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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Arsenal lead Nahuel Molina race
Arsenal are reportedly leading the transfer race for Udinese defender Nahuel Molina.
Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also tracking the right-back, but the Gunners seem to be edging the European duo in the proceedings, according to Football Italia.
Arsenal star Pablo Mari is on loan with Udinese and the Gunners plan to throw him into the mix to sweeten the deal for Molina, the report added.
Petit wants four Arsenal signings
Arsenal have been urged to make four signings this summer.
And two of those recruits should be Wilfred Zaha and Allan Saint-Maximin, according to Emmanuel Petit.
He said, via the Express: "I've heard big names as well, Jesus, Sterling, I really like Zaha, or even someone like Saint-Maximin from Newcastle.
“Martinelli is a very good player, just like Saka, but when they get injured, who's going to play on the left and right?
"There are no options, they need at least four players, at least two up front.”
Man United’s part-exchange plan
Man United are reportedly hoping to use Anthony Martial in a part-exchange deal with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Napoli have already rejected an offer from the Red Devils for Osimhen.
But United want to entice Napoli to the negotiation table by adding Martial into the mix as a makeweight, according to .
But United also have to fend off interest from Arsenal who are tracking the striker too.
Arteta speaks on defensive injuries
Mikel Arteta has revealed he will find out more about his injured defenders Ben White and Gabriel's availability for the Newcastle game TODAY.
Arteta said: "We will know probably more [on Sunday].
"So we wanted to extend this period as much as possible to understand how they are recovering, how they are feeling, assess them and tomorrow probably we will know more about how they are.”
Arteta's focused on the positives
Mikel Arteta is focusing on the positives after watching Arsenal implode against Tottenham.
Arteta said: "[I learned] how lucky I am to have [these players], how they stand under any difficulty, how much they are looking forward to play on Monday, how excited they are about the challenge ahead.
"Because we all know everything that we've been through throughout the season and how much we have to fight to be in this position.
“Obviously losing a derby is always painful and having been through the situation we went in the game, it's like that, but as well, you learn a lot probably more than with any victory, so it's good to go through those moments sometimes.”
Howe speaks on Arteta
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was full of praise for Mikel Arteta and what he's doing at Arsenal.
Howe said of Arsenal counterpart before their sides meet on Monday: "They now have, I think, one of the youngest teams in the Premier League and the future looks very bright there.
"So full credit to him and his staff and his players for what they have done.”
Arteta can't wait for Newcastle
Mikel Arteta can't wait to face Newcastle on Monday after Arsenal's 3-0 loss to Tottenham last week.
Arteta said: “We can’t wait now to play on Monday. This is how I feel.
“This game is history for us, now is Newcastle. This is gone, it went out of our hand and we have to accept it.
“Now, we go to Newcastle and be the team you saw right from the beginning in this stadium."
Nketiah in demand
Crystal Palace target Eddie Nketiah is tipped for West Ham.
Ex-Sheffield United keeper Paddy Kenny told Football Insider: “West Ham have needed a backup striker since January.
“If they have the opportunity to sign Nketiah on a free, well, he’s already in London. I imagine they are favourites.
“For me, it’s a great signing and it would be a brilliant piece of business if he comes on a free.
“I think he’s perfect for what they are looking for.”
Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
“In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
“He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
“The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
Arteta admits headache over defensive selection
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could move Granit Xhaka or Mohamed Elneny back from midfield to tackle a defensive crisis fot Monday’s crucial trip to Newcastle.
Hamstring injury victim Ben White has missed three games and Rob Holding is ruled out due to his red card in Thursday’s 3-0 loss at Tottenham.
Gabriel hurt his hamstring as defeat put Spurs just a point below the fourth-placed Gunners with two matches left.
Arteta suggested it’s too early to start 21-year-old Zak Swanson.
Asked about his backline selection, the Spanish manager replied: “Good question. I will know probably more tomorrow.
“We want to extend this period as much as possible to understand how they are recovering, how they are feeling, assess them and tomorrow we will know more about how they are.”
Wolves duel Arsenal for Marquinhos
Arsenal are tipped to beat Wolves to Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos.
Atletico Madrid are also said to be keen on the 19-year-old.
But respected journalist Fabrizio Romano believes the Gunners are preparing paperwork to sign Marquinhos.
Marseille eye permanent Saliba deal
Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli wants to keep hold of Arsenal star William Saliba on a permanent basis.
Sampaoli said, via talkSPORT: “William’s progress is linked to his development this season and the maturity he now has and his playing time.
“He is now consistent, he’s grown up as a player.
“In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team.
“But I don’t know if it depends on Olympique Marseille, William or Arsenal, I don’t know the possibilities in this case.”
