ARSENAL are targeting Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
The two frontmen head up the Gunners' shortlist to replace Alexandre Lacazette, who Arsenal could look to sell in the January transfer window rather than losing him as a free agent at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are said to be interested in Real Betis' Nabil Fekir.
And talk of Daniel Ek potentially raising his bid to buy the north London club has intensified after comments from club legend Thierry Henry.
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- Etienne Fermie
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Serge Aurier has let Arsenal know there was no chance he would’ve ever joined them after being released by Tottenham this summer.
The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for the defender, but he’s now revealed a switch to the other side of North London was never a possibility due to his loyalty to Spurs.
The right-back went on to sign for Villarreal and in a recent Instagram post, he told the Spurs faithful that joining their ‘enemy’ wasn’t on the cards.
Meanwhile, Gunners fans will be happy to hear that new signing Ben White isn’t phased about the prospect of facing Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo this season.
In fact, the English defender who signed for Arsenal for £50million this summer, is relishing the chance of taking on the attacker who he reckons won’t get the better of him.
Club Brugge star Noa Lang could be the next star to join White at Arsenal, as reports suggest the Gunners are interested in the Dutch youngster.
But Mikel Arteta’s side will have to battle AC Milan for Lang’s signature, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
However, if either side are successful in luring Lang to them, they’ll have to pay Brugge £34million.
And finally, Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has ruled out a move to the Emirates because the Gunners already have Thomas Partey who occupies the role he would play.
The Nigerian was responding to an Arsenal fan who was urging him to head to North London on social media.
But Ndidi made it clear he’ll be remaining with the Foxes as he has no plans of playing second fiddle to Partey.
- Justin Lawrence
PART WAYS
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has shut down reports linking him with a move to Arsenal as they already have Thomas Partey.
The Nigerian defensive midfielder has become a staple in Brendan Rodger's Foxes squad since joining them from Genk in 2017.
And he was urged to join Arsenal by a Gunners fan during an exchange on social media.
But Ndidi pointed out that Partey is occupying the role he would play at The Emirates, so Arsenal don't need him.
The 24-year-old told the fan: "You guys have Partey, he’s a great player."
- Justin Lawrence
CHOOSE NORTH LONDON
Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho has been urged to join Tottenham instead of Arsenal by Glen Johnson if he returns to the Premier League.
Coutinho's only made three starts this season and doesn't seem to be in Barca boss Ronald Koeman's plans.
The Bazilian has been linked with a move to North London with rivals Arsenal and Spurs both interested in him.
But Coutinho's ex-Liverpool pal Glen Johnson reckons Tottenham will be his best bet if he wants to play in the Champions League any time soon.
He told Bettingodds.com: "He's linked with the two big north London clubs, and if he was to go to one of them, then I'd say Tottenham if I'm being honest.
"Philippe [Coutinho] knows that he's not in a great position at the moment, and if he was to go to an Arsenal side who are struggling, then that could affect him even more."
- Justin Lawrence
ASENSIO BID
Arsenal are said to be keen on bringing in Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio, reports claim.
The Spanish striker has fallen down the pecking order at Madrid and knows he needs to be playing regularly to feature for his national side.
Which is why Asensio could be on the hunt for a new team in January, putting the Gunners on high alert, Just Arsenal reported.
They also report that Asensio has already spoken with ex-Gunners loanee and Madrid team-mate Dani Ceballos about life in North London.
- Justin Lawrence
GUNNER GOA
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Club Brugge star Noa Lang.
The Dutch 22-year-old winger has caught the Gunners eyes with three goals and four assists already this season for Brugge in all competitions.
But Mikel Arteta's side will have to battle AC Milan for Lang's signature, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
However, if either side are successful in luring Lang to them, they'll have to pay Brugge £34million.
- Justin Lawrence
ODE TO JOY
Martin Odegaard claims it's "nice and easy to thrive" at Arsenal – after "tough periods" at Real Madrid.
The playmaker hailed the Gunners' "positive" dressing room after helping Mikel Arteta's men turn around a dreadful start to the season.
It’s (Arsenal’s dressing room) quite large, I would say. I think it’s a bit like that in the biggest clubs. It gets a little more scattered and all that.
“I’m very happy where I am now, a very nice squad and a good bunch. It’s nice and easy to thrive.”
- Justin Lawrence
ALL WHITE
Arsenal's new signing Ben White isn't phased by the prospect of facing Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo this season.
In fact, the £50million defender is relishing taking on Cristiano and even reckons he'll be able to handle the Portuguese attacker just fine.
When asked about who he can't wait to face this season on Twitch, White said: "I’d probably say playing against [Cristiano] Ronaldo you know.
And when questioned if he can manage Cristiano, White added: "I’ll be alright," while smirking.
- Justin Lawrence
NO CHANCE
Ex-Tottenham defender Serge Aurier has told the club's fans he would never have joined their rivals Arsenal.
The right-back was linked with a move to the Gunners after he left Spurs in the summer.
