ARSENAL and Chelsea are reportedly both making progress to secure the signature of Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque.
It has been claimed that Barcelona's discussions have stalled and £35million could get the deal done for either London club.
Meanwhile, William Saliba was not spotted in Tuesday's training session since and is likely to miss Arsenal's trip to West Ham on Sunday.
However, there is better news elsewhere as the Hammers have identified targets to replace the Gunners' top summer target Declan Rice according to reports.
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- Henry Tomlinson
Flamini open to Arsenal purchase
Former Arsenal manager Mathieu Flamini has hinted that he could try and buy the club in the future.
He told The Athletic: “Obviously, those clubs have a special place in my heart.
“I never forget where I come from.
“In life, you never know but it’s all about the right opportunity. I’m a real believer in the right time, right place, right people.
“We’ll see what the future is made of. I’m a believer. If you want something very much, the universe usually brings it to you. Let’s see what the universe will bring.”
Credit: Getty - Etienne Fermie
Morning, Arsenal fans
Eddie Nketiah could hand Mikel Arteta his ideal headache at West Ham on Sunday
And the Hammers are reportedly preparing for life after Declan Rice – Arsenal's dream target.
That's the exciting gossip for Gunners fans, albeit offset a little by continuing worries over injured central defender William Saliba.
Frontman Nketiah is back in training after injury and tipped to be ready for this weekend.
The Englishman was crocked just as main striker Gabriel Jesus returned to the team following knee surgery.
But Nketiah's rapid progress means Arteta will soon have the selection options up front he has long craved.
Saliba, though, is still a doubt after three games out.
It's thought Arteta wants him back at the very latest for when his table-toppers visit title rivals Manchester City on April 26.
It comes as Arsenal's Prem trip to Chelsea has been moved from April 29 to May 2 following new police advice.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are tipped to battle Man City, Ajax and Benfica for Flamengo winger Matheus Goncalves, 17.
The Brazilian, however, is under contract until 2025 with a reported release clause of £88million.
The Gunners are said to value their Reims loanee Folarin Balogun at £26.5million amid interest from AC Milan.
Lastly, it's suggested West Ham are monitoring Kalvin Phillips and Conor Gallagher.
That's surely a boost to hopes that fellow England midfielder Rice will head to the Emirates in the summer.
- Kostas Lianos
Aaron Ramsdale inspiration
Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale has revealed his unlikely inspiration as a goalkeeper growing up.
Ramsdale learned his trade from Bolton legend Jussi Jaaskelainen during five years as a youth there.
The England international said: "Jussi was my early inspiration.
“The way I position my hands and my legs are very similar to Jussi — because if you see it in people you look up to, it stays for ever.”
- Kostas Lianos
Shuffle the Dec
West Ham have identified their midfield targets for the summer as they look to replace Arsenal target Declan Rice.
According to The Evening Standard, the Hammers are interested in two names to fill the spot expected to be vacated by Rice.
The East Londoners are said to be looking at bringing in Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips.
West Ham are also keeping tabs on Chelsea ace Conor Gallagherahead of the summer transfer window.
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal injury boost
Arsenal ace Eddie Nketiah has returned to training and could be available for Sunday’s trip to West Ham.
Nketiah has scored nine goals this season, including six while deputising for the injured Gabriel Jesus.
But there is still no sign of William Saliba, who has missed the Gunners' last three games with a back injury.
Manager Mikel Arteta is desperate to have Saliba back in action in time for the potential title decider against Manchester City at the Etihad on April 26.
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Arsenal seek explanation
Arsenal and the Premier League are raging after being ordered to switch the scheduled home game against Chelsea by the Met Police.
The Gunners and the Prem are still waiting for an official explanation as to why the match cannot go ahead as originally planned.
An Arsenal spokesman said: “After working to try to find a solution with the Met Police, we are very disappointed with the impact and disruption this fixture change will cause to our supporters, particularly after this match had been initially approved for a Saturday evening kick-off.”
And a Premier League statement added: “We regret the need to move this fixture at late notice and the impact this will have on supporters.
“The initial scheduling of this match was approved by a Safety Advisory Group meeting in February.
“However, the Metropolitan Police has now revised its position regarding the kick-off time and requested a further SAG meeting which determined the match had to be rescheduled.”
- Kostas Lianos
Lino speaks out
Premier League linesman Constantine Hatzidakis has broken his silence after appearing to aim an elbow at Liverpool star Andy Robertson.
Footage showed Hatzidakis raising his elbow towards Robertson's face at half-time of the Reds' 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
The FA are investigating the incident and the linesman has been stood down from officiating any of the weekend fixtures by ref boss Howard Webb.
The investigation is still ongoing and the ref revealed he is prepared for any outcome.
Hatzidakis said: "Whatever happens, happens.
"There is nothing more I can say at the moment. I can't talk about what happened."
- Kostas Lianos
Samir Nasri statement
Arsenal hero Samir Nasri has admitted that the Gunners were terrified about facing Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United.
Nasri told ZackNaniProd that Arsenal “s*** ourselves” when they were dismantled 4-1 on aggregate by United in the Champions League.
