OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO will undergo his Arsenal medical TODAY after flying to Orlando to join up with the Gunners on their pre-season tour.
The Ukrainian, 25, said his goodbyes to City pals in Houston, Texas, and is currently on his way to put pen to paper with the Gunners in a deal said to be worth £30million plus £2m in add-ons.
Meanwhile, the trailer for Arsenal: All or Nothing has been released and features a brawl involving Alexandre Lacazette and Bernd Leno.
Elsewhere, the Gunners have reportedly been handed a huge boost in their quest to sign Lucas Paqueta after Lyon slashed their asking price by £21million.
And talks are reported to have begun with another Brazilian – Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo.
IN: Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner, Gabriel Jesus
OUT: Alexandre Lacazette (released)
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- Justin Lawrence
Smith-Rowe's new target
Emile Smith-Rowe is looking to come back with a bang when he returns from injury.
The Gunners midfielder admitted he didn't get as many assists last season, which he's intent on changing during this campaign in order to secure a spot in England's World Cup team.
He said: "I need to keep improving my stats because I didn’t really get many assists last season.
“I’ve been watching clips of my game, noting the timing of my passes and where I should have played it to create more chances.
“And I’ve been watching footage of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount to see what those creative players are doing.
“The World Cup is definitely a target but first of all I want to get as fit as I can to get as many minutes as possible to show what I can do.”
- Jack Figg
Morning, Arsenal fans
Oleksandr Zinchenko is off to Orlando to complete his £32million move and join the Gunners on tour – with the promise of more signings to follow.
The Ukraine left-back decided not to stay and fight for his Manchester City place after they accepted the Gunners' bid this week.
Emirates boss Mikel Arteta has already brought in Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner.
And a winger could be next, although Serge Gnabry has committed to Bayern Munich and Barcelona beat off Prem clubs to sign Raphinha from Leeds.
Lyon have reportedly slashed their valuation of attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta to ‘just’ £34m.
In fact, Goal Brazil claim Arsenal’s technical director Edu has already held talks with Paqueta’s representatives.
But Leicester’s Youri Tielemans is still thought to be Arteta's dream option.
Emile Smith Rowe has likened his new Gunners' midfield team-mate Fabio Vieira to Manchester City stylist Bernardo Silva.
And Arsenal outcast Nuno Tavares has rejected joining Marseille on a season's loan.
- Ian Tuckey
How Gunners bowled up a morale-boosting tour
Emile Smith Rowe has already experienced the full rollercoaster of emotions involved in playing for Arsenal, writes MARK IRWIN.
Now the young England star is looking forward to the real thing as he heads to Florida’s famous Universal theme park tomorrow.
In the past few weeks he has beaten “competitive” boss Mikel Arteta at ten-pin bowling and loved every minute of the club’s dining room "wheel of fortune".
And the player known as the "Croydon De Bruyne" has also been studying footage of the real thing as he looks to take his game to the next level.
For Smith Rowe, 21, is making the most of every minute of pre-season to help him secure a place in England’s World Cup squad later this year.
ESR revealed: “I need to keep improving my stats because I didn’t really get many assists last season.
“I’ve been watching clips of my game, noting the timing of my passes and where I should have played it to create more chances.
“And I’ve been watching footage of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount to see what those creative players are doing.
“The World Cup is definitely a target but first of all I want to get as fit as I can to get as many minutes as possible to show what I can do.”
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- Ian Tuckey
De Ligt confirms Prem snub for Bayern
Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of defender Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus.
The 22-year-old Holland international had been heavily linked with Chelsea after talks over a new deal with Juve broke down.
But he has now snubbed the Blues in favour of sealing a transfer to the German champions in a deal which runs until 2027.
Speaking about the move, he told the club website: "I'm very happy to become a player for this great club.
"FC Bayern are the most successful club in Germany, one of the most successful clubs in Europe and in the world.
"I felt the genuine appreciation from the sporting management, the coach and the board right from the start, which convinced me.
"On top of that, FC Bayern is a brilliantly run club with big aims. I'm very glad that I'm now becoming part of the FC Bayern story."
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils favourites if Dembele leaves Lyon
Manchester United have been priced as the leaders of the race to sign Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
Sky Bet place United at 5/1 favourites to sign the former Fulham striker, ahead of Southampton, Arsenal and West Ham.
The Red Devils face a shortage of strikers currently, with only Cristano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial as recognised ‘number nines’ at the club currently.
And both of their futures at the club are uncertain.
