Agent contacted, Arsenal move to complete transfer for in-demand €35m forward

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21-07-2019

There is a bidding war going on for Juventus striker Moise Kean and the Arsenal have entered it by contacting Kean’s agent Mino Raiola, as per reports in Daily Mail.

The report states that the Italian club are looking to extend his contract and only then sell him for around €35million(£31.5m).

Juventus also want the buying club to agree to a buy-back clause and only then would be willing to let go of Kean. If Arsenal are to bring Kean to the Emirates it would take a bid that is worth £31.5m to convince the Italians to part ways with Kean.

And the buy-back clause that they want to insert into this deal would be around £36m which will possibly be activated in two years time.

But it appears that the North London club are not ready to agree to such a clause as they don’t want to lose the player once they get him. Arsenal’s budget is another factor that could hamper the deal but that has not stopped them from contacting Kean’s agent.

Apart from the Emirates club, Everton are also looking at the player and they feel that he would be the right striker for them. Kean had a breakthrough last season as he scored 7 goals in 17 matches and proved that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

What made this season even more impressive was the mental toughness that Kean had shown to recover from the horrible racist abuse that he had suffered in Italy. All of this has combined to make him one of the most highly-rated young strikers in the world of football today and whoever ends up getting him will be having one hell of a player.

The 19-year-old is making rapid strides and he has also made his debut for the Italian national team. If the Gunners are able to convince Raiola, a deal for Kean would be possible but the buying club will have to agree to a buy-back clause if they want Kean.

Arsenal will have to move quickly if they want the Italian striker as there are other clubs in the market for him as well. Whatever happens, Kean is a player with a very bright future and the Gunners would do well to get him.

Alex Iwobi admits that he might leave the club if Arsenal sign this player

By

Nithyanand

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21-07-2019

Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi has admitted that he might have to leave the Emirates and go elsewhere if the Gunners end up signing Wilfried Zaha this summer.

If the Ivorian was to join the club, the chances of Iwobi playing would be reduced and the Nigerian is aware of that. Speaking to The Sun, Iwobi said:

‘I am not one to chicken out. But it’s going to be difficult if Zaha comes. He will add more stress. If it comes to that I would have no choice but to leave.’

‘But I would always put up a fight to play — that is what I have done all my life.’

The 23-year-old was part of the Nigerian team that crashed out of the African Cup of Nations at the semifinal stage will have a decision to make on his future if Zaha does end up at the Emirates.

He has been at the club since 2004 so it will be a little difficult for him to leave if he does choose to depart. But the fact is that the number of minutes that Iwobi will have will be less with the addition of new players.

And to make matters worse for the Nigerian, there seems to be a promotion in line for Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson who could play a big part in the upcoming season.

And when you have another exciting talent in the form of Bukayo Saka, the situation does start to look a little bleak for Iwobi. The winger has been impressive but there is a feeling that he should be doing better than what he is currently producing.

If the player was to leave, there is no doubt that there will be a lot of teams who are waiting to snap him up. He is a young and exciting player who has a lot of potential. The primary objective for the Gunners this season is to get back into the Champions League and for that the squad needs to be in the best possible condition.

If that means that Zaha arrives and Iwobi leaves, then the club should be bold and make a firm decision. Fans will be hoping that the club will be able to improve on their performance from the previous season. If that were to happen, it will certainly be a successful campaign for Unai Emery.

Kaveh Solhekol: Crystal Palace will sell Arsenal target Wilfried Zaha, but here’s the catch

By

Nithyanand

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21-07-2019

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has claimed that Crystal Palace would be more keen on selling Wilfried Zaha this summer.

However, the Eagles would be willing to offload the star to Liverpool or Manchester City instead of Arsenal as the former are in the Champions League.

Speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast(as per Express), Solhekol said:

‘They wouldn’t stand in his way if Barcelona or Real Madrid or PSG or Manchester City or Liverpool were trying to sign him.

‘But when it comes to Arsenal, they don’t feel that the attraction there is as much as it would be at a club that was in the Champions League.’

The North London club are the destination that Zaha prefers but an opening bid of £40m was rejected by Palace. They want double of what Arsenal had initially offered and since the player has signed a contract extension recently, they have no need to settle for a smaller amount.

Another reason why Palace may prefer clubs in the Champions League could be due to the fact that those clubs would have more money to pay for a player like Zaha. The Gunners failure to qualify for the competition has left them a little short in the financial department and hence are finding it a little difficult to finance a move for Zaha.

