ARSENAL missed out on Europe by only finishing eighth in the Premier League, but could secure a route into the Europa League by beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
Meanwhile the Gunners are said to be leading the chase for Philippe Coutinho and have also expressed an interest in Jack Grealish.
Get all the latest news and transfer gossip from North London here…
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GREAL DEAL
Arsenal have expressed an interest in Jack Grealish, according to Sky Sports.
Reporter Kaveh Solhekol told Sky Sports News yesterday: “What we found this afternoon is that Arsenal are one of the clubs who registered an interest in signing him.
“Arsenal asked about him, asked about potentially how much a deal would cost.
“And what we're also being told is that that interest was not followed up.”
Solhekol added that Villa are determined to reject all approaches and keep their captain this summer.
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PHIL YER BOOTS
Philippe Coutinho should join Arsenal, Tottenham or Leicester to prove he is still a world-class player.
That is the opinion of Barcelona and Brazil legend Rivaldo who thinks the former Liverpool ace should return to the Premier League.
Arsenal, Spurs and Leicester have all been linked with bringing the winger back to the Premier League.
The Betfair Ambassador said: “Coutinho will soon return from his loan at Bayern to Barcelona, but I doubt he can revive his career there.
“His best option could be returning to English football where he spent the best seasons of his career.
“His qualities seem to be best suited, as he proved at Liverpool when was one of the best players in the Premier League.
“At Arsenal, Tottenham or Leicester, Coutinho could be a regular starter next season.
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GOOD MORNING GUNNERS FANS
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho.
Mundo Deportivo report the Gunners are in pole position to swoop for ex-Liverpool playmaker Coutinho after talks with his agent Kia Joorabchian.
But – in a blow to Mikel Arteta‘s side – Barcelona will reportedly outright reject the offer of a money plus player deal involving outcast Matteo Guendouzi.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly nearing a fresh loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.
Mikel Arteta wants to seal his countryman’s services for another campaign with the Mail reporting that a second loan looks likely.
Real Madrid are said to want £30million if Ceballos leaves on a permanent deal, therefore Arsenal are thought to favour a loan deal.
Real charged the Premier League side £3.5m a year ago, as well as Ceballos‘ full £55,000-a-week wages.
Finally, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly told Sokratis Papastathopoulos that he no longer has a future at the club.
Football London claims that the Spaniard has bluntly told the 32-year-old that he will not be required next season.
The report adds that Arteta believes Sokratis does not fit his tactical plan and he will not play significant games under him.
Yet his stance has not prompted the Greek defender to consider leaving Arsenal and he hopes he can change his head coach's mind.
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EXCLUSIVE BY DUNCAN WRIGHT
Liverpool’s participation in the Community Shield is surrounded in mystery.
The FA refused to say if the Premier League champions have committed to the annual curtain-raiser to the new season, telling SunSport the competitors will be announced next week.
They are due to face either Arsenal or Chelsea after this weekend’s FA Cup final.
READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE.
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ZA-ARGHHH
Wilfried Zaha fears being priced out of the market by Crystal Palace for a second year running.
Palace are expected to demand as much as £70MILLION for their star player and Zaha’s representatives worry that will scupper hopes of a move.
It’s believed a number of Premier League teams are interested.
Arsenal tried signing the ex-Man Utd forward last summer.
And Chelsea were linked with him last season under Maurizio Sarri.
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WELCOME MATT
Arsenal in are in the hunt for Gladbach star Matthias Ginter.
Sky Germany claims the centre-back is a target for Mikel Arteta this summer.
But the Gunners face stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea.
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OH DANI BOY
Arsenal are on the verge of extending Dani Ceballos' loan for another season.
The Daily Mail claims Real Madrid are set to give the green light as they have no room for Ceballos in their star-studded squad.
Ceballos has impressed at times this season but also suffered a number of injuries which halted his progression.
