ARSENAL have reportedly made Youri Tielemans their top midfield transfer target.
This comes despite a reported £47m bid for Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Tielemans is said to be available for a cut price £25m after refusing to sign a new deal with Leicester, while Milinkovic-Savic is valued at closer to £70m.
And the race for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez seems to be getting intense as reports suggest that Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is set to go all out for the Argentinian.
IN: Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner, Gabriel Jesus
OUT: Alexandre Lacazette (released)
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- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal's business savvy praised
Arsenal's shrewd business deals have been praised by club legend Alan Smith.
He said to Sky Sports: "The good thing about Arsenal’s recruitment now is that they are signing players without too much media fanfare.
"For example, we did hear about Jesus but when we did hear they were already quite far down the line in terms of securing his signature.
“Then there was Fabio Vieira from Porto. Nobody saw that one coming either and the best recruitment teams at clubs are able to do that.
"They do a lot of work behind the scenes, maybe even six months to a year in the build-up to signing a player, but they do it without too much fanfare or drama.
“That points to a department of the club that is really functioning well and it’s really encouraging that they have got that side of things working well because it was a bit of a mess a few years back. Now Edu and Arteta are on the same page, they agree what is needed and that relationship is vital.”
- Justin Lawrence
Gakpo urged to snub Prem
Arsenal transfer target Cody Gakpo has been urged to stay with PSV Eindhoven by team-mate Luuk de Jong,
De Jong reckons Gakpo can flourish at PSV for another season before taking the plunge elsewhere.
He told Voetbal International: "I used to talk to him in the past, I also did it for the Dutch national team and I still do it.
“I saw him come in and see him make strides. When he came, the talent was already there.
“I think he can have another very good season, finish it by winning the league and then take a nice step.”
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal 'prioritise Tielemans transfer'
Arsenal are pressing ahead with plans to bring in a new midfielder this summer.
And the Gunners are prioritising Leicester City man Youri Tielemans for the role, ahead of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Fabrizio Romano.
That's because the Belgium international will cost the Gunners 40m less than Milinkovic-Savic, the report adds.
Tielemans' contract with Leicester City expires in 2023, which means the Foxes could be open to letting him go on the cheap now.
Whilst Lazio are demanding £68m for Milinkovic-Savic, the report claims.
- Justin Lawrence
Jovic set for Fiorentina transfer
Luka Jovic is set to join Fiorentina on a two-year deal, according to reports.
The striker, 24, signed for Real Madrid three years ago in a huge £52million move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
But he failed to make an impression, scoring just three goals in 51 appearances for Los Blancos.
As a result, the club have decided to let him go on a free transfer despite the fact he still has three years remaining on his contract.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Fiorentina have agreed to sign Jovic on a permanent deal.
The two clubs originally discussed the prospect of a loan, but Real Madrid decided to negotiate a 50 per-cent sell-on clause instead.
Jovic is set to have a medical this week before finalising the move which will see him sign on until June 2024 with the option for two additional years.
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal staff member leaves club
Arsenal have lost their Head of Academy Performance Tony Strudwick to West Brom.
Strudwick has left the Gunners to become the Baggies' new Director of Medical.
Upon bringing in Strudwick, West Brom's Chief executive Ron Gourlay,said, via Birmingham Mail: "We are delighted to have Tony at the football club.
"He is one of the very best in his field of expertise and arrives at the club with an incredible CV. Tony is highly respected within football.
“We believe his appointment will strengthen the medical and sports science departments which he will oversee.
"His appointment is another positive step in improving standards across the football club as we ready ourselves to take on the challenges ahead.”
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal defender joins Portsmouth
Portsmouth have signed defender Zak Swanson from Arsenal.
The 21-year-old penned a two-year deal with Pompey, with a 12-month extension option.
But the transfer fee for the move is yet to be revealed, the BBC reported.
Swanson's been at Arsenal since the age of six, but couldn't get into the first team.
- Justin Lawrence
Saka tipped for Arsenal stay
Bukayo Saka will not be leaving Arsenal this summer.
That's according to Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell who said to Highbury Squad: "He is already under contract. These things are not just going to get done in a couple of months.
"These things could take six months, but Arsenal are not, trust me, they are not going to sell Saka in this window. No chance. No chance.”
- Justin Lawrence
Dybala ‘seeks Premier League switch’
Paulo Dybala is reportedly considering a move to the Premier League this summer.
The 28-year-old officially left Juventus when his contract expired at the end of last month, so he is now a free agent.