The Ivorian is said to be one of the major targets that manager Unai Emery wants at the club and it would really be a boost for the team if they end up getting Zaha. But Palace staying firm means that the Gunners now have to come up with another solution if they are to get their man.

Arsenal need a high-quality winger in their team to give them the push to go to the next level. That will be possible with a player like Zaha who has that X-Factor that can really cause a lot of trouble for the opposition defense. The Gunners found this out the hard way when he was very impressive in a 3-2 win for Palace at the Emirates.

The Ivorian would be a very exciting signing but it is up to Arsenal to make sure that this deal happens. The buying club is keen and the player is keen as well, all that remains is making a bid that convinces the selling club.

Arsenal preparing another bid for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney

By

Nithyanand

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21-07-2019

Arsenal are reportedly set to launch a new bid for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, according to reports in Goal.

The North London club have failed with their first two bids, but are now aiming to come up with a package that will please the Scottish club.

The report in Goal states that the Emirates club are preparing a third bid with a structured package that might be enough to please Celtic. The Scottish champions are looking for a fee in the range of £25m and they also want the majority of the fee to be paid upfront.

The Gunners second offer did match the £25m valuation with around £7m of bonuses included but Celtic were unhappy with the structure of the deal.

Speaking on the proposed move for Tierney, Celtic manager Neil Lennon said(as per Express):

‘We’re certainly not going to be pushed over in any negotiations. There’s no question Kieran (Tierney) could play in the Premier League.’

Tierney is a big target for the North London club in this transfer window as manager Unai Emery has identified the Scotsman as a player that is needed at the club. All that matters now is the way that the deal is going to be structured and if the people in charge at the club can do that, Tierney will surely be theirs.

Arsenal have so far made only one signing with Brazilian youngster Gabriel Martinelli coming in but the club is still on the lookout for other players to strengthen the team. As the club look to get to the Champions League once again, getting the right kind of players is essential for a successful season.

This is precisely where someone like Tierney comes into play as he is the kind of player that will suit the system that Emery is trying to implement. He is pacy and a good crosser but he never fails to take care of his defensive duties. Added to this is his immense stamina and he is in many ways the perfect modern full-back.

There is not much time left in the transfer window so the Gunners will have to get moving as quickly as possible. Tierney is the kind of player that can secure defense for many years to come.

It will be a big boost for the Arsenal squad and their chances of getting to the Champions League if they can get the Scot. Fans will be hoping that the latest offer is enough to convince Celtic.

Alexandre Lacazette was impressive last season, but there’s more to come

By

Ambrose Onyango

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21-07-2019

It was quite an underwhelming season for Arsenal but Alexandre Lacazette should be proud of his performances. The number nine was in inspiring form through the campaign scoring 19 goals and making 13 assists but still, the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

His contribution earned him Arsenal’s ‘MVP’ tag as he was voted player of the season. Despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang winning the Premier League top scorer award, most fans still felt that Lacazette’s input was superior.

The Frenchman’s game is more than just finding the back of the net something that even his former boss, Arsene Wenger agreed to in the past.

“He’s not only a goal scorer, but his link-up play is also good… He fights as well, he’s not fazed by the physical challenges… and overall he looks to adapt very quickly and very well.”

Even though the forward went through a frustrating spell -under Wenger- in his debut season, his mindset in 2018/2019 campaign suggested that he was over the disappointment. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s arrival implied reduced game time for Lacazette as he was substituted so often and even benched on big games.

However, the just ended season saw Lacca play the best football of his career so far something that even the player admitted via Arsenal player when he said that:

“I’ve played the best football of my career this season and for Arsenal, not because of the goals I scored, but in my game – I really improved,”

Every Premier League fan can attest to this given the vigor he exhibited every time he was on the pitch. He was very selfless and teamwork was at the core of his game. He tirelessly chased the ball when his team was out of possession and relentlessly hurried defenders into making mistakes. His hold up play was even better as he easily brought his teammates into play inside the box especially when playing very defensive teams.

To be reliable in an otherwise painfully inconsistent team is always challenging but Lacazette proved to be one of those players who could be counted on when the team needed a savior.

For all Lacazette’s undisputed brilliance, he needs to work on his temper when things are not working. He has shown that he can be easily goaded with the highlight being the direct red for felling Aleksandar Filipovic, against Bate, at the Borisov Arena during a Europa League defeat. Any opposition can use such cases to win matches thereby costing his team crucial points.

