ARSENAL are closing in on the £50m transfer of England defender Ben White from Brighton, with talks underway.The club have made enquiries for Man City duo Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, according to reports.
And the Gunners are also rumoured to be interested in Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
And we’ve got the latest on Arsenal’s interest in Italy star Manuel Locatelli.
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Follow all the latest from North London with our live blog below…
GUNNING RON
Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to ‘insults and beatings’ from Arsenal when the former Manchester United star tried tricks.
That is the revelation by ex-Arsenal attacker Robert Pires on a harsh start to life in England for Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s introduction to English football was greeted with plenty of harsh challenges and Pires admitted opposing players did not appreciate the star’s showboating.
Pires told Record: “Cristiano made feints and the English didn’t like it. It was just a beating.
“You can’t play like that against the English and you couldn’t do that at Highbury, Arsenal’s home. It was just insults and beatings.
“At first he didn’t stand it very well, it was complicated for him. Football in England is completely different.”
GUNNER GET YA
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signing of Ben White from Brighton.
Brighton are holding out for a £50million fee for the centre-back, with the Gunners claimed to be willing to hand over £45m plus add-ons.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein tweeted: “Arsenal moving closer to agreement with Brighton for Ben White.
“#BHAFC want guaranteed ~£50m, #AFC offering ~£45m + £5m.
“Face-to-face talks have taken place & negotiations continue over add-ons, payment structure etc. No other bidders yet.”
GUNNER BLOW
Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos is set to depart to Stuttgart imminenently.
The Greece international is expected to return to the Bundesliga side where he spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan.
Football.london journalist Christ Wheatley tweeted: “Dinos Mavropanos to Stuttgart should be announced today.
“Loan with obligation to buy.”
TOS UP
Fulham star Tosin Adarabioyo is wanted by Norwich, Arsenal and Newcastle following the Cottagers’ relegation, according to reports.
Promising loan spells at West Brom and Blackburn earned the centre-back a move from Manchester City to West London last summer.
But he could be set for another switch amid rumours of a £10million release clause.
Adarabioyo cost an initial £1.5m a year ago and City are thought to hold a 20 per cent sell-on clause for his next move.
According to Sky Sports’ transfer centre, Adarabioyo is among a number of targets for the newly-promoted Canaries.
SunSport revealed earlier this week that Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour is wanted for a season-long loan move.
Adarabioyo, 23, is also reportedly wanted by Arsenal, Newcastle and clubs in Germany.
Tosin Adarabioyo (right) is thought to be wanted by three clubs
PEPE TALK
What a goal this was from Nicolas Pepe against West Brom.
WHITE NOISE
Arsenal legend David Seaman believes Brighton centre-back Ben White would be a brilliant addition to Mikel Arteta’s side.
He told Goal: “He’s got everything [needed] to go and take hold of it and give it his best shot.
“He’s got the physique, he’s got the temperament. At Leeds it’s a high-press, high-tempo game, so his fitness is also not in doubt.
“The only question mark you can put on him is can he play in the big games? But we’ll just have to wait and see, because he’s not played in them yet.
“Hopefully he will go on and play for England and when he does that, hopefully he will carry on [with his development].
“Would he be a good signing for Arsenal? Of course he would because he’s a good player.”
MAT FINISH
Former Lille director Luis Campos has waxed lyrical over Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi.
Speaking to O Jogo, he said: “I like him a lot, he has great talent, an exceptional talent, he’s very good both technically and tactically.
“I have a feeling that emotionally he’s a player who hasn’t matured to 100 percent yet, he needs to mature more.
“By age, as he is still very young, he has a great future ahead of him.”
HOT ROD
Arsenal are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Real Betis’ Argentine international Guido Rodriguez.
Marca claims the Gunners are set to open negotiations with his Spanish club over a deal.
Rodriguez has a release clause worth £69million in his contract.
But Arsenal hope a far cheaper bid of £25.7m will be accepted by Betis.
FOR REALSIES
Arsenal have missed out on extending Martin Odegaard’s loan stay after the midfielder confirmed his future lies with Real Madrid.
It had previously been reported that the Gunners had given up on signing the Norwegian despite a promising six-month spell in North London.