Inter Milan have been heavily linked with a swoop for the Argentina international, who met with the club’s vice-president Javier Zanetti last month.
However, according to Sky Sport Italia, the Black and Blues have put Dybala on stand-by following the return of Romelu Lukaku.
Arsenal have reportedly been in contact with the Argentine’s agent in a bid to lure him to North London.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are eager to bring Dybala to Old Trafford.
- Justin Lawrence
Martinez makes quit demand
Lisandro Martinez has allegedly told Ajax that he wants to quit the club and move to the Premier League.
The centre-back, 24, is wanted by both Manchester United and Arsenal to bolster their backlines.
The two clubs have both been haggling with Ajax over his transfer fee.
But it is the Red Devils that appear to be leading the chase after offering just shy of £40million for the Argentinian international.
Now both they and Arsenal have received a major boost after reports emerged that Martinez has told his employers he wants to depart for England.
- Justin Lawrence
He's a fab signing
New Arsenal signing Fabio Vieira embodies the way Mikel Arteta wants the club to play, he revealed.
Arteta said: "In the case of Fabio, again, a talent that when I started to look at him, I said, ‘This is the type of player that I feel represents the way I want to play and the type of player we should have.”
“I was on the phone with him, Edu was on the phone with him and we were all really impressed with his maturity at his age, because it’s not long ago that he’s made his debut with Porto.
"But again, he fits in our model, the way we want to play, the project that we are in and I’m really excited with him as well.”
- Justin Lawrence
Arteta on Matt Turner
Mikel Arteta has revealed why he chose to snap up keeper Matt Turner.
The Arsenal boss told the club's media: "Matt is a deal we did in January. We identified the possibility to strengthen the team in a position we believe was necessary.
“You will get to know him, a great character, a really special person with qualities in that goalkeeping area that we don’t have, he’s going to make the group and the team better.”
- Justin Lawrence
Jesus and Richarlison debate
Gabriel Jesus will bag more goals for Arsenal next season than Tottenham's new recruit Richarlison.
That's according to football pundit Tony Cascarion, who told the Daily Mail: "I think Gabriel Jesus ticks a lot more boxes and they’ve got him at a better price.
"If you said to me now who will get the most goals, I’d say Gabriel Jesus would get more goals than Richarlison for Tottenham.
"And he’s more versatile than Richarlison. Gabriel Jesus has played left-wing, right-wing, and centre-forward for Man City."
- Justin Lawrence
Arteta shares Jesus excitement
Mikel Arteta has spoken of his excitement after sealing the signing on Gabriel Jesus.
He said: "I’m very excited.
The club has done a tremendous job to recruit a player of this stature. I know Gabriel personally very well, and we all know him well from his time in the Premier League and being really successful here.
“This is a position that’s been on our radar for a long time now and we have managed to get a player that we all wanted, so I’m really happy.”
- Justin Lawrence
'No chance' of Gabriel leaving
Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell has poured cold water on reports linking Gabriel with Juventus.
The defender has been linked with a £23m swoop for the defender.
But Campbell's adamant that Gabriel will remain at Arsenal for the upcoming season.
He said to the Highbury Squad YouTube channel when asked about the possibility of Gabriel's exit: "No chance. I am just telling you, no chance.”
- Justin Lawrence
Jesus makes ambition clear
New Arsenal signing Gabriel Jesus has revealed he's joined the club to score goals.
He also referenced where he feels his best position is on the pitch.
Jesus said, via Arseblog: "I’m the number 9! I’m a striker, you know. I can play in three or four different positions, but I think my position is 9.
“I have come to score goals.”
- Kostas Lianos
Good morning Arsenal fans
Gabriel Jesus’ move to Arsenal has been finally announced by the club, who made it official.
A fee of £45million was agreed between the Gunners and Premier League rivals Manchester City.
Jesus has signed a five-year deal with the North Londoners and is set to link up with former coach Mikel Arteta's squad for pre-season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are confident of beating Arsenal to signing Lisandro Martinez after meeting with Ajax club chiefs.
United have reportedly offered a fee just shy of £40m for Martinez.
The Dutch champions’ new director of football Klaas-Jan Huntelaar travelled to London on Saturday to meet with United reps, according to the Mirror.
And after talks with Huntelaar, the Red Devils are said to be confident of beating the Gunners in the race to sign the highly-rated centre-back.
The Manchester giants are said to have made a bid worth an initial £35.3m, with a further £4.3m available in add-ons.
The total package works out at £39.6m, with Ajax reportedly valuing the Argentina international at £43m.
