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      Arsenal have Nikola Milenkovic transfer offer rejected as Mikel Arteta targets 24-year-old Fiorentina defender

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      ARSENAL have seen a bid for Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic rejected, according to reports.The Gunners’ back three of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba impressed on Friday night as Mikel Arteta’s men secured a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
      Milenkovic is being linked with a move to the Emirates this summerCredit: Getty
      But Arsenal’s strength in depth at centre-half remains a little concerning given Rob Holding’s inconsistent performances at the Emirates.
      According to Corriere dello Sport, Arteta attempted to address that issue by putting in an offer for Milenkovic.
      But the man who is valued at around £18.5million saw the offer rejected by Fiorentina.
      Juventus, Inter Milan and Sevilla also approached the Serie A side about signing the 24-year-old Serbian.
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      Fiorentina swatted away interest from all of them and are now keen to tie Milenkovic down to a new deal.
      His current contract expires at the end of this season.
      And the Gigliati are confident they can extend that deal to 2025 as they bid to keep hold of their promising talent.
      It comes after Fiorentina also managed to hang onto him last summer when West Ham and Tottenham were both interested.
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      Meanwhile, despite missing out on Milenkovic, Arteta has insisted Arsenal will still try to sign more players this summer.
      Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira have all arrived already in the current window.
      But following the win over Palace, Arteta was asked if there would be more signings.
      To which the Spaniard told Sky Sports: “We are going to try. If we can do them, great. But now it’s work with the players we have, the focus should be with the players we have.
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      “You need the right balance because if you come short in terms of physicality in this game, you’re going to be exposed. 
      “The most important thing is to win the first match, to build confidence and momentum.
      “Then you can talk about things we need to improve – there were quite a few today, to be honest.” More

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      Aaron Ramsey reveals how his French ex-Arsenal team-mates helped persuade him into joining Nice on free transfer

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      AARON Ramsey has revealed Arsenal’s former French stars played a key role in convincing him to join Nice.The Wales midfielder, 31, moved to the south of France on a free transfer after terminating his Juventus contract.
      Ramsey netted on his Ligue 1 debut just ONE MINUTE after coming off the benchCredit: AFP
      The former Arsenal man made the perfect start to life in FranceCredit: Getty
      Ramsey, who scored on his Nice debut against Toulouse last Sunday just a minute after coming off the bench, says he tapped into his own contacts before making the switch to Ligue 1.
      Ramsey, who played with the likes of Frenchman Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna at Arsenal, where they were managed by countryman Arsene Wenger, said: “I have spoken to a lot of players from my days at Arsenal.
      “I played with many French players who have experienced the French league so I spoke to a lot of them in the last few weeks.
      “They told me a lot about this league, how good and technical it is. They told me about the history of the club and I was very interested in that.
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      “I know some great players have played here in the past and I hope to be a part of a very successful period for the club.
      “The project that they want to try and achieve here is very inviting for me. I’m looking forward to it and it’s exciting. Hopefully I can contribute.”
      Ramsey spent 11 years at Arsenal before leaving the Emirates for Juventus three years ago.
      The 75-cap Welshman struggled for form and fitness at the Serie A giants and spent the second half of last season on loan at Rangers.
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      Now Rambo is excited about a fresh start on the French Riviera where he has been joined by ex-Cardiff team-mate Kasper Schmeichel, who left Leicester last week.
      Ramsey added: “I went to Juventus and experienced that. Now I have experienced that, coming here it’s a lot easier for me. I know what to expect.
      “The last few years were a great experience for me. I spent a long time at Arsenal, 11 years, but for me to go out and experience something different and go out of my comfort zone was great for me and my family. I’ll forever be grateful for that opportunity. But now I have a new opportunity, one I’m really excited about.
      “I have played against Kasper many times. I played with him at Cardiff many years ago so it’s come full circle. We’re back as team-mates again.
      “We have played a lot of games together and at the highest level so hopefully we can have an influence on some things and help the younger players even though these days they don’t need it as much.”
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      Ramsey’s focus is on Nice but he will also have an eye on November’s World Cup in Qatar – Wales’ first global finals appearance since 1958.
      He said: “Of course, the World Cup is really important for me. But, right now, I just want to concentrate on Nice. I want to get up to match speed as quickly as possible and help my team-mates.
      “Then, obviously, I will look forward to that when it comes around. My focus now is on Nice. We have a very important season ahead of us to try and achieve our targets.” More