It's a big coup for Mikel Arteta, who is low on transfer funds and is already determined to sell fellow midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
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RING MY BELL
Hector Bellerin is set to return to Arsenal's XI for the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
He has recovered from a tight calf and could slot into the right of Mikel Arteta's five-man defence.
Bernd Leno has also resumed light training after his injury nightmare.
But the German will be unavailable for the Wembley showdown.
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WAR ENSEMBLE
Arsenal are considering a move for AS Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara as an alternative to Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey.
According to ASRomaLive, the Gunners have turned their attention towards £27m-rated midfielder Diawara after having a player-plus-cash bid for Partey knocked back.
The Guinean only signed for Roma from Napoli a year ago – but has impressed with his performances.
Diawara’s arrival would likely spell the end of Matteo Guendouzi’s Emirates career.
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LU ARE YA?
Former Chelsea star David Luiz can become a key player for Arsenal next season.
That’s according to Brazil legend Rivaldo, who told Betfair: “Luiz did not enjoy a great first season with Arsenal, but the club trusted him by renewing his contract and I think the Brazilian defender still has what it takes to play at a big English club.
“He has lots of experience and knows exactly how to manage his energy during a match. He could also be pivotal to help the youngsters at the club.
“He has lots of knowledge about English football and will improve from last season and could work as an important player in such a young and inexperienced squad that clearly needs some veterans to help them improve.”
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WHERE THERE’S A WILL
Arsenal target Willian needs to talk with Frank Lampard before making a decision on his Chelsea future, according to Brazil legend Rivaldo.
He told Betfair: “Willian is at the end of his contract with Chelsea and Arsenal seem to be interested in signing him.
“But he's having an excellent season and Chelsea are interesting in keeping him.
“Frank Lampard and the board need to inform the player about their plans for him next season.
“Chelsea are signing players and, if Willian will not be a first choice pick, then he probably would prefer to leave.
“Willian will have many interested clubs, but I think he would prefer to learn about Chelsea's plans first before taking a decision about his future.”
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COUT AND DRY
Brazil legend Rivaldo reckons Arsenal target Philippe Coutinho should return to England this summer.
The Barcelona flop, who was on loan at Bayern Munich, has also been linked with Chelsea and Man Utd.
Rivaldo told Betfair: “Philippe Coutinho will soon return from his loan at Bayern to Barcelona, but I doubt he can revive his career there.
“His best option could be returning to English football where he spent the best seasons of his career and in which his qualities seem to be best suited, as he proved at Liverpool when he was one of the best players in the Premier League.
“At Arsenal, Tottenham or Leicester, Coutinho could be a regular starter next season.
“It would be a good opportunity for the Brazillan to rediscover his best form and show that he continues to be an excellent player who belongs to the elite.”
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NEXT TIER
Danny Murphy believes Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney will never be as good as Scotland teammate and Liverpool rival Andy Robertson.
He told the Glasgow Times: “No. Robertson just has an unbelievable, consistent performance level and mentality.
“The fitness he has got and the quality in the final third, I say no because the level is so high. He has set the bar as a left-back remarkably high.
“He is in the top three in the Premier League for assists and what both fullbacks are doing at Liverpool is phenomenal.
“But Arsenal have got a really good signing there in Tierney and he is only going to improve.”
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GIN & TONIC
Germany international Matthias Ginter is reportedly on Chelsea and Arsenal's radar – but Inter Milan lead the fight for the defender.
Reports in Ginter's homeland suggest a number of clubs are competing for his signature after he helped Borussia Monchengladbach qualify for next season's Champions League.
Inter are searching for a long-term replacement for veteran centre-back Diego Godin and have eyed Ginter for a transfer, according to Sky Deutschland.
Also said to be keen are Chelsea and Arsenal although their interest is thought to be lower than the Serie A club.
Ginter made 36 appearances in all competitions last season as Borussia's early title challenge faded to a fourth-placed finish.
A nine-year career so far has been evenly split by the 26-year-old between hometown team Freiburg, Borussia Dortmund, and Gladbach.
