Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Odegaard ‘set to sign for £29m’, Aaron Ramsdale deal still on, Tottenham join Aouar race

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PAUL THE OTHER ONE

Arsenal icon Paul Merson has hit out at technical director Edu for his transfer dealings since the Invincibles hero returned to North London.

The Sky Sports pundit said: "It's worrying at Arsenal. You're still thinking: 'Where are they going?'

Edu has come in, and the recruitment has been lazy, if I'm being honest. It's been: 'Oh, we'll take Willian on a free… we'll take David Luiz for cheap.'

"I remember years ago in football, managers were judged on signings. Sometimes I think Arteta is left behind, and I'm not sure how much of a say he has got in all of this.

"Why would you let Joe Willock go? I'm not saying he's the answer, but he's come through the club and is going for £25m, that sort of money isn't going to change Arsenal.

"It's not like a Harry Kane or Jack Grealish sale where you get £100m and can rebuild the team."

TORR-PE PARK

Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira posted a picture of himself at a theme park DURING their Premier League defeat to Brentford.

As the Gunners were well on their way to an opening day loss at the Brentford Community Stadium, Torreira uploaded the picture to Twitter.

The post was captioned: "Enjoying the Parque Warner Madrid [theme park] with family and friends! Thank you very much for the great attention."

The timing of the post did not go down well with Arsenal supporters, with one replying: "Arsenal are playing lad, wtf is this?"

While another tweeted: "Do you know you're still contracted to us?"

And one wrote: "I'll always defend you but Arsenal are playing right now. Just come back already."

QUITE THE COU

Barcelona will open talks with Arsenal to discuss the signing of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.

It's believed the Catalan club will offer the Gunners Philippe Coutinho in a swap deal for the Gabon international.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona are interested in bringing Aubameyang to the Nou Camp and using flop Coutinho as bait.

It's thought the cash-strapped Catalan club cannot afford to buy the 32-year-old striker and are hoping an ex-Prem star will persuade Arsenal.

LOOK AT JIM NOW

Wolves striker Raul Jimenez says it is ‘a miracle’ he is still alive after suffering a horror skull fracture against Arsenal last November.

A sickening accidental mid-air collision with defender David Luiz left Jimenez unconscious and requiring oxygen on the Emirates pitch.  

Medics raced to the stricken Wolves striker’s side and stabilised him, applying an oxygen mask and easing him on to a stretcher before speeding him to St Mary’s Hospital, five miles away.

There, Sophie Camp and her neurosurgery team performed the life-saving operation to relieve the pressure on his brain — actions which eventually helped Jimenez make his long-awaited and miraculous Premier League return against Leicester on Saturday.

The Mexican star, 30, said: “They told me it was a miracle I was there at all. When the skull fractured the bone broke — and there was a bit of bleeding inside the brain.

“It was pushing the brain to the inside and that is why the surgery had to be so quick.

“It was a really good job by the surgeon and doctors, and now, thankfully, I am back. I’m lucky to be alive. What happened to me shows we have to be prepared. It can happen any time.”

LOC-KED IN

Juventus have finally reached an agreement for Manuel Locatelli after beating Arsenal in the chase for the Sassuolo star.

The Premier League side have been linked with the Italian international throughout the summer window.

But Locatelli’s preferred destination has always been the Bianconeri instead of Arsenal’s more lucrative offer and now his dream switch is set to be completed.

Several reports in Europe have confirmed that Juventus have agreed to pay Sassuolo £30m for the star.

Juve have also agreed to initially make it a two-year loan with the obligation to buy for £30m including other potential bonuses.

That obligation will be activated as soon as Juventus get their first Serie A point of the 2022-23 season.

LAC OF THREAT

Danny Murphy believes Arsenal should look to sell striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer if they need money to sign more players.

The French forward, who missed Arsenal’s 2-0 opening day defeat against Brentford on Friday due to illness along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has been linked with a move away from the club during this window.

Murphy told talkSPORT: “If I was Arteta I’d make some definitive decisions and stick to a team that’s capable and some tactics that you can actually see.

“We were quite enthused [with Arteta] at the beginning, there was some positivity there. Then some negativity came and he became proactive not reactive. It’s like they’ve lost their way a bit.

“But when I say definitive I’d be telling Aubameyang that he’d play week in, week out up front. Whatever it, needs you play him, week in, week out and he’ll score you goals. And if you need funds then let Lacazette go.”

REISS LIGHTNING

Reiss Nelson is being tracked by Brentford, Crystal Palace and Brighton, according to CBC Sports.

The £50,000-a-week forward posted a photo of himself at the Enter Art gallery in Brighton on Monday, when he should have been in training.

That hints at a move to the Seagulls, despite the interest from elsewhere.

It was said that Crystal Palace were leading the race for Nelson but the club has since enquired about Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, so the Eagles may be moving on from Arsenal’s No.24.

Nelson barely featured for the Gunners last season, playing just 70 minutes of football.