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      Arsenal in Yeremy Pino transfer boost with Villarreal ‘ready to accept bid of around £34m if player wants to leave’

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      ARSENAL have reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of Villarreal starlet Yeremy Pino ahead of a potential summer swoop.The Gunners, as well as Liverpool, are claimed to be interested in the 19-year-old winger with boss Mikel Arteta keen to bring in another forward.
      Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino is on Arsenal’s radar ahead of a potential moveCredit: Getty
      Big things are expected of the teenager, who chipped in with seven goals and four assists in 40 games in all competitions last season.
      His fine form saw him called up for senior duty for Spain in October, where he has since made four appearances under Luis Enrique.
      Understood to boast a release clause worth a whopping £67million, it is believed that Villarreal would be willing to sell him for considerably less.
      According to AS, the LaLiga outfit are bracing themselves to receive an offer in the region of £34m-£42m.
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      Should they receive that much money, it has been said that they would likely accept it as it would ease their economic situation.
      And the sale could match or eclipse their record departure which stands at £34m when Chinese side Beijing Guoan activated Cedric Bakambu’s release clause in February 2018.
      And Villarreal will be more likely to allow the transfer to take place if Pino expresses his desire to leave the club.
      The Spanish news outlet has also stated that it remains to be seen whether it will be Arsenal or Liverpool that make the first move for the 2021 Europa League winner.
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      Arteta witnessed Pino first hand in May 2021 after the player starred against Arsenal in the Europa League semi-final second leg at the Emirates.
      He gave left-back Kieran Tierney a torrid time in North London as the Yellow Submarine avoided defeat to set up a final clash against Manchester United.
      Pino started the clash against the Red Devils, but was brought off in the 77th minute, with his side going on to win on penalties.
      Along with Pino, Bayer Levekusen ace Moussa Diaby has also been linked with a switch to Arsenal.
      Though with the Frenchman valued at £60m, the Gunners could decide against making a move.
      Pino featured against the Gunners in the Europa League semi-final in 2021Credit: Reuters More

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      Ex-Arsenal keeper Maty Ryan seals Copenhagen move on free transfer after Real Sociedad contract ends

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      FORMER Arsenal goalkeeper Mathew Ryan has completed a transfer to FC Copenhagen.The news of the transfer was confirmed on Tuesday morning via a club announcement.
      Mathew Ryan was confirmed as a new signing for CopenhagenCredit: https://www.fck.dk/en/news/mathew-ryan-joins-fck
      Ryan bites a ball during his time at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      In a statement on their website, Copenhagen said: “F.C. Copenhagen have signed Australian international goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from Real Sociedad.
      “Ryan has signed a contract at FCK for the next two seasons.”
      The 30-year-old spent last season with Real Sociedad after leaving Brighton on a free transfer.
      Ryan spent three and a half years with The Seagulls before Arsenal brought him in on loan for the second half of the 2020/21 season.
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      His loan was not turned into a permanent deal by The Gunners and Brighton subsequently allowed him to move back to Spain.
      Copenhagen sporting director Peter Christiansen added: “We are getting an experienced and strong keeper in his prime, who arrives to take on the competition with our other goalkeepers.
      “After Kamil Grabara’s injury, we have been looking for an addition to the goalkeeper position, and we are very satisfied with the solution, which both in the short and long term ensures increased competition and quality in that position.
      “Maty has played many games in some of the world’s biggest leagues and still has plenty of hunger to do well at FCK and for Australia in the World Cup. 
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      “We are looking forward to having him in the team and are sure that he will strengthen our squad.”
      Ryan has made 73 appearances for the Australian national team and played 123 times in the Premier League. More

