A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Kevin Campbell backs a January transfer for Ruben Neves and coach Mikel Arteta is dealt a huge injury blow at Emirates Stadium.
Campbell thinks Neves makes ‘perfect sense’ for Arsenal
Gunners hero Campbell believes the north London giants signing Al Hilal midfielder Neves in January makes ‘perfect sense’. Arteta is currently studying a swoop to sign the Portuguese in the winter sales. But Arsenal will face a difficult quest to secure the former Wolves captain.
Reports by Sport have suggested that Arteta has asked Arsenal to sign Neves as he is keen to reinforce their midfield. But The Athletic now claims that the 26-year-old is likely to stay in Saudi Arabia this winter. Al Hilal expect him to stay at the club through until next summer.
Neves only moved to the Middle East this summer but has drawn vast interest from Premier League teams in a return. Arsenal are among the pack of clubs with eyes on his transfer. Any deal for the midfielder to switch to Emirates Stadium would also be an ideal fit for Campbell.
“Considering his age and how good he is it’s one that makes perfect sense,” Campbell noted on Highbury Squad. “He’s young enough, he’s good enough to play a lot of games in there for us. I think this is a good move.”
Read more about what Campbell has had to say on a transfer to Arsenal for Neves, here.
Arsenal suffer a new blow over Timber’s ACL injury
Arsenal have suffered a new blow as Arteta awaits the return of Jurrien Timber from his ACL injury. That is according to AD, which reports that the 22-year-old will now not return before next term. He has been out of action since the first game of this term after requiring surgery.
Timber sustained the blow early in the second half as Arsenal started their season with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have since taken his recovery with great caution. But Arteta had hoped to welcome his big summer signing back this term.
Read more about the latest update on the injury Timber suffered on his Arsenal debut, here.
Arsenal learn it will cost £105m to sign Neves
Arsenal have now learnt that it will cost them £105m to sign Joao Neves from SL Benfica this winter. 90min had claimed earlier in November that the Gunners scouted the 19-year-old as the Aguias beat Sporting Lisbon. Liverpool also sent their scouts to review him in the derby.
Now, though, Fabrizio Romano reports that Benfica will hold firm in demanding the €120m (£105m) release clause in Neves’ contract. The Liga Portugal giants have zero interest in any deal this winter. So, they will demand the same terms that Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez.
Read more about Benfica’s stance on a transfer for Arsenal target Neves, here.
Sutton is stunned as an Arsenal U16 gem scores 10
Chidozie Obi-Martin has left Chris Sutton astounded after the Arsenal academy sensation hit 10 past Liverpool in an Under-16 game. He fired home a double-digit haul to help to a 14-3 win on Saturday. The 15-year-old also hit the net nine times from open play, plus a penalty.
“Have you heard of the name Chido Obi-Martin?” he said on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast. “There’s a good chance you’ll be writing about him in the future.
“He scored 10 goals in a game for Arsenal against Liverpool Under-16s. Ten goals in a game! I only did it twice but not at that level. That’s pretty amazing, whatever you say at that level. Under-16 level, Arsenal vs Liverpool, two massive clubs. I mean, blimey!”
Read more about what Sutton has had to say on Arsenal sensation Obi-Martin, here.
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