And Odegaard, 22, is looking forward to finally getting a full season at the Bernabeu having signed back in 2015.
He told Norway’s TV2: “Real Madrid have been clear that they would like me back. So then it will be time to go there when the training starts up again.
“Of course it has always been a dream to play there. I have been in the club for over six years now, and that has always been the goal.
“I always want to play, I have said that all the time. Playing hard is important.”
TAKING THE MIK
Mikael Silvestre has explained why he joined Arsenal over Manchester City in 2008 when he left Manchester United.
Speaking to Ladbrokes, he said: “At the time, Arsenal were in a different dimension to Manchester City.
“So when it came to leaving Manchester United, although I was sad to leave, it was always going to be Arsenal I chose.
“Even Mark Hughes, manager of City at the time, understood when I spoke with him about my decision. He said he’d have done the same himself if he was me.
“Some players stay at the same club for their whole career, but I’ve played in a few different countries now and I’m always following how my former teams have got on.
“I was at Arsenal for two seasons and I enjoyed my time there.”
BODES WELL
Danny Welbeck has signed on for another year at Brighton.
The ex-Arsenal and Manchester United ace, 30, was a hit at the Amex last term after joining as a free agent on a one-year deal from relegated Watford.
He played a key role in the Seagulls beating the drop, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists in 24 league appearances.
Welbeck said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far – happiness is key. Being at a club where I am really enjoying playing my football, playing under the manager, his style of play and the good people around the club, it just feels right.
“I’ve got the foundation now, that understanding of the group. You come to a new club and you’re learning about how things work, where you can fit in and what you need do to impact games.
“We developed that towards the back end of the season and I want to be pushing on and giving much, much more.
“It’s important to feel appreciated and feel settled. Once you’re happy you can focus on doing your work, making sure you’re ready for training and games. Everything builds from there and it’s a good platform to start.”
LOAN RANGER
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba is reportedly set for his third loan spell away from the club.
According to Foot Mercato, Mikel Arteta is keen for the 20-year-old to continue his development elsewehere.
They state that the Gunners and Saliba will discuss his future later in the summer to decide the best choice from him.
It has been said that nine clubs are looking to sign him on loan, including Premier League duo Newcastle and Southampton.
Meanwhile Bayer Leverkusen, Nice, Rennes, Marseille, Lille and Italian clubs are interested.
HEC OF A MOVE
Inter Milan are reportedly eyeing up a move to sign Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin.
The Gunners ace is set to depart the Emirates after ten years spent at the club.
He has been linked with a switch back to his native Spain, but he could now be heading to Italy.
According to DiMarzio, Bellerin has emerged as a possible replacement for Achraf Hakimi.
The Morocco international is expected to depart the San Siro this summer with PSG and Chelsea battling to secure his services.
SAK RACE
Arsenal are joining the transfer race for Sweden’s Euro 2020 star Alexander Isak, according to reports.
The Real Sociedad forward, 21, has yet to hit the target at the tournament but has proven his potential with three impressive performances.
Isak was already being watched closely by European giants after bagging 17 LaLiga goals last season.
Real Madrid are one of the teams interested and have reportedly made contact with the player’s agent.
But AS write how Arsenal have stolen a march, having also spoken to the Swede’s representatives.
The Gunners want to determine whether Isak would be eager to make the switch to London before making their move.
The report adds how Arsenal would even be willing to match his release that currently stands at £59million.
Arsenal are preparing to make their move for Alexander Isak
GOOD MORNING GUNNERS FANS
Juventus have reportedly beaten Arsenal in the race to prise Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli away from Sassuolo.
Nicola Schira states that Locatelli has already agreed personal terms with Juve, with the two clubs hopeful a deal can be reached within the next 48 hours.
It has also been said that the player will pen a contract in Turin until 2026 where he will earn £2.5m-a-year.
Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey’s agent has shot down talk of a return to Arsenal this summer.
The Wales and Juventus playmaker, who left the Emirates in 2019 when his contract expired, has been linked with a second Gunners stint after two injury-hit seasons in Italy.
