Arsenal transfer news

ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club will open transfer talks with Real Madrid over a deal for Martin Odegaard ‘in the next few weeks’.Elsewhere, Wilfried Zaha has insisted again he would leave Crystal Palace for a ‘top’ club with reports of Arsenal and Tottenhm interest.
And, there’s been a big change in the backroom with club legend and Under-23s coach Steve Bould dismissed.
Dennis Bergkamp has told Arsenal fans that Daniel Ek is STILL interested in buying the club off Stan Kroenke.
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AUBA AND UNDER
Arsenal are interested in a shock move for Leicester flop Cengiz Under, according to reports.
Under joined the Foxes on loan from Roma last summer, to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ forward line.
The temporary deal included a £20million option to buy.
But with the Turkish international having failed to make an impact in the East Midlands, he is set to be back on the market this summer.
His contract in the Italian capital still has another two years left to run.
But he is expected to be sold in the coming months.
According to Tutto Mercato, the Gunners are one of a number of teams interested in signing the winger.

ODE TO JOY
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal will open transfer talks with Real Madrid over a deal for Martin Odegaard ‘in the next few weeks’.
He said: “We have a very clear and strong opinion on what we would like to do.
“He’s not our player. We’ll have discussions in the next few weeks, but first of all we need to respect that he’s a Real Madrid player.
“We’ll have those communications. We’ve tried to make everything that we could to get Martin performing for the team, which I think he’s done.
“He has adapted really well to our way of playing and to our football. Hopefully we have given him the hope and the feeling this could be a good place for him.
“[Confident Odegaard will stay?] I don’t know. It’s not in our hands, I don’t know.”
SO NEAR YET SO VAR
Arsenal would have finished FOURTH without VAR this season.
A SunSport study of all the decisions overturned by Stockley Park show the Gunners were the biggest “sufferers” from the system.
If all on-field original decisions had stuck, Mikel Arteta’s men would have earned four more points.
That would have been enough to take them above Spurs, West Ham AND Chelsea and steal the final Champions League spot.
Instead, Arsenal finished eighth and OUT of Europe for the first time since 1995-96.

ARTETA ON KROENKE CONVERSATION
Mikel Arteta has revealed what was said between himself and Josh Kroenke before Sunday’s game against Brighton.
The Arsenal boss said: “The same that he says every time that we’re on the phone, that he’s very supportive, very passionate about the club and he wants to take the club to a different level.
“That’s the ambition and that’s why he’s here.”
Credit: Getty
DOWN TO BISS-NESS
Liverpool have reportedly received a huge boost in their battle with Arsenal for Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
The 24-year-old midfielder has enjoyed another stunning campaign with the Seagulls.
He won the most tackles during the 2020/21 campaign and his displays have attracted plenty of attention.
Brighton have reportedly placed a £40million price tag on his head amid interest from both Jurgen Klopp’s Reds and Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.
Now Fabrizio Romano appears to have indicated that it is Liverpool now leading the race for the Mali international.
The Italian football journalist said: “I’m told he’s not the hottest name for Arsenal, you know. They are looking for something different.”

PARTEY ON FANS RECEPTION
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey signed for the Gunners at the beginning of the season but has spent almost all of the campaign playing behind closed doors.
He finally got the opportunity to show what he can do in front of Arsenal supporters against Brighton on Sunday.
And Partey heaped praise on the fans of his new club.
He said: “I think we had their support today which was very beautiful.
“We were encouraged and we were down they supported us, they pushed us up and at the end this is what we need. We are very grateful.
“We had a good game and everybody gave their best, and at the end it’s part of the game, we have to keep working hard, we have to prepared, we have to end well and we did well, so we have to be prepared for the next season.
“[Missing out on Europe] is disappointing, but now we have the opportunity to come back next season and fight for everything we can.”
Credit: Getty
GUNNERS MISS OUT ON EUROPE
Arsenal missed out on a European qualification place by one point in the Premier League.
And while Mikel Arteta is disappointed by that, he hopes his side will be able to capitalise on playing less games next season.
He said: “I’m sad because this club deserves to be delivered trophies and the Champions League. We haven’t managed that.
“It’s very challenging circumstances but we’ve tried to stick together and do our best. It’s not been enough.
“We have to be very critical of ourselves, of myself, and then prepare the best possible way for next season to take advantage of that.
“Hopefully we can have the pre-season that I haven’t had, and have time to work with those players and try to be a better team.”
Credit: PA
ARTETA ON SUMMER PLANS
Mikel Arteta feels Arsenal need to strengthen in the summer in order to compete with the rest of the Premier League next season.
The Spaniard said: “They’re going to get better [other PL teams] and they’re going to strengthen, so we need to get better.
“First of all, we have to get our players better, more consistent and help them to improve. All our way of playing, our philosophy, I think is in place.
“They buy into that and now is the moment to take it to the next level, to improve that and improve our consistency because since December to now, we’ve shown that we’re the second or third-best team in the league.
‘It’s not enough. Six months, the level is high, so we need to do that for 10 months.”

PERFECT PEPE
Here is Nicolas Pepe’s goal against Brighton yesterday. It was the Ivorian’s 16th goal of the season.

KROENKE OUT
That’s what a section of returning Arsenal fans chanted at the Emirates during Arsenal’s clash with Brighton after the European Super League fiasco.
Supporters held signs demanding the Kroenke family’s exit from the club and some even threw balloons with the same message on the pitch.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, however, is pleased to have the fans back in the stands regardless of the circumstances.
He said: “Well happy with the performance the result, but most importantly having our fans back again.
“Thanks so much to them on behalf of myself the staff and all the players”

BELL’S HELL
Arsenal star Hector Bellerin has revealed how he turned to booze as he struggled to deal with his injury hell.
Bellerin said: “It was the first time that I had got injured like that, and I had friends and team-mates that had gone through it before, I had my family next to me, but I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen to me.
“I talk about an experience when I came back and I wasn’t really training, and I started going out a lot, I started drinking and all this stuff and you know for a footballer that’s not what you’re supposed to say but it’s the truth.
“We have our issues, we have our mental health problems. And when football, which is basically your identity gets taken out of you, we find it difficult.
“Obviously London is a town that offers a lot of distractions and it’s really easy when you don’t feel you have a responsibility – obviously I knew I had to recover, but I didn’t have to train or play – my mind kind of just went elsewhere.”

TOP 8 FINISH
Arsenal finished eighth in the Premier League table following their 2-0 win over Brighton.
A poor season, but given they faced a relegation battle after a few months, there are some positives for Mikel Arteta to take.

FANS BACK
It was great to see the fans back at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.

CHAMBERS ON PEPE’S IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY VS BRIGHTON
Arsenal defender Calum Chambers has praised Nicolas Pepe for his superb display against Brighton on Sunday.
He told the club website: “Brilliant. Brilliant. He was covering me defensively, which is amazing!
“I think he’s improved a lot, he’s a great player and we’ve seen it from the start in the first day of training, we’ve seen his quality, and I think now he’s really starting to show everyone what he can do.
“We’re all delighted for him.”
Credit: Getty
KRO BARRED
Arsenal fans have continued their protests against owner Stan Kroenke ahead of their final game of the season – and son Josh is at the Emirates.
Around 10,000 supporters have been allowed inside the ground for their clash against Brighton, with Josh attending his first Gunners game in more than a year.
And thousands demonstrated outside the ground, setting off flares and chanting against their American owner.
Fans’ anger against Kroenke have been fuelled ever since the club announced they were planning to join the doomed European Super League.
Arsenal’s league position, stranded in ninth under Mikel Arteta in a disappointing campaign, has further added to the frustrations.
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust have also launched the ‘Kroenke Out Fans In’ campaign designed to put pressure on the owner to sell up.

MAZZ ENOUGH
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal rebuild has continued behind the scenes with chief medic Bruno Mazziotti reportedly let go.
The Brazilian arrived less than a year ago following good reviews of his work with Paris Saint-Germain and his country’s national team.
However, according to Goal, the Gunners have informed him that his contract will not be renewed.
The news follows the departure of Steve Bould from the Under-23s.

