1.15pm Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gabriel Magalhaes ‘DONE DEAL’, Lacazette-Bernardeschi swap, Aubameyang contract hint – The Sun
ARSENAL are on the verge of signing Lille's Gabriel Magalhaes, with one journalist claiming it is a 'done deal'.
And Juventus are reported to be willing to offer Federico Bernadeschi in exchange for Alexandre Lacazette.
Get all the latest news and transfer gossip from North London here…
INFLUENCING
Arsenal fans are going wild… because Gabriel Magalhaes’ brother Vinicius and brother-in-law Lucas Benicio have started following the Gunners on Instagram.
Eagle-eyed supporters have been keeping a close eye on their Instagram activity after reports the Brazilian defender has had a medical in North London.
MO PROBLEMS
Arsenal have completed the signing of highly-rated Feyenoord starlet Salah-Eddine on a free transfer.
And Gunners fans were quick to joke that Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah better watch out for his 17-year-old namesake.
Salah-Eddine, known as ‘Salah’, will join the club’s youth set-up and compete for a spot in Arsenal’s Under-23 side.
Predominantly a central midfielder, the Dutchman spent his youth career in the Netherlands and came through the ranks at Feyenoord.
He said: “It feels great to join a massive club like Arsenal.
“It’s a good environment for me to work on my development and hopefully through the academy I can become a first-team player.”
GAB GRAB
Arsenal are on the brink of completing their swoop for Gabriel Magalhaes after Kalidou Koulibaly agreed to join Manchester City, according to reports.
The Gunners have been chasing the Lille centre-back, 22, all summer as they desperately look to plug a gaping hole in their leaky defence.
And Mikel Arteta has given a clear-run to sign Gabriel after Napoli – their only real rivals to sign the Brazilian – turned their attention to Mykola Matvienko.
The Serie A side will need to find a new defender quickly too, after it was rumoured Koulibaly had agreed to move to the Man City.
Koulibaly has been linked with a move to England for the last two years.
Manchester United were the early favourites to sign him, before Liverpool and City joined the race.
NOT GUNNER HAPPEN
Houssem Aouar is set to snub a move to the Premier League despite interest from Arsenal and Manchester City.
Le 10 Sport claim that Juventus are the Lyon star's choice above the Gunners, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Turin club have been keen on recruiting the highly-rated Frenchman for over a year.
GIFT OF THE GAB
Arsenal are on the brink of completing their swoop for Gabriel Magalhaes after Kalidou Koulibaly agreed to join Manchester City, according to reports.
The Gunners have been chasing the Lille centre-back, 22, all summer as they desperately look to plug a gaping hole in their leaky defence.
And Mikel Arteta has given a clear-run to sign Gabriel after Napoli – their only real rivals to sign the Brazilian – turned their attention to Mykola Matvienko.
The Serie A side will need to find a new defender quickly too, after it was rumoured Koulibaly had agreed to move to the Man City.
But Napoli won't be looking to replace Koulibaly with Gabriel, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Instead, the Serie A giants are looking at Shakhtar Donetsk ace Matvienko – himself a January transfer target for Arsenal.
DONE DEAL
Arsenal announced the capture of highly-rated teenager Salah-Eddine on a free transfer.
The 17-year-old has joined the club from Dutch side Feyenoord.
Salah, who predominantly plays in central midfield, will join the Gunners' Professional Development Phase for next season.
MUST BE IN NEED
Napoli have identified Shkodran Mustafi as a potential transfer target if they miss out on Gabriel Magalhaes, according to reports.
The Serie A side are part of three-way battle with Arsenal and Manchester United to sign the Lille defender.
But with the Gunners in pole position and closest to wrapping up a transfer, Napoli are reportedly beginning to look at alternatives.
The Coppa Italia winners look increasingly likely to lose star defender Kalidou Koulibaly – latest reports suggest Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign the Senegal international.
And according to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato, one player they are considering if they miss out on Gabriel is Arsenal's Mustafi, 28.
Napoli have also been linked with Mustafi's team-mate Sokratis, Barcelona star Jean-Clair Todibo and Shakhtar Donetsk man Mykola Matviyenko.
CLUE-BALLOS
Dani Ceballos has dropped a huge hint he will move to Arsenal this summer after saying “see you soon” to Joe Willock, complete with a wink emoji.
The Real Madrid midfielder, 24, became a key cog in the Gunners midfield during his loan spell last season.
And the player himself has suggested he's coming back to the Emirates after a cryptic hint slipped in to a birthday message for pal Willock.
Sharing a picture of himself with Willock in training, Ceballos wrote, “Happy birthday little brother. See you soon”, complete with a wink emoji.
