Arsenal ‘must sign Umtiti to get Depay’, Gabriel Jesus transfer EXCLUSIVE, new kit LAUNCHED – latest updates
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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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Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the Emirates in our live blog...
Wright move
Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to keep Mohamed Elneny.
When speaking on his Ringer FC podcast, he said: "We are talking about players who came on who do a job for their manager with unbelievable professionalism.
"Elneny may be leaving at the end of the season, you look at that performance and the one against Chelsea, and you can only think to yourself that if Arsenal are trying to build a team to get to the top four, you need that back-up player.
"He has to stay. For him to come in in those two games, which were arguably two of the biggest games in Arsenal’s calendar, those are massive games, and for him to come in – the last time he played was 2 December – and play at that level, you have to say hats off to him."
Arsenal 'in contact over Osimhen'
Arsenal have reportedly held talks with the agent of Napoli's £84million-rated striker Victor Osimhen over a potential summer transfer.
The Nigerian star has been linked with a switch to the Emirates as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attack.
The Gunners look to be stepping up their pursuit of Osimhen, who is continuing to impress in Italy following his 2020 switch from Lille.
In a boost for the North London outfit, it has been said that Arsenal are at the front of the queue to sign him.
And now reporter has revealed that Arsenal have been in contact with Osimhen's agent.
He has stated that the club's interest in the player is serious, with Osimhen keen to test himself in the Premier League.
Nev-er say never
Wolves are reportedly considering potential replacements for Ruben Neves.
According to , they are expecting to lose the midfielder in the summer.
He has repeatedly been linked with a move to Man Utd over the past few seasons.
But, so far this year only Arsenal and Barcelona have registered an interest.
Pep talk
Arsenal are reportedly set to hold talks with Nicolas Pepe at the end of the season regarding his future.
The 26-year-old has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from Lille for an eyewatering £72million fee in 2019.
Now, according to the Evening Standard, the Gunners are now discussing his position ahead of the transfer window.
They are keen to sign two new strikers, which could leave Pepe out of contention for a regular place in the first team.
Mustafi horror
Former Arsenal star Shkrodran Mustafi was robbed inside his own home on Sunday, according to reports in Spain.
The Levante defender was sleeping in his home in Betera, 12 miles from Valencia, when the attack occurred but he was unharmed.
The thieves reportedly stole money, jewellery, watches and bags but fled when they heard Mustafi's presence, report .
Investigations into the burglary are now underway with police not ruling it out as an activity of an organised gang which has carried out similar raids of footballers' properties.
The culprits reportedly spent up to half an hour inside the German's home after entering through a balcony window.
Mustafi has filed a complaint to police claiming the sum of all the possessions stolen tallies to about €1million.
Scott's scheme
Manchester United star Scott McTominay mischievously tried to stop Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka scoring a penalty against the Red Devils.
As Saka lined up to take the penalty, McTominay crept up next to the unassuming winger and KNOCKED the ball out of his hands.
However, the 22-year-old kept his composure and placed the ball on the spot before thumping it into the bottom corner.
The England ace was subsequently mobbed by his Gunners team-mates while McTominay looked on.
Gunner swap
Arsenal are reportedly set to explore the possibility of including Pablo Mari in a player-swap deal for Udinese right-back Nahuel Molina.
The Gunners centre-back is currently on loan at the Serie A outfit after linking up with the Italian side during the winter transfer window.
He has become a key player under caretaker boss Gabriele Cioffi, with the defender featuring in 11 top-flight matches.
Mari urged Mikel Arteta earlier this month to let him stay at Udinese having rediscovered his love for the game after being deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates.
And Udinese's sporting director sporting director Pierpaolo Marino recently stated how the club will look to turn Mari's temporary stay into a permanent switch.
But they could manage to secure Mari's services for nothing with Arsenal claimed to be readying an offer to sign Molina.
The 24-year-old has put in a number of dazzling displays for Udinese since arriving on a free transfer in September 2020.
According to , Arteta is seeking cover for Takehiro Tomiyasu in a sign that Cedric Soares could be moved on.
