Hello and welcome along to today's live Arsenal blog!
The north Londoners enjoyed a solid official start to their public pre-season on Friday afternoon, defeating Nurnberg 5-3 at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Germany. The Gunners were 2-0 down at half-time, but five second-half goals - including two from debutant Gabriel Jesus - handed victory to the visitors.
Mikel Arteta's side next play on July 17, playing Frank Lampard's Everton in the United States. Away from the pitch, technical director Edu continues to look for reinforcements ahead of the start of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign next month.
Plenty of top-class players continue to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, including Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Leicester City playmaker Youri Tielemans and Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez
With that in mind, sit back and let football.london bring you all the latest Arsenal-related news.
Paqueta update
One player that had been strongly linked to the club in the recent week was Lucas Paqueta from Lyon. The Brazilian is looking to leave the French side, and Arsenal were quoted as being one of the midfielder’s potential destinations.
However, Recent reported developments about a potential move to Arsenal have been squashed. This could suggest that the Gunners have decided to reignite their interest in Tielemans or are looking elsewhere for another transfer.
It seems the Gunners will be avoiding a transfer as British journalist Freddie Paxton reported that he spoke to the agent of Paqueta, Eduardo Huram who claimed that Arsenal have not made any official offers to sign the Brazilian.
Jose Mourinho targets Lucas Torreira
Jose Mourinho could be the surprising catalyst for Arsenal outgoings this summer after having talks with Lucas Torreira which was confirmed by the player himself. The pair spoke about the possibility of the Uruguyan joining Roma.
In a recent interview with Punto Penal, Torreira announced his desire to move away from the Premier League. More interestingly, in the same interview he confirmed that he had talks with Jose Mourinho highlighting a possibility of a move to Roma.
"Roma is a possibility for me,” said the Arsenal man. “I spoke with Mourinho a while ago, he’s a coach I admire a lot.”
“It’s an opportunity that appeals to me very much,” he added. “But it’s not easy.”
Arsenal yet to negotiate with Chelsea to sign N'Golo Kante
Arsenal have been linked with a surprise move for Chelsea star Kante this summer. This comes after the club’s pursuit of Youri Tielemans has reportedly stalled.
However, a transfer for the Frenchman has been denied by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano who has claimed that there has been no negotiations between the Gunners, and Chelsea over a potential deal for Kante.
Arsenal submit Alex Grimaldo bid
According to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, Arsenal have submitted a €7million (£5.9million) bid for the Spanish full-back.
A deal could certainly be on the cards as this news came before reports from Portuguese news outlet Record that Benfica need to save €40m (£34m) in wages ahead of the next season, meaning they could offload their best players, which includes Grimaldo.
Milan make Mari enquiry
AC Milan have reportedly enquired about signing Pablo Mari this summer.
Read more via this link.
Lacroix plans
Arsenal want to keep William Saliba, but Media Foot in France, as cited by The Boot Room report that the Gunners will listen to offers for the Frenchman. If they do end up selling him, Maxence Lacroix is being touted as a possible replacement.
Wenger's Kante verdict
With N'Golo Kante being linked to Arsenal, you can find out what Arsene Wenger previously said about the Frenchman here.
Tielemans round-up
For all the latest news on Youri Tielemans, click this link.
Tielemans competition
Arsenal are facing competition from Newcastle for Youri Tielemans.
Read more here.
Kante enquiry
As per the Daily Star, Arsenal are considering a shock move for Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante.
The French midfielder is a key man in Thomas Tuchel's squad, but he has just 12 months remaining on his current Blues deal, is one of the club's top earners and suffered a series of injury setbacks last term. Thus, the club may be tempted to sell.
Lucas Paqueta update
According to French outlet Media Foot, Arsenal are ‘pushing’ to sign Lyon star Lucas Paqueta.
The move is said to be taking place 'behind-the-scenes' as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad.
Lisandro Martinez update
Arsenal and Manchester United have both been linked with a move for Ajax star Lisandro Martinez and transfer expert Dean Jones has now claimed that United have the edge over Mikel Arteta's men in the race to sign the versatile defender.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “For me, United just have the edge over Arsenal when it comes to this transfer. That’s because of the ten Hag factor and they’re further ahead in their progress as a team.
“I know when compared to a lot of teams that they’re competing with, they’re behind, but with Arsenal, they’re ahead.”
Lucas Torreira twist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has decided to call up midfielder Lucas Torreira for the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
The Uruguayan international spent last season on loan with Serie A side Fiorentina
Read the full story here.
Good morning!
Hello and welcome along to today's Arsenal live blog.
Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest transfer rumours and team news throughout the day!
