Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Coutinho BLOW, Gunners target Lamptey, Saka eyed by Liverpool, Jovic loan in January
ARSENAL could reportedly miss out on Phillipe Coutinho as the Brazilian wants a move to a club 'he loves'.
The Barcelona star could be therefore set for a return to Brazil, with Flamengo the apparent frontrunners.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Arsenal are monitoring Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey who has shined in recent weeks after returning from long-term injury.
And Bukayo Saka is a shock target for Liverpool, according to reports.
The England star is fast becoming one of Arsenal's most prized assets but the Reds are reportedly keeping tabs on him with two of their own forwards set to leave.
We've also the very latest on Luka Jovic, with the Real Madrid flop set for a January loan away from the Bernabeu.
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- Jon Boon
Ex-Arsenal star transfer
Aaron Ramsey is reportedly set to say his goodbyes to his team-mates ahead of a potential move back to the Premier League.
The Arsenal legend, 31, has been heavily linked with a move back to England as the Old Lady look to get his £400,000-a-week wages off their books.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, his time at Juve is coming to an end.
They state that the 71-cap Wales international is due back at the training ground on Monday following the Christmas break.
But they add that he will only be returning to say goodbye to his team-mates and to the club staff.
- Jon Boon
Arsenal could lose Coutinho
Arsenal could miss out on signing transfer target Philippe Coutinho, who has is tempted by a move to a club he "loves".
A report by Sport claims that Brazilian side Flamengo are an attractive proposition to Coutinho, whose Barca contract runs out in 2023.
The Rio-based team have also reportedly lodged an interest in the playmaker, leaving him with a decision to make.
- Jon Boon
Henry's Sancho criticism
Thierry Henry has accused Manchester United star Jadon Sancho of 'playing within himself'.
And the Arsenal legend wants Sancho to be 'more lethal'.
The Frenchman said on Amazon Prime: "Those are the types of players you want to watch but he is playing within himself.
"When you are in a one-on-one, you should take a player on.
"But it was Luke Shaw who was forcing him to take on those one-on-ones. What happened to beating your man on the outside?
"They often want to go too much inside. Just beat your man on the outside and be lethal."
- Alex Terrell
Toon to rival Arsenal for Rambo
Newcastle are keeping tabs on Aaron Ramsey's situation at Juventus.
The former Arsenal man, 31, has played just 112 minutes all season and Juve want to offload his £400,000-per-week wages.
Toon's new mega-rich Saudi owners are eyeing up a move alongside West Ham and Everton, with the Serie A club open to a loan or a cut-price deal.
'Rambo' is believed to be keen on a Prem return having left for Italy on a free in 2019.
- Joshua Jones
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Tariq Lamptey with the Brighton right-back available for the right price.
The 21-year-old has been starring for the Seagulls since recovering from his hamstring injury, with the youngster chipping in with one assist from 11 Premier League outings.
Philippe Coutinho ‘accepts’ that he needs to leave Barcelona in January, according to reports.
The ex-Liverpool man is stewing on the bench at the Nou Camp, with Xavi preferring to select Barcelona’s young prospects over the 29-year-old.
And the playmaker has realised that in order to be selected for Brazil’s squad for next year’s World Cup, he needs to be playing regular football.
Elswhere, Liverpool could sensationally turn to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and rebuild their attack around him, according to reports.
Saka has been standing out at the Emirates ever since his first-team bow in 2018 and has already scored five Premier League goals this season – the same tally as all of last term.
According to journalist Ian McGarry, the Reds are expecting to sell at least two of their forwards and are keeping an eye on the future.
- Jack Figg
Real Madrid outcast Luka Jovic is being linked to a move to Arsenal again, if reports are to be believed.
According to Defensa Central, Los Blancos are open to allowing the Serb striker leave on loan in January.
Jovic has played second fiddle to Karim Benzema again this term, and has been starved of first team action.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is ready to sanction a temporary move, but doesn’t want to sell his asset.
Credit: Reuters - Jack Figg
JACK IT IN
Jack Wilshere reckons Alexis Sanchez was a better team-mate than Robin Van Persie at Arsenal.
Wilshere played alongside both the former Gunners but gave Sanchez the nod over Van Persie as the Chile star was faster and able to win games single-handedly for the club.
When asked by talkSPORT who was better out of the pair by talkSPORT, Wilshere said: “This is tough, this is the toughest one because they were both unbelievable.
“I am probably going to have to say Alexis because I played with him for longer.
“As good as Robin was, he didn’t have the pace of Alexis. He was that one player that didn’t give us much defensively, but it didn’t really matter because we trusted him when we got the ball.
“He could beat someone and win a game for us.”
Credit: Reuters - Jack Figg
Lee Dixon has tipped Kieran Tierney and Aaron Ramsdale to be Arsenal captains in the future.
The Arsenal captaincy is up for grabs following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being stripped of the position.
But Dixon doesn’t think Tierney or Ramsdale are ready to take up the role of captain just yet.