DOWN TO BISS-NESS
Liverpool have reportedly received a huge boost in their battle with Arsenal for Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
The 24-year-old midfielder has enjoyed another stunning campaign with the Seagulls.
He won the most tackles during the 2020/21 campaign and his displays have attracted plenty of attention.
Brighton have reportedly placed a £40million price tag on his head amid interest from both Jurgen Klopp’s Reds and Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.
Now Fabrizio Romano appears to have indicated that it is Liverpool now leading the race for the Mali international.
The Italian football journalist said: “I’m told he’s not the hottest name for Arsenal, you know. They are looking for something different.”

ODE TO JOY
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal will open transfer talks with Real Madrid over a deal for Martin Odegaard ‘in the next few weeks’.
Arteta said: “We have a very clear and strong opinion on what we would like to do.
“He’s not our player. We’ll have discussions in the next few weeks, but first of all we need to respect that he’s a Real Madrid player.
“We’ll have those communications. We’ve tried to make everything that we could to get Martin performing for the team, which I think he’s done.
“He has adapted really well to our way of playing and to our football. Hopefully we have given him the hope and the feeling this could be a good place for him.
“[Confident Odegaard will stay?] I don’t know. It’s not in our hands, I don’t know.”

DON’T LUIZ IT
ARSENAL defender Gabriel lost a TOOTH when he and his team-mates celebrated David Luiz’s final game for the club.
The Brazilian was elbowed in the face during the fun and spent several minutes searching the Emirates pitch for his missing tooth before giving up.
Gabriel has been out on the pitch for ages looking for something, he’s now got a few of the coaching staff helping him. I’m pretty sure he’s looking for a tooth. pic.twitter.com/3iirVtbuOP— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) May 23, 2021

BERT BATTLE
Leicester are attempting to beat Arsenal in the transfer chase for Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand.
The left-back has confirmed he will be leaving St Mary’s once his contract expires on June 30 and a raft of clubs have reportedly shown interest.
West Ham and Crystal Palace are said to be keeping tabs on the star.
And the Gunners have been long-term admirers with manager Mikel Arteta desperate to bring him to North London.
Now a fresh report states Arsenal’s hopes could be about to suffer a blow.
TalkSPORT claim that Leicester have drawn-up a one-year contract and are preparing to offer it to Bertrand.
He will be offered a deal to join the FA Cup winners over the coming days.

ARTETA ON KROENKE
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta couldn’t lead the club to next season’s European competitions.
The Gunners endured a turbulent campaign that saw the fans clashing with the Kroenke family after the European Super League fiasco.
Arteta, however, defended Josh Kroenke and claimed he “wants to take the club to a different level”.
The Arsenal boss said: “He’s very supportive, very passionate about the club and he wants to take the club to a different level. That’s the ambition and that’s why he’s here”
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Arteta has confirmed Arsenal will open transfer talks with Real Madrid over a deal for Martin Odegaard ‘in the next few weeks’.
The Norway international, 22, made his 20th appearance for the Gunners in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brighton.
Arteta said: “We have a very clear and strong opinion on what we would like to do.
“He’s not our player. We’ll have discussions in the next few weeks, but first of all we need to respect that he’s a Real Madrid player.
Arsenal missed out on a European finish after their 2-0 win over Brighton but Arteta inists his side are moving in the right direction.
He added: “What I can say is that when I watch the team a few months ago and when I watch them now, regardless of the result, in my opinion we are in a much better place and we will be in a much better place.
“That’s the step but as well we now need to identify that the level is now so high that the only way to do it is to be much better next season, much more consistent and that’s the challenge ahead of us”
In a more bizarre tale, Arsenal’s Gabriel spent his afternoon searching for his tooth.
After their 2-0 victory against Brighton, the Arsenal players met in the centre of the pitch to greet David Luiz.
Willian then pointed at Gabriel, indicating one tooth had fallen out.
Gabriel spent the next 20 or so minutes looking for the missing tooth with a few members of staff, later calling it an evening.
DON’T LUIZ IT
Arsenal defender Gabriel lost a TOOTH when he and his team-mates celebrated David Luiz’s final game for the club.
The Brazilian was elbowed in the face during the fun and spent several minutes searching the Emirates pitch for his missing tooth before giving up.
After their 2-0 victory against Brighton, the Arsenal players met in the centre of the pitch to greet David Luiz.
The 34-year-old, who is leaving the club when his contract expires in the summer, did not feature against the Seagulls due to injury.
After making his way to the middle, Luiz was hugged by Gabriel before the rest of the squad joined the celebrations.
It all seemed like fun and games until the players began laughing, with ex-Chelsea star Willian pointing at Gabriel.
The 23-year-old defender then pointed at his teeth, indicating one had fallen out.
Gabriel spent the next 20 or so minutes looking for the missing tooth with a few members of staff, later calling it an evening.
Gabriel has been out on the pitch for ages looking for something, he’s now got a few of the coaching staff helping him. I’m pretty sure he’s looking for a tooth. pic.twitter.com/3iirVtbuOP— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) May 23, 2021

ODE TO JOY
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal will open transfer talks with Real Madrid over a deal for Martin Odegaard ‘in the next few weeks’.
The Norway international, 22, made his 20th appearance for the Gunners in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brighton.
Arteta said: “We have a very clear and strong opinion on what we would like to do.
“He’s not our player. We’ll have discussions in the next few weeks, but first of all we need to respect that he’s a Real Madrid player.
“We’ll have those communications. We’ve tried to make everything that we could to get Martin performing for the team, which I think he’s done.
“He has adapted really well to our way of playing and to our football. Hopefully we have given him the hope and the feeling this could be a good place for him.
“[Confident Odegaard will stay?] I don’t know. It’s not in our hands, I don’t know.”
MORE FROM ARTETA
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is adamant that the team has significantly improved in recent months despite, missing out on Europe for the first time in 25 years.
The Gunners finished eighth after Tottenham defeated Leicester and beat their north London rivals to seventh place.
Arteta said: “What I can say is that when I watch the team a few months ago and when I watch them now, regardless of the result, in my opinion we are in a much better place and we will be in a much better place.
“That’s the step but as well we now need to identify that the level is now so high that the only way to do it is to be much better next season, much more consistent and that’s the challenge ahead of us”
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WILFRIED ZAHA has again insisted he would leave Crystal Palace for a ‘top’ club with reports of Arsenal and Tottenhm interest.Meanwhile, Dennis Bergkamp has told Arsenal fans that Daniel Ek is STILL interested in buying the club off Stan Kroenke.
Elsewhere, the Gunners will have a better chance of signing Eduardo Camavinga than any other club if they make a serious bid, according to reports.
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NOT CUP FOR IT
UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has slammed the idea of staging a World Cup every two years as “completely irrational”.
He told SunSport: “FIFA can do a feasibility study about that but it’s impossible that the World Cup would happen every two years.
“This would, from one point of view, cause a complete disruption of the calendar.
“From the other point of view players would be exposed to injuries if they played a month-long tournament every second summer and will not have time to recover from the long season.
“The idea to have the World Cup every two years is completely irrational.”

BOULD DECISION
Arsenal legend Steve Bould has been SACKED after more than three decades of loyal service.
The Gunners legend has been at the club since 1988 – firstly as a player and then as a coach.
Bould has been working as Under-23s coach since June 2019 after taking over from Freddie Ljungberg.
But has now been given the boot by Arsenal.
It’s believed academy chief Per Mertesacker will take over from Bould, at least for now.

VIEIRA ON DANIEL EK
“I find him to be someone who knows a lot about Arsenal, loves Arsenal and is a true Arsenal fan.
“What Daniel will bring to this table is building the relationship with the fans. Having fans on the board is something that Daniel is prepared to discuss.
“Having the fans understand they are part of what Daniel will try to build is really important.
“In my time, Arsenal was like a family and the Leicester atmosphere is reminding me a lot of Arsenal at that time
“I think Daniel can be the right person to bring back this union that you used to have at this football club between the fans, players and the ownership.”

VIEIRA ON THE KROENKES
For Vieira, Arsenal’s involvement with the failed European Super League project was just one indication of how out of touch the Kroenke regime remains.
He said: “I think that is one of the breaches, not understanding what the fans want and what are the values of this club.
“I think it’s also, how many times did the Kroenkes go to a game to watch Arsenal play?
“How many times did they go to see the players? How many times did they meet with the fans?
“The three Invincibles have never met Stan Kroenke at all during his entire ownership of the football club.
“All these kinds of questions, if you get the answer, it will tell you how big the gap is between the Kroenkes and the fans.”

