Arsenal ‘must sign Umtiti to get Depay’, Gabriel Jesus transfer EXCLUSIVE, new kit LAUNCHED – latest updates
ARSENAL have made an enquiry to sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay this summer, according to reports.
The Dutchman could be the perfect replacement for Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette who are both set to leave the club in June.
But Barcelona are reportedly insisting the Gunners also sign France World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti as part of the deal.
Reports in Spain says Umtiti is looking for a coach who could offer him minutes and their confidence, with Mikel Arteta being seen as fitting the bill perfectly..
And Gabriel Jesus could still be open to a move to North London despite the club set to miss out on Champions League football.
In the midfield, the Gunners could be ready to sign Jesus' Man City team-mate Ilkay Gundogan.
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2022-23 home kit release
What do we think of the new kit Arsenal fans?
Credit: Jamie Stoker 2020. All Rights Reserved. Freddie Hudson, Head of Arsenal in the Community, said: "We’re extremely proud of the work we’ve been doing to bring our community together and support the lives of people in our local area for more than 35 years.
"People are the heartbeat of our community and the £5 donation from our home shirt sales will provide vital support for the local projects that serve our diverse community in north London so well.
“The last couple of years have been especially tough and the impact continues to be felt, but it’s amazing what we can achieve when we all come together to support each other.
"We continue to draw inspiration from those who make the Arsenal family so special, and we’re thrilled to be able to give a little back in this unique way.”
Arsenal unveil new 2022-23 home kit
Arsenal have unveiled their new 2022-23 home kit with a zig-zag collared design and £5 from every shirt bought through the club will go to The Arsenal Foundation.
The Gunners' fresh design will be worn in a season where they return to European competition after having a season off.
Mikel Arteta's men look likely to record a fifth placed finish, but could pip rivals Tottenham to fourth should Norwich pull off an unlikely win.
have stuck with red as the prominent colour, with the sleeves white.
The shoulders have stripes leading up to the collar, which has a zig-zag design.
The kit will make its debut on the final game of the season against Everton on May 22.
Aubameyang retires from international football
Ex-Gunner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reportedly retired from international football.
The Barcelona forward won 72 caps for Gabon, and had been captain of his country until the time of his retirement.
In a letter to the Gabonese FA, Aubameyang wrote, as reported by : "After 13 years of pride in representing my country, I announce that I am ending my international career.
Credit: Getty - Pool "I would like to thank the Gabonese people and all those who have supported me in the good like the bad times.
"I will keep a lot of good memories like the day I made my debut at romnisports, or the day I came back from Nigeria with the African Ballon d'Or.
"And sharing it with all the people was an unforgettable moment. I thank our President, his Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba who has always supported the Panthers and has always worked for football to evolve in our country.
"I would also like to thank all my coaches, staff and the players that I have come across during this career.
"Finally, I thank my father who gave me the desire to do like him, hoping to have made him proud by wearing our colours."
Art attack for next season
Arsenal are set to hand boss Mikel Arteta another huge transfer warchest despite missing out on Champions League qualification, reports claim.
The Spaniard spent £150million on fresh talent last summer, as he attempts to rebuild his squad, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
The Gunners looked set to achieve a surprise top four finish - only to blow it in the final weeks of the season.
Should Tottenham avoid defeat at Norwich on Sunday, Arsenal will be consigned to the Europa League.
According to the , however, failure to reach Europe's premier competition won't affect the North Londoners' spending power.
Club chiefs view the upcoming window as a "major opportunity" to bolster their squad.
Despite missing out on a lucrative Champions League payday, many of Arsenal's targets will remain the same as if they had qualified.
Whether they will still be able to attract that high class talent, remains to be seen.
First Dybs for Spurs or the Gunners?
Tottenham are reportedly in talks to sign Arsenal target and Juventus free agent Paulo Dybala, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
Transfer guru claims Spurs have joined local rivals Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for the Argentina forward.
And Antonio Conte’s Juve links could seal the deal, with sporting director Fabio Paratici already holding talks with Dybala’s representatives.
The versatile attacker, 28, has confirmed he will leave Turin when his contract expires next month.
Dybala has been at Juventus since 2015 after a move from Palermo.
And he is regarded as one of world football’s top talents, having won five Serie A titles and four Italian Cups.
Morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal have contacted Barcelona regarding a summer swoop for Memphis Depay.
The Gunners are in the market for at least one forward, and ABC believe they are now contemplating making the Dutchman their first choice.
Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah isn’t at the level to play for Arsenal.
That’s the opinion of Gabby Agbonlahor who reckons Nketiah’s compatriot Alexandre Lacazette is getting too old to deliver the goods.
Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT: “They play with one striker. Nketiah, for me – he’s a decent player but not Arsenal level.