But Ramsey’s representative David Baldwin cooled talk of the 30-year-old midfielder making a Premier League comeback to North London or beyond.
Responding to a tweet from an Arsenal fan account, Baldwin tweeted: “I’m sorry but can you stop making things up please. There is not a shred of truth in your tweet.”
Finally, Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac is reportedly being chased by Lazio and Fenerbahce amid uncertainty over his future.
Football London claims the left-back is set for an immediate exit after returning from a loan spell at Schalke.
Olympiacos are also in the running, having signed Sokratis from Arsenal in January.
But Fenerbahce could be Kolasinac’s preferred destination, as it would see him reunited with pal Mesut Ozil.
KEEP IN MIND
Arsenal Chelsea and Tottenham are set to face off in August during pre-season.
The Gunners announced that they will meet their London rivals to promote mental health awareness by taking part in The Mind Series.
The three clubs will join forces with Mind – the UK’s leading mental health charity – and funds raised from the series will be split between the charity and the respective club foundations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
KOL ME MAYBE
Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac is reportedly being chased by Lazio and Fenerbahce amid uncertainty over his future.
Football London claims the left-back is set for an immediate exit after returning from a loan spell at Schalke.
Olympiacos are also in the running, having signed Sokratis from Arsenal in January.
But Fenerbahce could be Kolasinac’s preferred destination, as it would see him reunited with pal Mesut Ozil.
RAM BLOW
Aaron Ramsey’s agent has shot down talk of a return to Arsenal this summer.
The Wales and Juventus playmaker, who left the Emirates in 2019 when his contract expired, has been linked with a second Gunners stint after two injury-hit seasons in Italy.
But Ramsey’s representative David Baldwin cooled talk of the 30-year-old midfielder making a Premier League comeback to North London or beyond.
Responding to a tweet from an Arsenal fan account, Baldwin tweeted: “I’m sorry but can you stop making things up please. There is not a shred of truth in your tweet.”
GUNNING FOR RON
Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to ‘insults and beatings’ from Arsenal when the former Manchester United star tried tricks.
Former Gunner Robert Pires told Record: “Cristiano made feints and the English didn’t like it. It was just a beating.
“You can’t play like that against the English and you couldn’t do that at Highbury, Arsenal’s home. It was just insults and beatings.
“At first he didn’t stand it very well, it was complicated for him. Football in England is completely different.”
WEL I NEVER
Ex-Man United and Arsenal ace Danny Welbeck has signed on for another year at Brighton.
The striker, 30, was a hit at the Amex last term after joining as a free agent on a one-year deal from relegated Watford.
He played a key role in the Seagulls beating the drop, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists in 24 league appearances.
SILVA LINING
Arsenal have reportedly opened negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt over a transfer deal for Andre Silva.
The Transfer Window Podcast claims that the 25-year-old striker Silva is being lined-up as a potential replacement for Alexandre Lacazette.
Juventus and Atletico Madrid are both thought to be interested in the Frenchman.
GOR BLIMEY
Leon Goretzka has emerged as a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a host of Premier League clubs.
Bayern Munich are in talks over extending the midfielder’s contract, which runs out in 2022.
According to German outlet Sport1, a deal is very much in sight with Bayern determined not to lose the player.
But interest is high with Premier League clubs as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly contacting his new representatives.
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS
Atletico Madrid have joined the race to sign Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin, according to reports.
The Spaniard is able to leave the Emirates this summer for the right price
According to Marca, Atletico manager Diego Simeone is looking at Bellerin as a replacement for Man Utd target Kieran Trippier.
And Arsenal could let him go for just £20million.
PAT ON BACK
Arsenal could launch a shock new bid for Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt.
Football London claims Mikel Arteta tried signing the Dutch international in January.
Van Aanholt’s Palace contract is set to expire this month.
And Arsenal could now land him on a free transfer.
YOUNG BUK
It was a performance where Bukayo Saka came of age on the biggest stage.
The Arsenal star shined as England beat Czech Republic 1-0 to seal top spot in their Euros group.
But did you know that Saka was a model student with A* GCSEs, who also snubbed Chelsea for the Gunners?
READ MORE ABOUT ENGLAND’S NEW HERO HERE
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