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…
GOOD MORNING, ARSENAL FANS,
Willian appears to be on his way to Arsenal after he was left out of Chelsea’s travelling party for the Champions League last-16 clash against Bayern Munich.
The Brazilian has been involved in light training this week after missing the final day win over Wolves as well as the FA Cup Final defeat to the Gunners through injury.
He is understood to be close to agreeing a three-year deal with Arsenal.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said: “Read a headline that mentioned disappointment. That doesn’t matter. Willian remains our player at the moment, he is injured.
“He’d have given everything to play. He’s carried this injury… as a club we’ve done everything we can to explain to Willian.
“Our relationship is really close but no disappointment if he moves on. A fantastic man and fantastic player. The club have acted very well in this. If he moves on I’ll wish him well.”
SunSport’s Mark Irwin revealed that Arsenal are set to spend £100million this summer to sign key targets Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhaes and Dani Ceballos.
But they will need to sell at least three of their current squad and offload a couple more to fund the spending spree.
That means Lucas Torreira, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Matteo Guendouzi and Shkodran Mustafi could all be joining Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mohamed Elneny at the departure gate.
With the free-transfer signing of Chelsea winger Willian almost in the bag, Mikel Arteta is now turning his attention to strengthening his midfield and defence.
Atletico Madrid’s Ghana star Partey has been top of Arsenal’s shopping list for months and is keen to move to the Premier League after nine years in the Spanish capital.
BRAZIL NUTS
Frank Lampard discussed whether Willian’s impending exit, most likely for Arsenal, will leave a big hole at Chelsea.
He said: “He’s been here for seven seasons. When I came in and we had issues with younger players, a transitional element, we relied on him for experience and quality. He has his own decision to make.
“Eden Hazard left last year, the club continues and tries to work forward. As we have done this season.
“Player has a freedom to player whenever they want when out of contract. We have to accept that and move on.”
FAN-TASTIC
Arsenal have paid a touching tribute to their supporters, as the club expressed its sadness that the fans weren’t at Wembley to witness their FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea.
Unfortunately we couldn’t celebrate with all of you in the way we usually would…
But we’re so pleased that we were able to surprise a few of you instead ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 7, 2020
WILL TO WIN
Paul Merson has enthusiastically backed Arsenal’s attempts to prize Willian from Chelsea.
The Gunners legend, who is often seen as hard to please, claims the Brazilian would be an “unbelievable” signing.
He told the Daily Star: “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.”
SPREE FOR THREE
SunSport’s Mark Irwin revealed that Arsenal are set to spend £100million this summer to sign key targets Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhaes and Dani Ceballos.
But they will need to sell at least three of their current squad and offload a couple more to fund the spending spree.
That means Lucas Torreira, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Matteo Guendouzi and Shkodran Mustafi could all be joining Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mohamed Elneny at the departure gate.
With the free-transfer signing of Chelsea winger Willian almost in the bag, Mikel Arteta is now turning his attention to strengthening his midfield and defence.
Atletico Madrid’s Ghana star Partey has been top of Arsenal’s shopping list for months and is keen to move to the Premier League after nine years in the Spanish capital.
The central midfielder, 27, has a £45m release clause in his contract and Atletico are adamant that Arsenal will have to pay the full asking price to get their man.
Arteta is also keen on Lille’s Brazilian centre-half Gabriel, who was targeted by former boss Unai Emery last season before the club signed William Saliba.
QAT OUT THE BAG
Arsenal hero Santi Cazorla has arrived at Al-Sadd, after extending his playing career by signing for the Qatari champions.
In making the switch, Cazorla has reunited with former Spain team-mate Xavi, who manages the Doha side.
Alongside each other as players, the pair tasted World Cup and European Championships glory with La Roja.
And Cazorla, 35, will be hoping to add a few final medals to his impressive collection before eventually calling time on his playing career.
He told the club’s official website upon arrival: “It’s a great honour to be with the biggest club in Qatar.
“Xavi helped me a lot in my decision to come to Qatar.
“He was a role model for me when I was a player and he is sure to set an example to me as a coach.
“My goal is to win everything with Al-Sadd, you have to strive to win everything.
“I want to thank everyone for their encouragement and continued support to the team and I will strive to help the team every day to reap the victories.”
BRAZIL NUTS
Frank Lampard discussed whether Willian’s impending exit will leave a big hole at the club.
He said: “He’s been here for seven seasons. When I came in and we had issues with younger players, a transitional element, we relied on him for experience and quality. He has his own decision to make.
“Eden Hazard left last year, the club continues and tries to work forward. As we have done this season.
“Player has a freedom to player whenever they want when out of contract. We have to accept that and move on.”
TOR BLIMEY
Lucas Torreira says ‘if I have to leave Arsenal it will be for the best’ with the Gunners ‘open to transfer’ amid AC Milan interest.
He told Radio Sport890: “Last season, I played with continuity.
“This one, less so. This year was more difficult. I lost rhythm and confidence. I don’t like it. At my age, I need to play to be called up to the national team. Transfer rumours? There’s nothing at the moment.
“I need to rest because it has been a very long season, I got injured and then there was the Coronavirus.
“I have a contract with Arsenal, but if I were to change in the future, it would be a decision taken for my own good. Any player looks for a team in which he feels important. We’ll see what happens in the future”.
WILL HE OR WON’T HE?
Frank Lampard has given an update on Willian’s contract situation.
He said: “Read a headline that mentioned disappointment. That doesn’t matter. Willian remains our player at the moment, he is injured.
“He’d have given everything to play. He’s carried this injury… as a club we’ve done everything we can to explain to Willian.
“Our relationship is really close but no disappointment if he moves on. A fantastic man and fantastic player. The club have acted very well in this. If he moves on I’ll wish him well.”
