Arsenal transfers live - Rice claim made, two in for Partey, Pepe stance

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Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Please join us again on Thursday morning for more Arsenal news and gossip.

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ICYMI: Rice keen on Arsenal switch

Gareth Southgate's England midfield will be trading places this summer.

Southgate named seven midfielders in his squad for the Euro qualifiers double header with Malta and North Macedonia - and, incredibly, five of them could be on the move. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are set to be involved in two of the biggest transfer deals of the summer as they could both fetch around £100m each.

When Bayern Munich and Thomas Tuchel came calling for Rice, the West Ham captain was respectful and heard what they had to say. But he was never remotely tempted or seriously interested. His first choice is Arsenal.

What is good for Rice is that he will push himself at Arsenal. They see him as a successor for Granit Xhaka, he will play further forward and develop his game.

Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes

Pepe 'open-minded' on Saudi switch

Nicolas Pepe could be open to a Saudi Arabia switch, according to 3addedminutes.

The Ivorian international is surplus to requirements at Arsenal, with suggestions his contract could be terminated if push comes to shove.

Even if interest in Pepe emerges, Mikel Arteta's side can expect to take a hit on the £72m they paid for the ex-Lille man.

Neves' agent 'making Arsenal play'

Ruben Neves' agent Jorge Mendes is attempting to offload the midfielder to Arsenal, according to The Sun.

Barcelona had looked like a likely destination for the Portugal international, but now the Gunners and Premier League rivals Newcastle could be back on the table.

Neves, 26, has been tipped to leave Wolves this summer after six years at Molineux.

Arsenal stars on TV

A broadcasting deal has finally been agreed to show the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with the BBC and ITV set to spearhead the UK’s coverage.

Several Arsenal players will feature in the tournament.

Bitter negotiations have been ongoing for the last few weeks with concerns growing that the tournament would be left without a broadcaster. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had suggested that a European TV blackout could have been brought into force.

It was suggested that broadcasters had only offered $1m-$10m (£800,000-£8m) for the rights, compared with $100m-$200m for the men's tournament. However, it now appears that both parties have found an agreement.

Click here to read more...

Kroenke sends message to fans

The Denver Nuggets have become the latest sports club in Stan Kroenke's business empire to taste success, after they became NBA champions for a first time.

The Colorado outfit won their first ever title after 47 years of waiting, sealing the championship with a 94-89 win over the Miami Heat, to win the series 4-1.

And after the game, he seemed to send a message to his own football club, saying: "I always say if you want to win a championship you've got to go get it, nobody's going to make it available to you."

Read the full story here...

More on Havertz bid

Arsenal are exploring a shock move for Chelsea striker Kai Havertz – but the Gunners are stalling over the £70 million asking price.

The German has been a qualified success at Stamford Bridge, scoring the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.

But the Gunners, looking for more firepower to sustain their return to Champions League orbit next season, are working on a possible deal for 24-year-old Havertz.

And although their valuation falls short of the £71m Chelsea paid Bayer Leverkusen three years ago, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta feels there is a deal to be done.

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Arsenal make Havertz stance clear

Arsenal are thought to be ready to step up their interest in a deal to sign Kai Havertz, with the Gunners hoping for Chelsea to lower their asking price.

Real Madrid are also interested in the forward, with Chelsea ready to sell as they look set to offload up to ten players this summer. The Blues are reportedly willing to consider offers in the region of £70 million for the 24-year-old, whose contract expires in June 2025.

A similar price would be required to sign Mason Mount, with both players thought to be on their way out of Stamford Bridge despite their joint-success in achieving Champions League glory in 2021.

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ICYMI: Arsenal 'join race' for Chukwueze

Arsenal are one of a number of clubs in the mix for Samuel Chukwueze, according to Calciomercato (via football.london).

The Villarreal star is said to have a number of suitors, including Real Madrid, AC Milan and several Premier League clubs.

Nigeria international Chukwueze scored a career-best 13 goals in all competitions last season, but 2022 Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal missed out on a top four finish in Spain.

Leaked Premier League fixtures

An image showing the first round of Premier League fixtures for 2023/24 campaign has been leaked on social media... but it appears to be a hoax.

That is because the 'leak' suggests Luton will play Liverpool, but Kenilworth Road is not expected to be ready to host a Premier League game until September due to ongoing works. The Hatters need to renovate their stadium to meet Premier League requirements.

According to the leak, Arsenal will travel to Fulham...

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Former Gunner Willian offered Fulham extension

Willian has been offered a one-year extension to stay at Fulham, according to The Evening Standard.

The former Arsenal man impressed at Craven Cottage last term, helping Marco Silva's team secure a top-half finish.

However, the Brazil international has been attracting interest from Saudi Arabia and has yet to decide on his next move.

Dortmund lead Fresneda race

Ivan Fresneda looks set to join Borussia Dortmund, according to reports on the continent (via Football Espana).

The Valladolid full-back had been linked with Arsenal, though the Gunners are expected to look elsewhere.

Valladolid suffered a heartbreaking relegaton from La Liga, finishing just a point adrift of Almeria.

Smith Rowe staying

Emile Smith Rowe is poised to stay at Arsenal, according to The Mail.

The England international has been linked with a move to a Premier League rival after struggling for minutes last term.

However, he has reportedly been assured he remains part of the Gunners' plans and is expected to have a part fo play upon his return from England under-21 duty.

Caicedo transfer 'fear'

Brighton are fearing Moises Caicedo’s departure from the club this summer, according to his team-mate Pervis Estupinan.

Caicedo is poised to leave the Seagulls after Roberto De Zerbi made it clear the club would not stand in his way.