VIEIRA ON ARSENAL’S IDENTITY
Vieira has told SunSport that Arsenal have lost some of their identity since the glory days of Arsene Wenger and the Invincibles.
He explained: “When you look at Arsenal in the Arsene Wenger era, you always had this kind of figure — a strong personality who could represent the football club.
“You had players like Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Nigel Winterburn, Lee Dixon, who had been at the club for years.
“When you got there, those players made you understand the DNA of the football club, what Arsenal really means.
“Through the years, Arsenal has lost a little bit of identity — not just on the field but off the field as well.
“Seeing Arsenal not be one of the teams that can challenge for the Premier League or not be one of the teams guaranteed to play Champions League football is frustrating, because that is not what we are used to with Arsenal Football Club.
“I think the club deserves much better than that.”

EXCLUSIVE BY DAN KING
Patrick Vieira believes a takeover by Daniel Ek would turn Arsenal back into a united family — like Leicester.
He told SunSport: “Seeing Leicester winning the FA Cup and the chairman celebrating with the players reminded me of Arsenal when we were at Highbury.
“It’s really good for the Premier League, and football in general, because that shows that the togetherness and spirit of a club is maybe more important than the money that you have in the bank.
“Leicester showed what a football club should be today — football is still the people’s game and all about the passion. The chairman, the players, the fans . . . you see them as a family.
“When you look at Arsenal in the last couple of years and the gap that exists between the Kroenkes and the fans, and the Kroenkes and the players, that is something that is really difficult in a football club.”

GUILTY PARTEY
Thomas Partey took out an Arsenal coach with a two-footed lunge in training.
Strength and conditioning coach Sam Wilson joined in with the first-team stars in a rondo drill.
And he may wish he hadn’t, after being taken out by Partey.
As the ball fell to the feet of Wilson, the midfielder came flying in, taking no prisoners and knocking the coach over.
Watch Thomas Partey wipe out Arsenal coach with wild two-footed lunge in training ahead of final-day Brighton showdown
NIK HIM
Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic will be available for just £21million this summer, according to reports.
The 23-year-old has been linked with Manchester United and a host of other top European sides, including Arsenal.
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiorentina are willing to sell Milenkovic to the highest bidder this summer.
Previous reports suggested Fiorentina would not sell the centre back for less than £38m.

FINAL BELL
Hector Bellerin may have played his last game for Arsenal.
The Spanish right-back has been ruled out of the Gunners’ final game of the season against Brighton with a knock.
Here’s how Arsenal could look on the pitch tomorrow…

FAN’S VIEW BY DAVE SEAGER
Arsenal’s best ever foreign XI includes SIX Invincibles.
But there is no place for Cesc Fabregas or Santi Cazorla.
And there are ZERO players from today’s current crop!

FROM SUNSPORT’S JUSTIN LAWRENCE
Mana Iwabuchi has revealed that she has left Aston Villa – fuelling rumours of a move to Arsenal.
She said: “Thank you for the great 6 months in the UK. I have decided to leave Aston Villa.
“It was difficult to win many games, but I had gained a lot of experiences, and learnt lot.
“I am grateful that I have met many of great people.
“I wish all the best for future. Thank you for everything and hope to see you soon!”

LU ARE YA?
Arsenal have confirmed David Luiz will leave the club this summer.
And they have paid tribute to the Brazilian defender with an emotional video.
Luiz joined Arsenal two years ago from Chelsea and led them to FA Cup glory over his old side last year.

DON DEAL
Barcelona are ready to cash in on Marc-Andre ter Stegen and replace him with Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to reports.
AS claims Barca now lead the race for Donnarumma, who is out of contract this summer.
The goalie is waiting to see if Milan can finish in the top four on Serie A’s final day before deciding on his future.
Arsenal made an enquiry during Unai Emery’s reign and could yet reignite their interest should Daniel Ek take over the club, with the Spotify chief targeting big names.

FLOR BLIMEY
Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores was handed the opportunity to train with the first team this week.
The 17-year-old has made quite the splash for the club’s Under-18s since joining them from Ipswich in March 2019.
Flores has made a total of 21 appearances for the junior side, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
He penned a new Gunners deal in October and has since been promoted to the U23s.

WHERE THERE’S A WIL
Wilfried Zaha has insisted again he would leave Crystal Palace for a ‘top’ club after reports of interest from Tottenham and Arsenal.
He told The Face: “I feel like I can have another shot at the top teams, because my dream is to win things.
“I’m good enough to go out there and compete with the best.
“If the opportunity came, I wouldn’t turn it down, because I feel like I deserve it. It’s so I can show my kids: ‘This is what daddy won’.”

ARTETA ON IMPRESSIVE FORM
Mikel Arteta spoke about Arsenal’s impressive second half to the Premier League season in his pre-match press conference yesterday.
The Gunners sit second in the form table over the last 23 league matches.
Speaking about his side’s recent record, Arteta said: “Yes, it is very good but the league is played over 38 games.
“But at least it shows that we are able to do it and when we have a little bit more of a normal context, more normal situations, I am very positive about what we can do, but at the end of the day wee are judged on what we have done over the whole season and it is not, for sure, where we want to be.”
Credit: Getty
GUNNING FOR SUCCESS
Here is a surprising table. Over the second half of the Premier League season, Arsenal sit second in the table.
The only team to have picked up more points in the league since then is champions Manchester City.

CRYSTAL PALACE 1-3 ARSENAL
This was some goal from Arsenal as they scored twice in stoppage time to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Wednesday evening.

ARTETA ON EUROS SUPPORT
Mikel Arteta has revealed he will have both Spain and England flags in his house for the European Championships.
He said: “I would have both! And as well, I’ll be supporting a lot of the players that we have, who will be representing their countries and we want the best for them.”
Credit: Getty
OH MY SHKOD
Schalke have announced that Shkodran Mustafi will be released at the end of the season after just three months spent with the German side.
The Arsenal flop only joined the Bundesliga outfit in February after having his contract terminated by the Gunners.
And having failed to make an impression during his short spell at the Veltins-Arena, the 29-year-old defender will be on the lookout for a new club in the summer.
Mustafi only agreed a deal until the end of the campaign when he linked up with Schalke, and following their relegation, the club have revealed he will not be offered a new contract.
The centre-back has featured in 12 Bundesliga fixtures, with the club losing eight games in which he has played and have conceded a whopping 30 goals.

ROYAL RUMBLE
Arsenal and Everton are interested in Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, according to reports.
The Brazilian has spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Betis, as he looks to establish himself in LaLiga.
Emerson, 22, hopes to impress parent club Barca during pre-season, aiming to become their first choice right-back next term
But should he look likely to have to play understudy to Sergino Dest, the former Atletico Mineiro starlet will look elsewhere.
According to Sport, Emerson wouldn’t be short of suitors, with Villarreal and AC Milan both keen.
But they reckon that the player himself prefers the idea of moving to England.
Arsenal are a particularly good fit, especially if Hector Bellerin completes a rumoured move to Paris Saint-Germain.

ARTETA ON THE EUROPEAN CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Mikel Arteta has spoken about the European Conference League, a competition Arsenal could end up in if they finish seventh in the Premier League.
He said: “We have experienced in the last few years how tough being in the Europa League is with the amount of games you play and the short turnaround that you have all the time in the Premier League.
“I think there is a lot of history there with teams that have been involved in the Europa League, and the negative consequences that has in the Premier League positions.
“But we’ve tried to give it the best possible go, we came a little bit short, but this club has to be in Europe.”
Credit: AP
AGUERO WAS AN ABSOLUTE JOY – ARTETA
Mikel Arteta has praised Sergio Aguero ahead of his departure from Manchester City at the end of the season.
The Gunners manager was assistant to Pep Guardiola for three years at Manchester City.
Speaking about Aguero, who is set to join Barcelona, he said: “It was an absolute joy to work with him. His character, his personality, he’s a loveable man and then one of the best talents that I’ve seen.
“What he’s done in this league for so long, scoring the amount of goals that he’s done.
“I think he was a player that contributed to change the perception of English football in different countries.
“What he’s done for Manchester City, I think he was a big contributor of changing the history, the mentality and the winning years that they had after that.”
Credit: PA:Press Association
TRAINING DAY
Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores was handed the opportunity to train with the first team this week.
The 17-year-old has made quite the splash for the club’s Under-18s since joining them from Ipswich in March 2019.
Flores has made a total of 21 appearances for the junior side, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
The teenager’s displays saw him rewarded with a starting berth in the Under-23s’ clash with Crawley Town last October.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has seemingly been impressed by what he’s seen of the youngster, inviting him to get a week’s worth of training in with the club’s star players.
Flores penned a professional contract with Arsenal last October.

