But Mikel Arteta will have to sell to buy, with the likes of Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira, Shkodran Mustafi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles said to be in the firing line.
Get all the latest news and transfer gossip from North London here…
WILL I NEVER
Willian has confirmed he departure from Chelsea in an emotional open letter.
The Brazilian, 32, spent seven seasons at Stamford Bridge but was unable to agree a contract extension.
In a statement he posted on social media, he said: “They were seven wonderful years. In August 2013 when I received the offer from Chelsea, I was convinced that this was where I had to play.
“Today I am certain that it was the best of decisions. There were so many happy times, some sad, there were trophies and it was always very intense.
“Yet, beyond the trophies, I learnt a lot about myself. I developed a great deal, becoming a better player and a better person.
“With each training session, with each game, with every minute spent in the dressing room, I was always learning.
“I am really grateful to the Chelsea fans for the affectionate way they welcomed me at Stamford Bridge and their support throughout my time at the club.”
NEARLY WEN
Arsene Wenger endured an up-and-down time as Arsenal manager.
During his 22 years at the club, he led the side to an unprecedented period of success – including the 2003-04 Invincibles campaign.
But he lost the fans towards the end as results suffered on the pitch, the squad fell apart and he failed to replace leaving stars in the transfer market.
It wasn’t necessarily for a lack of trying, with Wenger linked to a host of star names down the years.
However, more often than not, the former Gunners chief missed out – and we’ve compiled a best XI of players he tired and failed to sign.
WIZARD OF OZ
Arsenal will reportedly make a push to reach an agreement with Mesut Ozil to pay the German off this summer.
Ozil has just a year left at the Emirates, and with the £350,000-a-week player not in Mikel Arteta’s plans, the Mirror have stated that the Gunners are ready to make the player an offer.
They claim they are looking to pay him off, while they are also willing to subsidise his wages if he moves to another club.
Arsenal need to free up money in order to bring in their targets.
MAD MOVE?
Arsenal will sell Alexandre Lacazette to Atletico Madrid for £30million if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs a new contract, according to reports.
The Gunners have faced a battle to keep hold of both strikers but could be about to lose their No9.
And according to the Star, Lacazette is on course to join Diego Simeone’s side, but the deal hinges on Aubameyang’s future.
The Arsenal captain, 31, is out of contract next year but is in negotiations over signing an extension.
His new proposed deal is set to be for three years, pocketing him £250,000 per week.
But as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad, Lacazette could be sold to raise vital funds.
BIRTHDAY BOY
Look who turns 32 today!
Willian may be close to leave Chelsea, but the Blues have wished the incoming Arsenal winger a happy birthday
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 9, 2020
LU BEAUTY
?? @DavidLuiz_4 pic.twitter.com/8BkWiPrHZ1
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 9, 2020
BIG MIL
Former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez has took a dig at Manchester United after completing his move to Inter Milan.
The 31-year-old striker, said to have got a £9m pay-off to get his £505,000-a-week wages off the books, suggested his new club had more desire to win something big.
The Chilean striker, who spent this season on loan at the Serie A club, took to social media to aim a parting shot at United.
He said: “I’m really happy to be staying here with you, Inter fans. I’ve found a family here and the staff are great.
“It’s a group where there’s a real desire to win something big.
“People here want to fight together as a team to give the club the success it deserves.”
I WANT MOR
Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson.
According to Le10Sport, the Gunners have made an enquiry for the 25-year-old – who has two years left to run on his deal in France.
Sanson chipped in with five goals and five assists in 30 games in all competitions during the 2019/20 season.
WHERE THERE’S A WILL
Arsenal’s announcement of Willian will reportedly be announced in the next week.
ESPN Brazil state that his time at Chelsea has now officially come to an end following their Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea.
They state a three-year deal gas been agreed at the Emirates, and only minor details need to be sorted out before his switch to North London is confirmed.
DOUBLE DELIGHT
?? @DavidLuiz_4 ??????? @kierantierney1 pic.twitter.com/t2kz21im6E
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 9, 2020
JEEPERS KEEPERS
Emiliano Martinez has warned Arsenal that he is no longer prepared to play second fiddle to Bernd Leno next season.
The Argentine keeper – who starred in the closing of a season ending in FA Cup final triumph – admits he will quit if he does not get game time.
And his comments to Argentine radio station Continental have alerted promoted Leeds and Fulham, as well as Sheffield United.
Martinez said: “I have shown the club that I can play for them and when I return next season I need to have more games.
“That is the only way I will stay at Arsenal.
“My target is to consolidate my place with Arsenal and to reach the Argentinian national team as number one.
“I won’t stop until I get that and if I don’t play for Arsenal, then clearly I would move on.”
LAC OFF?
The Gunners will SELL Alexandre Lacazette once Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed his new contract, according to reports.
The Daily Star report that the French striker will join Atletico Madrid for £30m.
Lacazette, 29, came close to signing for Atletico in 2017, before he signed instead for Arsenal.
GOOD MORNING, ARSENAL FANS,
SunSport can reveal Bernd Leno looks likely to have new checks on his knee injury this week — and Arsenal may have to sign a replacement keeper.
The Gunners played without their German No 1 for much of the restart and they are now seeking a second opinion on his injury.
Leno has a ligament strain after colliding with Brighton striker Neal Maupay in June.
Arsenal want further tests on the damage and clarification on the time it will take for him to recover.
Emirates chiefs are looking around for potential stop-gaps as cover for Emi Martinez, who looks set to start in the side when the new season begins next month.
The Gunners hope to tie Martinez to a new deal while continuing their talks with skipper Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
They want to extend the 27-year-old Argentine’s display beyond the two years left on his contract.
