Asano denied permit
Arsenal have been dealt a blow after Japanese striker Takuma Asano has been denied a work permit. Asano will now spend a second season on loan at Stuttgart after helping them gain promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
Arsenal had three stipulations with his loan move last year that would have been able to recall him prematurely, these were that Stuttgart remained in the second division, the player played less than 25 games or he became eligible for a work permit that would allow him to play in the Premier League. As none of these occurred it means Asano will remain with the German club for a further season.
The striker played 27 times for Stuttgart, scoring five goals and assisting in four.
Berge bid imminent
Arsenal are weighing up an £18m bid for Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge. The defensive midfielder has played 15 times for Genk this season and seems a real gem of a player. Arsenal will be competing with Everton, Monaco and Sevilla for the 18-year-old’s signature.
New role, new staff
Arsenal are expected to appoint Australian expert Darren Burgess as their new Director of high performance. Burgess is expected to be given a wide range of tasks including overall control of medical, fitness, psychology and performance analysis as well as working with the academy. The arrival of Burgess shows manager Arsene Wenger got his way to ensure the club did not bring in a director of football.
Burgess worked for Liverpool for two years between 2010 to 2012 and was rated very highly by the club and players.
Arsenal watch Zivkovic
Arsenal was watching winger Andrija Zivkovic who is on duty at the U21 Championships with Serbia. The Benfica player has a buyout clause of £52.5m, which seems steep for the 20-year-old.
Chambers on the move
Calum Chambers could be next to leave the club after being asked if he would be returning to Arsenal at the end of the U21 Championships, he replied ‘no comment’. It could be that Chambers sees his future away from the club now that he established himself in the Middlesbrough team last season.
Lacazette move
According to reports, Arsenal are in advanced position to sign Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette. Lyon seem set to receive a bid from Arsenal thought to be around the £60m price tag.
Campbell set to leave
Joel Campbell is set to leave the club although so far no bids have been received for the talented forward player. The Costa Rican international found himself loaned out last season to Sporting in Portugal. The 24-year-old would be available for a knockdown price as he is deemed surplus to requirements.