Despite the alleged interests from the likes of Barcelona, Unai Emery is reportedly keen to tie Lacazette at the Emirates with a new contract. Given his work ethic and the perfect partnership he has formed with Auba, losing him now can be a big blow to the North London Club.

Arsenal to submit a formal offer for Brazilian winger Everton Soares

By

Nithyanand

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21-07-2019

Arsenal are getting ready to make an official bid for Brazilian forward Everton Soares, according to reports in Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte.

The 23-year-old attacker emerged as a target last week when Brazilian radio station Radio Grenal claimed that Arsenal chiefs will be flying out to South America to try and finalize a deal.

Now Globo Esporte are reporting that the North London club will submit a formal offer of around £35.8m and a deal could be agreed before the end of the week.

It further states that Everton has already said his goodbyes to team-mates after Wednesday’s night win over Bahia, so he may have played his last game for the club if things go smoothly.

However the Gunners could be set to face some competition for the signature of Everton from the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester United. This is mainly due to the fact that Gremio own only 50% of the player’s rights. As a result of this, the Brazilian club may be looking at getting a higher offer for their star forward.

Everton has really come into the spotlight in the recent weeks after his performances in the Copa America that Brazil ended up winning. His exploits saw him win the Golden Boot and he was also given the Man of the Match award in the final. Arsenal’s new technical director Edu worked with the Brazilian team before this and is aware of what Everton brings to the table.

The Brazilian is one of the three main wingers that Arsenal have been linked with this summer with the others being Ryan Fraser and Wilfried Zaha. The Gunners do need the presence of a winger to bolster their attack and getting either of the trio would be good business.

Everton will be a risk given that the has not played in Europe before but there is no doubt that this will be an exciting risk. He is an extremely skillful winger who also has an eye for goal. And if there is one aspect that could turn the deal in favor of the Gunners, it is the presence of their technical director Edu.

Italian journalist reveals Arsenal have opened talks for Juventus striker Moise Kean

By

Nithyanand

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21-07-2019

Arsenal could be in contention to make a move for Juventus striker Moise Kean and the suggestion is that the player could be got for as little as £22.4m.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca DiMarzio, the North London club are ready to make a move for Kean but they face competition from many clubs including Barcelona, Everton and Sevilla.

Last season was a real breakthrough campaign for Kean who impressed whenever he was on the pitch. He ended up scoring 7 goals in 17 appearances.

Apart from his physical attributes, his mental toughness also came under the spotlight after he overcame racist abuse suffered in Italy.

But despite him being a very impressive player, the 19-year-old could be on his way out from Juventus as the club is looking to balance the books after signings such as the one they made for Matthijs de Light.

This could benefit the Gunners as they will be able to get the striker for a deal that is lower than what is generally being asked in the market. Kean is a pacy and powerful forward who has that one crucial quality that many good strikers have, an eye for goal.

While the Gunners already have two world-class forwards in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, the addition of Kean would certainly be a boost for the attack.

While it is nice to have one of the most exciting forwards at your club, it also does put the future of Eddie Nketiah into question. The English youngster has been in fine form and will be hoping that he gets more opportunities with the first team this season.

Perhaps Arsenal manager Unai Emery feels that Kean would be a better fit for the club and is looking at the Italian striker as a replacement for Danny Welbeck who has departed the club. He would be one that is brought in with an eye on the future.

If the Gunners can get him to the club, it will leave them in good stead when one of Lacazette or Aubameyang ends up leaving. Kean is a fantastic prospect and has shown that he has the mentality that is needed to succeed at the highest level and would be an exciting addition to the Arsenal team.

Saint Etienne president confirms Arsenal are on track to sign William Saliba

By

Nithyanand

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20-07-2019

French club Saint Etienne have confirmed that their defender William Saliba is set to sign for Arsenal but that he will remain with them on loan for the 2019/20 season.

The Emirates club’s rivals Tottenham Hotspur attempted to hijack the deal at the last minute but Saliba has chosen the Gunners over them.

This was confirmed by the president of Saint Etienne Bernard Caiazzo who told French publication Le Progres(via Metro):

‘Everything is on the right track with Arsenal. William will play next season with us.’

The Metro further reports that the deal to bring him to the Emirates has taken some time to be completed because the French club initially rejected the £27m bid that the Gunners made. In response to this, Arsenal increased their bid to £29.8m with a further £6.3m to be given as add-ons.