The ex-Manchester City star said: “It was the first time I’d seen the Emirates with such a crazy atmosphere, you had flags everywhere and all.
“When you go into a match with shivers down your spine, you can feel you’re going to have a great game.
“And we s**t ourselves. We s**t ourselves, and we came up against a great Cristiano Ronaldo.”
- Kostas Lianos
Matheus Goncalves interest
Arsenal are eyeing Flamengo starlet Matheus Goncalves andhave been advised to make a quick move for the exciting 17-year-old in a bid to head off rival interest from Manchester City, Ajax and Benfica.
The Gunners are tracking the progress of Goncalves, who has been described as the best young prospect to ever come through the club's academy by former manager Dorival Junior.
The winger is currently under contract until 2025 and his deal contains a staggering release clause of £88million.
But the Brazilian wouldn’t cost anything like that figure and could be available for as little as £2.5m in the summer.
Credit: Alamy
- Kostas Lianos
Chelsea date moved
Arsenal's crunch Premier League derby against Chelsea at the end of the month has been pushed back until May due to policing concerns over the initial weekend fixture.
The game was originally due to take place at the Emirates on Saturday April 29 at 5.30pm.
But the Blues' trip to their London rivals will instead now take place on Tuesday May 2 at 8pm after the Met expressed concerns over policing.
The thrilling game is sure to play a huge part in this season's title race as the North Londoners look to keep ahead of Manchester City.
- Kostas Lianos
Balogun asking price
Arsenal have set wonderkid Folarin Balogun's asking price at £26.5million.
And that Gunners are braced for a bid from AC Milan for Balogun, who stands out while on loan at Reims.
The striker has set Ligue 1 alight scoring 18 times, which is more than Paris Saint-Germain superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar.
But there may not be room for the 21-year-old at Arsenal next season, and Calciomercato claims Milan are preparing an offer after getting a number off Mikel Arteta.
- Kostas Lianos
Caicedo bidding war reminder
Brighton star Moises Caicedo is still set to leave the Amex Stadium, despite penning a new contract.
Caicedo was the subject of two rejected bids from Arsenal in January despite the player wanting the transfer.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the midfielder could be on the move this summer and the Gunners see bringing him in as a possibility.
Chelsea also wanted the Ecuador international and may return with a bid too.
- Henry Tomlinson
Wright picks four crucial games
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has picked four games that could define the club's title challenge.
Speaking on The Kelly and Wrighty Show, Wright said: “Winning the Premier League title is no cakewalk, is it?
“It’s going to be tough – this is the stage of the season where the pressure ramps up. We expect Man City to find their best form but no game is easy because almost every team is still playing for something.
“Arsenal have got to get through this period if they want to win the title – but it’s not going to be easy.
“Playing Man City will be really tough and they will cause problems but I’m also looking at the Chelsea, Newcastle and Brighton games. Those are the games for me.
“Arsenal need to go into all of those games with belief because that’s what it’s going to take. Can you see Man City lose any games? I’m not sure. I find it very difficult to see Man City dropping any points.”
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Tierney 'might stay'
Arsenal legend Lauren has suggested that Kieran Tierney could stay at the club now he has a better "understanding" of Mikel Arteta.
He told Sporting Post: "I don’t see why [Tierney] should go. If Arsenal don’t need the money, why would you sell him? He’s a very good player. We saw it against Spain in the recent international for Scotland and he played very well.
"He understands the ideas of Arteta now – rather than being in the wide areas, tucking inside and being like another midfield player, receiving the ball from the centre backs and then starting the moves from there. You need everyone and you need Kieran to be in the squad.
"You never know from now, anything can happen with injuries and he needs to be focused and to play the way he is being asked by Arteta.
"For next year it depends on what he wants. If he wants to be in a team week-in, week-out then it’s his decision. But for Arsenal you need the bigger squad and they should keep him."
- Henry Tomlinson
Nketiah back in training
EDDIE NKETIAH has returned to Arsenal training and could be available for Sunday’s trip to West Ham, writes Mark Irwin.
The 23-year-old striker has missed his team’s last seven games after suffering a late ankle injury during last month’s 4-0 win against Everton.
But now he is back in full training and his return will come as a timely boost for manager Mikel Arteta as he prepares his squad for their remaining eight games.
Nketiah has scored nine goals this season, including six while deputising for the injured Gabriel Jesus after the World Cup.
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- Henry Tomlinson
Arsenal Rice boost
West Ham have reportedly identified their midfield targets for the summer as they look to replace the departing Declan Rice.
The Hammers look resigned to the fact they will lose their captain in the summer with Arsenal currently said to be leading the race for the England star’s signature.
David Moyes’ side will need to find a fitting replacement for Rice who has been vitally important to the club since bursting onto the scene.
The Evening Standard have reported that the East London club are interested in two names to fill the spot vacated by Rice.
They are said to be looking at bringing in Kalvin Phillips and Conor Gallagher in order to bolster their midfield.
- Henry Tomlinson
Nasri admits United fear
Former Arsenal star Samir Nasri has admitted that the team "s**t" themselves when they faced Manchester United in the Champions League in 2009.
