7am Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Ozil future LATEST, Saliba loan, huge Spurs derby day build-up
ARSENAL are preparing to face Tottenham in a massive north London derby TODAY.
We've the very latest on matters in the transfer market, including the future of outcast Mesut Ozil.
Follow all of the latest Gunners news, gossip and updates below…
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING GUNNERS FANS
Arsenal face competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign £18million-rated Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
According to Bild, Real boss Zinedine Zidane has spoken on the phone with the Hungary international in a bid to persuade him to choose Madrid as his next destination.
Arsenal are also interested in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, according to talkSPORT.
Boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly a big fan of the Mali international and could look to partner him with summer signing Thomas Partey in the Gunners’ midfield.
The north London outfit could also make an approach for Istanbul Basaksehir midfielder Berkay Ozcan, with Arteta desperate to strengthen in the middle of the park.
Ozcan, 22, has impressed in the Champions League this season and has been dubbed the 'new Mesut Ozil'.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are hoping to arrange a loan deal away from the club for 19-year-old defender William Saliba in January.
However, Saliba and Arsenal are at odds over where to send him.
Saliba would prefer a move back to his native France, while Arsenal would be happy for him to join a club in the Championship.
- Daniel Brookes
SEAMAN SAYS
Arsenal legend David Seaman is surprised by Mikel Arteta’s omission of Mesut Ozil from the Gunners’ squad.
Ozil has played no part under Arteta since football’s return post-lockdown and was left out of Arsenal’s Premier League and Europa League squads.
Seaman said: “I am surprised Arteta is choosing to leave out Mezut Ozil because he’s a player of quality,
“I feel something’s gone on personally between the two of them, because to leave him out, and on the money he’s on, is a big statement and for me it’s a bit of a waste, because he’s still a quality player.
“When you look at the Arsenal team, we’re crying out for a player like that, so why don’t you build your team around Ozil rather than just leaving him out in the field and letting him go.”
- Daniel Brookes
SALIBA LATEST
Arsenal are at odds with defender William Saliba over where to send him on loan.
Saliba would prefer a move back to his native France, while the Gunners reportedly want him to join a Championship club.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted not to include the 19-year-old in the Gunners' Premier League and Europa League squads, believing Saliba needs a 'transition' year before he is ready for the first team.
Saliba joined Arsenal for £27million in the summer of 2019 and was immediately loaned back to Saint-Etienne for the 2019-20 season.
- Daniel Brookes
BIG CONTRACT FOR EX-ARSENAL YOUNGSTER
Former Arsenal academy player Yunus Musah has signed a new six-year deal at Valencia – which contains a £90million release clause.
Musah, who has just turned 18, has established himself as a first team regular at the Mestalla this season, earning rave reviews for some of his performances.
Musah spent seven years in Arsenal's academy between 2012 and 2019 but the Gunners were unable to persuade him to stay at the club.
A former England youth international, New York-born Musah made his debut for the USA during the November international break.
- Daniel Brookes
GUNNERS EYE OZCAN
Arsenal are interested in Turkish midfielder Berkay Ozcan – dubbed the 'new Mesut Ozil'.
The 22-year-old joined Istanbul Basaksehir from German side Hamburg at the start of the season.
He impressed in outings againt Manchester United, RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Several Premier League clubs are thought to have identified Ozcan, who was linked with a move to the Gunners in 2017, as a possible January target.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to strengthen his squad after a dismal start to the season.
- Daniel Brookes
BISS IS IT
Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, according to talkSPORT.
Bissouma's performances for the Seagulls have caught the eye and both clubs are considering launching a bid for the 24-year-old.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly a big fan of the Mali international and could look to partner him with summer signing Thomas Partey in the Gunners' midfield.
Bissouma has scored three goals in 65 appearances since joining Brighton from Lille in 2018.
- Daniel Brookes
MISSING GIROUD
Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has claimed things would be different at the Emirates if Olivier Giroud was still around.
Giroud moved from Arsenal to Chelsea in January 2018, but the Brazilian believes they have been missing his penalty box presence this season.
Silva said: “It was a lack of creativity for me, a lack of clear chances, they tried so much crossing.
“In my opinion, Aubameyang is not the best guy in the air, even though he’s scored a few goals, he’s not the best.
“It would be different if Arsenal still had Olivier Giroud who they had in the past.”
- Daniel Brookes
SZOB'S LAW
Arsenal could face competition from Real Madrid for Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
According to Bild in Germany, Zidane has personally contacted the Hungary international to persuade him to join the Spanish champions.
Szoboszlai is rated at around £18million and Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund conceded last month the 20-year-old could leave Austria in January.
Arsenal were rumoured to have turned their attention to Szoboszlai after seeing their pursuit of Lyon's Houssem Aouar end in disappointment.
- Daniel Brookes
JOIN EM
Norwich boss Daniel Farke has broken his silence after Emiliano Buendia was linked with a move to Arsenal.
Buendia impressed in the Premier League last season despite Norwich's relegation, and was behind only Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold in chances created.
