Arsenal news LIVE: Rapinha transfer wanted, Morata deal still on, Tierney to Barcelona – latest updates
ARSENAL are still reported to be keen on signing Juventus' Alvaro Morata.
And the Gunners are also said to be keen on Leeds star Raphinha.
But they will have work to do to convince Kieran Tierney to stay with Barcelona said to be waiting in the wings.
Meanwhile Jack Wilshere has found a new club and is set to make his debut this week.
Keep up to date with all the latest Arsenal transfer news here at SunSport
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Gunners misfire in market again
Arsenal are preparing themselves for transfer disappointment once again after it was revealed that teenage sensation Savio was on the verge of joining Manchester City.
The Gunners had been tracking the 17-year-old and were keen to do business, but appear to have lost out to their Premier League rivals.
The Atletico Mineiro winger is expected to finalise his move to Manchester this month before joining up with his new club in the summer.
It means further disappointment for Arsenal, who missed out on Dusan Vlahovic last month when the Serbian instead opted for Juventus.
Lacazette loves a London derby
Arsenal take on fellow London outfit Brentford tomorrow afternoon, and in new club captain Alexandre Lacazette, they have exactly the right man for a capital clash.
The Frenchman has scored 12 London derby goals at the Emirates Stadium during his time with the club, making him the highest scoring player in such fixtures at the ground since Arsenal moved from Highbury.
The Frenchman recently took on the role as both skipper and first-choice striker following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's fall from grace and subsequent departure from the Gunners.
Turner issues warning to Ramsdale
The gloves are off! Arsenal's latest recruit Matt Turner has told Aaron Ramsdale to prepare for a fight to remain the Gunners' number one stopper.
The American keeper will arrive at the Emirates in the summer after signing a contract with the north London club, and already has plans on becoming Mikel Arteta's first choice in goal.
the United States international as saying, “When I got my first chance with the national team, it was only as a number three.
“No-one ever really took me seriously, so I’m not going over there just to collect a cheque and ride off into the sunset.
“I’m going to push myself, I’m going to push Aaron and continue to help him get better and help myself get better.“
Good morning Arsenal fans
Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a summer swoop to bring Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney to the Bernabeu.
The 24-year-old only penned a new long-term deal at the Emirates until 2026 last year, but he could be set for a shock exit at the end of the season.
With Brazilian ace Marcelo set to become a free agent, Real are on the lookout for a replacement.
And according to Calciomercato, Los Blancos have added Tierney to their wishlist.
They state that the LaLiga giants are now weighing up an offer for the Scotland international.
Meanwhile, Spotify are set to complete a huge deal with Barcelona for the naming rights on the Nou Camp.
However, Spotify originally came to the table at Arsenal looking to do a stadium naming rights deal which helped spark the takeover push, though neither came to fruition.
Stadium naming rights are hugely attractive to clubs as they are difficult to quantify, very lucrative and it is effectively free money.
Arsenal this week confirmed they are looking at doing major improvements to the Emirates Stadium.
Spotify’s co-founder Daniel Ek was interested in trying to buy Arsenal from US tycoon Stan Kroenke last summer but was immediately dismissed by the current ownership.
In transfer news, Lautaro Martinez is reportedly a wanted man in the Premier League.
Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be tracking the Inter Milan striker, who could leave the San Siro this summer.
The Argentina international’s contract isn’t up until 2026 but Inter could cash in at the end of the season.
Martinez has previously been heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League.
Chelsea were thought to be eyeing his services before Romelu Lukaku made a stunning intervention to tell him to stay put… before moving to Stamford Bridge himself months later.
Arsenal battle City for wonderkid
Atletico Mineiro are under pressure to raise funds via player sales as Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City go head-to-head for wonderkid Savio, as reported by UOL.
Both City and Arsenal have spent the last few seasons scouring the Brazilian market for exciting young talent. And they’ve found it too.
According to Fabrizio Romano, however, the first offer has arrived not from the Gunners but from Manchester City.
City have put forward £5.4 million, plus add-ons and a sell-on clause. It is believed that PSV Eindhoven are already planning to ask for Savio on loan, should the former Brazil U15 international join Kayky (below) at the Etihad.
'I'm going to push Ramsdale'
New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner said he's "not concerned" about what his pending move to Arsenal might mean for his spot on the United States national team.
Turner is set to officially join the Gunners this summer, meaning he'll play around 20 games with the Revs before his departure. Once he arrives in London, he'll face a steep climb to unseat incumbent goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
He said: "At the end of the day, it's going to be how I continue to progress.
"[I'll] play in almost 20 games in the early parts of the season, and then get the move overseas and get to work in understanding a new culture, a new way of life, a different league, quality players from top to bottom that will really help me.
"It'll be more exposure to that type of play, and I think it's going to help me in the long run. But yeah, I think I'm in a pretty good spot, and I really liked how everything's progressing.
"I'm going to push myself and [Ramsdale] and continue to help him get better and help myself get better."