WILL I NEVER
Willian appears to be on his way to Arsenal after he was left out of Chelsea’s travelling party for the Champions League last-16 clash against Bayern Munich.
The Brazilian has been involved in light training this week after missing the final day win over Wolves as well as the FA Cup Final defeat to the Gunners through injury.
He is understood to be close to agreeing a three-year deal with Arsenal.
LYON IN WAIT
Arsenal and Manchester City are reportedly embroiled in a transfer tussle for in-demand Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.
The 21-year-old is seen as one of the hottest talents in Europe following his scintillating form in Ligue 1.
The France Under-21 international has been scouted by all the Premier League’s elite, along with Real Madrid and Juventus.
City boss Pep Guardiola is said to be a long-standing admirer of the whizkid.
After facing Lyon last season he singled the French starlet out for praise and waited in the tunnel to speak to him personally.
Lyon are hoping to get about £54m for Aouar with Juventus also interested, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
SAK IT OFF
Arsenal have taken a cheeky swipe at the Premier League on social media, after teenage sensation Bukayo Saka was omitted from their Young Player of the Season shortlist.
The 18-year-old burst onto the scene earlier in the campaign, wowing Gunners fans and quickly becoming a key figure at the Emirates.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 7, 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.”
EDS HAVE ROLLED
Arsenal scouts sacked in the last 48 hours are reportedly separate to the 55 redundancies announced by the Gunners yesterday.
The North Londoners were hammered from all angles when they confirmed up to 55 members of staff will be let go in the coming weeks
And it has now emerged recruitment staff also relieved of their duties were part of an unrelated recruitment shakeup by technical director Edu.
Head of recruitment Francis Cagigao was given his marching orders despite more than 20 years of service.
And he departs alongside several other long-serving members of the scouting department including senior scouts Brian McDermott and Peter Clark.
But the shakeup is all part of Edu’s plan to implement a recruitment blueprint of his own, according to Goal.
ROD FOR HIS OWN BACK
SunSport’s David Fraser writes: “Ozil is now paid an obscene £350,000 a week to sit on the bench and do absolutely nothing.
“And that is exactly what Rodriguez would end up doing.”
Here’s how the two matched up last season…
ANYONE’S GUEZ
Comment by SunSport’s Dave Fraser: “Arsenal have been linked with a massive summer move for James Rodriguez – and what a mistake that would be.
“Mikel Arteta is looking to orchestrate a major summer overhaul, including the signings of Willian and Philippe Coutinho.
“Arsenal, more often that not, play 4-3-3 – with two central midfielders and one holding midfielder or vice versa.
“Occasionally they’ll play in a 3-4-3-cum-5-2-3 formation – both of which involve just two centre-mids.
“None of their current systems require a No10… just look at Mesut Ozil.”
Read More HERE.
EDS HAVE ROLLED
Arsenal scouts sacked in the last 48 hours are reportedly separate to the 55 redundancies announced by the Gunners yesterday.
The North Londoners were hammered from all angles when they confirmed up to 55 members of staff will be let go in the coming weeks.
And it has now emerged recruitment staff also relieved of their duties were part of an unrelated recruitment shakeup by technical director Edu.
Head of recruitment Francis Cagigao was given his marching orders despite more than 20 years of service.
And he departs alongside several other long-serving members of the scouting department including senior scouts Brian McDermott and Peter Clark.
But the shakeup is all part of Edu’s plan to implement a recruitment blueprint of his own, according to Goal.
ANGEL GABRIEL
Arsenal and Man Utd target Gabriel has posted a cryptic tweet ahead of speculation linking him with a move away from Lille.
The Gunners are believed to be in pole position to land him, but the Red Devils, Everton and Napoli are also looking to secure his services.
And with the player understood to be on his way out of France, the defender has posted a pic of him in action on Twitter, captioning the photo with a glancing eye emoji.
— Gabriel Magalhaes (@biel_m04) August 7, 2020
TOR BLIMEY
Lucas Torreira has commented on his future as he continues to be linked with a move away from Arsenal.
Quoted by Sport890, the midfielder has said: “Today I need to think about my future very well.
“I have a contract with the club and I have to respect it, obviously if I have to leave it will be for the best.
“We have to be calm and wait.”
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…
SAKA SHOCK
Arsenal have tweeted out their shock after Bukayo Saka was failed to be nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 7, 2020
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.
OUT OF LUC
AC Milan are reportedly keen on bringing Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira back to Serie A after two years spent in England.
According to the Telegraph, the Italian club are battling Fiorentina for the Uruguayan’s signature.
However they state that a move to join Milan is the most likely destination.
Torreira lost his place in the starting XI when football returned in June, with Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos the preferred pairing under Mikel Arteta.
WILL I NEVER
Willian has reportedly been left ‘upset and offended’ by how his time at Chelsea has come to an end.
According to ESPN, the Brazilian – who is understood to be close to joining Arsenal – felt as though the Blues lacked the desire to keep him.
This is despite the 31-year-old rejecting a two-year deal by Chelsea to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
Willian is keen to remain in London, choosing to sign for Arsenal ahead of Barcelona and Inter Miami.
PENNY DREADFUL
Ex-Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez cost Manchester United a staggering £20MILLION per Premier League goal and £28,800 per TOUCH thanks to his sky-high £505,000 a week wages.
The Chilean forward, 31, joined the Old Trafford ranks in January 2018 as part of a swap deal with the Gunners, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving the other way.
At the time, fans believed the club had played a blinder in signing a superstar without paying a penny.
However, the “free” signing has actually cost the club an eye-watering £60m – with just THREE Premier League goals to show for it.
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