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PHIL IT COMING
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.
Mundo Deportivo report the Gunners are in pole position to swoop for ex-Liverpool playmaker Coutinho after talks with his agent Kia Joorabchian.
Joorabchian is believed to have a good relationship with Arsenal‘s head of football and transfer guru Raul Sanllehi.
The pair are said to have begun negotiations over a potential move to bring the Brazilian playmaker to the Emirates.
But – in a blow to Mikel Arteta‘s side – Barcelona will reportedly outright reject the offer of a money plus player deal involving outcast Matteo Guendouzi.
The Catalan giants have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and are only interested in a pure cash deal.
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MAN DOWN
Manchester United and Arsenal have seen their values plummet – with Liverpool on the brink of becoming the Premier League's most-valuable club.
The Red Devils have seen their worth drop £143million, while the Gunners have depreciated by £150m.
Meanwhile, Liverpool – the new champions – have seen their value rise by £64m as they close-in on fierce rivals United.
The Reds have risen to fourth in the rankings of the most-valuable clubs in the world, according to the Brand Finance Review.
They marginally trail Man Utd, with Real Madrid and Barcelona the runaway leaders.
Despite still sitting at No1, Los Blancos saw over £200m knocked off their value.
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MAD TO LET HIM GO
Arsenal are reportedly nearing a fresh loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.
The Spaniard was slow to make an impact at Emirates Stadium but has finished the season strongly under Mikel Arteta.
And the Gunners boss wants to seal his countryman’s services for another campaign with the Mail reporting that a second loan looks likely.
Real Madrid are said to want £30million if Ceballos leaves on a permanent deal, with no purchase option agreed when he moved to North London last summer.
Therefore Arsenal are thought to favour a loan deal.
Real charged the Premier League side £3.5m a year ago, as well as Ceballos‘ full £55,000-a-week wages.
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FREE FOOTY
Fans will be able to watch both the Champions League and Europa League finals for FREE next month, BT Sport have confirmed.
The British broadcaster will also air every single match as both tournaments finally reach their climaxes in August.
Resuming from the remaining round of 16 matches, both competitions will lead up to a bumper final weekend.
The Europa League final will take place on Friday 21 August in Cologne, while the Champions League’s showpiece match will go ahead two days later in Lisbon.
And fans will be able to watch both matches for FREE, by accessing either the BT Sport app or BT Sport YouTube channel.
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PUT A SOK IN IT
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly told Sokratis Papastathopoulos that he no longer has a future at the club.
football.london claims that the Spaniard has bluntly told the 32-year-old that he will not be required next season.
The report adds that Arteta believes Sokratis does not fit his tactical plan and he will not play significant games under him.
Yet his stance has not prompted the Greek defender to consider leaving Arsenal and he hopes he can change his head coach's mind.
Sokratis still has a year left on his contract and his attitude in training means that he won't be frozen out of the squad like Matteo Guendouzi.
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FEEL THE BERND
Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is back in training ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
The German shot-stopper has been out of action since suffering a knee injury against Brighton back in June.
The Gunners No1 injured knee ligaments in the club's 2-1 defeat to the Seagulls on the south coast.
He appeared to twist his knee in an incident with eventual matchwinner Neal Maupay at the Amex.
Leno was stretchered off the field but found time to launch a verbal tirade at Maupay.
Initial fears were that he could be out for a year but they turned out to be wide of the mark.
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AUBA-SEAS
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is “happy” at Arsenal – but could ditch the Gunners for a move abroad, according to reports.
Speculation over the 31-year-old's future is rife, with the Gabon international having entered the final 12 months of his Arsenal contract.
The North Londoners are desperate to renew their skipper's contract, with boss Mikel Arteta having urged the club to get a deal done on more than one occasion in recent weeks.
Aubameyang himself will make the final decision, however, as he weighs up key factors.
