Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Bernd Leno, claims Sky Sports journalist

By

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15-06-2018

After a brief lull in the transfer market, Arsenal are busy again trying to sign players. There are a number of issues in the squad that have to be addressed.

One of the main problems last season was with the goalkeeping. Petr Cech is a very experienced keeper but he had his fair share of embarrassing moments last season.

Though he has made some very crucial saves, it is time for the Gunners to have a new number 1. And the man that new manager Unai Emery has identified is the German Bernd Leno. The keeper from Bayer Leverkusen is inching closer than ever towards London.

Recently German outlet SportBild have claimed that a £22m deal has been reached between both clubs and it may only be a matter of time before an announcement is made.

Now Sky Sports reporter journalist Romano has also confirmed that Leno is getting closer and closer to Arsenal and currently talks are ongoing. Here is the tweet:

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1006669983223513089

This is excellent news to be honest. He is young, extremely talented and he will surely do well. There are some doubts that have been raised over the player’s performances in the past season.

This does not tell the full story as he has had some impressive performances as well. Another thing that Leno has in his favour is that the new coaching setup at Arsenal is sure to benefit him.

The fact that he has not made the World Cup squad for Germany should make it easier for the Gunners to get the deal completed. The strongest quality of Leno is his shot-stopping ability. His excellent reflexes and anticipation makes it difficult to score against him.

He has been a consistent member for Leverkusen for many years now. The German is a good passer as well. This will be helpful when Arsenal are trying to play out from the back. Having Cech in goal prevented the Gunners from doing this as the veteran’s passing range is quite limited.

It may take another week for the deal to be officially announced. But Arsenal have to be commended for addressing an important issue with a quality solution. Leno is a very good choice and for the price that the London club will have to pay, it is great value for money. Fans will surely be hoping to see the German wearing the Arsenal jersey very soon.

Arsenal monitoring Mario Gotze, as midfielder eyes Premier League move

By

George

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15-06-2018

According to multiple reports, Mario Gotze is a player that Arsenal are monitoring for a potential transfer this summer.

The Mirror are reporting that the Gunners are among several clubs that are watching the player and are interested in making a move for the player.

After struggling for several seasons with injuries and bad form, the Borussia Dortmund player has been in a slump, making only 26 competitive starts for the German side.

It is believed that the player wants a move to the Premier League to kick-start his career and get back to his earlier form, when he was touted as one of the world’s top young talents scoring a World Cup winner in the final against Argentina and being hailed a national hero in Germany.

The price tag looks to be around £18m for the creative midfielder, which is a massive bargain for the world cup winner given his clear talent. With a diminished transfer budget that looks to be in the £50m-£70m range, head of recruitment Sven Mislintat will have to complete bargains like these to effectively use the transfer window.

Missing out on the German national side for the World Cup this summer will be a big blow for the player, affirming his poor form.

Germany boss Joachim Low said: “If a player scores the decisive goal in the final at such a young age, it can be a burden later.”

“This season was not what we have all wished for from Mario Gotze. He just did not have the form. It’s a difficult decision but I hope he returns.”

The player has unmistakable skill but has lost his form in recent years, playing under a coach like Unai Emery could be the perfect move for the player and he could see a return to the form he dazzled fans with in the 2012/13 season where he got 12 goals and 14 assists at the age of 20.

Sky Sports journalist confirms Arsenal already have signed Lucas Torreira

By

Nithyanand

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15-06-2018

It is no surprise that Arsenal are looking to buy players this summer. And with the World Cup on the horizon, the deals have to be completed as quick as possible.

The club cannot risk a player they are targeting to have a great tournament and subsequently see his price go up.

One player that the Gunners really want is Sampdoria’s midfielder Lucas Torreira. The Uruguayan has been earmarked as the center midfielder that will complement the playing style of new manager Unai Emery.

That deal seems to be done with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming it. This is a very encouraging sign as Romano is someone who has established his reliability when it comes to transfers.

When the Sky Sports journalist was asked about the deal by a fan, he replied:

“[Torreira] is done mate! But I don’t know when [it] will be announced.”