They state that Juventus and Atletico Madrid are keen on prising Molina away from Udinese in the summer.
But Arsenal could have the upper hand in negotiations as the club want to sign Mari.
The Gunners may now use the Spaniard in a package deal for Molina, who is rated at around £25million.
Red revenge
Francis Coquelin claims Villarreal’s Europa League win over Manchester United was “revenge” against Sir Alex Ferguson.
The ex-Arsenal star admits he was left fuming when United legend Fergie said the midfielder was “out of his depth” in the Premier League.
However, Coquelin has since gone on to become a key figure under Unai Emery at Villarreal.
He joined them from Valencia in 2020, having quit Arsenal two years earlier following 160 appearances and two FA Cup wins.
Coquelin then scooped more silverware when Villarreal defeated United on penalties in last season’s Europa League final.
And he now claims the result was “revenge” for Fergie’s cruel comments, saying: “It was a bit of revenge.
“When I made my Arsenal debut Sir Alex criticised me, so it was a nice turnaround to win against them.
“Plus I think he was in the stands as well, so lifting the trophy in front of him was nice.
“I was looking for him, he must have seen me.”
Gunner stay
Barcelona have reportedly ended their pursuit of Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes after concluding that they cannot afford him.
The Gunners defender has attracted interest from the Catalan giants after a solid campaign with the North London outfit.
And Barcelona were considering an offer at the end of the season as they look to bolster their options at the heart of their back line.
But according to , Barca are no longer pursuing him because they would be unable to finance the deal.
Gabriel would have reportedly cost the Spanish side around £34million.
The hefty price tag is largely a result of Gabriel being under contract with Arsenal until 2025.
It is because of this that the Gunners are in no rush to offload the Brazilian defender.
Rashford's plea
Marcus Rashford issued a social media plea to find a fan who had his shirt "snatched" away following Manchester United's clash with Arsenal.
The Red Devils star handed over his match worn shirt to one lucky spectator at the Emirates following the 3-1 defeat.
But Rashford claims upon gratefully getting their hands on his top, the fan he gave his threads to had it grabbed away from them.
Upon discovering the news, Rashford took to in a bid to find the fan - promising them a brand new shirt.
The 24-year-old wrote: "Someone’s only gone and snatched my shirt out of little man’s hands after I gave it to him.
"Can anyone help me find him so I can send him another one?"
And thanks to the power of social media, it wasn't too long before Rashford was put in contact with the unlucky kid.
Within an hour of his original post, Rashford Tweeted again saying: "Found him thanks all!"
Will to win
Arsenal loanee William Saliba would be "upset" if he returns to the Emirates following his loan spell with Marseille, according to former Gunners skipper William Gallas.
The 21-year-old Frenchman, who was signed by Arsenal for £27million, has been ever-present for the Ligue 1 side since joining at the start of the season.
He has missed just one league match for Marseille and helped guide them to second in the table behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.
And Gallas, who spent four years at Arsenal between 2006 and 2010, feels Saliba should try and force a permanent move away from Mikel Arteta's side for the development of his career.
Speaking to , he said: “I think they didn’t give him the opportunities at Arsenal, and I don’t know why. That’s why he moved on loan to Marseille.
“He is doing a good job, that is why they called him into the national team because he has had a great season with Marseille.
"If he comes back to Arsenal, he has to be ready to go back and maybe be on the bench at the beginning because at the moment you have got Ben White and Gabriel.
“He has to be ready to accept being on the bench. Mikel Arteta, if he plays with a different system, with three at the back, then he could play with Saliba.
"He has to understand this and be ready, otherwise don’t come back to Arsenal because it will be difficult."
Tam the man
Arsenal will reportedly have to stump up £67million if they wish to prise striker Tammy Abraham away from Roma in the summer.
The Gunners were keen to secure the services of the ex-Chelsea ace last year, but the 24-year-old opted to make the move to Italy instead.
But it appears that the North London outfit have retained their interest in the England international, who has scored 24 goals in 46 games this term.
Boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to bolster his attack in the upcoming window, with the Spaniard eyeing up two centre-forwards.
According to , Abraham is an option for Arteta, though his price tag could put Arsenal off..
Roma will reportedly only part ways with Abraham if they receive a £67m fee.
For the Win
Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman has spoken about the potential impact Darwin Nunez will have if he moves to the Premier League.
In his column for , he said: "He looks as if he’s improving and, if he continues to do so, he could be a really good player.
"He’s 22 years old, he’s big and strong and he scores goals. Having an eye for goal always helps and in this day and age, I believe he will go for more than £40-50 million.
"Benfica will want more than that because of all the goals he’s scored. I don’t think it’ll be too much of a gamble for somebody if I’m being honest.
"Arsenal, Newcastle and even Manchester United will need a centre-forward because Edinson Cavani is set to leave at the end of the season and Cristiano Ronaldo is coming towards the end of his career.
"The price tag isn’t huge, as we’ve recently seen Liverpool pay £40million for Luis Díaz, another talent from the Primeira Liga.
"If the overall package for the player is doable, say if that’s around £50million, then I don’t believe it’s much of a risk for a 22-year-old such as him."
Good morning Arsenal fans
Barcelona have reportedly ended their pursuit of Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes after concluding that they cannot afford him.
The Gunners defender has attracted interest from the Catalan giants after a solid campaign with the North London outfit.
And Barcelona were considering an offer at the end of the season as they look to bolster their options at the heart of their back line.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, Barca are no longer pursuing him because they would be unable to finance the deal.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes Arsenal should make a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney this summer.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a striker.
And Parlour believes Toney is the man for his former club.
Speaking to, he said: “The strikers they’ll be looking at, they’ll also be looking at the other clubs interested in those strikers.
“You don’t want to be getting into bidding wars. How many clubs will be after Toney, if he’s available?
“That’s the sort of striker I would be trying to get at Arsenal.”
And finally, Arsenal have spoken to the agent of Napoli’s £84million-rated striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports.
Gunners fan and sports journalist : “I’m told Arsenal have been in contact with the agent of Victor Osimhen.
“The feeling is that the interest is serious, but Napoli will expect €100m+ this summer.
“Player wants to play in England and has previously been contacted by Newcastle. He is more interested in Arsenal.”
Saliba ‘will be upset’ if he returns to Arsenal
Arsenal loanee William Saliba would be "upset" if he returns to the Emirates following his loan spell with Marseille, according to former Gunners skipper William Gallas.
The 21-year-old Frenchman, who was signed by Arsenal for £27million, has been ever-present for the Ligue 1 side since joining at the start of the season.
And Gallas, who spent four years at Arsenal between 2006 and 2010, feels Saliba should try and force a permanent move away from Mikel Arteta's side for the development of his career.
Speaking to Goal, he said: “I think they didn’t give him the opportunities at Arsenal, and I don’t know why. That’s why he moved on loan to Marseille.
“He is doing a good job, that is why they called him into the national team because he has had a great season with Marseille.
"If he comes back to Arsenal, he has to be ready to go back and maybe be on the bench at the beginning because at the moment you have got Ben White and Gabriel.
“He has to be ready to accept being on the bench. Mikel Arteta, if he plays with a different system, with three at the back, then he could play with Saliba.
"He has to understand this and be ready, otherwise don’t come back to Arsenal because it will be difficult."
Ferdinand backs move for Jesus
Rio Ferdinand says Gabriel Jesus would be a great signing for Arsenal.
The Gunners are reportedly closing in on a deal for Manchester City’s talented Brazilian striker, 25.
Former Leeds United star Ferdinand told : “You speak to players about him, they appreciate him because he puts a good workload in, he has got quality.
“I think if he plays consistently in a team like Arsenal, I think he gets you goals.”
Biggest net spenders in last ten years
Manchester United have the biggest net spend of any club in Europe over the last ten years.
The top ten on the list includes six English clubs, with Everton and Aston Villa perhaps surprise entries.