PREM DIG

Bayern Munich manager Julien Nagalsmann has slammed Premier League clubs for their spending this window.

It follows Jack Grealish’s £100million move to Manchester City and Romelu Lukaku’s £97.5million move to Chelsea.

Meanwhile Manchester United have spent £73million on Jadon Sancho and an initial £34million on Raphael Varane that could rise to £42million with add-ons.

Arsenal have also spent a combined £78million on Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares.

And Nagelsmann has aimed a dig at Premier League clubs for their spending in what was supposed to be a low-key window following financial difficulties due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

When asked whether Bayern would make any more signings, he said: “It is not easy to spend loads of money, we are not in the Premier League.

“If it is possible then, perhaps, we will get in a new player. If not, it’s okay as well and we will work with the players that we have in our squad.”

GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS

Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal for Martin Odegaard - this time on a permanent deal.

That's according to David Ornstein, who reports that the 23-year-old could even feature this weekend against Chelsea.

A deal worth £29million is said to have been agreed between the clubs, but there is still a substantial amount of paperwork left to be finalised before an official announcement.

And Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic says Arsenal remain keen on England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Jokanovic said: "He is a talented English player and I understand Arsenal are interested, but this is the business.

"If he is one of the best players in the league, his price is high and it’s up to Arsenal if they want him. They need to spend a lot of money.

"I will be disappointed [if he leaves] but it’s part of the realistic situation. Arsenal are pushing from one side and I am pulling from a different side.”

And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes long-term Arsenal target Houssem Aouar is still an option for the Gunners.

This time, though, the 23-year-old would be available from Lyon for just £17-21m.

Romano told the Arsenal Lounge Podcast: "It is a completely different situation when they wanted the player last summer, but it was not easy to find an agreement with the player and Lyon at the end of the window.

"But now he could still be an opportunity for Arsenal and for Tottenham. They are both in contact with his agent."

ODEGAARD-EAL

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Martin Odegaard.

That's according to David Ornstein, who reports that the 23-year-old could even feature THIS WEEKEND against Chelsea.

A deal worth £29million is said to have been agreed between the clubs, but there is still a substantial amount of paperwork left to be finalised.

Odegaard's agent was reportedly in London today to discuss a deal, and it seems as though talks have progressed well.

He will rejoin the Gunners after scoring two goals in 20 games for Arsenal in a loan spell during the second half of last season.

AOUAR ON FOR ARSENAL

Long-term Arsenal target Houssem Aouar is still an option for the Gunners.

That's according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who revealed Arsenal's interest in the 23-year-old is still there.

But now Spurs are also interested in the Lyon midfielder, who is said to be available for just £17-21million.

And Romano told the Arsenal Lounge Podcast: "It is a completely different situation when they wanted the player last summer, but it was not easy to find an agreement with the player and Lyon at the end of the window.

"But now he could still be an opportunity for Arsenal and for Tottenham. They are both in contact with his agent.

"So, they are still looking at the situation, and if Lyon gives the green light in the coming days, he could become an option for Arsenal too."

WHITE NOISE

Rio Ferdinand thinks that Ben White needs a better partner in defence to help the £50million man in his development.

The Manchester United legend says 23-year-old White needs an experienced head to help him along.

He told his YouTube challenge: "I feel that at this stage of his career, Ben White needs a partner to bring him a long, like a Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane or Thiago Silva.

"Arsenal have needed a centre-back to come in and defend. Ben White will end up being a decent signing but the biggest issue he’s got is if I was being courted by Arsenal now I’m thinking, ‘who am I playing with?’

"If I’m him I’m sitting there thinking, ‘I’m going to need some help because I’m going to be overexposed’."

MAD FOR IT

David Ornstein has contradicted previous reports from the AFC Bell.

While Martin Odegaard appears to have trained with Real Madrid today, he is not reported to have trained with the main group.

Ornstein added that Odegaard is close to reaching an agreement to join Arsenal.

OD ONE OUT

Martin Odegaard's agent is in London with a view to securing a move to Arsenal.

However, the player has yet to follow him with sources telling the AFC Bell that the Norwegian trained at Real Madrid as normal today.

GUNNER CHANGE?

Eddie Howe has been installed as the new favourite to become the next Arsenal manager.

Howe has gone from being a 9/1 outsider to the favourite at 5/2 to succeed Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.

Betfair odds:

• Eddie Howe 5/2 (was 9/1)
• Brendan Rodgers 10/3
• Antonio Conte 9/2
• Ralph Hasenhuttl 11/1

See the full list here

RAM RAID

According to The Star, the Gunners will submit a ‘decisive’ bid for the 23-year-old goalkeeper.

Arsenal are hopeful that a deal can be done with Ramsdale’s ‘desire’ to move to north London playing a key role in the transfer.

Mikel Arteta has been chasing Ramsdale for the majority of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners have had two bids rejected by the Blades, but are confident a third bid of £28million will be enough to bring Ramsdale to North London.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Arsenal’s hopes of signing Atletico Madrid ace Kieran Trippier have been dashed by the club.