This was enough to convince Saint Etienne to let go of their prized starlet but they made sure that Saliba stayed with them for the 19/20 season. While this is not ideal for the North London club, it helps that they have at least secured the future of one of the most highly rated center backs in the footballing world.

Saliba will be able to continue his career in an environment where he is already comfortable. This will surely help him become a better player and that should eventually benefit the Gunners even more than him coming this year and being thrown into the rough and tough nature of the Premier League.

The youngster is all set to become the second signing of the summer for Arsenal after they secured another exciting youngster from Brazil in the form of Gabriel Martinelli. The Emirates club need to be active in the transfer market to bolster their squad as they look to get back into the Champions League.

It will make fans happy that a player like Saliba chose them over their bitter rivals as it would have not looked good if the defender had ended up going to the other side of North London.

Now that the signing of Saliba has been secured, the club should start focusing on the upcoming season and think about how they can improve upon what they achieved last season. Fans will be hoping that manager Unai Emery will be able to improve his performance this year.

Arsenal agree transfer deal with Saint Etienne for William Saliba

By

Nithyanand

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20-07-2019

William Saliba, the 18-year-old center back who plays for Saint Etienne in Ligue 1 is all set to sign for Arsenal, according to reports in Guardian.

The report states that Arsenal agreed to a five year deal with the defender last week and the youngster looked all set to sign for the Emirates club but Tottenham made a late ditch attempt to hijack the deal.

However, Emery’s side were always confident that Saliba would keep his word and join. After many rounds of negotiations, on Thursday evening Saint Etienne and Arsenal settled on a transfer price.

The 18-year-old will cost in the region of €30m (£27m) with add-ons. But Saliba will not be joining Arsenal this season as he will be sent back on loan to the French side for the 2019/20 season.

This was one of the conditions that Saint Etienne were adamant on before completing any sort of deal. The fact that the North London club accepted this shows just how highly rated the young center back is.

Once the deal is made official, Saliba will become the second signing for the Gunners after Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian is an 18-year-old just like Saliba and is considered to be one of the most exciting talents to come out of Brazil in recent times.

It is a little disappointing that Saliba will not be playing under manager Unai Emery this season but if anything, another season in Ligue 1 will surely help with his footballing education. As a player who does not have much top-level experience, making the jump to a Premier League team can be a daunting task.

Arsenal are buying players with an eye for the future and that is good to see. Players like Saliba are needed to take the club into the next decade or so and fans are surely going to be happy when the deal is made official.

But the fans will also be hoping that the club does not stop here and goes out and buys some more established players that can help the team here and now.

Roy Hodgson finally speaks out on Arsenal target Wilfried Zaha’s transfer request

By

Nithyanand

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20-07-2019

Wilfried Zaha who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer has not told the manager and the club that he wants to leave, as per Roy Hodgson.

Reports this week have claimed that Zaha has put in a transfer request to force through a move. However, Cyrstal Palace boss Roy Hodgson doesn’t think so, as he expects the winger to remain with the club and not move anywhere else this summer.

According to Sky Sports, this is what Hodgson told the media about Zaha after the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in a pre-season friendly:

‘He has not spoken to me. I don’t know if he’s spoken to the club [asking to leave].

‘I’m just expecting him back, looking forward to working with him and seeing some of the things he can do for us.’

Zaha was away on international duty with the Ivory Coast team at the African Cup Of Nations. After the team’s exit from the tournament, the player has three weeks to relax and make a decision about his future.

It is thought that the winger wants a move to the Emirates but the initial bid was nowhere near how much Crystal Palace value him.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery is a big fan of Zaha and is very keen on bringing him to the Emirates this season and the club’s interest was cemented after the winger put in a memorable performance against them in a home game in May.

Zaha’s display ultimately ended up costing Arsenal a chance to get back into the Champions League which has resulted in them having a reduced budget and that is, in turn, making a move for Zaha a little more complicated. The North London club need to get a winger to help their attack and there are few players in the league better than the Ivorian.

If Crystal Palace are to agree for a move, the Gunners will have to get a little creative. Perhaps this might mean that they part with a player to sweeten the deal for Palace.

One thing for sure is that Zaha wants to come to the Emirates and it would be a great move for the club if they can get him. We still have some time left in the transfer window so we’ll have to wait and watch what happens.