But Martinez wants reassurances over his first-team future, having been loaned out six times in previous seasons.
Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho reportedly visited Arsenal’s training ground yesterday despite being pictured preparing for Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash against Chelsea.
According to Sport, the Brazilian was at London Colney as he looks to join the Gunners after his loan spell with Bayern comes to an end.
They state that the playmaker is keen to join the Gunners as he pushes for a move back to the Premier League.
BERND OUT
Exclusive by Alan Nixon: Bernd Leno looks likely to have new checks on his knee injury this week — and Arsenal may have to sign a replacement keeper.
The Gunners played without their German No 1 for much of the restart and they are now seeking a second opinion on his injury.
Leno has a ligament strain after colliding with Brighton striker Neal Maupay in June.
Arsenal want further tests on the damage and clarification on the time it will take for him to recover.
Emirates chiefs are looking around for potential stop-gaps as cover for Emi Martinez, who looks set to start in the side when the new season begins next month.
NOU DEAL?
Barcelona will make their decision over a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the coming days.
Le10Sport, via Sport Witness, claim that the LaLiga giants are interested in signing the Gabon international as a potential alternative to Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
The report states that Barca have placed the Gunners star at the top of their list.
AUBA THE MOON
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has sent fans into a frenzy after ‘liking’ a post on Instagram begging him to sign a new deal at Arsenal.
ROD HELP US
Arsenal are reportedly desperate to land James Rodriguez from Real Madrid but face a fight with Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners are keen to snap up the Colombian ace after it emerged his Los Blancos career was over.
Spanish outlet AS reports Mikel Arteta’s side are the team most interested in rescuing Rodriguez from the Bernabeu.
European big-hitters PSG are also thought to be keen on the 29-year-old as he is offered around by agent Jorge Mendes.
And it was previously reported that Rodriguez was set for a sensational cross-city move to join Real’s rivals Atleti.
Talk of a £13.5million deal to swap Madrid sides began after it became clear he had no future under boss Zinedine Zidane.
LYON IN WAIT
Arsenal are set to rival Man City for Lyon star Houssem Aouar.
The midfielder, who remains under contract until 2023, is valued at £54million by the French club.
French outlet L’Equipe claim the coronavirus pandemic could force Lyon into selling the 22-year-old, who won his side a penalty in the 2-1 defeat to Juventus on Friday.
AUBA AND OUT
Martin Keown has warned Arsenal not to be held ransom over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s wage demands.
He told PA Sport: “[Mikel] Arteta has been there less than eight months and walked away with an FA Cup.
“He is someone who can make a difference [to Aubameyang’s decision] and if he wants the striker at the football club he will be influential.
“The previous manager, Unai Emery, was saying he wasn’t part of the negotiations for Aaron Ramsey.
“Well this time round Arteta made it his place to be involved in the negotiations and that is only right and proper.
“I don’t think they should be held to ransom as they appeared to be over the Mesut Ozil contract but on the pitch Aubameyang seems like a different person.
“Just getting him to sign keeps a huge amount of belief and hope for the future – but not one individual is bigger than the football club as the Ozil saga has shown.”
WILL I NEVER
Paul Merson believes Arsenal have got themselves a ‘special player’ if Willian completes his expected free transfer from Chelsea.
In his column for the Daily Star, he wrote: “Willian would be an unbelievable signing for Arsenal. I think Willian is a special player who ticks all the boxes. I can’t believe Chelsea are letting him go to be honest.
“I know he’s 31 and wanted a three-year contract but football is all about now, and right now he’s a great player. No manager is thinking about what might happen in three or four years’ time.
“They need results now, so it’s no surprise to me Frank Lampard doesn’t want him to go. Arteta won’t be Arsenal manager forever. He needs to win now. Willian can help him do that.”
GIFT OF THE GAB
Lille have left Gabriel Magalhaes out of their squad for their friendly game against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar following links concerning a move to Arsenal.
The 22-year-old has impressed in France this season and been heavily linked with a number of top European sides, including the Gunners.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton and Napoli have all been rumoured to be interested in a move for the Brazilian defender.
HOT ROD
Arsenal are showing the most interest in wantaway Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, according to reports.
The 29-year-old, along with Gareth Bale, was left out of Zinedine Zidane’s squad for Real’s Champions League second leg encounter with Manchester City.
Spanish outlet AS claim the Gunners are the club most likely to make a move for the Colombian.
Arsenal were among a number of teams linked with Rodriguez last summer but a deal never came to fruition.
Super-agent Jorge Mendes is the man tasked with finding Rodriguez a new club.
Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid are also said to be interested in the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner.
The ex-Porto, Monaco and Bayern Munich star has just one year left on his contract at the Bernabeu and could be available for as little as £22million.
GET YOUR PHIL
Arsenal are set to wrap up a second transfer after ‘agreeing personal terms’ with Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.
The £145million former Liverpool star will arrive at The Emirates in a season-long loan deal – after a whistle-stop tour of their training ground.
Catalan newspaper Sport claims the North Londoners have fixed up a deal with Nou Camp chiefs for Coutinho.
AUBA THE MOON
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 8, 2020
WILL POWER
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has hailed the potential signing of Willian as he revealed his shock that Chelsea are prepared to let him leave.
Writing in his column for the Daily Star, he said: “Willian would be an unbelievable signing for Arsenal. I think Willian is a special player who ticks all the boxes. I can’t believe Chelsea are letting him go to be honest.
“I know he’s 31 and wanted a three-year contract but football is all about now, and right now he’s a great player.
“No manager is thinking about what might happen in three or four years’ time.
“They need results now, so it’s no surprise to me Frank Lampard doesn’t want him to go. Arteta won’t be Arsenal manager forever. He needs to win now. Willian can help him do that.”
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