Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Latest updates and gossip from the Emirates (2024)

Zinchenko a touch of class

William Saliba may have earned the plaudits against Palace, but it was another Arsenal debutant that did the hard graft all over the pitch.

New signing Oleksandr Zinchenko filled in for Kieran Tierney at left-back, and showed his versatility in getting forward whenever possible.

And the Ukrainian also highlighted his willingness to play centrally, often coming inside to support and create.

Zinchenko is expected to move into a central midfield once Tierney has fully regained fitness.

Xhaka predicts a 'big, big future' for Arsenal

Xhaka was actually signed as Arteta’s midfield replacement when he was recruited byArsene Wengerin a £30million deal from Borussia Moenchengladbach in the summer of 2016.

Now in his seventh season at the club, he says: “I have seen all the good things as well as all the bad stuff, although it was never as bad as people outside the club were saying

“Of course the group is a lot younger now. Before we had more experienced players but every player has his own character and I have a lot of good relationships with guys, no matter their age or nationality.

“I don’t believe a lot in the captain’s armband because everyone can see the leaders in the team and there are a lot of good people in this team who can speak with you.

“If anyone needs my help, they know I am always here, trying to assist with the experiences I’ve already had.

It’s a shame I only have two more years on my contract because we are building something very special here with Mikel and I am seeing a big, big future for this club.

Granti Xhaka

Xhaka a veteran at the Emirates

Not only is Xhaka still atArsenal, but he is now one of the most important players at the club, even if he cringes at suggestions that he is now the senior statesman of the youngest squad in the Premier League.

He smiles: “English people make out like I’m a grandfather. I’m 29 man!

“But then I see the guys of 17 and 18 coming onto the training pitch and I sometimes feel like ‘f*** me…29’.

“For me, age is just a number. Whether you’re 18, 29 or over 35, all that matters is that you show yourself on the pitch.

“You only play if you deserve it and I give everyone respect and they give it to me.”

English people make out like I’m a grandfather. I’m 29 man!

Granit Xhaka

More on Xhaka's love for his gaffer

Xhaka admitted: “Mikel Arteta is the reason I’m still at this football club, because three seasons ago I was gone. My suitcases were packed and I was finished.

“But when Mikel was appointed I had a meeting with him because he wanted to hear my opinion about what had happened and I explained everything to him.

“I remember exactly how the conversation went. I told him ‘it has nothing to do with you’ because I didn’t know him and I’d never played with him.

“Obviously I knew his name, but not the person, and I said ‘I’m gone, I can’t wear this shirt any more’.

“And he said to me ‘give me a chance for six months and if you’re still not happy at the end of the season I’m the guy who will help you - not to run away, but to leave’.

“Normally I would speak with my family and my representatives before making any decision like that.

“But this time I said ‘OK, Mikel, I will stay for you’. And I’m still here.”

Arteta saved my Gunners career, says Xhaka

Granit Xhaka has revealed how his Arsenal career has been saved by the man he calls “a freak”, writes Mark Irwin.

Because whenMikel Artetawas appointed as manager in December 2019, Swiss internationalXhakawas all set to quit the club.

And it was only a heart to heart conversation with the new arrival which convinced him to give the club one last chance to repair their broken relationship.

Less than two months previously Xhaka had suffered the ultimate humiliation when he wasstripped of the captain’s armband by Unai Emery.

The fiery midfielder had reacted furiously to theEmiratescrowd sarcastically cheering his substitution, hurling his shirt to the ground as he made his way down the tunnel and telling his detractors exactly where they could go.

He was even more unhappy with the perceived lack of support he received from the club in the immediate aftermath of that incident.

And even though Emery was sacked just six games later, Xhaka had already decided that he’d had enough.

Saliba is 'the best', says partner Gabriel

Gabriel Magalhaes has praised William Saliba after the youngster won Man of the Match in his Arsenal debut on Friday.

Saliba signed for the Gunners in 2019 but did not make his bow until the win over Crystal Palace.

And Gabriel reckons the 21-year-old will be a hit at the Emirates.

He told the Evening Standard: “For me, he’s the best! He’s very young, very promising and a very good player.

“I am so happy to play with him, together. He has now started in the Premier League and he was so good.

