Martin Odegaard Move Closer To Joining Gunners

The Norwagian international impressed the Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta during his loan spell in north London in the second half of last season.

He returned to Real Madrid hoping to secure a place in the first-team.

Zinedine Zidane never seemed to take to Odegaard, but the Frenchman's departure at the end of last term gave him an opportunity.

Carlo Ancelotti has now deemed the 22-year-old surplus to requirements, giving room to Arsenal to make move on their target.

Arteta wants to add another attacking midfielder to his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Young star Emile Smith Rowe was Arsenal's standout performer in Friday's limp defeat by Brentford, and has been handed the No.10 shirt for the season.

Arteta wants another midfielder in that position and has identified Odegaard as his main target.

The Gunners were also linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, only to be put off by £70m asking price.

Madrid are willing to do business, and the Daily Mirror reports that Odegaard's agent is in London to begin talks with Arsenal.

Personal terms should not be an issue and Arsenal are increasingly hopeful that Odegaard join them.

Arsenal's loss to Brentford exposed some of the problems.

Arteta has a job to do to turn things around, as Arsenal attempt to become regular top-four challengers once more.

But with Chelsea and Manchester City up next, things could get worse before they get better

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William Saliba Reportedly Prepared to Leave Arsenal Permanently This January

William Saliba is reportedly prepared to permanently leave Arsenal this month.

The French young defender, 19, is yet to make his first-team debut for Mikel Arteta’s side.

According to L’Equipe, Saliba held a meeting with the club to discuss his future. Both parties are in agreement that he can leave on loan or permanently this month.

Saliba signed for the North London club for £27million in the summer of 2019. He was loaned back to Saint-Etienne before he returned to the Emirates over the summer.

The 6ft 4in youngster was expected to be a key player for Arteta during the 2020-21 campaign.

But he looks set to leave the club this month in some way after being frozen out of the squad. Saliba’s only appearances have come in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy.

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Arsene Wenger Willing To Return To The Emirates

Arsene Wenger has sensationally offered to RETURN to Arsenal with Mikel Arteta struggling to adapt.

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Jerome Boateng Transfer To The Emirates Becomes A Doubt

Arsenal are in the market for some new defensive reinforcement and have been linked with moves for RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano and Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng.

According to reports, the Gunners' board is slightly concerned with Mikel Arteta's alleged top transfer target, Jerome Boateng.

Arsenal's defence has been shaky for the past few seasons, and Arteta has identified it as the area he wants to strengthen.

RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has been linked with a transfer to north London in recent months, but would cost the cash-strapped Gunners a bomb.

Bayern Munich star Boateng is the other centre-back on Arsenal's radar and would be a considerably cheaper option.

Reports in Germany claim the Bundesliga giants could offload the defender for free as long as his wages are paid in full.

Boateng earns around £200,000-a-week at Bayern Munich, which is immediately problematic for Arsenal as it would made the German the club's joint second-best paid player behind Mesut Ozil.

Secondly, according to Goal, the Arsenal board are reportedly concerned over the defender's lack of playing time this season and how this has impacted his fitness.

The Gunners need a player to come in and hit the ground running this January, especially if they are breaking the bank to get him to the club.

And it seems the Arsenal hierarchy will only splash the cash if they're convinced it will be a worthwhile investment

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He Has Arsenal DNA - Josh Kroenke.

Arsenal have full faith in interim manager Freddie Ljungberg and will not rush into finding a permanent replacement for Unai Emery, according to Josh Kroenke.

Emery was sacked by the Gunners on Friday, paying the price for an awful run of form that has seen the north Londoners tumble down the Premier League standings.

Thursday's defeat in the Europa League at the hands of Frankfurt was the final straw for those in charge at the Emirates Stadium, but Emery's position had already been compromised by a five-game winless run domestically that leaves his former employers now languishing in ninth place.

Into the breach steps Ljungberg, a favourite with the Gunners support as a swashbuckling winger under Arsene Wenger and a member of Emery's backroom staff, as the Spaniard's temporary successor on the bench.

But while a host of names have already been linked with the vacancy, Kroenke is willing to give Ljungberg time to prove himself before making a final decision on appointments.

"First and foremost Freddie has Arsenal DNA," the director, son of billionaire Arsenal owner Stan, told the club's official website.

"Obviously he was a player here for a number of years, the supporters know him very well and he's worked diligently behind the scenes for the past several years, including the last year and a half or so with Arsenal again.

"So it's been great to have him around, he knows the club's DNA and we feel he is the right person in the moment to take the club forward.

