ARSENAL have entered talks with Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
And the Gunners have set a DEADLINE for the in-demand 21-year-old striker to decide if he wants to join them, with Juventus also interested.
Arsenal are believed to have had a £66m offer accepted, with the fee rising up to £88m with add-ons.
Though one player who is closing in on an Arsenal move is Arthur Melo. The Gunners have held talks over a loan deal for the Juve midfielder.
And Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly set to be handed a new two-year deal by Arsenal with the club determined to fend off interest from Manchester City.
The 39-year-old, who spent time as Pep Guardiola's No2 at the Etihad, is tied down at the Emirates until 2023.
That means his contract ends the same time as Guardiola's at City.
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- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal Women salvage City draw
Tobin Heath caught Manchester City cold to rescue a dramatic injury-time point for Arsenal.
The striker’s equaliser denied City a win in a clash which saw Jonas Eidevall cautioned for reacting furiously to a controversial moment leading to the hosts' goal.
The Gunners chief was angered by the referee’s accidental role in the build-up to City taking a second-half lead.
A cross-field pass from Lucy Bronze bounced off the official before ending up at the feet of Demi Stokes in the lead-up to a Khadija Shaw goal.
Football lawmakers IFAB say play must be restarted if a referee makes contact with a ball, and it remains on the pitch and the team starts a promising attack.
- Jake Lambourne
Morning Arsenal fans
The Gunners' frustration at being held by Burnley has been offset by possible transfer boosts over Dusan Vlahovic and Renato Sanches.
Boss Mikel Arteta bemoaned Arsenal's lack of direct threat as the 0-0 home draw left them sixth after five games without a win.
But Arteta singled out Albert Sambi Lokonga’s continuing improvement.
He said of his £18million midfield summer signing: “I think he is growing, he is playing better and better.
“He is managing the physicality much better, he is maturing."
Alexandre Lacazette, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard had virtually Arsenal's only real chances as they missed out on the victory that would have put them fourth.
There was encouragement off the field, though, in the race to sign Fiorentina goal machine Vlahovic.
Despite talk of Juventus bidding £50million and the 21-year-old hoping to join the Serie A giants, The Athletic say Arsenal will keep fighting for their main target.
Spurs and especially newly-rich Newcastle have also been linked with Italy's hottest young property.
Meanwhile, Portugal midfielder Sanches, 24 has confirmed the Gunners are keen to recruit him and admits he might leave Lille.
Finally, Nicolas Pepe has cautiously suggested deposed skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might stay at the Emirates next season.
- Ian Tuckey
Jamie tips Utd to win race for fourth
Jamie Redknapp reckons Manchester United will cling onto fourth place.
Manchester City are nine points clear of Liverpool and ten above third-placed Chelsea – with United narrowly heading the rest.
Ex-Spurs and Liverpool midfielder Redknapp still reckons Tottenham can mount a challenge if Antonio Conte squeezes in some shrewd signings this month.
But West Ham and Arsenal, in fifth and sixth respectively, will hope to stop Spurs overhauling them.
But former England star Redknapp told Sky Sports: “Man United are favourites to get 4th for me.”
- Ian Tuckey
Arteta hails Lokonga after Burnley stalemate
Mikel Arteta praised Albert Sambi Lokonga's continuing improvement after today's disappointing 0-0 draw with Burnley.
Gunners' boss Arteta said of his £18million midfield summer signing: "I think he is growing, he is playing better and better.
"I think he had a really good game the other day against Liverpool, his understanding of the game, he is managing the physicality much better, he is maturing.
"It’s a lot to ask. When we signed him, the expectation that we had for him in the first year was to start adapting."
- Ian Tuckey
It's not Auba yet
Nicolas Pepe has tentatively suggested Arsenal team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is staying put.
The Gabon international has been the subject of intense transfer speculation after falling out of favour at the Emirates.
He was stripped of the captaincy by boss Mikel Arteta after returning late from a trip abroad and has since been linked with a shock loan move to Saudi Arabia.
And Gunners midfielder Pepe lifted the lid on Auba’s future when asked by a plucky fan if he would stay or go.
Pepe replied: “I don’t know. I think he’ll stay, but I don’t know.”