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      Why exactly does Erik ten Hag want Adrien Rabiot transfer as stats show Man Utd target is WORSE than McFred?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly closing in on a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.Erik ten Hag lost Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic over the summer and is keen to bring in reinforcements during the transfer window to join holding midfielders Scott McTominay and Fred.
      Rabiot is being heavily linked with a £15million move to Man UtdCredit: Getty
      How Rabiot shapes up compared to McTominay and Fred over the past two seasons
      But statistics which have now emerged show that Rabiot is far from the answer.
      They even highlight how the Frenchman would be a downgrade from what McTominay and Fred offer the club.
      Since September 2020, Rabiot has played 66 matches – three more than McTominay and seven more than Fred.
      Yet his contribution to Juventus has been outdone by the United pair in so many areas.
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      He has scored four goals in that period – one fewer than Ten Hag’s midfield duo who started in the defeat to Brighton.
      He does have two more assists than McTominay, but Fred still matches him.
      And from then on the stats only get worse for the France international – who previously played for Paris Saint-Germain.
      He has created just 31 chances – nine less than McTominay and 22 fewer than Fred.
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      Fred has made over 700 more passes since September 2020, with McTominay also outperforming Rabiot.
      The Juventus man has won fewer fouls than both and also has less touches.
      But perhaps the most damning one for United fans will be the number of possessions won.
      Ten Hag will be keen to see his defensive midfielders retrieving the ball with consistent regularity.
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      With that in mind, Rabiot clearly is not the man as he has won possession 133 fewer times than Fred and 33 less than McTominay.
      One way he does eclipse McTominay is in the number of tackles he has made – 136 to 116 – but Fred still gets the better of Rabiot there too as he has made 144.
      There is no clear way Rabiot improves Man Utd and that has to be a worry for fans of the club as they continue to hear reports about a £15million deal growing closer.
      McTominay has more impressive stats than Rabiot over the past two seasonsCredit: Reuters
      Fred has outshone Rabiot and McTominay since the start of the 2020/21 campaignCredit: Getty More

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      Everton sign Amadou Onana in £33.5m transfer deal after beating West Ham to versatile midfielder

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      EVERTON have completed the signing of Amadou Onana for £33.5million – after the midfielder snubbed West Ham. The Belgian star, 20, penned a five-year deal at Goodison Park to complete his switch from Lille.
      Amadou Onana signed a five-year deal at Everton from LilleCredit: Getty
      Onana is excited to get going in his beloved blueCredit: Getty
      The Belgian credited Frank Lampard and the Goodison atmosphere for his decisionCredit: Getty
      And he even gets to wear his favourite colour and number under Frank Lampard this season.
      Onana said: “Blue is my favourite colour!
      “I chose the number eight shirt because I am a big fan of Kobe Bryant.
      “His work ethic and the way he was inspired me so I’m happy to have that number at Everton. 
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      “It feels great to join Everton. I know it’s a big, big club, one of the biggest in England. It’s something I want to be part of for many years.”
      Onana played 41 times in his one season at Lille – joining from Hamburg in 2021 – and scored three goals, predominately being used as a defensive midfielder.
      He links up with fellow new arrivals James Tarkowski, Dwight McNeil, Ruben Vinagre and Conor Coady, who joined on loan from Wolves.
      The one-cap senior international also credited Lampard as a major factor behind his decision to want to join the Toffees rather than West Ham, who bid the same amount but could not agree personal terms.
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      The versatile midfielder added to Everton’s media channel: “Everyone here showed they really wanted me and they have a plan for me, so I really appreciated the talks I had with the manager and Director of Football [Kevin Thelwell].
      “The manager was one of the big reasons. He played at the highest level, won many things and was a midfielder, too.
      “It means a lot to have interest from him and I think he can teach me many things. 
      “The Everton fans are amazing. I saw their support last season and it’s also one of the reasons why I chose Everton.
      “I am looking forward to meeting them at Goodison and, just hearing about the atmosphere, I get goosebumps.
      ‘MASSIVE POTENTIAL’
      “I think I can play every position in central midfield, whether that’s as a holding midfielder or a box-to-box as a number eight. That said, wherever the manager needs me, I will play there.
      “I’m just excited to be on the pitch and show what I can do and help the team as much as I can.”
      Lampard, whose side face Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa on Saturday, added: “Amadou is a player we were really keen to bring to Everton.
      “He has many great qualities to help strengthen our midfield and, at just 20 years old, has massive potential to get even better. 
      “I spoke to him about why Everton was the right club for him and we’re all looking forward to him showing what he can bring to the team.”  More