“The team did very well. They showed intensity and everyone stayed together. It’s very difficult to play here, but our keeper was strong.

“I believe in this team and it was very good. We got a clean sheet and three very good points.”

A Pint for Arteta

Arsenal’s pursuit of Villarreal ace Yeremy Pinto has been handed a major boost.

That’s because the La Liga outfit are willing to sell the 19-year-old for a fee of £34m-£42m.

And the Gunners are in pole position to land the startet, along with Liverpool, according to AS.

More on Milenkovic bid

Juventus,Inter Milanand Sevilla also approached the Serie A side about signing Milenkovic.

Fiorentina swatted away interest from all of them and are now keen to tie him down to a new deal.

His current contract expires at the end of this season and La Viola are confident they can extend that deal to 2025 as they bid to keep hold of their promising talent.

TheGunners' back three of Ben White, Gabriel and William Saliba impressed on Friday night asMikel Arteta's men secured a2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

But Arsenal's strength in depth at centre-half remains a little concerning given Rob Holding's inconsistent performances at the Emirates.

Gunners bid for Milenkovic rejected

Arsenal have seen a bid for Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic rejected, according to reports.

According toCorriere dello Sport, an offer was made for Milenkovic.

But the defender, who is valued at around £18.5million, saw the offer rejected byFiorentina.

Shearer impressed by Saliba

Premier League legend Alan Shearer reckons William Saliba is “exactly what Arsenal needed” after his impressive debut.

Saliba picked up the Man of the Match award in Friday’s win over Crystal Palace.

It was his first appearance for the Gunners, three years after signing for the club for £27million.

And Shearer was full of praise for the 21-year-old in his Premier League Team of the Week column.

Shearer wrote on the defender: “A great debut performance and a dominating presence.

“Exactly what Arsenal needed at the back.”

Gunners still plan to sign a winger

Arsenal are reportedly not yet done in the transfer market despite signing a multitude of players.

That’s according to football reporter David Ornstein who told NBC Sports: “They want to do more business.

"I think they want to add a winger to what they’ve got and if they manage to get somebody in I think they would be pretty.

“They’ll be some outgoings as well. Everyone will be asking ‘who is that winger?’.

“Well we know they went in for Raphinha, we don’t know who they’re going for, if they do bring in a new winger. It could depend on Pepe leaving the club.”

Neto rumours debunked

Arsenal will not be signing Pedro Neto this summer, according to reports.

The Gunners have been linked with the Wolves man for some time.

But he won’t be heading to The Emirates in this transfer window, according to Daily Mirror deputy football editor Alex Richards.

He tweeted: “Not sure where Pedro Neto to Arsenal speculation has come from… but yeah, not happening.”

Gunners capable of winning the league, says Viera

Arsenal now have as team capable of winning the Premier League title, according to club legend Patrick Vieira.

Vieira’s Crystal Palace team were on the receiving end of a 2-0 loss to the Gunners on the weekend.

And the Frenchman’s seen enough to believe his old team can push for the title.

He said: “They now have the squad to challenge and be closer to the title.”

Ciao Torreira

Arsenal have wished Lucas Torreira well after he completed his move to Galatasary.

The Gunners received £5.5m for the midfielder who spent last the last two seasons on loan with Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina, respectively.

An Arsenal clubstatementread: “Everyone at Arsenal thanks Lucas for his contribution during his time with us.

“We wish Lucas and his family the best of health and happiness in their new chapter with Galatasaray.”

Ramsey reveals French connection

Aaron Ramsey has revealed Arsenal's former French stars played a key role in convincing him to join Nice, PHILIP CADDEN WRITES.

"I have spoken to a lot of players from my days at Arsenal.

"I played with many French players who have experienced the French league so I spoke to a lot of them in the last few weeks.

"They told me a lot about this league, how good and technical it is. They told me about the history of the club and I was very interested in that.

"I know some great players have played here in the past and I hope to be a part of a very successful period for the club.

"The project that they want to try and achieve here is very inviting for me. I'm looking forward to it and it's exciting. Hopefully I can contribute."

Former Arsenal keeper makes move

Ex-Arsenal keeper Mathew Ryan has signed for FC Copenhagen.

Ryan’s switch to the Danish side was confirmed by the club.

Copenhagen said on their website: “

“F.C. Copenhagen have signed Australian international goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from Real Sociedad.