"My message to Freddie and the players was let's get back to basics and most importantly let's get back to having some fun. I think footballers are at their best when I see smiles on their faces and going out there and winning matches. That's a winning formula to me."

Emery filled the role left vacant by Arsene Wenger in the summer of 2018 after more than 20 years in charge, but lasted less than 18 months himself.

Kroenke admitted that he regrets having to let the former Valencia and PSG boss go, but did so for the good of the club.

"Like all of our fans and supporters around the globe, we've been concerned about our recent string of performances. We wanted to support Unai and his staff until we decided it was time to make a change and ultimately we came to that decision over the last several weeks as a group between myself, Raul, Vinai and Edu," he added.

"First and foremost Unai is a good man, someone that we all respect very much. His work ethic on a daily basis between him and his staff was fantastic. Ultimately we started to fall short of several goals that we set. We still feel that we can achieve those goals this season, which is why we decided to make the change now."

Ljungberg will take charge of his first game on Sunday, when Arsenal visit relegation battlers Norwich City.

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Real Madrid Set to Offer James Rodriguez And a Whooping £70 million To Lure Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the Bernabeu

The Colombian midfielder was a huge hit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and finished as the top scorer with a succession of beautiful strikes.

But since his move to Real Madrid he has failed to perform and hasn't been fancied under several managers.

He was loaned to Bayern Munich last season and now Zinedine Zidane is keen to use him in a player plus cash deal to bag Arsenal's new captain.

The 30-year-old was signed by Arsene Wenger in 2018 and has scored 40 Premier League goals in just 55 starts, including 10 goals in just 16 appearances this term despite Arsenal misfiring.

Reports suggest he is keen to move on in the summer despite being handed the armband at the Emirates after Granit Xhaka's well-documented indiscretions last month saw him stripped of the honour.

Zidane reportedly wants to add Auba to an attacking trio that could rival Liverpool's. Namely Eden Hazard, who moved in the summer, the Arsenal man and PSG's Kylian Mbappe.

His current forward line, which includes the misfiring Hazard and Luka Jovic aren't doing what's required and the Gabonese striker could plug the gap in the Spanish capital.

Rodriguez, 28, has made nine appearances for Real this season, scoring just one goal and Zidane is keen to offload him.

But Marca report that the player would prefer to stay put and try to win back a place in the Madrid team.

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Emery Uncertain of Petr Cech Future

Arsenal manager Unai Emery does not know whether veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech will be at the Premier League club next season.

Cech is out of contract at the end of the campaign and the 36-year-old is facing an uncertain future in London.

He has found opportunities limited behind Bernd Leno, having started the season as Emery's first-choice keeper prior to a hamstring injury in September.

Cech is set to start Saturday's FA Cup clash against Blackpool and when asked about the Czech Republic international's future, Emery who played down links with Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas told reporters: "I don't know for now.

"This is a question for the club and the player to deal with.

"But when he played at the start of the season, he did very well. He has very good behaviour, commitment and performance.

Then when he had the injury Leno started playing with a big performance also and then he recovered his position on the bench.

"But I am happy with him. All situations like this, we will speak with the player and with the club but at the moment, I want his focus at the same time, each training, each match.

"He is going to play Saturday to give us his performance and then we are going to decide also within what is the best for him and for the club."

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Alex Iwobi Close To New Arsenal Contract - Unai Emery

Alex Iwobi, the Nigerian International is close to agreeing a new contract with Arsenal, head coach Unai Emery has confirmed.

Iwobi, whose contract runs to 2020, made 26 appearances in the Premier League last season.

And the Nigeria international will soon renew his contract to commit his future to Arsenal, Emery told reporters ahead of an International Champions Cup meeting with former club Paris Saint-Germain.

Iwobi played no part in the 3-1 penalty shoot-out defeat to Atletico Madrid, having only just returned from a break following his exertions for Nigeria at the World Cup.

"I have the information – he's near," Emery said. "First, I want to work with every player, and they are coming.

"Mesut [Ozil], Iwobi, [Mohamed] Elneny are starting to work with us, the first week is very good. My information is he is going to sign and continue with us."

Emery's squad has been boosted by five new arrivals, with Lucas Torreira, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Bernd Leno and Matteo Guendouzi joining since last season.

The Gunners have been linked with further signings ahead of August's deadline, but Emery is content with the group at his disposal.

"I believe in these players," Emery added. "Now, I am very happy with the players. On Monday, other players come with us after the World Cup.