Sky Bet odds
Manchester United – 5/1
Southampton – 6/1
Arsenal – 8/1
West Ham – 12/1Martial was sent on loan to Sevilla for the latter half of last season after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, but has lead the line impressively in United’s pre-season friendlies so far, scoring in all three games.
Ronaldo has not made the trip to Thailand and Australia, citing personal reasons, and has also made his intentions clear that he wants to play Champions League football next season, which Manchester United cannot offer.
The Portuguese came out saying he wishes to leave the club, but is finding a new one hard to come by.
New United manager Erik ten Hag has since said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is in his plans for next season and is not for sale.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners target more buys after Oleksandr
Arsenal will reportedly continue to splash the cash once they announce the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City.
The Gunners have agreed a deal rising to £32million for the versatile Ukrainian left-back.
Zinchenko is poised to put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with the 25-year-old set to leave the Citizens’ pre-season tour of the US to undergo a medical.
His arrival will take Arsenal’s summer spending to around £115m following the signings of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner.
And according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the North London outfit are planning a “big” transfer as they look to bring in another winger.
Arsenal lost out to Barcelona in the race to prise Brazilian ace Raphinha away from Leeds.
Meanwhile Arsenal were dealt a blow when former star Serge Gnabry ended speculation over his future by extending his stay at Bayern Munich.
And Sheth has stated that the Gunners remain in the market for a new wideman.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners linked to 'bargain' Lucas
Lyon could tempt Arsenal to bid for midfielder Lucas Paqueta by valuing him at 'just' £34million.
The Mirror say the French giants are prepared to cash in on their Brazil superstar – for half the original asking price.
Leicester's Youri Tielemans is thought to remain the main target for Gunners' boss Mikel Arteta.
But Goal Brazil claim Arsenal’s technical director Edu has held talks with Paqueta’s representatives.
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
Oleksandr off to Orlando to seal Arsenal move
Oleksandr Zinchenko will fly to Orlando TODAY to finalise his move to Arsenal after saying farewell to his Manchester City team-mates.
The Ukrainian, 25, has left the City squad in Houston, Texas, and is currently on his way to put pen to paper with the Gunners in a deal said to be worth £30million plus £2m in add-ons.
The left-back is expected to undergo his medical within the next 24 hours as the final touches are put on his transfer.
He is set to sign a four-year deal with Mikel Arteta's men.
The news comes shortly after he gave an interview to City’s website about their preparations for the new season.
He said: “The target now is to try and build up our physical conditions and the tactical side of things.
“There are a lot of different things [to work on] obviously after a long vacation, a little bit more than three weeks.
“Now it’s time to work, to be ready and prepare ourselves as much and as well as we can."
- Ian Tuckey
Clauss set to snub Prem giants for Marseille
Several Premier League clubs have been linked with Lens wing-back Jonathan Clauss this summer including Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Indeed, United were reported to have submitted a €7m bid yesterday afternoon and were thought to be in advanced talks.
However, the news this morning is that the players has agreed a move to Marseille.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Jonathan Clauss will undergo medical tests as new OM player in the morning.
“Full agreement completed after the opening bid made 10 days ago, Lens have accepted €8m fee. Manchester United links, wide of mark.”
- Ian Tuckey
Toon and Gunners in Asensio boost
Marco Asensio has reportedly sacked his agent – and that could put Arsenal and Newcastle on red alert.
The Real Madrid man continues to be linked with a transfer away from the Bernabeu this summer.
But with no deal done, he is said to have ditched his representatives to get a transfer over the line before deadline day.
As reported by El Larguero, the playmaker – who used to be looked after by Horacio Gaggioli – made the decision in order to "find a way out" of Madrid.
However, the Spanish radio station claim there have been no official offers tabled for the 26-year-old yet.
It is thought, though, that AC Milan have been in contact with Jorge Mendes, who could be dealing with Asensio's potential switch.
The 28-cap Spanish star looks set to be available on a cut-price deal this summer.
He is into the final year of his Bernabeu contract and looks increasingly unlikely to pen an extension after allegedly rejecting a previous offer.
- Ian Tuckey
Paqueta price boost for Gunners
Arsenal’s hopes of signing Lucas Paqueta have been boosted by the news that Lyon will lower their asking price for the Brazilian.
The Gunners were previously quoted €65m for the attacking midfielder – but Media Foot now suggest that a bid in the region of €40m will tempt the Ligue 1 club into doing business.