The La Liga Champions will reportedly stop listening to offers for the defender who they say is an integral part of their future plans, according to AS.

Only a bid that meets their £51million valuation of the ex-Tottenham right-back could potentially entice the Spaniards to start any negotiations.

The Gunners’ previous offers have fallen short of the hefty figure.

Manchester United were linked with a £30million switch for the Atletico Madrid star throughout the summer as they looked to bolster their defence.

'SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT'

Former Arsenal man Kevin Campbell thinks there's conflict within the Gunners camp.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette missed Friday's 2-0 defeat against Brentford with a mystery illness, and it's not confirmed how long they will be out for.

Campbell played over 200 games for Arsenal, and told Sky Sports: “I am not too sure what’s going on, something isn’t right.

“Right up until the game, they were going to be in the starting line-up, then all of a sudden, they are out.

“So, if they are ill then let us know why they are ill. But I just think there is some infighting going on and Arsenal don’t need this because there’s some serious work to be done.”

TOP TWO TARGETS

The Gunners are "obsessed" to sign Martin Odegaard, Fabrizio Romano has revealed via his Twitch stream.

Odegaard's agent is reportedly in London today to discuss terms with Arsenal, with the 23-year-old himself desperate for an Emirates return after spending the second half of last season on loan in North London.

But if Real Madrid don't allow the Norwegian international to leave, Arteta will turn his attention to James Maddison.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Leicester man is Arsenal's second target, with the 24-year-old being linked with a £70million move to North London earlier this summer.

KIERAN FOR CAPTAIN?

Former Arsenal man Nigel Winterburn has called for Mikel Arteta to name a new Gunners captain.

Granit Xhaka skippered the side against Brentford on Friday in the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Swiss international was previously stripped of the captaincy in 2019.

And Winterburn told PaddyPower: "Mikel Arteta handed Granit Xhaka the captaincy back on Friday night and obviously feels he is a player that could take that responsibility.

"Some Arsenal supporters will never forgive him, and others are already calling for Kieran Tierney to become captain. You don’t need to be massively vocal; a captain can lead by example, and Tierney is someone who does so.

"I couldn’t quite believe it myself, I was surprised to see Xhaka being given the armband back, but that probably says a lot about who else is there to step up and take it.

"For some players when you give them the captaincy, they step up. For me, the only other possible captain is Kieran Tierney. Where else could it go?"

LATERS LACA

Alexandre Lacazette could be on his way out of the Emirates.

That's according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who claims the 30-year-old has a greater chance of leaving than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Both players missed Friday's dismal 2-0 defeat to Brentford with a mystery illness, and could soon seal a move away from the Emirates.

Romano said: "I would keep an eye out on Lacazette more than Aubameyang, talking about transfers.

"Because there is a chance Lacazette will be leaving in the next days, and so let’s see what happens."

NO JOKING

Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic says Arsenal remain keen on England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The talented stopper, 23, is desperate to join Mikel Arteta’s side after being relegated to the Championship.

But Jokanovic has warned Arteta he will not let Ramsdale go for pennies.

The Blades boss said: “It’s natural he wants to be a Premier League player. I am talking with him, he believes it can be a good move for himself.

“Right now he is a United player. It will depend on our club and Arsenal too because they are pushing for him but at this moment there is no change.

“He is a talented English player and I understand Arsenal are interested, but this is the business.

“If he is one of the best players in the league, his price is high and it’s up to Arsenal if they want him. They need to spend a lot of money.

“I will be disappointed [if he leaves] but it’s part of the realistic situation.

“Arsenal is pushing from one side and I am pulling from a different side.”

NEXT IN LINE

Eddie Howe has been installed as the new favourite to become the next Arsenal manager, JAMES ANDERSON reports.

Howe has gone from being a 9/1 outsider to the favourite at 5/2 to succeed Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.

The previous frontrunner was Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers who has now drifted to second in the market.

Arteta's position is already under scrutiny after a woeful opening defeat to Brentford.

Antonio Conte is third-favourite at 9/2.

Arsenal next manager

Betfair odds

• Eddie Howe 5/2 (was 9/1)
• Brendan Rodgers 10/3
• Antonio Conte 9/2
• Ralph Hasenhuttl 11/1
• Roberto Martinez 14/1
• Gian Piero Gasperini 14/1
• Paulo Fonesca 14/1
• Freddie Ljungberg 16/1
• Diego Simeone 16/1

NO DEAL

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed Barcelona are NOT interested in signing Arsenal club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 32-year-old missed Friday's game against Brentford with a mystery illness, and has been linked with a move to Camp Nou.

It's been reported that Ronald Koeman's side were interested in a potential swap deal that involved Aubameyang moving to Barcelona, and Camp Nou outcast Philippe Coutinho heading in the other direction.

But Romano has put those rumours to bed, saying in a Tweet: "Barcelona have no interest in Pierre Aubameyang, confirmed - he’s not even a target for Barça, no swap deal with Philippe Coutinho."