The 26-year-old made the comments while away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast.
Aubameyang was forced to return home from the tournament after suffering minor heart problems related to Covid.
He was given the all-clear to return to training on Thursday and was pictured back in the gym in London.
Whether or not he is still in the capital by the end of January remains to be seen.
Saudi side Al Hilal want the 32-year-old on loan – and are said to be willing to pay his £350k-a-week wages in full.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners still in Dusan hunt
Arsenal are continuing their bid to sign Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic in January – despite Juventus' strong interest.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Gunners will keep pushing on for Vlahovic.
But this promises to be a ‘delicate situation’ for the north Londoners as the transfer window shuts in just over a week.
The centre-forward has also been linked with Juventus, Tottenham and Newcastle.
- Ian Tuckey
Ash bashed
Arsenal fans fumed as Burnley’s Ashley Westwood escaped a red card following a horror ‘stamp’ on Kieran Tierney.
With the sides drawing 0-0 at the Emirates, Clarets midfielder Westwood lunged in on left-back Tierney.
Replays revealed the tackle high on the knee but somehow warranted only a booking.
Gooners – who have seen three red cards given against them this season already – hit out at Westwood’s foul and subsequent booking.
One said: “Ashley Westwood stamps on Kieran Tierney’s calf, but luckily for him he’s wearing a Burnley shirt rather than an Arsenal one, so a yellow card is deemed sufficient.”
Another said: “Westwood very lucky, don’t hurt my man Tierney.”
One added: “Why is that not a red card for Westwood? Deliberately follows through and stomps Tierney.”
Another added: “Westwood foul on Tierney = yellow card. Xhaka? Your guess is as good as mine.”
- Ian Tuckey
Sanches confirms Gunners' interest
Renato Sanches has confirmed that Arsenal are interested in signing him as he dropped a major hint that he will leave Lille.
The Portuguese international, 24, has rebuilt his career after years in the wilderness and is currently starring for the French club.
The midfielder played a key role in Lille’s Ligue 1 title-winning success last season and he has made 18 appearances this term.
Sanches, who moved to Lille in 2019, still has 18 months left on his contract but does not want to sign an extension.
That has alerted Arsenal to his potential availability, with boss Mikel Arteta desperate to add reinforcements to his squad.
And now the star has confirmed in an interview – via the Mirror – that the Premier League are keen.
Discussing the transfer speculation, Sanches said: “Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested but I don't know.
“I spoke with my agent, I know which clubs are calling me but I can't say right now. But I know I'm ready. If an offer comes in, I'll find out what's best for me.”
- Ian Tuckey
Arteta rues Gunners' attacking flaws
Mikel Arteta could not hide his frustration over Arsenal’s ‘lack of attacking quality’ as he dropped a worrying transfer hint following the stalemate with Burnley.
The Gunners dropped two valuable points in the chase for a top four place after they were held at home by the Clarets.
Arsenal dominated throughout at the Emirates and had 20 shots – but just five of those were on target.
That is now five games in 2022 without a win and seven hours since they last scored a goal.
Arteta said afterwards: “We started slow, we looked leggy and didn't have enough rhythm or intention to attack the way we wanted.
“We started to play better, more rhythm and threat and came out in the second half completely different.
“We tried in every different way but lacked the quality in the final third.
“At the end, when we have a really low block, you need spark and creativity to win football matches and today we didn't do that.
“It is what they do, they want to play a slow game, it takes long, it is their game and you have to respect that.”
- Ian Tuckey
Pepe hints Aubameyang will stay
Nicolas Pepe has tentatively suggested Arsenal team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is staying put.
The Gabon international has been the subject of intense transfer speculation after falling out of favour at the Emirates.
He was stripped of the captaincy by boss Mikel Arteta after returning late from a trip abroad and has since been linked with a shock loan move to Saudi Arabia.
And Gunners midfielder Pepe lifted the lid on Auba’s future when asked by a plucky fan if he would stay or go.
Pepe replied: "I don't know. I think he'll stay, but I don't know."
The 26-year-old made the comments while away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast.
Aubameyang was forced to return home from the tournament after suffering minor heart problems related to Covid.