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

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      SVEN MISLINTAT was touted as one of Arsenal’s most important signings when he was lured from Borussia Dortmund to become their head of recruitment.The Gunners forked out around £1.8million in late 2017 for the super scout dubbed ‘Diamond Eye’ to become part of their team.
      Former Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat brought in nine players during his time in North LondonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But he lasted just over a year, leaving in February 2019 following a number of bust-ups after he was overlooked for the director of football role.
      He then hit out at Arsenal for being a “dysfunctional mess” in June 2020 with Mikel Arteta’s side finishing the Covid-hit season in eighth spot.
      It was an ironic statement from the 49-year-old given the fact that five of his signings were key players at the Emirates at the time.
      The German made nine transfers during his short spell in North London – eight of which were permanent deals – with NONE of them now on Arsenal’s books.
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      Here SunSport takes a look at each player and where they are now.
      Stephan Lichtsteiner – Retired
      A free transfer after the Swiss right-back left Juventus, the 38-year-old was signed to compete with Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
      He ended up featuring in 23 games in all competitions, but he struggled to cope with the fast tempo and the physicality of the Premier League in the twilight of his career.
      He joined Augsburg on a free in 2019, where he retired the following year.
      Stephan Lichtsteiner was guilty of inconsistent performances during his one year at ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Denis Suarez – Celta Vigo
      One of Arsenal’s most bizarre signings in recent years, the Spanish midfielder joined on loan from Barcelona in the winter transfer window of 2019.
      But the player was hardly given any minutes by Unai Emery, with the 28-year-old limited to just six games in all competitions.
      He failed to start a single match, with Suarez featuring in just 95 minutes of action.
      The player joined Celta Vigo at the end of his loan, where he has made 104 appearances in three years.
      Spanish midfielder Denis Suarez barely made an impact during his time with the GunnersCredit: AFP or licensors
      Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Inter Milan
      Arsenal fans were delighted when they secured the services of the Armenian ace in January 2019 in a swap deal with Alexis Sanchez going to Manchester United.
      And he enjoyed a dream first start as he laid on three assists in a 5-1 victory against Everton, but that proved to be his best game in an Arsenal shirt.
      His performances dropped and he was used mainly off the bench in the 2018-19 campaign, before joining Roma on loan in September 2019.
      Mkhitaryan proved to be a key player for the Serie A outfit, who turned his temporary stay into a permanent switch.
      Having rebuilt himself in Italy, he was snapped up by Inter Milan this summer after refusing to extend his stay in Rome.
      Henrikh Mkhitaryan was plagued by inconsistent performances during his time at ArsenalCredit: PA
      Sokratis – Olympiacos
      A £16m arrival from Dortmund in July 2018, Sokratis was meant to bring steel to a leaky Arsenal backline.
      And while he impressed at first, his displays dipped, with the Greek defensive stalwart soon finding himself out of favour under Arteta.
      After being omitted from their Premier League and Europa League squads for the 2020-21 term, Sokratis had his contract ripped up by Arsenal.
      He subsequently returned to his native country to join Olympiacos, where he has won two Greek Super League titles.
      Sokratis featured in 69 games for Arsenal before he was released in January 2021Credit: PA
      Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang – Barcelona
      Undoubtedly Mislintat’s best signing for Arsenal, the Gabonese striker notched up 92 goals in 163 games in all competitions after arriving from Dortmund.
      He will forever be remembered fondly by supporters for his involvement in the club winning the FA Cup in 2020.
      The 33-year-old scored both goals in Arsenal’s semi-final victory over Manchester City and the final against Chelsea.
      Aubameyang then scored the winning penalty in the Community Shield victory against Liverpool, where he also broke the deadlock at Wembley.
      But he soon fell out with Arteta where he was stripped of his captaincy, before he joined Barcelona earlier this year.
      Former Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left to join Barcelona in early 2022Credit: EPA
      Konstantinos Mavropanos – Stuttgart
      The first signing under Mislintat’s stewardship, Arsenal forked out around £2.2m to land the centre-back from Greek outfit PAS Giannina.
      Despite being highly-regarded, Mavropanos was limited to just eight games after being plagued by injuries.
      He impressed on loan at German side Nurnberg, before spending two years on loan at Stuttgart.
      And the Bundesliga outfit triggered a £3m purchase option in his contract in May, much to the frustration of Arsenal’s fanbase.
      Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos is now on the books at German side StuttgartCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Matteo Guendouzi – Marseille
      The French midfielder swapped Lorient for Arsenal in July 2018 in a £7m transfer where he quickly endeared himself as a fan favourite.
      Touted as a future captain, Guendouzi racked up 48 appearances in his opening season where he was a key player under Emery.
      And he was again used heavily by Arteta, before the pair fell out after Guendouzi’s antics away at Brighton in June 2020 where he sparked a brawl as well as boasting about his salary to the Seagulls squad.
      It turned out to be his last match for the Gunners, where he was shipped off on loan to Hertha Berlin for the following season.
      Marseille then landed him on loan the following year where he played a whopping 56 times to help the Stade Veldrome outfit finish second in Ligue 1.
      His permanent switch to Marseille was confirmed last month with Arsenal pocketing £9m.
      Matteo Guendouzi hasn’t featured for Arsenal since the 2-1 defeat against Brighton in June 2021Credit: Getty
      Bernd Leno – Fulham
      Arguably Mislintat’s second best recruit, Leno was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m to provide competition for Petr Cech.
      The German was the club’s No1 choice between the sticks for three years before the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale in 2021.
      He was ousted just three Premier League games into the new season after shipping in nine goals against Brentford, City and Chelsea.
      But Leno never kicked up a fuss in his quest for game time and remained a true professional for the remainder of the campaign.
      Citing his need to play regular first team football ahead of the 2022 World Cup, he left to link up with Fulham in an £8m deal last week.
      Goalkeeper Bernd Leno made 125 appearances for Arsenal during his four-year spellCredit: Reuters
      Lucas Torreira – Galatasaray
      The 26-year-old is the last of Mislintat’s nine signings that have left the club after he was deemed as surplus to requirements by Arteta.
      Brought in from Sampdoria for £22m in 2018, Torreira starred in his opening season where he scored twice in 50 games.
      But just like so many of Mislintat’s recruits, he struggled for consistency in his second year as he was limited to appearances off the bench.
      After two years spent out on loan at Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina, the Uruguay international has finally departed on a permanent deal.
      Despite pining for a move to Italy or Spain, Torreira has linked up with Turkish giants Galatasaray for £5.5m.
      Lucas Torreira has joined Galatasaray after two years out on loanCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea transfer blow as Frenkie de Jong ‘doesn’t want to leave Barcelona AT ALL’ despite contract dispute