However, the Londoners face competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
The Toon Army notoriously pipped Arsenal to the signing of Bruno Guimaraes back in January, and may now use the player’s status as Paqueta’s compatriot, former teammate and friend to lure the playmaker to the north-east.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils favourites if Dembele leaves Lyon
Manchester United have been priced as the leaders of the race to sign Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
Sky Bet place United at 5/1 favourites to sign the former Fulham striker, ahead of Southampton, Arsenal and West Ham.
The Red Devils face a shortage of strikers currently, with only Cristano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial as recognised 'number nines' at the club currently.
And both of their futures at the club are uncertain.
Sky Bet odds
Manchester United – 5/1
Southampton – 6/1
Arsenal – 8/1
West Ham – 12/1Martial was sent on loan to Sevilla for the latter half of last season after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, but has lead the line impressively in United's pre-season friendlies so far, scoring in all three games.
Ronaldo has not made the trip to Thailand and Australia, citing personal reasons, and has also made his intentions clear that he wants to play Champions League football next season, which Manchester United cannot offer.
The Portuguese came out saying he wishes to leave the club, but is finding a new one hard to come by.
New United manager Erik ten Hag has since said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is in his plans for next season and is not for sale.
- Ian Tuckey
Trusty loaned to Brum
Arsenal have sent promising centre-half Auston Trusty on loan to Birmingham to continue his development.
The USA Under-23 international has made a season-long move to John Eustace's Championship side.
The 23-year-old joined the Gunners from Colorado Rapids in January.
Then he immediately re-joined the MLS club on loan until the end of May.
Trusty told the Birmingham website: "It feels great and I am honoured.
"I am blessed and excited for the new chapter and the new challenges. I am just really happy to be here.
"I am a centre-back but I'm willing to run, to get stuck into challenges and willing to make sacrifices for my team-mates. That is the kind of player you are getting for the team.
"I know it is going to be a challenge and the intensity is going to be tough, but I am just really looking forward to it."
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners caught in brawl
The trailer for Arsenal's hotly anticipated All or Nothing series has finally been released.
The eight-part show, which will begin to arrive on Prime Video on August 4, follows Mikel Arteta's side throughout the 2021/22 season.
And – if the trailer is anything to go by – it promises to be an explosive watch.
All or Nothing Arsenal Official Trailer Released
The two-minute clip contains footage of the Arsenal players getting into what appears to be a brawl on the training ground – with Bernd Leno and Alexandre Lacazette visible in the melee.
Other key talking points from the trailer include Arteta raging at his players in the changing room as he slams down a big laundry basket in front of the squad.
The series will also address the club's decision to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy – which eventually led to his contract being terminated as he left for Barcelona in January.
The clip shows Arteta telling the rest of the Gunners that Aubameyang was no longer their skipper.
Arteta is the focus for much of the trailer and it is expected that the show will feature him heavily in much the same way as Tottenham's edition starred Jose Mourinho.
The first three episodes will be released on Prime Video on August 4, followed by the next three on August 11. The final two parts will then be available to stream from August 18.
- Ian Tuckey
Fabio can be 'next Bernardo Silva'
Arsenal have struck gold and unearthed the next Bernardo Silva thanks to the arrival of Fabio Vieira, claims Emile Smith Rowe.
The Hale End graduate, 21, was full of praise for new signing Vieira, who completed a £34million transfer from Porto to Arsenal in June.
Even though the pair will likely be competing for the same spot in the squad, Smith Rowe said: "He's very similar (to Silva).
"He's a very good passer of the ball, his left foot is very good and he likes to create goals and score them himself.
"I've already played against him at international level, so I can't speak highly enough of him, and the fans should be really excited.
"At the Euro Under-21s, they (Portugal) beat us 2-0 and he was unbelievable in that game."
Vieira, 22, worked his way into the Porto first team as the season progressed, and eventually finished the season with seven goals and 16 assists in all competitions.
Smith Rowe also enjoyed a productive season but saw his form dip away during the second half of the campaign, managing just two of his 10 goals in the Premier League in 2022.
Along with Vieira, The Gunners have also completed the signing of Man City forward Gabriel Jesus for £45m, as well as goalie Matt Turner and Brazilian youngster Marquinhos. The club have now turned their attention to Oleksandr Zinchenko in a deal which could reach £32m.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners to continue spree after Zinchenko
Arsenal will reportedly continue to splash the cash once they announce the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City.
The Gunners have agreed a deal rising to £32million for the versatile Ukrainian left-back.
Zinchenko is poised to put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with the 25-year-old set to leave the Citizens' pre-season tour of the US to undergo a medical.
His arrival will take Arsenal’s summer spending to around £115m following the signings of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner.