ARTETA SUMS UP SEASON
Mikel Arteta has given his thoughts on Arsenal’s disappointing 2020-21 campaign ahead of their final Premier League game of the season against Brighton on Sunday.
He said: “Well if you are saying it’s a step back because we haven’t won a title, then it has to be related.
“In the league we have two more points than last season, but it’s nowhere near where we want to be.
“The fact that we don’t have a title so close to grab because we’re not in the Europa League final makes it difficult to see more positives.
“But we were knocked out in the last-16 of the Europa League last season and a lot of things have been done that were very necessary in this season that are not related to results. But at the end of the day, we are here to win.”
Credit: Getty
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EMI BUENDIA is Arsenal’s top transfer target this summer, according to reports.While Dennis Bergkamp has told Arsenal fans Daniel Ek is STILL interested in buying the club off Stan Kroenke.
Elsewhere, the Gunners will have a better chance of signing Eduardo Camavinga than any other club if they make a serious bid, according to reports.
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Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
FLOR BLIMEY
Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores was handed the opportunity to train with the first team this week.
The 17-year-old has made quite the splash for the club’s Under-18s since joining them from Ipswich in March 2019.
Flores has made a total of 21 appearances for the junior side, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
He penned a new Gunners deal in October and has since been promoted to the U23s.

WHERE THERE’S A WIL
Wilfried Zaha has insisted again he would leave Crystal Palace for a ‘top’ club after reports of interest from Tottenham and Arsenal.
He told The Face: “I feel like I can have another shot at the top teams, because my dream is to win things.
“I’m good enough to go out there and compete with the best.
“If the opportunity came, I wouldn’t turn it down, because I feel like I deserve it. It’s so I can show my kids: ‘This is what daddy won’.”

ARTETA ON IMPRESSIVE FORM
Mikel Arteta spoke about Arsenal’s impressive second half to the Premier League season in his pre-match press conference yesterday.
The Gunners sit second in the form table over the last 23 league matches.
Speaking about his side’s recent record, Arteta said: “Yes, it is very good but the league is played over 38 games.
“But at least it shows that we are able to do it and when we have a little bit more of a normal context, more normal situations, I am very positive about what we can do, but at the end of the day wee are judged on what we have done over the whole season and it is not, for sure, where we want to be.”
Credit: Getty
GUNNING FOR SUCCESS
Here is a surprising table. Over the second half of the Premier League season, Arsenal sit second in the table.
The only team to have picked up more points in the league since then is champions Manchester City.

CRYSTAL PALACE 1-3 ARSENAL
This was some goal from Arsenal as they scored twice in stoppage time to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Wednesday evening.

ARTETA ON EUROS SUPPORT
Mikel Arteta has revealed he will have both Spain and England flags in his house for the European Championships.
He said: “I would have both! And as well, I’ll be supporting a lot of the players that we have, who will be representing their countries and we want the best for them.”
Credit: Getty
OH MY SHKOD
Schalke have announced that Shkodran Mustafi will be released at the end of the season after just three months spent with the German side.
The Arsenal flop only joined the Bundesliga outfit in February after having his contract terminated by the Gunners.
And having failed to make an impression during his short spell at the Veltins-Arena, the 29-year-old defender will be on the lookout for a new club in the summer.
Mustafi only agreed a deal until the end of the campaign when he linked up with Schalke, and following their relegation, the club have revealed he will not be offered a new contract.
The centre-back has featured in 12 Bundesliga fixtures, with the club losing eight games in which he has played and have conceded a whopping 30 goals.

ROYAL RUMBLE
Arsenal and Everton are interested in Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, according to reports.
The Brazilian has spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Betis, as he looks to establish himself in LaLiga.
Emerson, 22, hopes to impress parent club Barca during pre-season, aiming to become their first choice right-back next term
But should he look likely to have to play understudy to Sergino Dest, the former Atletico Mineiro starlet will look elsewhere.
According to Sport, Emerson wouldn’t be short of suitors, with Villarreal and AC Milan both keen.
But they reckon that the player himself prefers the idea of moving to England.
Arsenal are a particularly good fit, especially if Hector Bellerin completes a rumoured move to Paris Saint-Germain.

ARTETA ON THE EUROPEAN CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Mikel Arteta has spoken about the European Conference League, a competition Arsenal could end up in if they finish seventh in the Premier League.
He said: “We have experienced in the last few years how tough being in the Europa League is with the amount of games you play and the short turnaround that you have all the time in the Premier League.
“I think there is a lot of history there with teams that have been involved in the Europa League, and the negative consequences that has in the Premier League positions.
“But we’ve tried to give it the best possible go, we came a little bit short, but this club has to be in Europe.”
Credit: AP
AGUERO WAS AN ABSOLUTE JOY – ARTETA
Mikel Arteta has praised Sergio Aguero ahead of his departure from Manchester City at the end of the season.
The Gunners manager was assistant to Pep Guardiola for three years at Manchester City.
Speaking about Aguero, who is set to join Barcelona, he said: “It was an absolute joy to work with him. His character, his personality, he’s a loveable man and then one of the best talents that I’ve seen.
“What he’s done in this league for so long, scoring the amount of goals that he’s done.
“I think he was a player that contributed to change the perception of English football in different countries.
“What he’s done for Manchester City, I think he was a big contributor of changing the history, the mentality and the winning years that they had after that.”
Credit: PA:Press Association
TRAINING DAY
Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores was handed the opportunity to train with the first team this week.
The 17-year-old has made quite the splash for the club’s Under-18s since joining them from Ipswich in March 2019.
Flores has made a total of 21 appearances for the junior side, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
The teenager’s displays saw him rewarded with a starting berth in the Under-23s’ clash with Crawley Town last October.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has seemingly been impressed by what he’s seen of the youngster, inviting him to get a week’s worth of training in with the club’s star players.
Flores penned a professional contract with Arsenal last October.

ARTETA SUMS UP SEASON
Mikel Arteta has given his thoughts on Arsenal’s disappointing 2020-21 campaign ahead of their final Premier League game of the season against Brighton on Sunday.
He said: “Well if you are saying it’s a step back because we haven’t won a title, then it has to be related.
“In the league we have two more points than last season, but it’s nowhere near where we want to be.
“The fact that we don’t have a title so close to grab because we’re not in the Europa League final makes it difficult to see more positives.
“But we were knocked out in the last-16 of the Europa League last season and a lot of things have been done that were very necessary in this season that are not related to results. But at the end of the day, we are here to win.”
Credit: Getty
ARSENAL’S BEST FOREIGN XI
We’ve done a mock up of what we believe Arsenal’s best ever foreign XI is.
Have we missed anyone out?

SELHURST SCENES
Little bit of footage from Arsenal at Selhurst Park on Wednesday evening.
It was Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson’s final home game as manager of the club.
But the Gunners ensured it was not a winning goodbye as they struck late to win 3-1 and keep their hopes of European football next season alive.

STARTING GUNNERS
Here is how Arsenal could line-up against Brighton tomorrow afternoon:

BUENDIA TALK
Arsenal are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Emiliano Buendia if Martin Odegaard returns to Real Madrid.
The Norwegian playmaker is on loan from Los Blancos and a string of impressive displays has led Mikel Arteta to seek an extension – or even a permanent deal.
Real are said to want Odegaard, 22, back in the summer although the future of coach Zinedine Zidane may be a factor in that decision.
According to Goal, Arsenal are planning to bid for Buendia or Real Betis star Nabil Fekir if he moves on.
Buendia, 24, won the Championship’s and Norwich’s Player of the Season award having led the Canaries to promotion.