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1006980383777357824

There have been reports recently claiming that the North London club have already agreed on a €30m deal. Given the fact Torreira is expected to play a pivotal role for his country, it is good that Arsenal have managed to tie up the deal this quickly. All the formalities regarding the transfer are expected to be finished at the earliest and the transfer should be officially confirmed very soon.

In a short of span of time, the Sampdoria player has shown his ability in Serie A. His performances have not gone unnoticed and he is predicted to be one of the brightest upcoming talents today.

Arsenal did face some competition from Napoli when trying to sign Torreira but they seem to have pulled this one off. The departures of Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla has left Arsenal a little short in midfield.

The arrival of Torreira will surely bolster that department. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he combines the best of both Coquelin and Cazorla.

Getting a player with this kind of a skill set is sure to be of help. Torreira will be keen to prove himself in the Premier League. And fans are excited to see their potential signing do well in the World Cup. Uruguay will play their first match on the 15th of June.

Arsenal make shock £17.5m bid for Chelsea star David Luiz

By

George

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14-06-2018

Arsenal have reportedly had a £17.5m bid for Chelsea star David Luiz that has been rejected by the club, according to reports in Le10Sport.

The report states that the North London club are looking to make a second bid for the defender. With Conte looking more and more likely to stay, Luiz wants to desperately leave the Stamford Bridge this summer.

Luiz is 31 and is currently playing for London rivals Chelsea, however the defender has only made 18 appearances this season after a nasty set of knee injuries followed by ankle injuries, a frustrating season like this may have left him wanting a change.

After an impressive defensive season for Chelsea without Luiz, letting in the 4th lowest amount of goals in the Premier League at 38 goals conceded, the center back may be struggling for a place and this could be what is prompting the move.

The Brazilian is not just known for his defending though, a wild personality he is also famous for his free kicks, where he is prolific from range, having mastered the “knuckleball” technique.

Arsenal are in need of new defenders after conceding a huge 51 goals last season in the Premier League, with Lichtsteiner joining the club recently and the deals for Sokratis and Caglar Soyuncu looking more and more likely, some fans may be asking whether Unai Emery is looking to sell the likes of Shkodran Mustafi to create space for the new arrivals.

New manager Unai Emery has been vocal about his ambition for the Arsenal, saying:

“The objective is to work hard together and with these talented players.

“It’s very important for the club, after two years outside the Champions League, to work to be the best team in the Premier League and also in the world.”

These high-reaching hopes will have fans of the North London side excited over the potential transfers that could take place in the transfer window this summer.

Jack Wilshere drops major social media hint over his Arsenal future

By

Nithyanand

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14-06-2018

This summer, Arsenal have been very busy due to the changes that have happened at the club. But, one factor that has gone under the radar a little bit, is the contract saga of Jack Wilshere.

The midfielder’s contract is up this month and he still has not made a decision. For many months now, there has been talk of him staying but nothing has been finalized.

The saga reached its conclusion as Wilshere dropped a major hint on social media. This can be an indication as to what he wants to do for the future of his career.

The player posted a story on Instagram which said the following:

“There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book.”

The North London club have already made a £100,000-a-week offer to the midfielder last month. Though this does not say anything definitely, it could be considered that he is leaving. As far as the fans are concerned, it would be better to get this resolved as quickly as possible.

If he does leave, it is safe to say that many fans will be sad to see him go. Wilshere has been at the club his he was a child and it is obvious to see why the fans have a connect with him.

At one point he was one of the most promising youngsters in the world. But a spate of injuries halted his progress. It curtailed his ability to get back to the form that was evident in his earlier days.

The last season seemed to be a make or break season in many ways. There were a lot of glimpses of the Wilshere of old but they were few and far between.

He has been linked with many clubs including West Ham and Juventus. It is safe to say that wherever he does go next, he will have the fans rooting for him. If he is leaving, it is sad to see him unable to fulfill his potential at his boyhood club. Let us hope that the Wilshere saga reaches a conclusion that is favorable for all involved.

Medical next, Arsenal agree deal to sign Lucas Torreira as officials fly out to complete transfer

By

Nithyanand

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14-06-2018

It is a little rare to see Arsenal being very efficient in the transfer market. Fans over the years have become used to deals that take their own sweet time.