"If there is a possibility to sign a player, it isn't very important now, but while the window is open, we can."

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Hector Bellerin Rejects 'Crazy' Transfer Links

Hector Bellerin has attempted to call time on "crazy" rumours linking him with a move away from the Emirates as he prepares for Unai Emery's first season in charge.

Bellerin, 23, joined the Gunners in 2011 as a teenager having come through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.

After a loan spell at Watford he broke into the Arsene Wenger's first team in 2014, making 20 Premier League appearances as a 19-year-old.

He has persistently been linked with a return to Barca in subsequent years, and the arrival of Stephan Lichtsteiner earlier in the transfer window has led to further speculation involving Juventus and Manchester United.

However, speaking to reporters in Singapore at the launch of Arsenal's third kit on Friday, the Spain international looked to end the transfer talk.

"It is crazy that people ask me these questions all the time," Bellerin said.

"A few years ago I signed a very long-term contract. I have never said that I have wanted to be anywhere else.

"I am very happy in London. I am very happy at this club.

"The club have made me who I am and gave me the chance to be the footballer I am today. So I don't want to be anywhere else."

Emery took charge of his second game this pre-season as the Gunners lost on penalties to Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup on Thursday.

And Bellerin recognised the importance of giving the new head coach time to impose his philosophy.

"At all the teams that he's been at, it's all about being very competitive and really tight at the back," said the defender.

"The important thing at the start is to allow everyone to get in sync with the new coaches and staff. If we do that, everything is going to work and we can challenge for very big things in the future."

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Arsene Wenger is My Idol – Thomas Tuchel

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel has named former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as his "idol and role model" but insisted he did not want to succeed the Frenchman at Emirates Stadium.

Tuchel was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal before Wenger announced in April that he would leave at the end of last season, but the former Borussia Dortmund boss had already decided to join PSG by the time the vacancy in North London arose.

The German coach denied any knowledge of plans to take him to Arsenal but expressed his admiration for the legacy Wenger left at the club.

"I made my decision before Wenger made his decision," Tuchel told reporters ahead of PSG's clash with Arsenal in the International Champions Cup.

"My biggest respect for him. He built the club famously for their style of football.

"He is an idol and role model for every coach and for me especially.

"I never got in touch and I made the decision for Paris before. I don’t know if I was ever meant to be the successor. So [there was] no question."

Tuchel said he was keen to speak to new Arsenal manager Unai Emery about his time at the Parc des Princes, where he won the Ligue 1 title, two Coupe de France trophies, two Coupe de la Ligue trophies in his two seasons at the club.

Tuchel's only managerial honour to date is the DFB-Pokal, which he won with Dortmund in 2016-17, and he would relish the opportunity to discuss tactics with Emery.

"I would like to talk to him," said Tuchel. "I never did that with any of my previous jobs [speak with the previous manager].

"Unai is one of the most successful coaches in Europe. He has won lot of titles last year.

"He sent me a warm message. I was very thankful and it shows his character and the competitor that he is.

"I would love to talk about football with him in detail."

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Uruguay Youngster Lucas Torreira Ready For New Life At Emirates

Lucas Torreira will be prepared for life in the Premier League when his "scary" transfer to Arsenal is completed, according to the player's father.

Arsenal look set to sign Torreira, who has started in Uruguay's last two World Cup games, from Sampdoria once the midfielder's campaign in Russia is over.

The 22-year-old would become Unai Emery's fourth signing of the transfer window.

There are doubts over Torreira's ability to adapt to a more physical league than Serie A, but his father Ricardo claims his son has a programme ready to help him settle in England.

"There will be people that will accompany him," he told Teledoce.

"He won't be alone. It's a big change [going to England] and we don't want to think about it yet because we're scared.

"The truth is it's tough to manage the language, adapt to the [London] society and customs and at the same time not lose ours.

"But there's a whole programme getting readied for Lucas."

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Calum Chambers Extends Arsenal Contract

Arsenal manager Unai Emery revealed Calum Chambers would be part of his plans in 2018-19 after the defender signed a new long-term contract at the club.

Chambers joined Arsenal in 2014 and has since made 83 appearances, as well as having a successful loan spell at Middlesbrough in 2016-17 and picking up three England caps.

He made 24 appearances last season as Arsenal finished sixth in the Premier League and reached the Europa League semi-finals.

Emery told the club's official website: "I'm delighted Calum has extended his stay with us.

"He played an important role last season and will be part of my plans this season."