Brighton have already sold Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool this summer and Caicedo looks set to follow him, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all interested in acquiring his services.

Read the full story here

Arsenal keeper Hein opens up on future

Karl Jakob Hein has spoken about holding talks with Arsenal as he prepares for international duty.

The Estonian keeper made his first-team debut in the League Cup last term but has yet to play in the Premier League.

"I've talked to the club briefly [about my role], but nothing is clear yet," Hein said, per ERR News.

"We'll see what happens in preseason. My dream is to be a Premier League number one."

Guler available on the cheap

Turkish starlet Arda Guler could be available for less than £20m, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Fenerbahce youngster, who has been compared to Mesut Ozil, was strongly linked with Arsenal last summer.

A €17.5m release clause is set to be activated, it has been claimed, after the 18-year-old played more than 1,500 minutes for the Super Lig runners-up last term.

One deal every Premier League club must seal

While some of Arsenal's rivals have already made progress towards summer signings, the window has a long way to go.

Mirror Football has looked at one deal which each of the 20 clubs should be looking to wrap up.

The selection includes ins and outs for Arsenal, with striker Folarin Balogun one man who could be on the move.

Read the full story here

Neves' agent 'making Arsenal play'

Ruben Neves' agent Jorge Mendes is attempting to offload the midfielder to Arsenal, according to The Sun.

Barcelona had looked like a likely destination for the Portugal international, but now the Gunners and Premier League rivals Newcastle could be back on the table.

Neves, 26, has been tipped to leave Wolves this summer after six years at Molineux.

Smith Rowe in England under-21 squad

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has been named in England's squad for the European Under-21 Championships.

A number of other Premier League stars have been called up by boss Lee Carsley, including Liverpool pair Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones.

The Young Lions will kick off their campaign against the Czech Republic on June 22.

Former England star makes Rice claim

Former England and West Ham defender Glen Johnson believes Declan Rice 'needs' to move to a club competing for trophies, amid Arsenal's push for the midfielder.

“I don’t believe Declan will stay at West Ham United this summer, but in his heart I believe he would want to," Johnson told Betfred.

"Realistically for his career, he needs to make a move to a top club if he’s going to win more trophies. I believe he’d personally love to stay, but realistically I’m sure he’s accepted that he needs to leave.”

Two in for Partey

Arsenal could be tempted to offload Thomas Partey this summer, according to The Times.

Two unnamed Italian clubs are said to be in the mix for the Ghana midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020.

A sale could hinge on Arsenal's other midfield movements, with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo still high on their shopping list.

Pepe 'open-minded' on Saudi switch

Nicolas Pepe could be open to a Saudi Arabia switch, according to 3addedminutes.

The Ivorian international is surplus to requirements at Arsenal, with suggestions his contract could be terminated if push comes to shove.

Even if interest in Pepe emerges, Mikel Arteta's side can expect to take a hit on the £72m they paid for the ex-Lille man.

Arsenal 'join race' for Chukwueze

Arsenal are one of a number of clubs in the mix for Samuel Chukwueze, according to Calciomercato (via football.london).

The Villarreal star is said to have a number of suitors, including Real Madrid, AC Milan and several Premier League clubs.

Nigeria international Chukwueze scored a career-best 13 goals in all competitions last season, but 2022 Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal missed out on a top four finish in Spain.

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Welcome back to MIrror Football's live Arsenal blog.

We'll be bringing you all the latest from around the Emirates Stadium as the transfer window opens.

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Bayern boost Arsenal's bid for Rice

One of the major rivals to Arsenal's pursuit of Declan Rice has seemingly dropped out of the race.

According to German media publication Bild: "A commitment from Declan Rice is off the table for the time being. That was decided by FC Bayern's new 'Sports Committee' on Tuesday."

Wenger's words on Mbappe resurface

Many Arsenal fans have flagged up the words of Arsene Wenger today with Kylian Mbappe linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Back in 2017, he claimed the club had come close to signing the then teenager star.

“We were on the case last year already and he [Mbappe] was close to joining us. Maybe closer last year than this year because the competition to get him was a bit smaller than it is today," Wenger said during a press conference.

"I personally believe that for 90 per cent of the players, their career depends completely on where they choose to go. For 10 per cent of the players, they can go where they want and they will make a great career.

"For me he’s in the 10 per cent. He could close his eyes and choose, 'I go here, I go to Real Madrid or to Arsenal or to Man United and will have a great career'."

Former City star leaves Arsenal

Fran Stenson has left Arsenal women's team on a free transfer.

Having joined from Manchester City in 2019 she made just one appearance during at the club, in a 4-0 win over London City Lionesses in the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup in November 2020.

She spent time on loan at Blackburn Rovers, Brighton and Hove Albion, Birmingham City and most recently Sheffield United.

A club statement read: "Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Fran for her efforts here and wish her well in her future career."

Tickets on sale for Arsenal v Barcelona

Tickets for Arsenal's pre-season fixture against FC Barcelona at Sofi Stadium are available now.

The match is part of the Soccer Champions Tour series, with the game againsty the Catalan giants being hosted at SoFi Stadium, home of the LA Rams. The Gunners also play Man United in New Jersey on July 22 and in Washington DC on July 19.

The official Arsenal website has today released details of ticket sales.

Stan Kroenke sends message to fans

The Denver Nuggets have become the latest sports club in Stan Kroenke's business empire to taste success, after they became NBA champions for a first time.

The Colorado outfit won their first ever title after 47 years of waiting, sealing the championship with a 94-89 win over the Miami Heat, to win the series 4-1.

And after the game, he seemed to send a message to his own football club, saying: "I always say if you want to win a championship you've got to go get it, nobody's going to make it available to you."

Read the full story here