This summer has been a little different. With two defensive signings already tied up, the Gunners are looking to bolster their midfield.

The man identified to do this would be Sampdoria’s midfield dynamo Lucas Torreira and to show how ruthless and efficient the club is, they are willing to have the medical for the player done in Russia in the next few days, according to reports in Football Italia.

The player is part of the Uruguay team that will play their first match on the 15th of June. Arsenal are willing to send their medical team to the country’s training base to get the deal over the line. Further reports from Uruguay, suggest that the deal will be completed ‘in hours’ as Arsenal officials have flown out to Russia to complete a €30m deal.

This detail shows how much Arsenal want the player. The Uruguayan is said to have the ideal profile that new manager Unai Emery is looking for. Torreira will be able to add another dimension to the midfield of Arsenal. His skill set allows him to complement both Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey.

Do not let his short stature fool you for he is a very aggressive player who is also defensively sound. What is more impressive is his ability to get away from pressure situations and find the right pass.

The deal to bring Torreira will cost Arsenal a little more than his release clause. The reason for doing this is so that the club can spread out the payment over a longer period of time. By doing this, the Gunners will play a smaller amount now. So, this will not make a huge dent in the budget and it can allow other issues in the squad to be addressed.

When the deal is made official, everyone will be at peace and it will allow Torreira to play without any pressure. Regardless of this, Arsenal fans will be looking forward to seeing the midfielder play in Russia. This will give them an idea as to what kind of player will be coming to the club.

Fulham interested in Calum Chambers, but Arsenal want £22m to agree deal

By

George

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14-06-2018

Fulham are reportedly interested in a transfer move for Arsenal defender Calum Chambers.

According to a report from Sky Sports, Fulham, who recently won the Championship’ playoff final netting a massive estimated £160m for the club, are looking to make several transfers this summer and Chambers is a top target.

Two Arsenal players were on Fulham’s list of targets last summer, with Chambers being heavily scouted but also Lucas Perez who’s future with the Gunners is heavily doubted.

The English defender has made 25 appearances for the North London side this season and has proved, at times, to be a solid defender if inexperienced.

However, the Times are reporting that the North London club are demanding more than £22m for Calum Chambers and are unwilling to let the defender go unless the figure is met.

The move may go fairly unopposed by fans with the strong likelihood that both Caglar Soyuncu and Sokratis will be joining the club. As well as this, the arrival of Swiss international Stephan Lichtsteiner has made the defence even more crowded for the season ahead.

With several defensive signings taking place this summer, the likelihood of Shkodran Mustafi exiting the club soon is very likely but Calum Chambers’ departure could be making space for Shkodran to stay.

Rumours linking the club to youth star Ryan Sessegnon are weak, but they are certainly exciting. The departure of Calum Chambers could be a blow for some fans who have seen the 23-year-old develop since coming to the Emirates from Southampton in 2014.

Bernd Leno drops Arsenal transfer hint on social media

By

Sri Aswin

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14-06-2018

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno appears on the cusp of joining Arsenal this summer after dropping a transfer hint on social media.

Earlier on Wednesday, Sky Sports claimed that the Gunners are in advanced talks for the 26-year-old and Leno has now indicated that a move could be imminent based on his social activity.

@Bernd_Leno liked a post linking him to #Arsenal on Instagram pic.twitter.com/JvHRZeUeaJ

— Osman 🎗 (@OsmanZtheGooner) June 13, 2018

Whilst the sources in England have yet to confirm an agreement, German outlet SportBild has gone to acknowledge that a £22m deal has been reached between both clubs and it may only be a matter of time before an announcement is made.

Leno had initially been tipped to leave Leverkusen for Napoli during the previous summer transfer window but the move was blocked after the club’s inability to sign a replacement.

However, this time around, the Bundesliga outfit have been able to acquire a suitable replacement in Lukáš Hrádecký from Eintracht Frankfurt and this is widely expected to end Leno’s seven-year association with the club.