But he went on to join Villarreal and has now revealed that a move across North London was never in his plans due to his love for Spurs.
He wrote in an Instagram post: "First of all, I would like to thank all the Spurs fans for these four wonderful seasons with you.
"I have never seen myself at another club in England if not at your place! And I didn't see myself joining the enemy even less because I have too much respect for our club, for our history and for all our moments shared together."
- Sandra Brobbey
RAM'S A ROCK
Kevin Campbell has lauded Aaron Ramsdale's impact describing the Gunners keeper as "100 per cent" the kind of personality Arsenal need in their squad.
The Highbury hero told Football Insider: “Ramsdale is a confident lad.
“I was talking with Bob Wilson the other night and he was saying he has a lot of admiration for Ramsdale.
"He watched him a lot at Bournemouth and Sheffield United and said he was a top goalkeeper.
"To come into Arsenal with the mindset of ‘I want to be number one.’ And to take that opportunity when it comes is just brilliant."
- Sandra Brobbey
MARTINEZ BLOW
Lautaro Martinez appears to have dealt a blow to Arsenal's rumoured hopes of signing him.
The Argentina striker, who is also reportedly a Tottenham target, is thought to be close to renewing his Inter Milan contract.
The Evening Standard reports the player's agent claims he is on the right track to sign a new deal with his current one expiring in 2023.
Alejandro Camano told Radio Kiss Kiss Italy: "He is very happy in Italy and loves Italian football.
"I want to immediately make clear that he is very happy in Italy and loves Italian football.
"We’ve been discussing the renewal with Inter for some time and I am really confident because we are on the right track."
- Sandra Brobbey
GIFT OF GAB
Ben White revealed that he and Gabriel Magalhaes are able to 'just click' in Arsenal's back four despite a language barrier.
The centre-backs have formed an impressive partnership conceding just once since September.
This is despite Gabriel's English being limited, and White having little knowledge of Brazilian Portuguese.
On a Twitch Livestream White said: "He doesn’t speak much English. I don’t speak Portuguese.
"There’s not much we can say to each other. [But] we know what we have to do. We just click."
- Sandra Brobbey
PRICE FOR PANOS
Sven Mislintat has revealed Stuttgart could potentially sign Konstantinos Mavropanos for as little as £2.5m next summer, according to German outlet Fussballeck.
The Greece defender is currently on loan with the Bundesliga side for a second season, having joined up with them last term.
The loan deal for this term includes a purchase stipulation.
Mislintat told Sky Germany: "We have a purchase obligation of three million euros if we stay in the league and a free purchase option if we don’t reach our class target.
"In both cases, we would have the chance to take him. It’s relatively clear what will happen with him."
- Sandra Brobbey
CAL STAY PUT
Danny Mills has warned Dominic Calvert-Lewin against moving to the Arsenal.
The Gunners have reportedly identified the Toffees frontman as a potential replacement for Alexandre Lacazette who be sent for a free transfer move from the Emirates next summer.
Mills told talkSPORT: "Long term, Everton have got obviously got a lot of money. They’re very well-backed financially.
"I think Dominic Calvert-Lewin will thrive once he’s back fit. He’s been injured, don’t forget, he’s had this broken toe issue that’s obviously kept him out.
"I think he will thrive under Rafa Benitez, and I think he will get even better. If he goes to Arsenal, I’m not sure. What’s going to happen at Arsenal?’"
- Sandra Brobbey
NO BLAME
Raul Jimenez has absolved David Luiz of blame for a grim injury he sustained when the pair clashed heads last November.
Jimenez underwent an operation on a fractured skull after the incident with the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace nearly a year ago.
Luiz, who was playing for the Gunners, came in for criticism from some pundits.
Jimenez said: "I’ve seen it several times. I asked the video people and the social media people at the club if they had different shots of the play.
"Jumping backwards, he caught me loose. I take 100 per cent of the blame off David. He was going with the intention of heading the ball – unfortunately, it was on my head."
- Sandra Brobbey
GUNNER THWART FIFA
Arsenal have reportedly won their fight against Fifa in the Court of Arbitration after being fined £33,000 by the football authority.
In March SunSport revealed the club appealed against a Fifa ruling concerning sell-on clauses they agreed when selling players.
It is claimed the club were thought to have breached third-party ownership rules around the sales of Chuba Akpom and Joel Campbell.
However, the Court ruled there was no wrongdoing in either of these cases.
- Sandra Brobbey
COUT GO TO SPURS
Glen Johnson reckons Tottenham could be a much better destination for Arsenal target Philippe Coutinho.
The Barcelona and Brazil playmaker has been linked with transfer moves to both clubs.
But Johnson believes Spurs are a better prospect for the player.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea full-back told Bettingodds.com: "He’s linked with the two big north London clubs and if he was to go to one of them then I’d say Tottenham if I’m being honest.
‘Philippe knows that he’s not in a great position at the moment and if he was to go to an Arsenal side who are struggling, then that could affect him even more."