SEVEN N’ HELL
The team which qualifies for the Europa Conference League faces a nightmare start to the season because of the need to win a play-off round to enter the competition.
Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal are all fighting to seal a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League on the final day – with West Ham needing just a point to clinch sixth.
The reward for the side who come seventh is a spot in Uefa’s new third division tournament – meaning two extra games in the first fortnight of the new campaign.
For the English side in the competition enters in the final play-off stage, with the first leg of that on August 19.
That is the Thursday after the opening weekend of the 2021-22 Premier League season, with the second leg the following week.
It means players who face a shortened break and pre-season because of the Euros will then have to come back into a schedule including four games in the first 14 days of the new campaign.
READY FOR BRIGHTON
Arsenal preparing for their final Premier League game of the season against Brighton…

NOT WIL-ING
Mikel Arteta appears to have wrecked Newcastle’s hopes of signing Joe Willock by revealing he is planning to have the star back next season.
He said: “I am really happy that things have gone so well because of the potential that he has.
“I think it was great for him to go away and have a different experience.
“He has grabbed that opportunity in a really positive and remarkable way and he will come back to us, we will have a conversation with him and plan the next years for him.”

ART ATTACK
Mikel Arteta is not getting too excited at the prospect of celebrating St Totteringham’s Day again — as Arsenal are nowhere near where they should be.
If Spurs fail to win at Leicester tomorrow, the Gunners can overtake their bitter local rivals with a final-day home victory over Brighton.
But Arteta said: “We have two more points than last season — but it’s nowhere near where we want to be.
“Every Arsenal supporter should be aiming for us to be winning trophies and, when that is not the case, they are not going to be happy. There cannot be any other ambition at this football club.
“But there is only one winner of the Champions League and one winner of the Premier League and the rest of the teams all failed.
“Finishing second or third is not a big achievement but our supporters know what has been going on here.
“It’s not because of what has happened today, yesterday or last year. We all know where this club used to be, but that is the past and now we need to focus on the future.”

BELLERIN SIDELINED
Mikel Arteta has revealed Hector Bellerin won’t be fit to play in the Gunners’ final match of the season against Brighton.
He said: “Hector is not fit so he won’t be there playing the last game. Like everybody that has a contract he remains here.”
Hector Bellerin won’t play against BrightonCredit: Andy Hooper
‘TRYING TO HURT YOU’
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has claimed his side is in a better place following the departure of several bad influences.
He said: “The best thing has been to keep a team, a staff, employees and everybody together.
“In those circumstances when you are not winning and when there are so many people, some inside and some outside, that are trying to hurt [you].
“And to keep them together and block that and be so strong, I think that is some achievement.
“As normally when that happens [makes a cracking sound], that cracks and everything falls, and it didn’t.”
When asked if the ‘some inside’ were still at the club, the Spaniard replied: “No.”
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS 
Mikel Arteta is not getting too excited at the prospect of celebrating St Totteringham’s Day again — as Arsenal are nowhere near where they should be.
If Spurs fail to win at Leicester tomorrow, the Gunners can overtake their bitter local rivals with a final-day home victory over Brighton.
That would be the first time since 2016 that Arsenal have finished the season as top dogs of North London after 22 unbroken years of lording it over the mob from the other end of the Seven Sisters Road.
And the prospect of nicking the last European spot from Spurs would only add to the party atmosphere for Arsenal fans, who have not had a lot to cheer about recently.
Boss Arteta understands the importance of the occasion and said: “Anything that makes our supporters happy and helps us to get to a better position is all positive.”
Mikel Arteta’s first full season in charge of Arsenal has been anything but a successCredit: EPA
Yet even if Arsenal do climb above both Spurs and Everton to secure Europa Conference League qualific­ation, it will not be nearly enough for their demanding manager.
He said: “We have two more points than last season — but it’s nowhere near where we want to be.
“Every Arsenal supporter should be aiming for us to be winning trophies and, when that is not the case, they are not going to be happy. There cannot be any other ambition at this football club.
“But there is only one winner of the Champions League and one winner of the Premier League and the rest of the teams all failed.
“Finishing second or third is not a big achievement but our supporters know what has been going on here.
“It’s not because of what has happened today, yesterday or last year. We all know where this club used to be, but that is the past and now we need to focus on the future.”
TIP OF THE ICE-BERG
Dennis Bergkamp says Spotify boss Daniel Ek and the Arsenal legends won’t give up their bid to take over the Gunners.
Current owner Stan Kroenke has rejected an initial £1.8billion bid from Ek, who has support from Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
Bergkamp said: “We can’t force anyone to sell. 
“I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke [Arsenal director and Stan’s son] and his bankers. 
“Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other. In the interests of the club. 
“Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we football boys. We are here to stay.”
NET WORTH
Arsenal may pursue Barcelona’s second-choice goalkeeper Neto in the summer transfer window.
That is according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, which claims that the Brazilian shot-stopper is set to play his last match for Barca when they visit Eibar on Saturday for the season’s climax.
The 31-year-old, who was targeted by the Gunners last January, will fill in for Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks as the German star is set to undergo knee surgery.
Arsenal are reportedly looking to sell their No1 goalkeeper Bernd Leno in the summer following a series of high-profile mistakes in recent months against the likes of Everton, Wolves, Olympiacos, West Ham and Liverpool.
The same goes for back-up keeper Alex Runarsson, who has failed to impress as Leno’s No2 since his £1million move from Rennes in September.
The Iceland international has struggled to step up in the Europa League and had an absolute nightmare when the north Londoners lost 4-1 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Based on these reports, manager Mikel Arteta will soon be in dire need of a new goalkeeper after recently selling Emiliano Martinez and Matt Macey to Aston Villa and Hibernian respectively.
Neto, who has only amassed a mere 16 appearances since joining Barcelona from Valencia in a swap deal that included Jasper Cillessen in 2019, is not the only Arsenal target.

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EMI BUENDIA is Arsenal’s top transfer target this summer, according to reports.While Dennis Bergkamp has told Arsenal fans Daniel Ek is STILL interested in buying the club off Stan Kroenke.
Elsewhere, the Gunners will have a better chance of signing Eduardo Camavinga than any other club if they make a serious bid, according to reports.
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Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
ROYAL RUMBLE
Arsenal and Everton are interested in Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, according to reports.
The Brazilian has spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Betis, as he looks to establish himself in LaLiga.
Emerson, 22, hopes to impress parent club Barca during pre-season, aiming to become their first choice right-back next term
But should he look likely to have to play understudy to Sergino Dest, the former Atletico Mineiro starlet will look elsewhere.
According to Sport, Emerson wouldn’t be short of suitors, with Villarreal and AC Milan both keen.
But they reckon that the player himself prefers the idea of moving to England.
Arsenal are a particularly good fit, especially if Hector Bellerin completes a rumoured move to Paris Saint-Germain.

FORM-AL DISCUSSION
Mikel Arteta thought little of the fact Arsenal would be second in the table from the last 23 Premier League games.
He said: “Yes, it is very good but the league is played over 38 games.
“But at least it shows that we are able to do it and when we have a little bit more of a normal context, more normal situations.
“I am very positive about what we can do, but at the end of the day wee are judged on what we have done over the whole season and it is not, for sure, where we want to be.”
Credit: Getty

TAKING THE MIK NOW
Mikel Arteta hopes a line can be drawn under takeover talks after Spotify founder Daniel Ek failed in a bid to buy the club from Stan Kroenke.
Arteta said: “I really hope so because it has been very clear where the owners are standing.
“I think I have given my view on the situation.
“Just for the benefit of the club, which is the only interest really of everyone who supports the club, the aim is to get the unity and togetherness that we need to be back where we want. That’s all.”
GIFT OF THE GAB
After his injury time strike against Crystal Palace, will Gabriel Martinelli start against Brighton?