'Gunners win race for Hickey'
Arsenal have beaten AC Milan and Napoli to Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, reports in Italy suggest.
It's claimed the Gunners have agreed terms with the twice-capped Scotland star.
The Italians reportedly rate Hickey at around £21million after he hit five Serie A goals this season.
Arsenal line up 'opening bid for Jesus'
Arsenal's pursuit of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is tipped to step up with an opening bid.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons City rate the Brazilian at between 50million to 80m euros - £42.5m to £68m.
It's understood the Gunners have been in touch over Jesus over the past week.
Happy birth-dale
Aaron Ramsdale's 23rd birthday today could be laced with joy or despair - depending on how Arsenal fare at Newcastle on Monday.
Few Prem stars have progressed so smoothly this season as the one-cap England keeper.
But Thursday's 3-o loss at Tottenham means the Gunners are just a point clear of their neighbours in the race for the fourth and final Champions League spot.
Prem duo in for David
Arsenal reportedly face a transfer battle for Jonathan David.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Lille striker.
But according to West Ham and Aston Villa are also tracking David.
Xhaka or Elneny could move to defence
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could move Granit Xhaka or Mohamed Elneny back from midfield to tackle a defensive crisis for Monday's crucial trip to Newcastle.
Hamstring injury victim Ben White has missed three games and Rob Holding is ruled out due to his red card in Thursday's 3-0 loss at Tottenham.
Gabriel hurt his hamstring as defeat put Spurs just a point below the fourth-placed Gunners with two matches left.
Arteta suggested it's too early to start 21-year-old Zak Swanson.
Asked about his backline selection, the Spanish manager replied: "Good question. I will know probably more tomorrow.
"We want to extend this period as much as possible to understand how they are recovering, how they are feeling, assess them and tomorrow we will know more about how they are."
Hammers tipped to rival Palace for Eddie
Crystal Palace target Eddie Nketiah is tipped for West Ham.
Ex-Sheffield United keeper Paddy Kenny told Football Insider: “West Ham have needed a backup striker since January.
“If they have the opportunity to sign Nketiah on a free, well, he’s already in London. I imagine they are favourites.
“For me, it’s a great signing and it would be a brilliant piece of business if he comes on a free.
“I think he’s perfect for what they are looking for.”
Prem giants battle Barca for Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich this summer, the Bundesliga giants have confirmed.
The Pole has been linked with a move to Barcelona, having snubbed a new deal at Bayern.
Lewandowski's deal has one year left to run.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: "I spoke with Lewa.
"In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
"He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
"The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023."
According to , Barca have agreed a three-year deal with Lewandowski and believe they can sign him for a fee between £25million and £35m.
Dom 'n gloom
Arsenal and Newcastle have received a blow in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton manager Frank Lampard has now insisted the England international is in his long-term plans.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brentford, he said: “He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren’t many around. It’s been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven’t had him fit.
“He’s had little moments but we know that strikers – particularly out of any position – need runs of games and fitness and confidence.
“We’ve never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him. But yeah, he’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.
“I know he hasn’t been playing at the minute because he’s been getting fit, but now he’s fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he’s our player.
“He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.
“There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”
Marseille boss keen on Saliba
Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli wants to keep hold of Arsenal star William Saliba on a permanent basis.
Sampaoli said, via talkSPORT: “William’s progress is linked to his development this season and the maturity he now has and his playing time.
“He is now consistent, he’s grown up as a player.
“In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team.
“But I don’t know if it depends on Olympique Marseille, William or Arsenal, I don’t know the possibilities in this case.”
Fiorentina boss wants Torreira permanently
Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano has urged his club to make Lucas Torreira's loan from Arsenal permanent.
Italiano said: “The playmaker is the fulcrum of the team, so if the midfield is running smoothly, the whole side runs smoothly.
“This is one of the main principles of football. Lucas brought balance and has been prolific in front of goal too, showing his extraordinary quality.
"There are no doubts over what he can give this squad in future.”
Arsenal face transfer battle
Arsenal reportedly face a transfer battle for Jonathan David.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Lille striker.
But according to West Ham and Aston Villa are also tracking David.
Arsenal will have first Dybs
Arsenal have been tipped to win the transfer race for Paulo Dybala.
But that's only if they qualify for the Champions League.
That's according to Italy legend Massimo Brambati.
He told Juventus24: "I was told by a person close to the environment that if Arsenal qualifies for the Champions League the Argentine will go there."
Arsenal legend at Wembley
There will be at-least one Arsenal legend involved in the FA Cup final.
Liverpool take on Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea at Wembley for the prize.
And Arsenal legend Ian Wright has turned up to see the action.