- Sandra Brobbey
NO GOER FOR NOA?
AC Milan could be set to move ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Noa Lang.
The £34million-rated Netherlands winger is reportedly a target for Mikel Arteta.
However, Sport Witness and reports in Italy claim the player's agent had discussions with San Siro officials on Tuesday.
- Sandra Brobbey
DERBY DEAL
Arsenal have reportedly agreed to defer a £1.4million payment owed to them by struggling Derby County.
The Metro reports the Rams have been given an extra 12 months by the Gunners to pay the next instalment on their acquisition of Poland midfielder Krystian Bielik.
The Championship side recently went into administration and were late with their last payment due to be made to Arsenal.
- Sandra Brobbey
MADRID HARD FOR ODEGAARD
Martin Odegaard has opened up on his struggle to adapt to life in Real Madrid's dressing room prior to his Emirates move.
The Norway playmaker, 22, joined the club at 16 and was on the fringes of the first team before embarking on three loan spells.
Odegaard told broadcast outlet TV2: "Of course there were many tough periods.
"I experienced a lot with both the first team and the second team. I have been close to the best and biggest.
"It made me stronger. I feel I have grown a lot on it.
"There were some tough periods, but also a lot of good that I have experienced. Being so close to the best in the world is special. I have learned a lot from it."
- Sandra Brobbey
BERND BRIDGES
Bernd Leno could be headed for the Emirates exit according to reports.
The Germany international is facing a battle to reclaim his spot as Arsenal's No1 keeper with Aaron Ramsdale impressing between the sticks.
Reports in Germany claim the stopper has found the change 'difficult'.
And German outlet Fussball claims Leno may feel the need to leave in order to secure game time and protect his place in Germany's squad.
- Sandra Brobbey
GUNNER GET TONEY
Darren Bent reckons Ivan Toney could give Arsenal a boost if the club were to make a move for the Brentford ace.
The Bees forward, 25, enjoyed an impressive season for the Premier League newbies last term notching up 31 goals and 10 assists in 45 Championship games.
Bent told talkSPORT: "Could they lure him away from Brentford? Well, of course.
"Yes (he would be a good fit for Arsenal). It's early days.
"But what he has shown so far at Brentford, he is the real deal, not in terms of his goal return, just the way he is bullying people and he never shies away from a challenge."
- Sandra Brobbey
BALO-GONE
Mikel Arteta is reportedly set to allow Folarin Balogun to leave the Gunners for a loan move in January.
The 20-year-old, who signed a contract extension with the club last summer, has made just one full Prem appearance so far this term against Brentford.
Football.London claims the player will be allowed to pursue a temporary move next year in search of more playing time at a senior level.
- Sandra Brobbey
WRIGHT CHOICE
Ian Wright reportedly gave his opinion on the skills of Dominic Calvin-Lewin and Ollie Watkins when he was asked which of the players he would take to the Euros earlier this year.
The Gunners icon is thought to be a huge fan of the pair who have both been linked with Arsenal.
On May 1, Wright told Match of the Day: "You’d probably take Dominic Calvert-Lewin simply because of his experience at under-21 level and the fact he’s had a very good season, just like Ollie Watkins.
Wright added: "It’s an unfair question because I wouldn’t mind taking them both."
- Sandra Brobbey
WAT A GEM
Emiliano Martinez reckons Ollie Watkins is a 'nightmare' for defenders to deal with.
The Aston Villa forward has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, according to SunSport
In November last year, the former Gunners keeper sang the praises of the highly-rated strikers.
It is thought Emirates chiefs are eyeing the Villa ace as a possible replacement for Alexandre Lacazette.
Martinez told Birmingham Mail: "He's been outstanding for us, not just the goal-scoring and the finishing but his work ethic.
"He's a nightmare for defenders, we're so glad to have him."
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Arsenal have been given a major boost in their hunt for Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
The striker has turned down a new contract with the Serie A side which would’ve made him the highest-paid player in their history.
The Serbian forward, 21, now has 21 months left on his contract, putting the Gunners and all other interested parties on high alert.
Meanwhile, Bernd Leno’s omission from the Arsenal first-team is having a negative impact on his international career with Germany.
German manager Hansi Flick is reportedly considering axing Leno from his squad due to his lack of games at domestic level.
The 29-year-old has lost his place in the Gunners line-up to new signing Aaron Ramsdale.
And to get himself back in Flick’s good books, the keeper may consider a move away from The Emirates in future.
Another player reportedly eyeing a transfer away from North London is Gunners winger Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian may try and force through a transfer exit due to his lack of playing time under Mikel Arteta. The Mirror claim.
Finally, in a show of good faith, Arsenal have deferred the payments that Derby County owe them for Polish star Krystian Bielik for the time-being.
The Rams are in financial trouble after going into administration last month and still owed the Gunners £8million for Bielik.
Wayne Rooney’s side were supposed to pay £1.4m of that sum this month, but Arsenal have waived the fee until next year, giving the Rams time to sort themselves out, The Telegraph reported.
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