He said to the Daily Mail: “I think Tierney is the future captain, but I’m not sure if now is the right time.
“But he [Ramsdale] is a captain without an armband. He doesn’t need an armband on him, he is leading from behind.”
- Jack Figg
WHEN IN ROME
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has reportedly agreed personal terms with Roma.
The 24-year-old is unhappy with his lack of action at Arsenal and seems desperate to leave the Emirates.
The star has struggled for game time this season after returning from a loan spell at West Brom last summer.
And now Maitland-Niles has agreed to move to Jose Mourinho‘s side when the transfer window opens on January 1, according to Sportitalia.
- Jack Figg
SKIPP THAT
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still absent from Arsenal’s first team, and doesn’t appear any closer to being named in a matchday squad.
It’s likely he will be headed to the African Nations Cup with Gabon before pulling a Gunners shirt again.
He joins a list of other captains who have fallen foul of a curse that’s threatening the North London club’s skippers.
- Jack Figg
RAM ROD
Despite early concerns, Aaron Ramsdale has comfortably usurped Bernd Leno to become Mikel Arteta's No1.
And he caught the eye of supporters during the Leeds win for his spectacular 's***housery'.
Ramsdale spent much of the game winding up the Leeds fans.
He celebrated right in front of them after Arsenal's goals, even cheekily sticking out his tongue as they hurled obscenities.
Then at full time Ramsdale waved, winked, and blew a kiss in the direction of the home end who had been abusing him all game.
After the game, his playful antics were praised by Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
- Jack Figg
RIQ ROLL
Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Tariq Lamptey with the Brighton right-back available for the right price.
The 21-year-old has been starring for the Seagulls since recovering from his hamstring injury, with the youngster chipping in with one assist from 11 Premier League outings.
And he once again impressed on Wednesday night as he helped the south coast side earn a point away at former employers Chelsea.
Following his dazzling displays last term, the England youth international was linked with a switch to the Emirates in the winter transfer window as a possible replacement for Hector Bellerin.
But the Spanish defender, who was rumoured to be a target for Barcelona, failed to secure a transfer back to Catalonia, which ended a potential move for Lamptey.
A summer swoop for the ex-Blues academy ace was then speculated, but Mikel Arteta opted instead to bring in versatile Japanese star Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna.
However it has been claimed that Lamptey is now back on Arsenal's radar with Bellerin out on loan and Ainsley Maitland-Niles poised to join Roma.
And according to transfer guru Duncan Castles, Brighton are happy to sell the player should their asking price be met.
- Jack Figg
MITCH PICKINGS
Monaco director of football Paul Mitchell who discovered Arsenal hero Emile Smith Rowe – has 'offered himself' to Newcastle.
That's the claim from reports on Thursday night as the lowly Magpies hunt a top talent-spotter and prepare to spend big in January.
Englishmen Mitchell moved to French giants Monaco from Tottenham in 2017 after three years at the Red Bull set-up – with Leipzig, New York and RB Bragantino.
He was previously MK Dons Chief Scout and Southampton's Head of Recruitment, before assisting Spurs from 2009-2017.
Now the former Wigan and MK player, 40, is said to be keen to join Newcastle's Saudi-led transformation.
- Jack Figg
KEEP THE CHANGEin the money
Aaron Ramsdale has joked that he made an extra £17 earned from Leeds fans who threw coins at him.
“After the first [goal], there were some bottles and stuff thrown… a few lighters, and I chucked them off to the side,” Ramsdale said.
“The next thing you know, money started coming on… I’m looking around and there was one £2 – well, I collect £2s, so I took that.
“Then there’s quids and 50ps, so I’m picking them up and I put them by my towel, [then] at half time I put them in my towel, I run off and put them in the changing room.”
He added: “So I’ve gone back in and I’m speaking to Kalvin Phillips, going ‘your fans must be loaded’ – it was about £17 I pulled off the pitch,” he told Ben Foster’s podcast
- Jack Figg
COUTIN-GO
Philippe Coutinho 'accepts' that he needs to leave Barcelona in January, according to reports.
The ex-Liverpool man is stewing on the bench at the Nou Camp, with Xavi preferring to select Barcelona's young prospects over the 29-year-old.
And the playmaker has realised that in order to be selected for Brazil's squad for next year's World Cup, he needs to be playing regular football.
Coutinho has been capped 63 times by Brazil, but starting just five LaLiga games this campaign severely hampers his chances of making the 2022 World Cup squad.
Newcastle have been credited with an interest in signing the playmaker, but Mundo Deportivo report that he has no desire to join the Magpies.
Instead it's claimed that Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton are the three clubs to have lodged proposals to Coutinho's agents.
Although at this stage there is 'nothing advanced' with any club when it comes to negotiations.
- Jack Figg
SAK ATTACK
Liverpool could sensationally turn to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and rebuild their attack around him, according to reports.
Saka has been standing out at the Emirates ever since his first-team bow in 2018 and has already scored five Premier League goals this season – the same tally as all of last term.