Big spenders Manchester City rank second behind their neighbours followed by Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona are the only Spanish side on the list and their big expenditure has led the purse strings to be tightened this season due to the club amassing a debt of around £408million.
Elsewhere on the continent, AC Milan have spent huge amounts to resurrect their former glory but still do not compare to Serie A giants Juventus, who in turn have spent narrowly less than Arsenal.
Chelsea round off the top ten but would be a lot higher if not for some high-profile sales over the last decade, including Eden Hazard.
Saka doesn't feel pressure
Bukayo Saka says he doesn't feel pressure despite having thousands inside a ground watching him, as well as hundreds of thousands to millions around the world.
He told the club website: "I don’t feel the pressure playing in front of a big crowd.
"However many people are in the stadium, you know that the game is being streamed and there could be millions of people around the world watching you.
"For me, I’d say I’m my own biggest critic so before anyone else criticises me I’ve already done it myself and told myself to do better. Big crowds don’t faze me.”
Avid Premier League watcher
Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka has admitted he watches the two live Premier League games on Saturdays IF he's not paying himself.
He told Arsenal's official website: "It’s hard to say exactly how much football I watch during the week because it depends on when we’re playing, but if I’m free I’ll definitely watch the two live games on a Saturday.
"I mostly watch the Premier League but if there’s a big game on in LaLiga, the Bundesliga or the French league, I’ll watch it.”
Coquelin Sir Alex Ferguson revenge
Francis Coquelin claims Villarreal’s Europa League win over Manchester United was “revenge” against Sir Alex Ferguson.
The ex-Arsenal star admits he was left fuming when United legend Fergie said the midfielder was “out of his depth” in the Premier League.
Sir Alex made the comments in his 2013 autobiography, released just months after his retirement.
Coquelin made his Arsenal debut in their 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford in August 2011.
And Ferguson slammed the Frenchman’s performance in his book, saying Coquelin was “completely out of his depth.”
Sir Alex added: “[I] had hardly heard of him and he barely played again.”
Arsenal Premier League stats
Bukayo Saka has 11 goals to his name this term.
Barcelona ‘rule out Gabriel'
Barcelona have reportedly ended their pursuit of Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes after concluding that they cannot afford him.
The Gunners defender has attracted interest from the Catalan giants after a solid campaign with the North London outfit.
And Barcelona were considering an offer at the end of the season as they look to bolster their options at the heart of their back line.
This has become a pressing issue for Xavi amid the uncertain futures of Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet.
They were also thought to be keen on Gabriel because of his friendship with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, Barca are no longer pursuing him because they would be unable to finance the deal.
Willian unveils Corinthians’ new Nike kit
Willian has starred in Corinthians' spine-tingling new kit launch.
The Brazilian appears to be loving life back in his homeland, after ditching Arsenal to return home last year.
Willian, 33, has now been placed front and centre in Corinthians' stirring new commercial.
In a 56-second clip, accompanied by dramatic music, the Brazilian club mix a series of famous moments from its history with new images of their current crop modelling their new kit.
A picture of Willian as a child donning an old Corinthians shirt is used, before making way for an image of him raising his thumb as he re-signed for the club in 2021.
With a serious look on his face, the former Chelsea ace raises his hand and waves while wearing his new shirt.
Bellerin Copa del Rey triumph
Hector Bellerin claimed he "left Arsenal to win things", which he went on to do.
The right-back won the 2022 Copa del Rey with Real Betis.
Ivan Toney Legend's recommendation
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes Arsenal should make a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney this summer.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a striker.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club in January after being stripped of the captaincy.
Alexandre Lacazette AND Eddie Nketiah could also leave with their contracts running out.
And Parlour believes Toney is the man for his former club.
Speaking to, he said: "The strikers they’ll be looking at, they’ll also be looking at the other clubs interested in those strikers.
"You don’t want to be getting into bidding wars. How many clubs will be after Toney, if he’s available?
"That’s the sort of striker I would be trying to get at Arsenal."