BERNARD'S CASTLE
Arsenal are reportedly ready to consider a swap deal with Alexandre Lacazette moving to Juventus and Federico Bernardeschi going the other way.
Lacazette and Raul Jimenez have been identified as Juve's top attacking targets after Gonzalo Higuain was released by the club.
GIFT OF THE GAB
Gabriel Magalhaes' move to Arsenal is a done deal, according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira.
He tweeted: “Done deal! gabrielmagalhaes to arsenal from lille. gunners will pay him €30M to losc. For the brazilian centre-back ready a contract until 2025 (€3M/year). transfers afc“
The Brazilian had been linked with Napoli, but Arsenal are believed to have moved strongly into the driving seat over the past few days.
MORNING ARSENAL FANS
The Gabriel Magalhaes transfer saga has taken another twist with Arsenal now said to be closing in on a deal to sign the Lille defender once again.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that the player could even become a Gunners player this weekend.
But this would only happen if Man Utd fail to raise their offer to the Brazilian centre-back.
And the North Londoners are also said to have opened talks with Lyon for the transfer of Houssem Aouar.
Manchester City are believed to be keen on signing the French midfielder, but Arsenal currently lead the race to bring the 22-year-old to the Premier League.
In other news, Wolves and Newcastle have joined Tottenham in the race to sign £20million-rated Arsenal ace Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to reports.
Earlier this month, SunSport revealed the Gunners academy graduate had been put up for sale as Mikel Arteta aims to raise transfer funds.
Tottenham quickly became early favourites to land him but Wolves and Newcastle have now entered the race, say Sky Sports.
And finally, Greek international Sokratis is reportedly poised to ask the club to rip up his contract and allow him to join Napoli.
According to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, the 32-year-old has already held talks with Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso.
He has one year left on his contract at the Emirates, and is hoping the club allow him to leave early.
FEEL THE BERN
Arsenal could eye a transfer swap with Juventus involving Alexandre Lacazette and Federico Bernardeschi.
The Italian champions are searching for a forward under manager Andrea Pirlo, who released veteran striker Gonzalo Higuain.
Wolves' Raul Jimenez – who hit 27 goals last season – remain Juve's No1 target.
But according to Nicolo Schira, Arsenal striker Lacazaette has emerged as an alternative
And with the Serie A kings looking to reduce their wage bill, they may try to include attacker Bernardeschi in any deal with the Gunners.
Bernardeschi has been linked with Manchester United and despite playing 38 times last term the Italian's career in Turin remains uncertain.
LONDON CALLING
Lille defender Gabriel is now believed to be close to joining Arsenal ahead of Manchester United.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the 22-year-old could become a Gunners player by Saturday.
But that is only if the Red Devils fail to raise their offer to the centre-back.
It has been claimed that Lille prefer Gabriel to join Napoli, but the player is keen on a switch to the Premier League.
WRIGHT STUFF
Well it's clear to see what Ian Wright thinks about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's contract situation…
FOLLOW THE CROWD
Arsenal have announced plans to have fans back in the Emirates stadium on October 3 against Sheffield United.
Supporters have been unable to attend matches since March, when the season was halted amid the coronavirus pandemic.
By the time the season resumed in June, all games were completed behind closed doors.
The same protocols will be in place when the new campaign kick off on September 12, but the government announced they will target reduced crowds returning to football matches in October.
And Arsenal have informed their fans they will attempt to follow the plan.
An email read: “We are continuing to work hard with the Premier League and UK Government on plans to bring fans back to stadiums, initially with reduced capacities.
“We are disappointed that our home fixture against West Ham United on Saturday 19 September will be played behind closed doors, but based on current Government guidelines, we hope to be able to welcome supporters back to Emirates Stadium for the Sheffield United game scheduled for Saturday 3 October.
“We will share full information regarding fan attendance at reduced capacity matches by Wednesday 2 September.”
RESCUE MISSION
Newcastle have been linked with Juventus misfit Aaron Ramsey – including matching his £400,000-a-week wages.
The former Arsenal midfielder has also reportedly been offered to Wolves after struggling for a regular start with the Italian champions.
Now Tuttojuve suggest the Magpies are willing to pay the 29-year-old FOUR TIMES the salary of their current top-earner Jonjo Shelvey.
Ramsey managed just four goals in 35 games for Juve last term, rarely adjusting to their system.
And new boss Andrea Pirlo, who replaced sacked Maurizio Sarri, is said to want a clear-out to fund new buys.
On top of that, the Old Lady are looking at ways of cutting their costs as football takes a hit from the coronavirus pandemic.
REST-LESS RED DEVILS
Manchester United have the second fewest number of days to prepare for the new season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have 34 days from crashing out of the Europa League against Sevilla in the semi-final to their opening league fixture.