EUR HAVING A LAUGH
Journalist David Ornstein has claimed Arsenal’s transfer business won’t be affected if they fail to qualify for Europe.
He told Sky Sports: “I know with Arsenal they [the transfer plans] have already been submitted by Edu and Mikel Arteta to the board of directors and they are very clear in what they want to do.
“Whether they will be able to do it will depend on the finance which is made available by the owners and whether they will be able to attract players.
“I know of a number of players Arsenal have made proposals to, very attractive, and they do have a plan to get back into the big time.
“Edu & Arteta are selling an impressive project to potential recruits but many of those players have ambitions to play in the Champions League or at least the Europa League so they are not considering those proposals at this point.”
TOP DOIG
Hibernian youngster Josh Doig has been likened to Arsenal star Kieran Tierney by former Gunners goalkeeper Matt Macey.
Brighton are strongly linked with the 19-year-old defender, who has been tipped to follow in his countryman’s footsteps and impress in the Premier League.
Macey said: “For me [comparisons to Tierney] are absolutely not unrealistic for Josh, he can go as far as he wants.
“He’s coming up to a big moment in his career, he has obviously had a lot of big moments already in terms of his age and making that breakthrough.
“He’s very level headed and he’ll take it in his stride. For me he can go right to the top. I have seen a lot of young players at Arsenal and he would be right up there, for sure.
“Kieran and Josh obviously play the same position and I can see the similarities in their playing style. Josh is maybe a little bit younger than when KT made his move to Arsenal, but he can go on and do well.”
ACCESS ALL AREAS
Take a look at all the unseen footage from Arsenal’s win at Selhurst Park below.

FINAL BELL
Hector Bellerin may have played his last game for Arsenal.
The Spanish right-back has been ruled out of the Gunners’ final game of the season against Brighton with a knock.
Boss Mikel Arteta is planning a transfer exodus and Bellerin is one of the names on the chopping block.
The full-back wants a new challenge in Europe and Arteta is eager to let him leave and land a new right-back to fill his boots.
With Europe still a possibility, here how Arsenal start against the Seagulls.

PEPE TALK
Nicolas Pepe has 14 goals to his name in all competitions this season.
Take a look at his second strike against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

IRN BRU
Steve Bruce admitted that Arsenal loanee Joe Willock may have priced himself out of a permanent Newcastle move. 
He said: “It’s a double-edged sword because he’s probably done too well. I know for a fact we will do our utmost to test Arsenal’s resolve. 
“We know it’s going to be very, very difficult because he’s become the youngest player in the Premier League to score six in six, and he’s somebody else’s player. 
“We’re going to be up against it. We’re expecting that but we can only try, and I will make sure we try our best. 
“We have to respect that he’s Arsenal’s player and that he’s 21-years-old. 
“But of course it would be disappointing if we can’t bring him back.”
NO WORK OF ART
Mikel Arteta has spoken of his disappointment with how Arsenal’s season has finished.
The club are in danger of missing out on Europe and failed in their quest to reach the Europa League final.
Arteta said: “Well if you are saying it’s a step back because we haven’t won a title, then it has to be related.
“In the league we have two more points than last season, but it’s nowhere near where we want to be.
“The fact that we don’t have a title so close to grab because we’re not in the Europa League final makes it difficult to see more positives.
“But we were knocked out in the last-16 of the Europa League last season and a lot of things have been done that were very necessary in this season that are not related to results.
“But at the end of the day, we are here to win.”
HEC OF A RUN
Hector Bellerin may have played his last game for Arsenal with injury ruling him out of the clash against Brighton.
With speculation rife that the right-back will depart in the summer, Mikel Arteta has played down reports linking him with a move.
He said: “Hector is not fit [for Sunday] so he will not be playing the last time.
“Like everybody that has a contract, he remains here.”

WILL HE STAY?
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Joe Willock still has a future at Arsenal following his fantastic loan spell at Newcastle.
The England youth international has quickly become a fan favourite at St James’ Park having scored seven Premier League goals in 13 games.
Speaking of the midfielder ahead of Sunday’s clash against Brighton, Arteta said: “I am really happy that things have gone so well because of the potential that he has.
“I think it was great for him to go away and have a different experience, he has grabbed that opportunity in a really positive and remarkable way and he will come back to us.
“We will have a conversation with him and plan the next years for him.”
Before adding: “For sure because he’s got a contract and that’s going to be here. That’s for sure.”

MOY BUEN
Norwich star Emiliano Buendia is reportedly keen to link up with Arsenal in the summer.
The Gunners have stepped up their interest in the Canaries playmaker and are believed to be set to make an offer.
And according to European football journalist Ekrem Konur, the Argentine ace has already made up his mind where he wants to play.
Konur tweeted: “Emiliano Buendía wants to go to Arsenal. Arsenal wanted Emiliano Buendia during the last transfer period, but his transfer was not completed.
“Negotiations are now continuing where they left off.”

ODE OPTIONS
Arsenal are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Emiliano Buendia or Nabil Fekir if Martin Odegaard returns to Real Madrid.
The Norwegian playmaker is on loan from Los Blancos and a string of impressive displays has led Mikel Arteta to seek an extension – or even a permanent deal.
Real are said to want Odegaard, 22, back in the summer although the future of coach Zinedine Zidane may be a factor in that decision.
According to Goal, Arsenal are planning to bid for Buendia or Real Betis star Fekir if he moves on.
A deal would cost upwards of £40million for Buendia with Norwich back in the Premier League and Buendia under a three-year contract.
Meanwhile Fekir, 27, is described as further down the shortlist in Arteta’s bid to bring in a creative player this summer.

ED’S UP
Arsenal reportedly remain in the race to lure Odsonne Edouard away from Celtic.
Leicester are understood to be the favourites to prised the French striker away from Scotland in the summer.
But according to the Daily Record, the Gunners are still keen on securing the 23-year-old’s services.
They state that a fee in the region of £20million should be enough to sign the centre-forward.
Edouard scored 18 goals in 31 Scottish Premiership games this season.