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      FRENKIE DE JONG has dealt Chelsea a huge blow in the transfer market after telling them he doesn’t want to leave Barcelona, reports suggest.Chelsea looked set to hijack De Jong’s transfer to Manchester United, but now it appears they could suffer the same fate as their Premier League rivals by failing to land him.
      Frenkie de Jong is set to snub Chelsea for a Barcelona stayCredit: AFP
      The Dutchman’s future has been a hot topic this summer, with Barcelona reportedly trying to force him out of the club in order to prevent them breaking financial fair play rules.
      The Spanish giant’s attempts to register a number of new signings has been rejected by LaLiga owing to their excessive wage bill, which the sale of De Jong would pay for.
      They are even said to have threatened him with legal action to revert back to his pre-2020 deal after finding “evidence of criminality” around the contract given to him by the club’s old board.
      Regardless, De Jong has no plans to leave.
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      As reported by Sport, the 25-year-old told Chelsea owner Todd Boehly of his intention to stay days ago, with the American then calling him to try and convince him.
      However, De Jong reaffirmed his desire to see out his contract at Barcelona which runs until 2026, and “does not want a move in any form.”
      Barca boss Xavi and club president Joan Laporta have both expressed their wish to keep De Jong at the club, and the midfielder’s performance in their last game shows why.
      Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has claimed to “know for a fact” that De Jong does not want a transfer to Man Utd.
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      But their disappointing performance against Brighton, particularly midfielders Fred and Scott McTominay, during Erik ten Hag’s first game will make their need for De Jong even more desperate.
      This being said, they have reportedly agreed a £15million deal to sign Adrien Rabiot from Juventus.
      Chelsea in contrast to United won their opening game against Everton.
      And despite a staggering outlay of over £160m on transfers, the club don’t appear to be finished yet.
      Deals for Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are said to be in the works. More