He was given the all-clear to return to training on Thursday and was pictured back in the gym in London.
Whether or not he is still in the capital by the end of January remains to be seen.
Saudi side Al Hilal want the 32-year-old on loan – and are said to be willing to pay his £350k-a-week wages in full.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal sub ratings
Subs
Eddie Nketiah (replaced Smith Rowe, 76) – 5
Barely impacted the game at all.
Substitutes (not used): Bernd Leno, Nuno Tavares, Calum Chambers, Ryan Alebiousu, Mika Biereth, Salah Oulad M'hand, Omari Hutchinson, Charlie Patino.
- Ian Tuckey
Rest of the Arsenal ratings
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Threatened at times during the first 45, but you could see the Arsenal fans wanted him to have a go at goal.
Seems to have lost his mojo of late, could do with a few goals.
Alexandre Lacazette – 6
Lazy passing and hold-up play at time, not what we have been used to seeing the past few weeks as he has become the main man up front.
Missed an absolute sitter on 66 minutes after scintillating play out wide from Smith Rowe.
- Ian Tuckey
Ratings continued
Bukayo Saka – 7
A quiet first 45 minutes for the exciting winger, who had a tendency to drift in field instead of getting at Erik Pieters.
But came close to opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time as he finally cut inside and shot at goal.
Martin Odegaard – 6
The Danish midfielder was supposed to create the clear-cut chances for Lacazette but struggled to split the visiting defence.
You'd think going forward it has to be him OR Smith Rowe in the middle of the park – so he has some work to do.
Emile Smith Rowe – 8
Quiet first 45 minutes from the exciting talent, and flitted around various midfield positions.
Denied a brilliant goal on 63 minutes when he drilled a shot at goal from Odegaard's corner that got the home fans out of their seat. He was almost unplayable in the second 45. Then Arteta subbed him off…
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal ratings continued
Gabriel – 6
Seemingly the first-choice at centre-half, with White the one to fill other spots as required.
Spent most of the game watching the ball going forward as his team-mates dominated the ball.
Kieran Tierney – 6
Almost played as a winger this game as Arsenal bombed forward at every opportunity.
But his usual devilish ball was lacking today with Lacazette wishing it wasn't.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6
Given a chance in the centre of the park with Partey and Xhaka suspended – but was guilty of ball-watching at times in the first half during sporadic Burnley counters.
Destined to be an understudy until Xhaka picks up his next suspension or leaves the club.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal ratings vs Burnley
Aaron Ramsdale – 7
Almost spilled the ball into his own net 15 minutes in and didn't start the game his usual, confident self.
But that confidence soon flooded back, and he rushed out on 41 minutes to brilliantly head clear.
Ben White – 7
Shunted to right-back for the game with Tomiyasu out with an ankle injury, but this kid is that good it made no difference.
Perhaps not offering quite enough going forward, but solid enough at the back.
Rob Holding – 6
Solid enough despite Burnley growing in confidence as the game wore on – you'd think Chris Wood could have posed him some problems.
Not sure if Arteta sees him as the bedrock going forward.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal fans' fury at Westwood 'escape'
Arsenal fans fumed as Burnley's Ashley Westwood escaped a red card following a horror 'stamp' on Kieran Tierney.
With the sides drawing 0-0 at the Emirates, Clarets midfielder Westwood lunged in on left-back Tierney.
Replays revealed the tackle high on the knee but somehow warranted only a booking.
Gooners – who have seen three red cards given against them this season already – hit out at Westwood's foul and subsequent booking.
One said: "Ashley Westwood stamps on Kieran Tierney’s calf, but luckily for him he’s wearing a Burnley shirt rather than an Arsenal one, so a yellow card is deemed sufficient."
Another said: "Westwood very lucky, don’t hurt my man Tierney."
One added: "Why is that not a red card for Westwood? Deliberately follows through and stomps Tierney."
Another added: "Westwood foul on Tierney = yellow card. Xhaka? Your guess is as good as mine."
- Ian Tuckey
Clarets want Aaron on loan
Burnley want to take Juventus ace Aaron Ramsey on loan for the rest of the season, reports SunSport’s Alan Nixon.
Ex-Arsenal star Ramsey is keen to return to the Premier League after his failed stint at Juve.