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
Arsenal are reportedly in the hunt for Real Betis full-back Emerson Royal.
The 22-year-old is coming to the end of a two-year spell with the club, who have an agreement with Barcelona for a £5million summer switch.
But, should the Brazilian not want to play second fiddle to Sergino Dest at the Camp Nou, Sport name a number of clubs chasing his signature.
Arsenal, Everton, Villarreal, AC Milan and more are said to be monitoring the situation, with the Gunners potentially seeking a replacement for Hector Bellerin.
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Norwich star Emiliano Buendia ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are lining up a potential replacement for Martin Odegaard, who may return to Real Madrid once his loan stint comes to an end.
According to Goal, the Canaries will demand around £40million for the Argentine playmaker.
The 24-year-old has registered 15 goals and 17 assists in 41 matches across all competitions this season and played a key role in Norwich’s return to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp claims the club’s original DNA, which led to Premier League dominance, has been lost.
Bergkamp told Voetbal International: “Like Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, it’s hard for me to recognise the Arsenal from our time.
“The ambition to win trophies is in Arsenal’s DNA. Never accept a loss. That mentality has slowly disappeared.
“I feel there’s a sense of resignation within the current situation. That is very serious.
“It’s like it’s normal, given the financial conditions, that Arsenal are ending up somewhere in the middle of the league behind the top clubs.
“That’s not how it should be with this club. Arsenal’s DNA needs to be repaired.”
Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Henry and Vieira have backed Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek‘s bid to buy the club from the Kroenke family and the former Netherlands international insists that the entrepreneur is “not a quitter”.
The legendary striker added: “Daniel doesn’t see a takeover as buying a nice toy.
“We can’t force anyone to sell. I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke and his bankers.
“Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other.
“Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we. We are here to stay.”
And Fabrizio Romano is adamant that Arsenal are going to continue with Mikel Arteta at the helm.
Romano said on the Here We Go podcast: “Arsenal’s intention is to go on with Arteta, I would say 100 per cent, because they are convinced with Arteta, they are convinced with the project.
“They think that one year with this kind of manager, he needs time.
“The season has been really disappointing and they know about it, but they want to continue with Arteta, so at the moment the situation is planning with him about players to sell, players to sign and rebuilding in the summer.
“So Arteta is the man for Arsenal”
LOST DE-NA
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp claims the club’s original DNA, which led to Premier League dominance, has been lost.
Bergkamp told Voetbal International: “Like Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, it’s hard for me to recognise the Arsenal from our time.
“The ambition to win trophies is in Arsenal’s DNA. Never accept a loss. That mentality has slowly disappeared.
“I feel there’s a sense of resignation within the current situation. That is very serious.
“It’s like it’s normal, given the financial conditions, that Arsenal are ending up somewhere in the middle of the league behind the top clubs.
“That’s not how it should be with this club. Arsenal’s DNA needs to be repaired”
GETTY IMAGES
ART ATTACK
Fabrizio Romano is adamant that Arsenal are going to continue with Mikel Arteta at the helm.
Romano said on the Here We Go podcast: “Arsenal’s intention is to go on with Arteta, I would say 100 per cent, because they are convinced with Arteta, they are convinced with the project.
“They think that one year with this kind of manager, he needs time.
“The season has been really disappointing and they know about it, but they want to continue with Arteta, so at the moment the situation is planning with him about players to sell, players to sign and rebuilding in the summer.
“So Arteta is the man for Arsenal”
SHEAR JOY
Alan Shearer joked that Arsenal loanee Joe Willock may prefer to stay at Newcastle because he will want to play for a “big club” next season.
Willock joined the Magpies on loan during the January transfer window and has put together a raft of impressive performances while the Gunners are likely to miss out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
Shearer told Match of the Day: “Well, he might want to play for a big club so he might want to stay at Newcastle.
“I’m joking Arsenal fans! I’m joking!”
BUENDIA ADMISSION
Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber recently admitted their star attractions could be sold in the summer.
Emiliano Buendia has been among the Canaries’ top stars this season and is currently linked with Arsenal.
Webber told BBC Look East: “One of them may go, maybe two or all three of them will go, who knows – but the facts are that this team isn’t about one or two players.
“For us to be successful in the Premier League it’s going to be how does the squad of 20 do, not if one player performs brilliantly.
“When we sold James Maddison [to Leicester] everyone thought it was the end of the world and then a guy called Emi Buendia turned up – when Ben Godfrey left [for Everton] it was the end of the world and a guy called Ben Gibson turned up, and that’s football”
PEP TALK
Danny Murphy praised Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe after his performance against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Murphy told Match of the Day: “I think he suffered from the pressure of the price tag, but he’s certainly got talent.
“He’s quick, skilful, direct. Like so many players he’s been up and down with his form. Today he showed those bits of magic we’ve seen from him on occasions. Goals ultimately is where you’re judged as a forward player.
“He looked hungry. He looked sharp. He looked fit… He’s got 14 goals this season which isn’t a bad return considering they’ve had a poor season.
“Hopefully for Arenal fans they’ll see him progress a bit more next season. He’s got to play regularly. He’s got to produce this kind of form week in week out to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka out”
GETTY IMAGES
WILLOCK FUTURE
Joe Willock suggested he would be keen to stay at Newcastle when his loan spell from Arsenal runs out.
Willock told NUFC TV: “I want to say thank you for making me feel so welcome and thank you for greeting me with open arms.
“I hope you’re satisfied with what I’ve given for the club so far and hopefully there’s more to continue in the future.
“I’m not going to promise anything, but the conversation is going to be held”
WATTS UP
Norwich ace Emiliano Bundia is on top of Arsenal’s transfer list but a deal won’t be easy, according to Charles Watts.
Watts said: “From what I understand, Emi Buendia now is very much right towards the top of that list.
“There has been no bid made to Norwich City yet for Buendia, but discussions are ongoing at Arsenal and the focus is certainly shifting towards him when it comes to potentially making an official move this summer.
“He is keen on a move to Arsenal, is my understanding. But Norwich are in a very strong position. He’s got three years left on his contract, he’s 24 years old, they’ve just been promoted to the Premier League, so it’s not like they really need the money now.
“And he’s just been called up by Argentina for the first time, so they are not going to just roll over and allow Buendia to leave for cheap.
“It looks like something around £40million would be needed to really get Norwich to take notice”
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EMI BUENDIA is Arsenal’s top transfer target this summer, according to reports.While Dennis Bergkamp has told Arsenal fans Daniel Ek is STILL interested in buying the club off Stan Kroenke.
Elsewhere, the Gunners will have a better chance of signing Eduardo Camavinga than any other club if they make a serious bid, according to reports.
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Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
LOST DE-NA
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp claims the club’s original DNA, which led to Premier League dominance, has been lost.
Bergkamp told Voetbal International: “Like Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, it’s hard for me to recognise the Arsenal from our time.
“The ambition to win trophies is in Arsenal’s DNA. Never accept a loss. That mentality has slowly disappeared.
“I feel there’s a sense of resignation within the current situation. That is very serious.
“It’s like it’s normal, given the financial conditions, that Arsenal are ending up somewhere in the middle of the league behind the top clubs.
“That’s not how it should be with this club. Arsenal’s DNA needs to be repaired”
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ART ATTACK
Fabrizio Romano is adamant that Arsenal are going to continue with Mikel Arteta at the helm.
Romano said on the Here We Go podcast: “Arsenal’s intention is to go on with Arteta, I would say 100 per cent, because they are convinced with Arteta, they are convinced with the project.
“They think that one year with this kind of manager, he needs time.
“The season has been really disappointing and they know about it, but they want to continue with Arteta, so at the moment the situation is planning with him about players to sell, players to sign and rebuilding in the summer.
“So Arteta is the man for Arsenal”
SHEAR JOY
Alan Shearer joked that Arsenal loanee Joe Willock may prefer to stay at Newcastle because he will want to play for a “big club” next season.
Willock joined the Magpies on loan during the January transfer window and has put together a raft of impressive performances while the Gunners are likely to miss out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
Shearer told Match of the Day: “Well, he might want to play for a big club so he might want to stay at Newcastle.
“I’m joking Arsenal fans! I’m joking!”
BUENDIA ADMISSION
Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber recently admitted their star attractions could be sold in the summer.
Emiliano Buendia has been among the Canaries’ top stars this season and is currently linked with Arsenal.
Webber told BBC Look East: “One of them may go, maybe two or all three of them will go, who knows – but the facts are that this team isn’t about one or two players.
“For us to be successful in the Premier League it’s going to be how does the squad of 20 do, not if one player performs brilliantly.
“When we sold James Maddison [to Leicester] everyone thought it was the end of the world and then a guy called Emi Buendia turned up – when Ben Godfrey left [for Everton] it was the end of the world and a guy called Ben Gibson turned up, and that’s football”
PEP TALK
Danny Murphy praised Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe after his performance against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Murphy told Match of the Day: “I think he suffered from the pressure of the price tag, but he’s certainly got talent.
“He’s quick, skilful, direct. Like so many players he’s been up and down with his form. Today he showed those bits of magic we’ve seen from him on occasions. Goals ultimately is where you’re judged as a forward player.
“He looked hungry. He looked sharp. He looked fit… He’s got 14 goals this season which isn’t a bad return considering they’ve had a poor season.
“Hopefully for Arenal fans they’ll see him progress a bit more next season. He’s got to play regularly. He’s got to produce this kind of form week in week out to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka out”
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WILLOCK FUTURE
Joe Willock suggested he would be keen to stay at Newcastle when his loan spell from Arsenal runs out.
Willock told NUFC TV: “I want to say thank you for making me feel so welcome and thank you for greeting me with open arms.
“I hope you’re satisfied with what I’ve given for the club so far and hopefully there’s more to continue in the future.
“I’m not going to promise anything, but the conversation is going to be held”
WATTS UP
Norwich ace Emiliano Bundia is on top of Arsenal’s transfer list but a deal won’t be easy, according to Charles Watts.
Watts said: “From what I understand, Emi Buendia now is very much right towards the top of that list.
“There has been no bid made to Norwich City yet for Buendia, but discussions are ongoing at Arsenal and the focus is certainly shifting towards him when it comes to potentially making an official move this summer.
“He is keen on a move to Arsenal, is my understanding. But Norwich are in a very strong position. He’s got three years left on his contract, he’s 24 years old, they’ve just been promoted to the Premier League, so it’s not like they really need the money now.
“And he’s just been called up by Argentina for the first time, so they are not going to just roll over and allow Buendia to leave for cheap.
“It looks like something around £40million would be needed to really get Norwich to take notice”
TEK HIM OFF
Crystal Palace star Christian Benteke should have been sent off against Arsenal, according to ex-Premier League and FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Benteke clumped into Gunners ace Bukayo Saka while challenging for an aerial challenge before thrusting his forearm into Mohamed Elneny’s face.
Hackett told Football Insider: “Benteke should have gone.
“He’s got a yellow for that challenge and then he’s put his left arm into the face of his opponent with a sweeping movement.
“There might not be venom in his actions but there was a body check and a left-arm jab. He knows exactly what he’s done. That on its own is a red card, seriously.
“He should have gone for that alone. The first one is important but the second one is the bad one.
“What’s the point in VAR if not for this? They should have said: ‘Anthony [Taylor], come and have a look at this.’
“They are going to the monitor less and less. What’s happened is they have been reminded that they only go to the monitor for clear and obvious errors and mistaken identity.
“But this kind of incident is exactly what VAR’s for”
DOUBLE SWOOP
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Brighton duo Yves Bissouma and Tariq Lamptey.
That is according to the Brighton & Hove Independent, who claim that the Seagulls will demand £40million for Bissouma, who looks set to be subject of a Premier League bidding war.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on the 24-year-old Mali international.
Lamptey has also attracted interest from Everton and Tottenham
LOCK & LOAD
Newcastle will have to pay Arsenal £20million to sign Joe Willock on a permanent deal.
Willock joined the Magpies on loan from the Gunners during the January transfer window and has already registered seven goals in 13 matches across all competitions.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the north Londoners rate the young midfielder at £20m.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to offload some players in order to raise funds for transfers in the summer
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BUENDIA PRICE
Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Norwich ace Emiliano Buendia ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are lining up a potential replacement for Martin Odegaard, who could return to Real Madrid once his loan stint comes to an end.
According to Goal, the Canaries will demand around £40million for the playmaker.
The 24-year-old Argentine has registered 15 goals and 17 assists in 41 matches across all competitions this season
NO QUIT
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp insists Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek will keep trying in his bid to buy the club as he is “not a quitter”.
Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have backed Ek, who is trying to reach a deal with the Kroenke family.
The legendary striker told Voetbal International: “Daniel doesn’t see a takeover as buying a nice toy.
“We can’t force anyone to sell. I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke and his bankers.
“Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other.
“Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we. We are here to stay”
BERGE RECAP
Sheffield United ace Sander Berge is being targeted by Arsenal and the north Londoners have reportedly made an initial £17.2million bid for the midfielder.
The Gunners have joined Liverpool and Tottenham in the bidding war over Berge, who has stood out at Bramall Lane ever since his move from Genk last year.
The 23-year-old may also be keen to move to the Emirates if his Norway team-mate Martin Odegaard stays put and doesn’t return to Real Madrid in the summer.
Berge, as it stands, appears to be leaning towards Arsenal over the Reds and north London rivals Spurs.
CHANGE OF GAARD?
Martin Odegaard’s loan stint at Arsenal is slowly coming to an end and his future looks uncertain.
Reports suggest Real Madrid will give Odegaard more opportunities next season, especially if current manager Zinedine Zidane leaves.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants to keep the talented playmaker for another year at least but is not taking any risks, which is why he is lining up potential replacements.
Among them is Norwich ace Emiliano Buendia who has registered 15 goals and 17 assists in 41 matches across all competitions this season
SHIRT THING
Just a quick reminder, in case you missed it:
Arsenal’s new home kit for next season has been ‘leaked’ online with a throwback to the club’s 1998 shirt.
This brings back memories of Arsene Wenger’s first ever Premier League title in charge of the Gunners, which is when the Frenchman practically built his dynasty.
The FootyHeadlines reveal shows a red design in a shade slightly lighter than this term’s effort