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Ozil Signs New Arsenal Deal Which Keep Him Till 2021 to Become Club’s Highest-Paid (BBC)

Mesut Ozil has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract to remain at Arsenal until the summer of 2021.

The midfielder becomes the highest-paid player in the club's history - earning about £350,000 a week before tax.

The deal, signed on Wednesday, follows months of speculation about the future of the 29-year-old Germany international, whose previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season.

He joined the Gunners from Real Madrid in 2013 for a then club record £42.4m.

SOURCE: All Football

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Ozil Signs New Arsenal Deal Which Keep Him Till 2021 to Become Club’s Highest-Paid (BBC)

Mesut Ozil has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract to remain at Arsenal until the summer of 2021.

The midfielder becomes the highest-paid player in the club's history - earning about £350,000 a week before tax.

The deal, signed on Wednesday, follows months of speculation about the future of the 29-year-old Germany international, whose previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season.

He joined the Gunners from Real Madrid in 2013 for a then club record £42.4m.

SOURCE: All Football

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OFFICIAL: Arsenal Sign Emerick-Pierre Aubameyang From Borussia Dortmund for A Club-Record €64m Fee

OFFICIAL: Arsenal sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Dortmund for club record fee

Having come through the ranks at AC Milan, Aubameyang impressed at St. Etienne before making his name at Dortmund. Arriving in 2013, the striker initially played second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski, but became the main man when the Polish striker moved to Bayern Munich a year later.

Armed with astonishing pace - the rumour goes that he is faster over 30 metres than Usain Bolt - and canny movement, he has netted 141 goals in 212 appearances for Dortmund.

Aubameyang's pace is mesmerising, and he is an instinctive goalscorer, but he is heavily reliant on good service. For Dortmund, he has always been at his best when he has teamed up with the likes of Marco Reus, Ousmane Dembele or Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

His brilliant positioning and sharp movement mean that he is almost unstoppable when coupled with an intelligent winger or attacking midfielder. Left to his own devices, however, he has his limitations. He lacks the incision to create chances for himself, and often fluffs his lines in one-on-one situations.

Aubameyang has established himself as one of Europe's premier marksmen over the last few seasons and has been in incredible form in front of goal this term.

Arsenal official statement:

Welcome to Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang!

The 28-year-old has joined us from Borussia Dortmund on a long-term contract for a club-record fee.

Our second signing of the January transfer window, Auba is one of the world’s most highly-rated strikers. He scored 98 goals in 144 Bundesliga games for Dortmund and had a hand in 172 goals in 213 matches in all competitions for his former club.

That works out at an average of 96 minutes per goal or assist.

Auba is the Gabon captain and all-time top goalscorer, and became the first Gabonese winner of the African Footballer of the Year award in 2015.

This deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes and Auba’s squad number will be confirmed shortly.

We hope to be hearing from the man himself very soon - watch this space for exclusive Aubameyang content!

Welcome to Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang!

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Mesut Ozil to Extend Arsenal Contract Only With Imminent Auba Arrival (Bild)

Mesut Ozil will provide Arsenal with a huge boost and extend his contract in North London, according to reports in Germany.

The German international midfielder's deal with the Gunners is due to expire in the summer, and there has been little progress with talks in recent months.

It had been thought Ozil would follow Alexis Sanchez out the Emirates Stadium exit door - however he now seems set to stay.

German newspaper Bild report that Ozil will stay at Arsenal in order to link up with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is set to join from Borussia Dortmund.

Aubameyang is in London to finalise a £55m switch from the Bundesliga club, and the ambition shown by Arsenal to bring in a world class striker has reportedly convinced Ozil to stay.

The 29-year-old playmaker has been linked with several clubs, including Manchester United, who signed Sanchez in a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January.

Signing Aubameyang therefore takes on even greater significance for Arsenal, who find themselves as one part of a transfer triangle.

The deal depends on them selling Olivier Giroud to Chelsea - an £18m fee has been agreed - and the Blues letting Michy Batshuayi go to Dortmund, replacing Aubameyang.

It is set to be a pivotal summer for Ozil in many respects, with both his club future to be decided as well as going to the 2018 World Cup with Germany, the reigning champions.

Bild also say it will be a big summer for Ozil personally, with his wedding to fiancee Amine Gulse reportedly to take place after the World Cup in Russia.

SOURCE: All Football

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Mkhitaryan In Tears As He Bids Farewell to Manchester United Team-Mates

Henrikh Mkhitaryan bid a tearful farewell to his Manchester United team-mates and club staff at Carrington on Friday as his swap deal with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez moved a step closer.