According to journalist Ian McGarry, the Reds are expecting to sell at least two of their forwards and are keeping an eye on the future.
That is where 20-year-old Saka could come in – both his age and style make a good fit for the Merseysiders.
McGarry told The Transfer Window Podcast: "We have reported on The Transfer Window Podcast that Liverpool are looking to the future with regards to the fact that they expect to sell at least two of their attacking players.
"Saka is someone who is a player who suits Liverpool’s style."
- Jack Figg
CASE STUDY
Arsenal could be forced to make do with a skeleton coaching staff for their Premier League clash with Manchester City on New Year's Day.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta recently tested positive for coronavirus for the second time and has been placed in quarantine.
One of Arteta's assistants Steve Round was missing from the north Londoners' dugout during the victory over Norwich on Boxing Day.
According to the Telegraph, other key members of the coaching staff could also be absent on Saturday amid growing concern regarding the spread of Covid-19 at the club.
Assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg took charge of training on Wednesday and is set to lead Arsenal against City at the Emirates.
The club continues to assess the situation and its rigorous testing protocols are still being carried out.
Further potential absences also depend on the length of isolation periods required for those who have already contracted the virus.
The first-team has had a handful of positive tests but as of Thursday morning there is no concern about whether the Gunners would have enough senior players to fulfil the upcoming fixture.
- Jack Figg
Isco deal on
Arsenal are keen to discuss a move for Real Madrid star Isco.
The out-of-favour playmaker is surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu.
And according to a report from Eurosport, with Isco’s contract expiring at the end of the season, he could be set for the Emirates.
The Spanish star has struggled for game time under boss Carlo Ancelotti and is yet to complete 90 minutes this campaign.
- Jack Figg
ART ATTACK
Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Juventus star Arthur's agent to bring him to the club on loan in January.
The Brazilian midfielder's featured in just 10 games for Juve this season and allegedly wants to leave in a bid to kick-start his career.
The 25-year-old is so intent on a move away from Turin that he's switched agents to help get a deal done elsewhere.
Arthur's now represented by Federico Pastorello, who according to Corriere dello Sport, has been in contact with the Gunners to see if they'll be willing to take on his client.
These negotiations seem to be going well and CDS claims the two parties have gone past the talking phase.
If Pastorello and the Gunners can reach an agreement over Arthur, it's unlikely that Juve will stand in the midfielder's way of a move as they can save money on his salary for the rest of the season.
- Jack Figg
Pat’s on wishlist
Arsenal are part of the bidding war for Bayer Leverkusen star Patrik Schick ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.
According to 90min, Manchester City, Tottenham, West Ham, Everton and the Gunners have been keeping tabs on Schick for months.
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is also a well-known fan of the striker, whom he signed at RB Leipzig on loan from Roma in 2019.
However, Leverkusen are in no hurry to sell and have little interest to hear offers for the Czech Republic international next month.
The 25-year-old is enjoying a stunning campaign as he is the second highest goalscorer in the Bundesliga and has netted more times than Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
Credit: Getty - Jon Boon
Wilshere in Brazil
BRAZILIAN outfit Fortaleza are reportedly set to offer a contract to Jack Wilshere.
O Povo claims the club are targeting Arsenal’s former midfielder ahead of their Copa Libertadores debut.
Club chiefs are apparently looking to boost Fortaleza’s profile with some well-known foreign signings.
And Wilshere could be the first through the door on a free transfer next month.
- Jon Boon
Arthur's qualities
Former Gunners defender Thomas Vermaelen believes linked star Arthur Melo has all the qualities to be a success at Arsenal.
The Belgium star played with the Brazilian at Barcelona, when he was signed from Gremio.
And speaking in 2018, just a few months after Arthur joined the Catalans, he spoke highly of the midfielder.
He toldFootball Espana: "Arthur is a good player and of course, he needs more games to adapt to the club and style.
“But, his start has been incredible, he has all the battling skills and the technical ability to go right to the top.”
- Jon Boon
Gunners training
Arsenal have been put through their paces by Albert Stuivenberg in training, and it appears quick passing was the order of the day.
Watchout for a cheeky nutmeg by Bukayo Saka on Martin Odegaard too playing piggy in the middle.
- Jon Boon
De Jong tipping Gunners
Dutch legend Nigel De Jong is tipping the Gunners to finish in the top four, ahead of rivals Man Utd.
In fact, the ex-Man City midfielder believes West Ham are Arsenal's more serious threat for a Champions League place.
He told Ladbrokes: "I don’t see Man United finishing in fourth this season, even if they’re currently favourites behind Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea to do so; I really don’t. I think it’ll be a battle between Arsenal and West Ham."
- Jon Boon
Solid defence
After a slow start when the Gunners shipped nine goals in their first three games of the season, Arsenal have been better at the back.
In fact, when Ben White and Gabriel have been paired together they've often kept a clean sheet.
Along with Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte at Manchester City, they have the joint-most clean sheets in the league this season.
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