Should a deal go through, Arsenal are likely to trigger the £22m release clause written in the keeper’s contract and this is likely to take a hefty chunk from the club’s limited £50m budget.

Nevertheless, Unai Emery may be able to recoup at least half of that sum with the potential sale of David Ospina, once he returns from the summer World Cup in Russia.

Barring the second half of the 2014/15 season, the Colombian has played second fiddle to Petr Cech and he is certainly not expected to remain at the Emirates as the third-choice keeper next term.

Arsenal agree deal to sign Lucas Torreira

By

Nithyanand

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13-06-2018

The deal to sign Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria has reportedly reached its conclusion, according to reports in Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The report states that the midfielder is expected to sign a five-year deal with the North London club and the transfer will cost around £26.4m(€30m). Further reports from Uruguay, suggest that the deal will completed ‘in hours’ as Arsenal officials have flown out to Russia to complete deal.

The transfer fee is more than the player’s release clause, but the Gunners are paying a premium to disperse the sum in installments. Signing the player has not been a straightforward task.

There was a lot of competition from Napoli in particular. But, the financial package the London club offered was what the player and his agent wanted. Uruguay play their first match of the World Cup on the 15th of June but the signing is to be completed at the earliest.

Arsenal fans have not been used to the signings made at a quick pace. This summer seems to be a little different in that respect. This is only good news for everyone involved. Torreira will become the second signing of the summer transfer window after Stephan Lichtsteiner. Although he is not the most high-profile player the Gunners could have got, it is without a doubt a great move by the club.

The player fills in a gap that Arsenal have had for some quite now. What makes the deal even more exciting is the way in which he will be able to complement the qualities of Granit Xhaka. Torreira is aggressive when it comes to tackling. By doing this, he will free Xhaka do what he does best, which is to dictate play. The Uruguayan has been a key member of a very impressive Sampdoria side.

Though he came to Italy as a striker, his qualities have been better used in the middle of the park. Here, his tenacity coupled with his acceleration and his passing ability made him a very effective weapon. An even more exciting aspect of his play is the talent he has from set-pieces.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that this will translate to the Premier League. Though it is not easy for people to adjust to a new country, Torreira seems to have what it takes to succeed. Let us hope that the deal is made official soon.

Yacine Adli will be the buy of the summer for Arsenal

By

The Long Shadow

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13-06-2018

If, as expected, Arsenal coach Unai Emery, signs 17-year-old midfield talent Yacine Adli from Paris Saint‑Germain, it will be one of the buys of the summer.

Adli is highly rated by his former Spanish manager and is expected to develop into one of the Worlds best players over the coming years.

So, what will Adli bring to an Arsenal team under Emery?. For his age, he is very composed on the ball and also has stunning vision. If I were looking to find a comparison in terms of ability and skill, it would be Cesc Fabregas, only better.

He is a creative, attacking midfielder, that enjoys nothing more than being surrounded by the opposition, only to carve his way out of trouble and head towards goal.

Adli oozes class, it’s an effortless, natural style of play which will not only compliment Ozil’s but could eventually make the German obsolete.

If he is an example of where Arsenal are heading, fans should already be queuing up to thank Emery and buy a season ticket, it’s quite simply a stroke of genius.

Obviously, Sven Mislintat has been heavily involved in trying secure the youngster and with the assurance of regular playing time and a three-year contract, the addition of Adli casts more doubt over the future of Jack Wilshere.

Former Arsenal star, Robert Pires, at the launch of Arsenal’s new away kit told the Express:

“He’s a talented player. I know him.

He added:

“He has very good quality, he’s very fast with the ball. Sometimes he can score. I know Emery likes this type of player. I don’t know what’s happening but if he joined Arsenal, I think he would be a good player for the new squad.”

There are a number of names still rumoured to be heading to the Emirates with Emery already having added Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Dortmund and Stephan Lichsteiner from Juventus to the ranks.

Bernd Leno may yet arrive, with Ousmane Dembele, Steven Nzonzi, Lucas Torreira, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Lukas Klostermann all linked with the north London club. Suddenly Unai Emery’s new look Arsenal is starting to excite its beleaguered fans. The only question left, is who is going in order to balance the books?