'I just snapped at Busquets'
Jack Wilshere has revealed he beefed with Sergio Busquets during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2011.
The former Arsenal midfielder told talkSPORT: "I had a little bit of beef with Busquets. You know what he was like, great player, one of the best.
“But if you touched him he’d go down. He did it about five times to me and in the end I just snapped.
“I can’t repeat what I said! There’s a picture of him in my face and he weren’t happy.
“He was probably thinking, ‘Who’s this little kid telling me?'”
Xavi's sly dig at Arteta
Barcelona manager Xavi has aimed a possible dig at Mikel Arteta when speaking about how Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has settled in with his new club.
Prior to the match, Barca boss Xavi was asked about Aubameyang and how he has settled in with the Catalan club, and his new manager lauded the striker's professionalism.
He said: "He is training very well, he needed stronger sessions. He is already 100% and we will see him play for sure.
"He is a player who can make a difference, he works well in spaces and makes good runs into the area.
"He's put in performances in recent years that have been very good. I am very happy with him, he is working positively in our group and he is very professional."
Arsenal want new Thierry Henry
Arsenal are believed to be leading the race for Rafael Leao – but Newcastle United have allegedly joined the race for his signature.
Reports from La Repubblica suggest that that Arsenal are leading the race to lure Leao away from Milan this summer.
Having been likened to Thierry Henry, that’s the kind of signing Arsenal fans would surely get behind.
However, Arsenal won’t be on their own as Calciomercato report that Newcastle United and Manchester City fancy Leao too.
Saka gets embarassed in training
Arteta had all Arsenal players working their socks off at London Colney this week ahead of the game at the Emirates on Saturday.
In a practice session, Gabriel receives the ball from midfield and is immediately closed down by Saka. The Brazilian keeps his cool, rolls the ball to his right and pulls off a fantastic no-look nutmeg on the Arsenal youngster.
What Gabriel did there will not be an option in the game on Saturday but it’s still a fantastic watch for everyone – well, everyone but Saka, who wouldn’t want to see that clip again.
Wilshere close to signing contract
Jack Wilshere received a formal contract offer from a Greek Super League side before Tuesday’s deadline, but he remains a free agent.
Football.London report that Jack Wilshere received a formal offer from an unnamed Greek Super League side before the free transfer window deadline in Greece at 23:59 on Tuesday.
A few days later, it’s clear nothing ended up coming of the offer.
The same outlet add that Serie B side Como are still trying to sign Wilshere as well.
Jamie Carragher makes Arsenal gag
Jamie Carragher has trolled Manchester United by claiming Arsenal have a better chance of winning this season’s Champions League than Ralf Rangnick’s men.
Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Carragher said: “I’ll tell you what, Arsenal have got more a chance than Man United [of winning the Champions League].
“If we are having this discussion with Atletico as well, it’s the same with them.
“I think they lost in La Liga tonight to Levante, who are bottom of the league.
“When that draw first came out, I was convinced Atletico would go through, now I am not so sure, even with Manchester United still being poor in the Premier League.”
Barca man heading to Arsenal?
Sergi Roberto appears close to an exit from Barcelona and he could end up at Arsenal.
The full-back has an expiring contract at Camp Nou and still hasn’t signed a new one.
Fichajes.net says there is no offer on the table right now for him to sign, suggesting that he is likely to leave the club.
The report then claims that he is of interest to several clubs on the continent, but Arsenal is his most serious suitor at the moment.
Real Madrid prepare Tierney offer
Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a summer swoop to bring Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney to the Bernabeu.
The 24-year-old only penned a new long-term deal at the Emirates until 2026 last year, but he could be set for a shock exit at the end of the season.
With Brazilian ace Marcelo set to become a free agent, Real are on the lookout for a replacement.
And according to Calciomercato, Los Blancos have added Tierney to their wish list.
They state that the LaLiga giants are now weighing up an offer for the Scotland international.
Arsenal battling to sign Sosa
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are all interested in Stuttgart full-back Borna Sosa.
Chelsea already proved their interest during the January transfer window when they made an approach for the left-back which was dismissed by the Bundesliga club.
Stuttgart put a £25m price tag on the 24-year-old to fend off suitors, but they will struggle to keep hold of him in the summer with the string of Premier League sides interested and as they face the possibility of relegation.
German publication Bild report that Arsenal and Spurs have joined Chelsea in targeting Sosa, who is even more likely to leave if Stuttgart go down
Big six clubs eye Phillips
Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are all prepared to go toe to toe with one another to in order to Kalvin Phillips, report Fichajes.
Both Arsenal and United are keen to bolster their midfield this summer with Granit Xhaka linked with an exit.
Paul Pogba could also leave Old Trafford and with Declan Rice's price tag set at £100million Phillips could be viewed as a cheaper alternative.
Arsenal miss out on Spotify
Spotify are set to complete a huge deal with Barcelona for the naming rights on the Nou Camp.
