A round-up of the latest Arsenal news including Riccardo Calafiori’s imminent announcement, Arteta’s quotes on youth prospect Ayden Heaven after the pre-season friendly against Manchester United and more on Eddie Nketiah’s future amid Marseille links.
Arteta on Ayden Heaven’s ‘remarkable’ recovery against Manchester United
Plenty of Hale End youngsters were given their chance to shine by Mikel Arteta in the pre-season victory over Manchester United.
Arsenal ended up 2-1 winners after goals from Brazilian forwards Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, positive signs for the pair after disappointing campaigns last time out.
Ethan Nwaneri and Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand stood out, with both players impressing fans and staking their claim for more minutes with the opener against Wolves three weeks away.
17-year-old Ayden Heaven was once again chosen to partner Jurrien Timber in the middle of defence, but he endured a difficult moment early on as Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring.
Impressively, he refused to let it faze him and out in a very solid performance afterwards, earning praise from Mikel Arteta.
“Very impressive. At 17, I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this,” he said.
“He’s lost a duel against one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen, but the reaction afterwards, the composure, the quality, the body language that he had were all remarkable. I’m really happy with him.”
Read more on Ayden Heaven’s performance against Manchester United here.
Riccardo Calafiori completes Arsenal medical, expected to join up in USA pre-season tour
The long-awaited arrival of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal looks like it might be coming to its end at long last.
It has now been reported that Calafiori has completed his Arsenal medical in London, and flew to the US yesterday afternoon (28/07) to finalise his move and meet his new teammates.
The 22-year-old could train as early as today with his move expected to be announced imminently.
“Riccardo Calafiori will fly to the US this afternoon to join up with the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour. He was having medical in London yesterday,” Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth posted on X.
It is not yet known when Calafiori will make his Arsenal debut, but if the paperwork is done in time, he could face Liverpool in the final Stateside game on July 31st in Philadelphia before returning to London for a pair of Emirates Cup fixtures.
The game against Granit Xhaka’s Bayer Leverkusen on August 7th could be the first time we see him in the red of Arsenal.
Read more on Riccardo Calafiori’s imminent Arsenal arrival here.
Marseille’s ‘nonsense’ offer for Nketiah, new valuation mooted
Earlier reports from France stated that a deal for Eddie Nketiah was close after Marseille tabled a loan with £17m buy offer for the Arsenal forward.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah from his parents to rapping
It looked like the deal could suit both parties, but a problem has arisen as Marseille and Arsenal are miles apart in their valuation of Nketiah.
Arsenal want a straight sale, while Roberto De Zerbi’s side would prefer the loan with the option to buy at a later date.
Arsenal Insider understands that the chances of Marseille being able to stump up the sort of fee Edu has in mind are slim, given some legs to the prospect of a loan to buy deal down the line.
Personal terms are already agreed with Nketiah, however, French outlet La Provence have now claimed that Arsenal want £42m for the 25-year-old.
“£50m is maybe a bit unrealistic for Eddie, but he’s worth way more than £25m,” journalist Charles Watts said on his YouTube channel.
“I think £40m is a very good number for someone like Eddie, I would say in this market. He’s English, Premier League proven, he scores goals. I just think £25m, no way.
Read more on Marseille’s offer for Eddie Nketiah here.
Smith Rowe’s impact when first breaking into the Arsenal team was remembered, as the midfielder arguably saved Mikel Arteta’s job when introduced to the team in 2020.
There was also a review of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in their opening pre-season tour match, whilst the next steps for Edu Gaspar in the transfer market were discussed.
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