A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Manchester United rival Mikel Arteta for the transfer of Martin Zubimendi and Victor Osimhen is urged to snub a move to Chelsea.
Martin Zubimendi favours Arsenal over a transfer to Manchester United
Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi would likely prefer a transfer to Arsenal over a move to Manchester United this summer. That is according to Dean Jones, who reports that the Red Devils ‘like’ the 24-year-old. But the Spaniard is not that keen to seal a move to Old Trafford.
A chance to sign the Txuri-Urdin product at the end of this term does appeal to Manchester United. Zubimendi has merited interest at Old Trafford after anchoring Real Sociedad’s team in 31 games this term. He has also scored four goals and laid on one assist from deep a role.
Arsenal manager Arteta is particularly keen to secure Zubimendi’s transfer. AS notes that the Gunners coach has made his compatriot their top midfield target. Additionally, Christian Falk claims Arteta is speaking directly with Zubimendi, who has a release clause of €60m (£51m).
Read more about what Jones has had to say about Zubimendi’s transfer, here.
Nottingham Forest frustrate Arsenal’s efforts to sell Nuno Tavares
Arsenal are open to selling Nuno Tavares in January but Nottingham Forest refuse to tear up his loan transfer. That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that the Reds are intent on retaining the left-back for a full season, especially now he has Nuno Espirito Santo’s trust.
Ligue 1 club Marseille tried to sign Tavares before successfully turning their efforts toward a deal with FC Nantes for Quentin Merlin. The 24-year-old still retains suitors in Italy, though. But Arsenal need Nottingham Forest to terminate his spell at the City Ground to do any deal.
Arsenal did not include a recall clause in Tavares’ loan when he moved to Nottingham Forest for £1m last summer. The Reds’ deal does include an option to buy the wing-back for £12m, plus £3m in add-ons. Tavares will only have a year left on his Arsenal contract this summer.
Read more about what Romano has had to say about Tavares, here.
Chris Sutton urges Victor Osimhen to snub Chelsea for Arsenal
Chris Sutton has told Osimhen to snub Chelsea and agree a transfer to Arsenal if the striker leaves SSC Napoli this summer. The Blues and Gunners are likely to battle in the off-season for the 25-year-old’s signature. But Sutton is adamant that Arsenal would be a better home.
He told the BBC’s Monday Night Club: “Is he better than what Arsenal have got? Is he better than what Chelsea have got? Absolutely! Do we think that Arsenal are going to push more than Chelsea in the next couple of seasons? Probably, but Chelsea are a bit of a slow burner.
“Arsenal are getting desperate for a No9. Certainly, [regarding Chelsea] with Nicolas Jackson, Osimhen is a massive upgrade. Nkunku can’t get himself fit, and you feel for Pochettino with that one… But if [Osimhen is] really ambitious at this moment in time, you wouldn’t touch Chelsea ahead of Arsenal.”
According to Tancredi Palmeri, Osimhen has now decided that he wants to leave Napoli this summer. His intention is also to switch to the Premier League, where Arsenal are ‘ticking all the boxes’ over Osimhen’s transfer. But Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid are also keen.
Napoli could point to the €130m (£111m) release clause in the contract Osimhen just signed in December during any negotiations. But Palmeri adds that the Azzurri might accept €110m (£94m) for the Nigerian, who Graeme Bailey tells Arsenal Insider that Chelsea want to sign.
Read more about what Sutton has had to say about Osimhen’s transfer, here.
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