He told the ZackNaniProd: "It was the first time I'd seen the Emirates with such a crazy atmosphere, you had flags everywhere and all!
"When you go into a match with shivers down your spine, you can feel you're going to have a great game.
"And we s**t ourselves. We s**t ourselves, and we came up against a great Cristiano Ronaldo."
The Gunners were knocked out of the competition during the semi-final against the Old Trafford side 4-1 on aggregate.
Credit: Reuters - Henry Tomlinson
Edu 'planning gift for Arsenal'
Arsenal sporting director is reportedly planning to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic if they win the title.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Gunners will buy the Lazio star as a "gift to themselves" as a reward.
He would join the club as a player capable of challenging Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka for a spot in the first team.
- Henry Tomlinson
Sutton calls Arteta's antics an 'act'
Chris Sutton believed that Mikel Arteta's touchline antics are a "bit of an act".
He told Betting Sites: "There's no doubt Arteta has acted like a clown in the technical area at times, and the punters love all that stuff. They do love it. They love seeing the manager jumping up and around and animated, and in the fourth official’s face.
"I don't and I think it's a bit of an act at times. He'll say something different but the most important thing is what he’s saying in the sanctuary of the dressing room.
"And clearly the messages are getting across and the work he's doing on the training ground is really working with this Arsenal team. But as you know all that jumping around isn't necessary for me."
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Carragher on Gunners
Jamie Carragher has played down the impact of Arsenal's draw against Liverpool and believes that fans should not be disappointed.
He told his Sky Sports podcast: "This game [Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Liverpool] was absolutely wonderful and we’ve got six more weeks left of this [title race].
"I have thought all the way through that Man City would just edge it.
"I haven’t changed my opinion after today or even altered it slightly because I still think there will be points dropped from each side, but I think Arsenal will drop more points.
"They go to Man City, Newcastle, West Ham, they’re all difficult games. City have got some difficult ones too and there will be a lot more moments where Arsenal feel like the whole world is watching them.
"The whole football world was watching them today and they weren’t disappointed. They made a few mistakes but all in all Arsenal fans should be pretty happy and proud with that. This is not a time to lose doubt, you can lose or draw here in any season. This is a terror of a game to have in a title run-in."
- Henry Tomlinson
Invincibles reunited
Arsenal fans have had their day made after Philippe Senderos reunited with Arsene Wenger.
The defender made 64 appearances for the North London side before leaving in 2010 for Fulham.
Senderos reunited with his old manager and posted snap onto Twitter with the caption: "Always great to see you Boss."
One fan said: "This has actually made my day."
A second tweeted: "Always beautiful to see Arsenal together."
Credit: https://twitter.com/Philsend4
- Henry Tomlinson
Liverpool draw 'not disastrous'
Tim Sherwood has heaped praise on Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka while insisting the two points dropped against Liverpool has not ended the title race.
He told PLP: "Arsenal were in so much control. They popped it around them. Martinelli and Saka were outstanding.
"Odgegaard was controlling things in the middle of the park and they just couldn’t hold.
"It’s wide open now (the Premier League title race) – it might have dented their confidence a little bit, but it’s not disastrous."
- Henry Tomlinson
REAL STATE
A property firm backed by footie stars Mikel Arteta and Luis Suarez could owe £1.2million to a cash-strapped council.
The firm, linked to some of the biggest names in world football including Uruguay ace Suarez, borrowed £1.25m from Liverpool City Council.
Littlewoods Investment LLP used the council's cash to transform an old industrial building in Liverpool into a trendy office block named the Bunker.
The Bunker, previously described as the "UK's most stylish" office, formed the first part of the regeneration of the famous Littlewoods site next door.
Council bosses want to transform Liverpool into the "Hollywood of the North" and there are hopes that Littlewoods, a sprawling art deco building, can be a part of that vision.
There is no suggestion Arteta, the company or those involved have done anything wrong.
Read full story here
- Henry Tomlinson
Arteta 'should be furious' with star
Chris Sutton has claimed that Mikel Arteta should be furious with Granit Xhaka for "waking Liverpool up" during their clash.
He told the Daily Mail: "Then Granit Xhaka woke them up. Stupidly so. By barging into Trent Alexander-Arnold and then squaring up to him, he riled up the Anfield crowd. Their animosity was infectious and it brought this Liverpool team to life.
"They were suddenly fuelled by fury and emerged for the second half totally up for it – all thanks to that one moment of misjudgment from Xhaka.
"Mikel Arteta will be furious about that, I’m sure. It was totally unnecessary from Xhaka to give Liverpool a reason to stop playing so passively."
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Ramsdale's idol
Aaron Ramsdale has revealed his unlikely inspiration as a goalkeeper growing up.
The Arsenal star, 24, learned his trade from Bolton legend Jussi Jaaskelainen during five years as a youth there.
And Ramsdale admits the retired 47-year-old is the stopper he models his game on most.
He revealed: “Jussi was my early inspiration.
“The way I position my hands and my legs are very similar to Jussi — because if you see it in people you look up to, it stays forever.”
Credit: PA
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