“Ryan has signed a contract at FCK for the next two seasons.”

Arsenal bid for Milenkovic rejected

Arsenal's transfer bid for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic has been rejected.

That's according to Firenze Viola, who claim the Gunners wanted Milenkovic to provide cover for their first pick defensive line.

But Fiorentina have no intention of letting him go, and also turned down Sevilla's adavnces.

Jesus goal tally prediction

Gabriel Jesus has been tipped to score a minumum of 20 goals for Arsenal this season.

The prediction was delivered by Mikael Silvestre, who told Betting Expert: "

I think he (Gabriel Jesus) should score in the 20s. 20 goals should be his mark this season, minimum.

"It's an interesting one because a lot of the time he is outside of the box, drifting left and right. A lot of time on the right, but he ends up scoring a lot of goals in the box.

Torreira snubs Arsenal

Lucas Torreira brutally snubbed Arsenal after completing his move to Galatasaray.

Theb was no mention of his former employees as he expressed joy over the switch to Turkey.

Torreira wrote: “I am very happy and excited to be a new @GalatasaraySK player.

"I am convinced that this is the beginning of a long and successful history together.

"Thank you for trusting me and I promise to leave everything for these colors. Let’s go Gala !”

Arsenal grab ex-City COO

Arsenal have made another signing, but this time off the pitch.

The club have snagged former Man City Chief Operating Officer Karen Smart.

Smart left Man City in April, and will now replace Hywel Slomans as the Gnners' COO.

She said after securing the role: "Delighted to have started a new position as Chief Operating Officer at Arsenal F.C!

"An exciting year ahead for all the squads and the business as a whole.”

Saka inspires Arsenal youngster

Bukayo Saka's ascent from Arsenal's youth squad to first team has given starlet Brooke Norton-Cuffy hope he can do the same.

He told Scouted Football: "It’s impossible to say how close you are.

“All you have to do is keep performing well, keep improving and carrying on your momentum. But I don’t feel far away from knocking at the door – let’s put it that way.

“When you see players who have come all the way through Hale End, it definitely gives you added motivation because you can see yourself in that position.

"Someone like Bukayo [Saka] especially, he’ll come and talk to you, he’ll always make you feel like you’re on the same level. It’s eye opening to see that pathway but all the guys who have made it, they have sacrificed a lot and it’s not easy.”

Net gonna happen

Arsenal will not be signing Pedro Neto this summer, according to reports.

The Gunners have been linked with the Wolves man for some time.

But he won't be heading to The Emirates in this transfer window, according to Daily Mirror deputy football editor Alex Richards.

He tweeted: "Not sure where Pedro Neto to Arsenal speculation has come from… but yeah, not happening."

Bellerin agent pushes for release

Hector Bellerin's agent is reportedly pushing for Arsenal to get release

El Chiringuito, his agent Albert Botines will be speaking with Arsenal to agree to release him.

It has been claimed that Botines will be heading to London this week to discuss his future.

The Gunners have put Bellerin up for sale, but Betis are unwilling to fork out a fee for him.

Man United legend praises Jesus

Gabriel Jesus' performance in Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace has received plaudits from Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand admitted he was blown away by Jesus' first half contribution.

And he also admitted the striker made it to his Fantasy Football Team.

Ferdinand raved on Vibe with Five: "First half they were really good. Jesus was a joke. Jesus was unreal first half.

“I still want him to be much more of a number nine though, I don’t want him coming with his back to play because I want him to get goals – he’s in my Fantasy Football team!"

Winning mentality new singings bring

Gabriel Jesus and OIeksandr Zinchenko's experience of winning trophies will be good for Arsenal, according to Martin Odegaard.

He said: "Gabi and Alex, coming from Man City, are used to winning trophies and playing for the best teams in the world for a few years. They bring that experience and they know what it takes to win in this country.

“I think it’s important, it’s always an area to improve for everyone, you can always be better in that way.

“As I said they have that experience and hopefully they can share with us what it takes to win in this country. That’s where we want to be as a team, to fight for trophies, titles, be at the top. That’s where the club should be so that’s where we want to get to.

“I think that’s a good thing for us to get players with that experience as well. Of course, the quality they have as well is top, so they have been good.”