TIP OF THE ICE-BERG
Dennis Bergkamp says Spotify boss Daniel Ek and the Arsenal legends won’t give up their bid to take over the Gunners.
Current owner Stan Kroenke has rejected an initial £1.8billion bid from Ek, who has support from Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
Bergkamp said: “We can’t force anyone to sell. 
“I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke [Arsenal director and Stan’s son] and his bankers. 
“Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other. In the interests of the club. 
“Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we football boys. We are here to stay.”
MUST HAVE
Shkodran Mustafi will be released at the end of the season after just three months spent with German side Schalke.
The Arsenal flop only joined the Bundesliga outfit in February after having his contract terminated by the Gunners.
And having failed to make an impression during his short spell at the Veltins-Arena, the 29-year-old defender will be on the lookout for a new club in the summer.
Credit: AFP
CONFERENCE CALL
The Premier League’s final day is all about the race for Europe, with seven teams still jostling for position.
Seventh place will seal a position in the intriguing new Europa Conference League for next season.
Taking place in the same Thursday night slot as the Europa League, the Conference League will offer a chance for clubs in smaller football nations to get more of a taste of the big time.
If neither Tottenham or Everton can produce three points, then all Arsenal have to do is win their game to somehow sneak into Europe.
Check out the full rundown of permutations from SunSport’s resident maths boffin Etienne Fermie here.
TAKING THE MIKEL
Arsenal fans are dreaming of a title challenge next season after their impressive form in the second half of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side have endured a disappointing season and occupy ninth, eight points adrift of a top-four finish.
Yet, during the second half of the season, they have been quietly going about their business winning 13 from their last 23 matches.
Arsenal have picked up 44 points which is only bettered by title-winners Manchester City who have 57.
The Gunners have two more than Manchester United and Chelsea, and five more than both Leeds and Leicester.

WHERE THERE’S A WILL…
Allan Saint-Maximin believes Newcastle must keep looking for players such as Joe Willock to build a strong team.
The Arsenal loanee has been a revelation on Tyneside and the winger wanted to build a partnership with him akin to one devastating duo in North London.
He told Sky Sports: “We have to buy more players like Joe Willock, he can be really great for the team and for myself.
“I am 24 years old, and have to think about the national team, about winning trophies, and hope the club can give me that.
“My relationship is really good with Joe inside and outside the pitch, and you can see how that helps a team when you have players like that – like Harry Kane and Heung-min Son at Tottenham.”
HARD TO ARGUE
Nicolas Pepe was voted the Man of the Match for last night’s performance.
That is now 14 goals in the 2021-22 campaign for the Ivorian, Arsenal’s third-top scorer.

LJUN TO WATCH
Nicolas Pepe’s starring role against Crystal Palace last night came as no surprise to Freddie Ljungberg.
The former Arsenal coach and caretaker manager recalled to BT Sport how often the winger would perform so well in training.
He noted: “I like him. He’s awkward to play against. Has good speed. One against one he’s very, very good
“This [his goal] is what I saw in training every day and it’s what you want to see in every game.
“Of course there’s other parts of his game he needs to learn but if you can put him in these situations he’s lethal all the time.”
Credit: Getty
TOP DOIG
Hibernian youngster Josh Doig has been likened to Arsenal star Kieran Tierney by former Gunners goalkeeper Matt Macey.
Brighton are strongly linked with the 19-year-old defender, who has been tipped to follow in his countryman’s footsteps and impress in the Premier League.
Macey said: “For me [comparisons to Tierney] are absolutely not unrealistic for Josh, he can go as far as he wants.
“He’s coming up to a big moment in his career, he has obviously had a lot of big moments already in terms of his age and making that breakthrough.
“He’s very level headed and he’ll take it in his stride. For me he can go right to the top. I have seen a lot of young players at Arsenal and he would be right up there, for sure.
“Kieran and Josh obviously play the same position and I can see the similarities in their playing style. Josh is maybe a little bit younger than when KT made his move to Arsenal, but he can go on and do well.”
SAKA CONCERN
Martin Keown was concerned that Bukayo Saka had picked up a knock after being substituted last night.
In the 64th minute, Mikel Arteta replaced the England star to leave the ex-player and pundit confused on BT Sport.
He said: “One assumes that Saka must have an injury, or some sort of a problem.”
Credit: Getty
ROMAN EMPEROR
Roman Abramovich has reportedly told Chelsea not to make the same ‘mistake’ as Arsenal and Tottenham.
The Blues owner is said by the Telegraph to be worried by the prospect of his side celebrating merely qualifying for the Champions League, as they do in North London.
And Abramovich is hoping to turn Thomas Tuchel’s third-placed team into a title-winning force next season.
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