The Athletic report that although he has an “excellent relationship” with Arteta and his team-mates, Aubameyang recognises that Arsenal are at the start of a rebuild and that as a player in his thirties, he may not be around long enough to enjoy the fruits of his new boss' labour.
Head of football Raul Sanllehi is currently the man tasked with trying to convince Arsenal's No14 that the Emirates is the best place to spend the final years of his prime.
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MURPHY'S LAW
Danny Murphy is insistent that Kieran Tierney will never be as good as Andy Robertson.
When asked by the Glasgow Times if the Gunners left-back could emulate his Scotland team-mate, the BBC pundit said: “No. Robertson just has an unbelievable, consistent performance level and mentality.
“The fitness he has got and the quality in the final third, I say no because the level is so high. He has set the bar as a left-back remarkably high.
“He is in the top three in the Premier League for assists and what both fullbacks are doing at Liverpool is phenomenal.
“But Arsenal have got a really good signing there in Tierney and he is only going to improve.”
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MORNING ARSENAL FANS
The Gunners have been dealt a blow ahead of the FA Cup final after Shkodran Mustafi announced he has undergone surgery on his right hamstring.
He said: “Missing out the @EmiratesFACup Final for the second time. The good news is that the surgery went well and that I am not the type of guy who gives up easily.
“After the disappointment I accepted the situation and I am now focused to recover to be back on the pitch.”
In other news, Arsenal have reportedly had an offer of £22.7million plus Matteo Guendouzi for Thomas Partey rejected by Atletico Madrid.
According to the Guardian, Arsenal’s first offer of £22.7m plus a player was turned down by Atletico earlier this month.
The report adds that the Gunners have since returned with a new bid of £22.7m plus Guendouzi but that has also been rejected.
Meanwhile Mikel Arteta has reportedly told Sokratis Papastathopoulos he no longer has a future at the club.
Football London claims that the Spaniard has bluntly told the 32-year-old that he will not be required next season.
The report adds that Arteta believes Sokratis does not fit his tactical plan and he will not play significant games under him.
And finally, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is “happy” at Arsenal – but could ditch the Gunners for a move abroad, according to reports
The Athletic report that although he has an “excellent relationship” with Arteta and his team-mates, Aubameyang recognises that Arsenal are at the start of a rebuild and that as a player in his thirties, he may not be around long enough to enjoy the fruits of his new boss' labour.
Head of football Raul Sanllehi is currently the man tasked with trying to convince Arsenal's No14 that the Emirates is the best place to spend the final years of his prime.
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WILLI PLAY?
Frank Lampard's FA Cup Final plans have been thrown into turmoil over the future of Brazilian star Willian.
Chelsea’s boss faces a massive selection headache following a bombshell announcement by his agent amid interest in the winger from Saturday’s opponents Arsenal.
Willian, 31, is out of contract at the end of this season and his advisor revealed the player has a concrete offer on the table from one of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals.
Arsenal are red-hot favourites to snap up long-serving Willian who has been demanding a three year deal to stay on.
Willian’s wife dropped a big hint on Instagram back in March by writing: ‘it’s not been easy but good things are on the way’ at the same time picturing the couple’s two daughters wearing red – Arsenal’s colours.
But Willian’s representative insists no decision will be made until AFTER the game – leaving head coach Lampard the dilemma of whether to pick a key player to face a team he may be joining in just a couple of weeks’ time.
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TIER-ING ME APART
Kieran Tierney admitted his first season with Arsenal was the “toughest year of my life”.
The left-back, 23, signed from Celtic for £25million last summer but his first campaign south of the border was disrupted by injuries.
Tierney told the Arsenal website: “It's been the toughest year of my life.
“I've had the injury and a lot of new challenges but you need challenges, you need to be uncomfortable. You need to challenge yourself to improve.
“I worked hard every day and I knew it wasn't going to be easy coming to this massive club full of great players.
“I knew it was going to be tough coming in and trying to get my place in the team. I'm just grateful for every opportunity I get to go on the pitch and give my all.”
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