Martinez would rather reunite with former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford than join the Gunners.
According to The Athletic, United have "edged ahead as favourites" to sign the 24-year-old for around £35m.
Finally, Arsenal have submitted a bid for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Milinkovic-Savic has emerged as a target for Arteta, who wants a new No8 this summer.
The Serie A club are open to selling the midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Yet they want a fee of £60m and the Gunners have reportedly bid £47million
- Kostas Lianos
Work of Art
Juventus are hoping that Arsenal make another offer to sign Arthur Melo in the summer.
Arthur was heavily linked with a move to the Gunners throughout the January transfer window but a deal never materialised.
But the North Londoners are still said to be considering a swoop with Juve pushing for a sale.
According to Calciomercato, the Bianconeri are desperate for Arsenal to make another offer.
Juventus chiefs are eager to offload the Brazil international's £4.3million-a-year salary before the start of the season, whether that be through a loan deal or a permanent transfer.
But Arsenal have already signed a new midfielder this summer, so they could be reluctant to place a suitable offer after Fabio Vieira's arrival at the Emirates
Credit: GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Prem standing order
Premier League teams will get the go-ahead to open safe standing areas in their grounds from the start of the coming season, writes SunSport’s David Wooding.
Ministers are expected to announce the success of a trial at five grounds and invite all top-flight teams to introduce their respective sections.
It will mean that supporters will be able to stand to watch Prem or Championship matches for the first time in almost 30 years.
Standing has been illegal in the two top leagues since all-seater stadiums were introduced in 1994 after the Taylor report into the Hillsborough disaster.
But after a pilot scheme last season at Chelsea, Tottenham, Cardiff, Manchester City and Manchester United, all other top clubs will be give the all clear to follow suit.
A final report on the government-commissioned trial seen by The Sun on Sunday says the sections delivered a positive impact on spectator safety and improved fans’ matchday experience
- Kostas Lianos
Jesus on Arteta
Arsenal signing Gabriel Jesus has "100 per cent" faith in his new manager Mikel Arteta.
Jesus said: "We spoke a couple of times about the club, the players, the project and the future.
"I believe 100 per cent in Mikel.
"I had a very good time with him before, he’s a very good guy and a very good coach as well"
- Kostas Lianos
Gabriel linked with Juventus
Juventus are considering Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes as a potential replacement for Matthijs de Ligt.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve are making Gabriel their number one priority if they sell De Ligt this summer.
The Netherlands international has been linked with a move to Chelsea, while Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs.
However, the Bianconeri are getting ready to lose him and could move for Gabriel in that case
- Kostas Lianos
Lisandro Martinez keen
Ajax star Lisandro Martinez is "very open" to joining Arsenal in the summer.
That is according to reporter Charles Watts who delivered an update on Martinez.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts said: “Arsenal are very much in the running.
"Our understanding is that Martinez is very open to Arsenal”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal still fighting
Ajax star Lisandro Martinez has told his club he wishes to leave for the Premier League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are "still there fighting" with Manchester United for Martinez's signature.
Romano tweeted: "Lisandro Martínez, back in Holland today – he’s been very clear with Ajax telling the club that he only wants to leave to try his first Premier League experience.
"Manchester United are pushing as ten Hag wants Lisandro as priority – Arsenal, still there fighting"
- Kostas Lianos
Gabriel Jesus message
Arsenal signing Gabriel Jesus has sent the fans of his new club an important message.
Jesus signed a five-year contract with the Gunners after a reported £45million deal with Manchester City.
The striker posed in an Arsenal shirt at the Emirates and shared the pic on Instagram saying he looks forward to his new challenge.
Jesus shared the following caption: "A new challenge"
- Kostas Lianos
More on Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United are in advanced talks to nab Ajax star and Arsenal transfer target Lisandro Martinez.
And Martinez would rather reunite with former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford than join the Gunners.
According to The Athletic, United have "edged ahead as favourites" to sign the 24-year-old for around £35million.
The Gunners reportedly put in three bids – most recently for £34m.
But Ajax want more for their centre-back and they are hardly under pressure to sell as his contract runs until June 2025
- Kostas Lianos
Gift of the Gab
Arsenal signing Gabriel Jesus was seen training at London Colney for the first time following his £45million move from Manchester City.
Jesus penned a five-year contract with the Gunners this week and was unveiled earlier today.
Manager Mikel Arteta and his staff had been pushing to sign him for weeks amid the club's striker crisis.
And upon the striker's arrival he admitted that he was thrilled to complete the deal
Credit: Getty
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