And according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the North London outfit are planning a "big" transfer as they look to bring in another winger.
Arsenal lost out to Barcelona in the race to prise Brazilian ace Raphinha away from Leeds.
Meanwhile Arsenal were dealt a blow when former star Serge Gnabry ended speculation over his future by extending his stay at Bayern Munich.
And Sheth has stated that the Gunners remain in the market for a new wideman.
- Ian Tuckey
Nu NO to Marseile
Arsenal outcast Nuno Tavares has rejected the chance to join Marseille on a season-long loan.
The Mirror report that the Portuguese youngster would prefer to remain at the Emirates and fight for his place in the first team.
However, the imminent arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to mean Tavares drops even further down the pecking order.
While the Ukrainian is being brought in as a midfielder, his ability to play at left-back will offer cover when Kieran Tierney is injured.
Sport Witness reported earlier this week that the Gunners are keen to move Tavares on before the close of the transfer window.
- Ian Tuckey
Clauss set to snub Prem giants for Marseille
Several Premier League clubs have been linked with Lens wing-back Jonathan Clauss this summer including Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Indeed, United were reported to have submitted a €7m bid yesterday afternoon and were thought to be in advanced talks.
However, the news this morning is that the players has agreed a move to Marseille.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Jonathan Clauss will undergo medical tests as new OM player in the morning.
“Full agreement completed after the opening bid made 10 days ago, Lens have accepted €8m fee. Manchester United links, wide of mark.”
- Sam Dymond
How Gunners could line up
Arsenal fans are eagerly anticipating the season opener with a lot more excitement than this time a year ago.
Many feel Mikel Arteta's new-look team will pick itself, but there are still some areas up for debate.
Will the Spaniard favour Gabriel Martinelli in attack over Emile Smith Rower?
Where will Oleksandr Zinchenko be deployed?
And who will partner Gabriel in defence?
- Sam Dymond
Battle of the flying forwards
It's just 17 days until Arsenal kick-off the new Premier League season with a London derby at Crystal Palace.
And it's a game that's already being billed as a battle between flying forwards Wilfried Zaha and Bukayo Saka.
Both players are electric operators in attack, and are sure to be central to the success of their clubs this season.
Here's how they compared throughout the last campaign.
- Sam Dymond
Emile: UCL disappointment will drive us
Emile Smith Rowe hopes that Arsenal can use the despair of missing out on Champions League forward to push them to glory next season.
The Gunners missed out on the top four last term despite being well-placed in March.
However, six defeats in their last 12 games including a 3-0 humbling at rivals Tottenham ultimately cost them a crack at Europe's stellar competition.
“It’s definitely tough looking back on it, it was in our hands," the England international told the Evening Standard.
“The Spurs game was tough. It wasn’t a nice atmosphere [in the dressing room]. All of the boys were down.
“The manager picked us up and we had another chance after that, but it didn’t go our way in the end.
"Going forward, we have just got to stick together as a team. We are a young team, we are still getting there. It’s fuel for us going forward and we can’t wait to start the season.”
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Zinchenko to Arsenal?
Reports are emerging that Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to leave Manchester City's training camp later today in order to finalise his move to Arsenal.
His medical at London Colney is expected to take place in the next few days.
This one is only a matter of time.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Leno to Fulham?
Negotiations between Arsenal and Fulham continue over Bernd Leno, but the clubs are still some way off in their valuation of the goalkeeper.
The Gunners are holding out for £15m, while the Cottagers – who Leno wishes to join – are only prepared to pay £10m.
It is thought that Fulham's flirtation with breaching Financial Fair Play is a factor in their offer.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Tavares rejects Marseille loan move
Arsenal outcast Nuno Tavares has rejected the chance to join Marseille on a season-long loan.
The Mirror report that the Portuguese youngster would prefer to remain at the Emirates and fight for his place in the first team.
However, the imminent arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to mean Tavares drops even further down the pecking order.
While the Ukrainian is being brought in as a midfielder, his ability to play at left-back will offer cover when Kieran Tierney is injured.
Sport Witness reported earlier this week that the Gunners are keen to move Tavares on before the close of the transfer window.
- Sam Dymond
Gunners closing in on Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko WILL be an Arsenal player in the coming days with the deal's paperwork currently being prepared.
The Gunners have agreed a fee of £30m with Manchester City for the Ukrainian, and personal terms are not considered an issue with the player eager to work with Mikel Arteta again.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Londoners are busy finalising official contracts and scheduling a medical for the 25-year-old.
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