complete both Nuno Tavares and Lokonga signings in the next few days – confirmed and here we go soon ⚪️🔴 #AFCLokonga will join for €17.5m + add ons, now final details on future sale %.Paperworks to be signed soon with Benfica for Tavares [€8m + add ons]. https://t.co/lX6c9RzH5j— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2021
‘HE’S OUR BEST PLAYER’
England legend Alan Shearer has hailed Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as England’s best player.
The Gunners academy product has forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s startin line-up, and he’s proved reliable.
England will now face Ukraine in Rome, Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
Shearer said: “England need more players like that.
“He’s been so brave, when someone’s marking him tightly he still wants the ball.
“I think he’s been our best player.”
Credit: AP
WAITING FOR AN INVITE
Renato Sanches has caused chaos on Instagram after replying to Arsenal defender Gabriel’s reply.
The Arsenal defender commented under Sanches’ post saying: “Come to Arsenal.”
And Sanches responded saying: “I’m wait for your invitation.”
More than 700 people responded to Sanches’ comment, with one commenting: “MADDDDDDDDDD”.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka started for England last night in possibly the biggest game of his career so far.
And he turned in another mighty-fine performance.
Saka is determined for England to go all the way, on Twitter he said: “Special to be apart of this team, let’s keep making history!”
MUL THROTTLE
Arsenal have identified Sassuolo ace Mert Muldur as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.
That is according to The Athletic, who claim Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has been keeping a close watch on Muldur following an impressive Serie A campaign.
The north Londoners are likely to lose Bellerin in the summer as the right-back is looking for a new challenge.
The Spain international has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, who are looking for someone to fill in for Paris Saint Germain-bound Achraf Hakimi.
Therefore, if the 26-year-old puts an end to his eight-year stint at the Emirates then Arsenal will need a replacement.
And Muldur appears to be among Arteta’s top choices to reinforce his full-back options.
Sassuolo star Mert Muldur has been linked with a move to Arsenal
GOOD MORNING GUNNERS FANS
Spurs have joined the race for Arsenal target Houssem Aouar, according to reports.
Arsenal wanted to sign Aouar last summer, but weren’t willing to match Lyon’s £55million asking price.
But after the Ligue 1 side failed to qualify for the Champions League, he could be available this time around for just £20m, with a £100,000-a-week contract being readied.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, however, the Mirror says rivals Spurs are entering the race.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Tottenham are also reportedly set to battle it out for Inter Milan prospect Martin Satriano.
The sworn North London enemies are said to be part of several clubs who are pursuing the 20-year-old whizkid.
He’s caught the attention of the Premier League giants with a string of impressive displays for Inter’s youth team in the Primavera 1 last season.
According to the Daily Mail, the Serie A side could be forced to sell the striker – who scored 14 goals and provided eight assists in 25 games – due to financial woes.
Finally, Arsenal have identified Sassuolo ace Mert Muldur as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin.
That is according to The Athletic, who claim Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has been keeping a close watch on Muldur following an impressive Serie A campaign.
Bellerin is wanted by Inter Milan, who are set to lose Achraf Hakimi to PSG.
And Muldur could be on his way to the Emirates this summer.
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