Mkhitaryan’s switch to the Emirates has been holding up negotiations after his agent Mino Raiola warned that he could torpedo United’s hopes of signing Sanchez.

Jose Mourinho claimed there was ‘nothing new’ to report at a 12.45pm press conference on Friday other than to say that Mkhitaryan had once again been left out of United’s match-day squad to face Burnley.

However, just over an hour later the Armenia international said goodbye to his teammates and other members of staff at 2pm following what is expected to be his last training session with the club.

‘It was very tearful,’ said one United source. ‘Henrikh has been a very popular figure here at United.

‘We know he isn’t too happy at the way this deal has been forced upon him. He realises he has more chance of playing at Arsenal, but he would have preferred to leave on his own terms.’

Mkhitaryan, who joined United from Borussia Dortmund for £26million just 18 months ago, is now expected to travel to London to meet with Raiola and conclude the deal.

It’s understood that United will pay £35m for Sanchez, including a £20m transfer fee to Arsenal and £15m to the player’s agent Fernando Felicevich.

Sanchez will earn £350,000-a-week plus an extra £100,000-a-week to make up his signing-on fee over the course of a four-and-a-half-year contract.

It remains to be seen how much Arsenal must pay for Mkhitaryan, but Raiola has been negotiating the best possible personal terms for his client who earned £140,000-a-week at United and is set to become the highest earner at his new club.

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Sanchez Very Close - Mourinho

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had earlier admitted that the Chile star would soon call Old Trafford his new home when he told reporters it was 'likely' the deal was as good as done. 

Reports indicate that the out-of-favour Henrikh Mkhitaryan will move to the Emirates Stadium in part-exchange for Sanchez, and the midfielder will not face Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

Mourinho said: "There is no point in trying to hide or deny, but it is not done at all. I think clearly everybody knows that we are there and especially when Arsenal manager speaks so clearly like he did.

"But [it is] not done, not done at all. In this moment Mkhitaryan our player, Sanchez is an Arsenal player. With a match tomorrow, I want to switch off and focus on what is the most important thing. Sometimes people think transfers involve the managers a lot in the negotiations. 

"I think it depends a lot on the profile of the club, the way we establish our jobs and in my case when it goes to the table of negotiations I like to be out. I'm out. I will just be calmly waiting for news. No more than that." 

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Injury Blow For Chelsea as Captain Gary Cahill a Doubt to Face Arsenal in EFL Cup

Chelsea could be without Gary Cahill as they face Arsenal in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The defender limped off with a muscular injury against Leicester City six days ago and has already been ruled out of the Saturday lunchtime clash with Brighton this weekend.

While Cahill is close to recovering, it seems more likely he will return in the fourth-round FA Cup tie against Newcastle on Sunday week.

The Chelsea skipper is one of four key first-team players Antonio Conte will be without for the trip to the Amex Stadium.

Cesc Fabregas is struggling with a hamstring injury picked up during training ahead of the FA Cup third-round reply win over Norwich and remains a doubt to face his former club next week.

Pedro and Alvaro Morata are both serving one-game bans after picking up two yellow cards during the shootout victory.

The former Barcelona man was cautioned during normal time for diving before a reckless challenge saw him dismissed three minutes before the end of extra time.

Morata, replacing Michy Batshuayi on 81 minutes, was shown two yellow cards in quick succession after first being booked for diving and then remonstrating with the referee for his marching orders

SOURCE: All Football

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Injury Blow For Chelsea as Captain Gary Cahill a Doubt to Face Arsenal in EFL Cup

Chelsea could be without Gary Cahill as they face Arsenal in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The defender limped off with a muscular injury against Leicester City six days ago and has already been ruled out of the Saturday lunchtime clash with Brighton this weekend.

While Cahill is close to recovering, it seems more likely he will return in the fourth-round FA Cup tie against Newcastle on Sunday week.

The Chelsea skipper is one of four key first-team players Antonio Conte will be without for the trip to the Amex Stadium.

Cesc Fabregas is struggling with a hamstring injury picked up during training ahead of the FA Cup third-round reply win over Norwich and remains a doubt to face his former club next week.

Pedro and Alvaro Morata are both serving one-game bans after picking up two yellow cards during the shootout victory.

The former Barcelona man was cautioned during normal time for diving before a reckless challenge saw him dismissed three minutes before the end of extra time.

Morata, replacing Michy Batshuayi on 81 minutes, was shown two yellow cards in quick succession after first being booked for diving and then remonstrating with the referee for his marching orders

SOURCE: All Football

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