And the Clarets have been in talks with the midfielder over a temporary switch in the last few weeks.
But Sean Dyche’s strugglers would be able to pay nowhere near the Wales international’s reported £400k-a-week wages.
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old may still consider the move after an initial rejection as the Bianconeri are desperate to get him off their books.
Ramsey hoped for Crystal Palace, but Patrick Viera’s side have not come in
- Kostas Lianos
FT: Arsenal 0-0 Burnley
Arsenal and Burnley finished goalless in their Premier League clash at the Emirates.
That means the Gunners are still without a win in 2022 as they lost to Manchester City in the Prem, got eliminated from the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after drawing the first and losing the second leg in the semi-finals against Liverpool.
The north Londoners are sixth in the Premier League table with two points separating them from the top four.
The Clarets, on the other hand, are bottom of the table
- Kostas Lianos
'Get someone in'
Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes his former club 'need' to bring in a new striker, with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang falling out of favour as well as Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to become free agents..
Merson said: "You’ve got to get someone in. Arsenal need a centre-forward badly next season. No [can’t see Aubameyang playing again for Arsenal] not for me. I think [Mikel] Arteta has already laid that one out, he’s chopped his nose off there.
"He’s hung him out there to dry, it’s going to be some going by the lad to come back. It could do [impact top four hopes].
"Not saying Aubameyang is going to get them in the top four though but they do need a centre forward.
"Aubameyang on form could get them there. I always think pick your best players but what’s gone on between the pair of them the manager and him needs to be sorted out first"
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Warm-weather training camp
Arsenal are planning to fly to Dubai in late January until early February.
That is according to The Athletic, who report the Gunners will travel for a warm-weather training camp during that small break period.
The trip will begin after Sunday's match with Burnley and the north Londoners will be back in time for the match at Wolves on February 10.
Arsenal are without a win so far in 2022 and have been knocked out of the FA Cup as well as the Carabao Cup
- Kostas Lianos
Vlahovic transfer update
Fiorentina CEO Joe Barone claims the club hasn't received an official offer for Dusan Vlahovic.
Barone told Dazn: “We’ve not received any official bid for Vlahovic as things stand.
“We’re open to discuss and negotiate – but we want Vlahovic and his agent to be clear on the future, as they’re not answering.
"We need to talk about it”
- Kostas Lianos
New Arteta deal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set to be handed a new two-year deal with the club determined to fend off interest from Manchester City.
Arteta, who spent time as City manager Pep Guardiola's No2 at the Etihad, is tied down at the Emirates until 2023.
That means the Spanish head coach's deal ends the same time as Guardiola's with the Citizens.
Despite the north Londoners finishing eighth in the Premier League in each of Arteta's two years in charge, rumours are swirling that he could be his Spanish compatriot's successor.
Arsenal seem determined not to let that happen and, according to the Daily Mail, their head coach will be offered a new contract before the end of the season.
They state that the former midfielder is happy at the club and will welcome talks to extend his stay.
And any extension will see him being handed a pay rise on his £5million-a-year salary
- Kostas Lianos
Juventus make Arthur statement
Juventus have made a decision regarding Arthur ahead of their Serie A megaclash with AC Milan on Sunday evening.
Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri included the midfielder in his squad, which hinted that he is still part of the manager's plans.
Arsenal see the Brazil international as an important target during the January transfer window.
However, the Gunners may have to work harder and longer to sign the former Barcelona star as the Bianconeri have made it clear they won't let him go if they don't have a replacement lined up
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Arsenal vs Burnley subs
Arsenal subs
Leno, Tavares, Chambers, Nketiah, Alebiousu, Biereth, Oulad M'hand, Hutchinson, Patino
Burnley subs
Hennessey, Lowton, Cork, Gudmundsson, Stephens, Collins, Bardsley, Long, Thomas
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal vs Burnley XI
Arsenal XI
Ramsdale, Tierney, White, Gabriel, Holding, Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe, Lokonga, Lacazette, Martinelli
Burnley XI
Pope, Pieters, Tarkowski, Mee, Roberts, McNeil, Brownhill, Westwood, Lennon, Rodriguez, Vydra
Source: Read Full Article