But the Red Devils have a whole six days MORE than unlucky Arsenal.
The Gunners will compete in the Charity Shield just 28 days after winning the FA Cup at Wembley.
SOK IT UP
Arsenal defender Sokratis is reportedly poised to ask the club to rip up his contract and allow him to join Napoli.
The Greek centre-half found himself out of Mikel Arteta's starting XI towards the end of the season.
And with William Saliba back from his loan and Gabriel Magalhaes close to completing a £27million move from Lille, Sokratis' days at the Emirates look numbered.
According to to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, the 32-year-old has already held talks with Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso.
He has one year left on his contract at Arsenal, and is hoping the club allow him to leave early.
LADE LOW
Former Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a doubt for the start of the season after picking up a knee injury in training.
The Liverpool midfielder suffered a knock from a challenge during the side's pre-season camp in Austria.
The 27-year-old was flown back to Melwood to begin his rehab with Liverpool's medical team.
Boss Jurgen Klopp said the Ox's injury was similar to the one Jordan Henderson suffered against Brighton towards the end of last season.
He said: “Really unfortunate. An unfortunate situation as well, it was a challenge [in training]. It looks very similar to what Hendo had, which keeps him out for – we don't know for sure exactly how long.
“But for this pre-season he will not make a game. Arsenal for sure not, and then we will see. The next game is probably two weeks later, but I don't know.
“We have to wait but it is far away from being perfect, of course. It is really hard for him and hard for us, but it is not to change.”
SAL SEARCHING
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BELL TOLLS
Arsenal should sell Hector Bellerin this summer, according to Gunners legend Charlie Nicholas.
Boss Mikel Arteta is poised to continue re-shaping the squad this summer, and the defence will clearly be a priority.
And while Nicholas expects the likes of Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis, Calum Chambers and even Rob Holding to be fearing for their future, Bellerin is a surprise name on his list of possible exits.
The Spanish defender, 25, joined Arsenal from the Barcelona academy in 2011, and has gone on to make 204 appearances in all compeitions.
Speaking to Sky Sports, on the prospect of flogging Bellerin, Nicholas said: “I would contemplate and look at, people have been mentioning, somebody like Bellerin if the right money came.
“Now, Bellerin has been a star but since his bad injury he's never really recovered fully.
“If we can get him fit again and get him going again, then I'm all for Bellerin staying here.”
GIFT OF THE GAB
Arsenal have been dealt another blow in their pursuit of Lille ace Gabriel with reports claiming the defender is weighing up a move to join Man Utd.
The Telegraph's Sam Dean has tweeted: “Hearing that Gabriel Magalhaes & his camp are more than happy to wait before making a final decision.
“There is no immediate deadline, despite some reports. As reported by @TelegraphSport, afc were very much leading the race before mufc interest.
“This could drag on and on…”
WIN TOGETHER, LUIZ TOGETHER
Willian revealed close fried David Luiz convinced him to join the Gunners.
Willian told the Arsenal club website: “He's very happy. We played together in the national team, we played together at Chelsea, and now at Arsenal again.
“I think we can do great things together, I hope so, but I'm very happy to be with him again.
“He said, 'Come to Arsenal, come to Arsenal, I want you to come!' So that was the conversation.
“He is a very nice guy, a top player and I'm very excited to play with him again.
“Of course [he helped in the past], many times. Many times when I had difficult times at Chelsea he was helping me a lot.”
WITCHING AUOAR
Lyon have reportedly rejected a bid from Arsenal for Houssem Aouar involving outcast star Matteo Guendouzi.
The French midfielder looks increasingly likely to head for the Emirates exit after falling out with Mikel Arteta.
Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Roma and Unai Emery's new club Villarreal are all linked with Guendouzi.
According to L'Equipe, via GFFN, Arsenal attempted to move on the 21-year-old by offering him in a player-plus-cash deal for Lyon star Aouar.
At 22, Aouar has become an integral part of the Ligue 1 side's midfield and is said to be valued at £54million.
The Champions League semi-finalists are not optimistic about their chances of holding on to the attacking midfielder.
CAN'T HIT A BARNES DOOR
John Barnes thinks Philippe Coutinho should join Arsenal as they are the “best fit” for him.
Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “I don’t think Tottenham would be interested, as I don’t know if the way that Jose Mourinho likes to play will suit him, as he likes the ball and having a lot of possession, whereas Mourinho doesn’t necessarily play that way.
“Arsenal could be the best club with the style of football they play.
“Chelsea could be another good match, because of the way Frank Lampard sets up his team, so with that in mind, Arsenal or Chelsea would be the best solution for him.”
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