Arsenal news and transfers live: £15m Willian exit, Bissouma boost, Sterling and Mahrez links
All of the most recent Arsenal news and transfer rumours from the world of football. The Gunners are gearing up for a big summer of transfer activity at the Emirates Stadium in London.
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Last Saturday, the Gunners wrapped off their Premier League season with a 2-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, ensuring they finished on a high heading into the summer break.
Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, will have little time to relax this summer, as the Spaniard has a lot of hard work ahead of him as he attempts to make Arsenal back into a Premier League contender.
With football, the Gunners are anxious to bring new faces to the squad.
The club hopes to add at least five new faces to the first-team roster, according to London. However, in order for this to happen, old faces must be replaced.
With that, the Emirates Stadium is in for a summer of renovation and upheaval.
And by checking today's blog throughout the day, you can stay up to date on all the latest news as it happens!
Nketiah's verdict by Arteta
Eddie Nketiah, who is in the final year of his contract at Arsenal, has been linked with a transfer away from the Emirates this summer.
According to the Mirror, he is a target for newly promoted Watford, and he has previously been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mikel Arteta was questioned about the number of opportunities Nketiah was getting at the Emirates back in March and shared his opinion.
He needs to be patient, and he doesn't appear to be deficient in any way; in fact, he's the polar opposite.
Willian is about to go.
Willian's time at Arsenal might be coming to an end shortly.
The Brazilian was only at the Emirates Stadium for a few months last summer, but after failing to recapture his best form, he is expected to leave soon.
Willian is reportedly interested in returning to Chelsea or playing in the MLS, according to Sky Sports.
Any transfer may net Arsenal £15 million, which would be a significant boost.
Coutinho is on the market.
Philippe Coutinho of Barcelona looks to have been placed up for sale, but he will not be joining Arsenal.
Despite suggestions from Fabrizio Romano that Barcelona will sell him this summer, the Gunners are not interested in signing the Brazilian.
Arsenal will focus on acquiring Martin Odegaard and other targets if the Norwegian does not work out.
Roma plot swap deal
AS Roma could step up their pursuit of Granit Xhaka by offering two players in exchange.
That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport who say that Amadou Diawara and Cengiz Under could be offered as make-weights.
Willock named Premier League Player of the Month
It's been a tremendous few months for Joe Willock since he joined Newcastle United.
That has now got even better with the midfielder being named Premier League Player of the Month for May.
He scored four goals in as many appearances throughout the month.
Sterling gives thoughts on Arteta
Another interesting tidbit amid the rumours of Arsenal's interest in Raheem Sterling.
The Manchester City wideman has previously been full of praise for Gunners' head coach Mikel Arteta.
Of course, the duo worked closely in the Spaniard's time as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.
Find out what he said here.
Jules Kounde update
Arsenal are one of the teams linked to Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, along with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
The France centre-back admitted yesterday that he could be leaving the Spanish side this summer.
"Regarding my future, it is certain that I may have to change this summer, but nothing is acted on yet, I have not decided anything.
"My goal is to evolve in a big club, to always try to progress and win trophies too. I may have to move, but that’s not relevant today."
FOUR (ty)
Speaking of birthdays, Pepe isn't the only one celebrating. It's also former Arsenal winger' Andrey Arshavin's 40th today.
Wonder if he is celebrating the big '4-0' in the same way this time...
Arsenal interested in Man City duo
A few surprise transfer names this morning.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to selling Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling.
That is according to the Mail Online, who also suggest that Arsenal hold an interest in the duo.
Bertrand set for Leicester move as Arsenal chase left back
Leicester are leading the way to sign Ryan Bertrand after holding talks with the former Southampton defender, football.london understands.
31-year-old Bertrand is a free agent after his contract with the Saints expired earlier this month, and Arsenal were one of the teams who had monitored the former Chelsea defender over the past few months.
Scotland Under-18 international Josh Doig is also liked by Arsenal but football.london has learnt that Emirates Stadium is now unlikely to be his final destination this summer.