“He’s not going to be the striker to get you into the top four. [Alexandre] Lacazette [also] looks like he’s ageing a bit.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal could add Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti to the club’s ranks this summer.
The Gunners have reportedly been offered the chance to sign the defender.
According to SPORT, Barca are keen to offload the injury-prone star as they undergo a squad revamp in the summer months.
Finally, Juventus are planning to raid Arsenal when representatives from the club come to England to speak with Paul Pogba.
Along their travels, Juve reps plan to continue talks with Arsenal duo Gabriel and Thomas Partey, according TuttoSport.
However, Juve are focused on wrapping the deal for Pogba when they make the trip before turning their attention to the Gunners pair, the report states.
Tomiyasu will be missed
Arsenal will miss the crocked Takehiro Tomiyasu who Ian Wright reckons can do everything.
Wright said after the defender was injured against Newcastle: "He’s been magnificent.
"Him as a player is one missed because of his versatility, not just his defending, but his attacking too.
“His defending one v one. Positional play. He sniffs out danger. He does everything. And he will always tries to play."
Door remains open for Bellerin
However, the door has been left open for Bellerin to return to Betis one day.
Betis' president Haro admitted that the club shared an affinity to Bellerin as his parents are from the Spanish region.
Haro added: "It’s true that he’s been enamoured with everything involved in Beticismo because his parents are also Beticos.
"Let’s hope we cross paths again somewhere along the way.”
Bellerin set for Arsenal return
Hector Bellerin will return to Arsenal this summer after a lona period at Real Betis.
Betis president Angel Haro made the admission, and said: “Hector is a fantastic player and a very good person.
"It was a loan we had from Arsenal, now he returns to Arsenal and from there, we will see…”
Juve plan Arsenal swoop
Juventus are planning to raid Arsenal when representatives from the club come to England to speak with Paul Pogba.
Along their travels, Juve reps plan to continue talks with Arsenal duo Gabriel and Thomas Partey, according TuttoSport.
However, Juve are focused on wrapping the deal for Pogba when they make the trip before turning to the Gunners pair, the report states.
Arsenal offered Barca star
Arsenal could add Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti to the club's ranks this summer.
The Gunners have reportedly been offered the chance to sign the defender.
According to SPORT, Barca are keen to offload the injury-prone star as they undergo a squad revamp in the summer months.
But it's yet to be seen if the Gunners will take up Barca's offer.
Arsenal face injury crisis
Arsenal are facing an injury crisis ahead of the final day of the season as FOUR first team players miss out on training.
According to Sky, four first team players were missing from Wednesday's training session, including Takehiro Tomiyasu, Emile Smith-Rowe, Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White.
Tomiyasu was forced off midway through Monday's game with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
White and Gabriel have also been struggling with hamstring issues recently.
And while nothing has been confirmed, Smith Rowe could also be on the treatment table.
Piers questions Arteta decision
Piers Morgan has slammed Arsenal's decision to hand Mikel Arteta a new contract while scrutinising the Spaniard's managerial record.
Piers tweeted: "Still trying to get my head around an Arsenal manager being in charge for 2.5yrs, spending £250million on players, then losing 13 League games this season & failing to qualify for the Champions League - but STILL getting a new 3yr contract.
"Inexplicable."
Gakpo speaks on future
PSV ace Cody Gakpo has revealed he's open to a transfer if he's guaranteed regular football amid interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United.
But with the World Cup looming, Gakpo declared he's yet to make a decision on his future this summer.
Gakpo told De Telegraaf: "Anything can happen this summer. I will now calmly compare all the options and see what is best for me. Staying another year is also an option.
"It would be a shame if I went somewhere where I wouldn't get a [game] at all and I could miss the World Cup. I'll keep that in mind."
Sterling tipped for City stay
Raheem Sterling has been tipped to stay at Man City and snub Arsenal's advances.
That's the view of Steve McManaman, who reckons Sterling won't want to leave City for Arsenal if the Gunners aren't in the Champions League next season.
McManaman told : "I can’t see Raheem going to Arsenal if they’re not in the Champions League and personally I believe he should stay at Manchester City.
"He’s brilliant at Manchester City, even though admittedly Pep Guardiola likes to chop and change."
Arsenal devoid of world-class players
Arsenal have a squad full of average players.
And they don't have any world-class performers in their time, unlike rivals Spurs.
That's the view of Agbonlahor, who continued: “Looking at Tottenham, they have two world-class players in Kane and Son. Arsenal have zero.”
Arsenal have 'over-achieved'
Arsenal's hopes of a Champions League spot are rapidly diminishing after the Gunners' loss to Newcastle.
But the club have overachieved this season, even if they do finish in fifth spot behind Tottenham.
That's according to Agbonlahor who added: “I’ve seen a lot of pundits trying to hammer Arsenal for a disappointing season. Arsenal have overachieved!"
