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…
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.”
LONDON CALLING
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is likely to stay in London after being put up for sale by Arsenal – and could even make a switch to local rivals Tottenham.
Within days after being put on the market, every club in London except Chelsea have made their interest known that they could be keen to give him a new home.
That includes Spurs, where boss Jose Mourinho is having to be creative with his own rebuilding plans this summer.
Arsenal were hoping to get as much as £30million for the versatile England under-21 international who was part of the starting line-up at Wembley ahead of the highly-rated Bukayo Saka..
But in reality they may have to settle for around £20m with clubs across the Premier League all feeling the pinch following the coronavirus pandemic.
West Ham, Crystal Palace and newly-promoted Fulham have all shown interest knowing Arsenal boss Arteta would have liked to have kept him at the Emirates but for the need to generate funds.
HOW IT’S GUNNER LOOK
Mikel Arteta is planning a major summer overhaul at Arsenal and his starting XI could look very different next season.
The Gunners have most recently been linked with South American trio James Rodriguez, Philippe Coutinho and Willian.
And if they land all three stars, the Gunners’ attack would intimidate most Premier League defences.
Here’s how Arsenal could line-up…
AUBA TO YOU
Our Player of the Season.
⚡️ @Aubameyang7 pic.twitter.com/8NJixzr4gC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 8, 2020
OUT OF LUC
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has reportedly been offered to AC Milan.
Italian media claim the Uruguayan international has only been offered to the Serie A side in the last few hours.
It is unclear how much Arsenal would want to sell Torreira for, who was available for £36million last summer.
WILL I NEVER
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has likened losing Willian to when Eden Hazard departed for Real Madrid last summer.
He said: “Eden Hazard left last year, the club continues to work in a forward direction which I think we have in many ways.
“That remains the same, whatever player leaves the club.
“When a player is out of contract they have the freedom and the right to play wherever they want.
“We have to accept that and move on. I have no problems with that.”
COUT ME IN
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.
Mikel Arteta is believed to be a huge fan of the player, with the Spaniard desperate to sign an attacking midfielder this summer.
TO BE FRANK
Frank Lampard insisted Chelsea “have done everything” they can to keep Willian as the Brazilian edges closer to signing for Arsenal.
He said: “In terms of being disappointed, certainly as a club we have done everything we can to explain to Willian.
“Mine and his relationship is very close and I would have no feeling of disappointment if he does move on. He is a fantastic man and a fantastic player.
“The club have acted very well in this as well. If he moves on I personally will wish him well. That is where we are at.
“I think he leaves a hole as a player who has been here for I think seven seasons, being part of successful teams. He has his own decisions to make. We as a club will always want to move forward, no matter what.”
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.”
AUBA THE TOP
2️⃣9️⃣ goals0️⃣3️⃣ assists0️⃣1️⃣ @EmiratesFACup winner
? 1st place | Player of the Season 2019/20
? @Aubameyang7 is your winner! pic.twitter.com/j2BWLBz2dp
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 8, 2020
RVP UP TO THE JOB
Robin van Persie has joined Advocaat’s Feyenoord coaching staff after admitting: “I can’t say no to Dick.”
The Manchester United and Arsenal legend has got his pecker up after the coronavirus lockdown with his first coaching job.
Van Persie, 37, retired as a player with Feyenoord last summer after winning 102 Holland caps, having also spent 11 years in the Premier League.
And RVP says it was too hard to turn down working under ex-Rangers, Sunderland and Dutch national boss Dick Advocaat.
He told Feyenoord’s website: “Dick called me and asked if I wanted to come. And I couldn’t turn Dick down.
“It is not an official position. So it’s hard for me to give it a title. I don’t see myself as a strikers’ coach, for example.
“I think it’s a win-win. I’ll find out here whether I like doing this and I’ll help the staff a bit.”
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.
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