However, Spotify originally came to the table at Arsenal looking to do a stadium naming rights deal which helped spark the takeover push, though neither came to fruition.
Stadium naming rights are hugely attractive to clubs as they are difficult to quantify, very lucrative and it is effectively free money.
Arsenal this week confirmed they are looking at doing major improvements to the Emirates Stadium.
Spotify’s co-founder Daniel Ek was interested in trying to buy Arsenal from US tycoon Stan Kroenke last summer but was immediately dismissed by the current ownership.
Merson backs Pepe to impress
Paul Merson has backed Nicolas Pepe to ‘get the job done’ for Arsenal if he is drafted in against Brentford on Saturday.
He told Sportskeeda: “I think Arsenal will win this one 3-0.
“That said, this is a big game, as if they can win this one and go and beat Wolves, they’ve got a massive chance of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.
“As for Arsenal’s front three, I think Alexandre Lacazette will play with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe either side of him. Gabriel Martinelli getting sent off against Wolves is a massive blow for them.
“But I think they should be able to cope without him as they’ve got other options.
"Nicolas Pepe hasn’t been great, but he is another player who can get the job done in a game or two if he’s drafted into the team.”
'It will be a failure'
Thierry Henry says it hurts not to see Arsenal play in Europe and thinks Arsenal should be finishing in the top four at the bare minimum.
Henery told CBS Sports: "For me, if they don't do it, as I said at the start of the season, then it will be a failure.
"It hurts a lot. In the past few days it was hurting to put the television on and see those teams in there and not see Arsenal there, it was painful."
Arsenal could miss top targets
AC Milan may lose out on potential signings Renato Sanches and Rafael Leao, according to reports.
AC Milan are said to have won the transfer of Sanches, 24, while Leao, 22, is due to sign a new contract at the club.
The Gunners were heavily linked with Sanches in the January transfer window.
And the ex-Bayern Munich man set hearts racing when he announced that 'Milan and Arsenal are interested'.
But Milan-based journalist Antonio Vitiello said that a move to the San Siro was due to be announced within 'days'.
Gallas warns Arsenal of failure
Former Arsenal captain William Gallas believes it will be a failure if The Gunners do not qualify for the Champions League.
Gallas told Metro: “If they don’t finish top four, it’s a failure. It’s that simple.
“When you play and manage a big club like Arsenal, your target is to finish top four.
"I know it’s not easy with so many clubs like City, Chelsea, United, Liverpool, Tottenham but that doesn’t matter – you have to finish in the top four at a minimum.
“You’ve got a strong squad with Arsenal, if Arteta doesn’t make top four, he’s failed.”
Arsenal & Man City eye Martinez
Lautaro Martinez is reportedly a wanted man in the Premier League.
Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be tracking the Inter Milan striker, who could leave the San Siro this summer.
The Argentina international’s contract isn’t up until 2026 but Inter could cash in at the end of the season.
Martinez has previously been heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League.
Chelsea were thought to be eyeing his services before Romelu Lukaku made a stunning intervention to tell him to stay put… before moving to Stamford Bridge himself months later.
While Tottenham have been considering a move for the forward to breathe life into their lacklustre front line.
Rest in peace Steve Burtenshaw
Arsenal former coach and scout Steve Burtenshaw has passed away at the age of 86.
He joined Arsenal as reserve team coach in November 1967.
In 1971, he was promoted to first-team coach before leaving the club two years later to join QPR.
After spells as manager of Sheffield Wednesday, Everton and QPR, Steve returned to Highbury in 1981 as our chief scout.
Then, after Don Howe's departure in March 1986, Steve took charge as caretaker manager for the rest of that season.
Under George Graham, Steve returned to his role as chief scout and stayed with us until 1996, before taking similar roles at QPR and Manchester City. He retired from football in 2005.
Arsenal chief defends January window
Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has defended the club’s lack of spending in the January transfer window.
The Gunners failed to bring in any reinforcements after missing out on the signing of top target Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus.
Venkatesham insists that the Gunners were active in the transfer market but decided that they should not take any risks.
Ventakesham spoke at an Arsenal Fans' Forum this week and revealed that both permanent and loan deals were discussed last month.
But he claimed that no players that could make a difference were available and that the club are comfortable with their current playing squad, according to supporters present at the forum.
Bacary Sagna praises Arsenal's character
Bacary Sagna believes Arsenal have a good chance of finishing in the top four and praised the mentality and character shown since the poor start to the season.
“I think they have shown some character, they’ve shown some great team spirit. They have the right mentality and they have the right commitment.
"They totally deserve to be where they are today, and honestly, if they keep going that way, playing without any fear in them, keeping the strong basics they have at the minute, I think they have a chance.
"When they played Manchester City, I thought they deserved to win. They played quite well and outplayed City until the red card at least.
"It shows the quality they have. It shows the quality and mentality now compared to the beginning of the season.”