Nketiah isn't 'Arsenal level'
Eddie Nketiah isn't at the level to play for Arsenal.
That's the opinion of Gabby Agbonlahor who reckons Nketiah's compatriot Alexandre Lacazette is getting too old to deliver the goods.
Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT: “They play with one striker. Nketiah, for me – he’s a decent player but not Arsenal level.
“He’s not going to be the striker to get you into the top four. [Alexandre] Lacazette [also] looks like he’s ageing a bit."
Lokonga will come good
Lokonga will come good in the Premier League like Belgian counterparts Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian pair both took awhile to adapt to the Prem, but are now two of the league's biggest stars.
And it will be the same for Lokonga, his brother claims.
He continued: "Other players like Kevin De Bruyne or Romelu Lukaku have also taken time to establish themselves in the English Premier League.
"The difference with the Belgian league is big, and Arsenal is not a mid-table club."
Lokonga has no worries
Lokonga isn't worried about his lack of playing time this season as he understands that there's a number of talented stars in Arsenal's midfield department.
That's according to his brother, who added: “We would have signed with both hands for a first season with 33% of playing time. And Albert is improving every day, especially in training.
“But the competition is tough in the team, with boys like Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka or Mohamed Elneny, and the coach must respect a certain hierarchy.
“He has so much talent; sometimes it seems so easy for him that maybe the coach expects more from him?
"He shouldn’t rest on his abilities. And maybe he needs to show more in training. I’m not worried, and neither is he."
Lokonga set for Arsenal stay
Albert Sambi Lokonga's brother has ruled out a transfer move away from Arsenal for the midfielder.
Lokonga's brother, Paul-José M’Poku, told RTBF: “It’s (a transfer) out of the question, at least for him.
"He is very well integrated into the club and the city, he is happy, although he hopes to play more next season, and his potential would deserve it.
“And there will be European games. I talked to him on the phone on Monday; he was disappointed because, with the defeat in Newcastle, the Champions League has moved away, but there will be the Europa League, and he is positive about his season.”
Harp done by
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Lee Harper's debut shirt that was signed by the 1996-97 squad has been stolen from his home.
Harper's one and only competitive outing for Arsenal came in a 2-0 win away at Southampton in March 1997.
But sadly, Harper's Arsenal jersey from that afternoon was stolen from his home at the weekend.
The 50-year-old tweeted: "My debut #Afc shirt that was signed by whole squad in 1997 was stolen from my home at the weekend please retweet @IanWright0 @RealRomfordPele @thedavidseaman please @ArsenalFC."
In the tweet, Harper begged his former team-mates to help publicise the robbery in a desperate bid that it could be returned.
Arsenal transfer plans 'in tatters'
Arsenal's summer transfer plans lie in tatters, , after Monday's defeat at Newcastle left them highly unlikely to qualify for the Champions League.
The Gunners will miss out on a top-four spot unless North London rivals Tottenham lose at bottom-of-the-table and already relegated Norwich on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu had identified a number of transfer targets, but now risk losing them without the prospect of Europe's elite competition.
Those include Paulo Dybala, who had been tipped to move to the Emirates from Juventus, but now appears destined to stay in Italy with a switch to Roma or Inter.
Darwin Nunez and Victor Osimhen will also supposedly reject a move to the Premier League unless Champions League football is also on the agenda.
Arsenal 'make enquiry' for Depay
Arsenal have contacted Barcelona regarding a summer swoop for Memphis Depay.
The Gunners are in the market for at least one forward, and they are now contemplating making the Dutchman their first choice.
Depay only arrived at the Nou Camp last year, and made an electric start to life in LaLiga with eight goals in his first 14 appearances.
However, he has found himself increasingly on the bench since Xavi took charge of the Catalans, and is likely to be one of the players moved on in the next window as Barca look to raise funds.
It remains to be seen whether Depay would be willing to move to a club that are unable to provide Champions League football.
Nketiah not up to Liverpool standard
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a surprise move to Liverpool – but one former Anfield ace believes his old club would be making a mistake.
The 22-year-old is out of contract this summer and had been expected to move away from the Emirates prior to his recent run of starts.
However, Steve McManaman feels the forward would be better off remaining in North London if Mikel Arteta can guarantee him similar playing time next term.
: “I don’t think he’s good enough for Liverpool to be honest.
“I like Eddie Nketiah but he’s not going to dismantle any of that Liverpool front five and the club has an academy full of centre forwards, so I can’t see this move happening.
“Mikel Arteta has selected him a lot recently, but it wasn’t too long ago that he didn’t seem interested in him.
“He just has to work hard and keep improving. [Alexandre] Lacazette may leave on a free transfer this summer, so there could be space for him to continue with Arsenal, but he needs to see whether his manager is planning on bringing in two or three forwards.
“If he’s happy there though and he’s playing there then he should stay at Arsenal.”