The 23-year-old has continued his good form in the Championship this term, scoring three and laying on four more.
Farke said: "No comment from our side. I had this for three months.
"I will probably have to speak every day in January about these things, so I am not going to add to speculation in this period."
Norwich are believed to want around £25million for Buendia, who is also a target for Leeds and Aston Villa.
- Daniel Brookes
SEAMAN SAYS – PART TWO
Following on from his Ozil comments, David Seaman added he would like to see the Gunners sign Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
Seaman told The Target Men podcast: “I think Zaha would be a good addition to Arsenal because he’s a proven goalscorer.
“I don’t know the reason why it hasn’t happened as he obviously wants to come.
"Whether it’s the agents and clubs not agreeing certain things, that must be the reason, but he’s made it clear that he wants to come as he’s an Arsenal fan.
“He would be a good addition to the squad, no doubt at all.”
- Daniel Brookes
SEAMAN SAYS
Arsenal legend David Seaman is surprised by Mikel Arteta's omission of Mesut Ozil from the Gunners' squad.
Ozil has played no part under Arteta since football's return post-lockdown and was left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads.
Seaman said: "I am surprised Arteta is choosing to leave out Mezut Ozil because he’s a player of quality,
“I feel something’s gone on personally between the two of them, because to leave him out, and on the money he’s on, is a big statement and for me it’s a bit of a waste, because he’s still a quality player.
“When you look at the Arsenal team, we’re crying out for a player like that, so why don’t you build your team around Ozil rather than just leaving him out in the field and letting him go.”
- Joshua Mbu
HE'S BACK
Gabriel Martinelli is slowly working his way back into contention for Arsenal.
Martinelli picked up a serious knee injury last season bringing what was looking like a successful season to an end.
The 19-year-old has scored ten goals and assisted four in 26 appearances for the North London club.
- Joshua Mbu
AUBA THE HILL
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has laid into 'atrocious' Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Willian ahead of the north London derby.
In his column with the Daily Star, he said: "I don’t see how my old club can beat Tottenham this weekend.
"They are too predictable and getting nothing from their stars.
"Willian has not got going at all, and is having a real nightmare. And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been atrocious.
"What does he bring to the party? Absolutely nothing at the moment.
"You need big performances from your big players when things aren’t going well. Arsenal aren’t getting that. That’s a dangerous thing.
"Has Aubameyang relaxed too much after signing his contract? Only he can answer that. But he’s not earning his money."
Both Aubameyang and Willian have failed to perform for Arsenal this seasonCredit: Getty Images - Joshua Mbu
YUNUS NO GO
Arsenal target Yunus Musah has signed a new six-year deal at Spanish outfit Valencia.
Musah was once on Arsenal's books at academy level, but has since flourished since leaving.
CBS Sports have reported that the 18-year-old has signed a new deal with a release clause £90m.
The New York born winger has scored one goal in ten La Liga appearances.
- Joshua Mbu
ARTETA ON TOMORROW
Mikel Arteta's favourite type of game is games like tomorrow's, against fierce rivals Tottenham.
- Joshua Mbu
UNDERRATED
Gilberto Silva has praised Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny and believes he is underrated.
Speaking on his podcast The Invisible Wall Show, Silva said: "Elneny was on the bench, but for me, despite the fact that not many people give him credit, I still believe that he’s got the ability to be a part of the team, to be a bit of stability.
"He works simple and effectively, don’t expect him to be in the spotlight, he’s a player who makes others play, you know, he’s there in front of the defenders playing simple nice and effective."
Tireless midfielder Elneny has been praised by Gilberto Silva for working 'simple and effectively' Credit: Getty Images - Joshua Mbu
MOUR IMPORTANT GOALS
Jose Mourinho says Tottenham have bigger things to worry about than finishing above Arsenal.
The Spurs boss took a sneaky swipe at the Gunners ahead of tomorrow’s North London derby.
Mourinho’s men are top of the Prem while lowly Arsenal are 14th — already eight points behind.
Asked the significance of the rivalry, Mourinho said: “It means more when we are not in the position we are now.
“Because we are in such a good position, it is a little bit different.
“We want the points and we are not just thinking, ‘We want to beat Arsenal because to beat them is the only good thing we can give our fans’.
“It happened when we played Arsenal in the last part of the season.
“It was just about winning against them to give us something, to have a good feeling.
“But in this moment we also look at the table and we are in a good position, fighting in the top part of the league.
“But of course we never forget there are historical rivalries — and what it means for supporters.”
- Joshua Mbu
WELCOME HOME
Arsenal welcomed back 2,000 fans to the Emirates for the first time in NINE months!
- Joshua Mbu
TOP TRANSFERS
Nicolas Pepe is Arsenal's most expensive signing.
- Joshua Mbu
MIKEL'S FACADE
Jamie Redknapp has suggested that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ' fooled' everyone into thinking the squad was good enough on the Pitch to Post podcast.
Redknapp said: "I think what it has shown us is that maybe we were fooled, because when he first took over he managed to get a real tune out of this team.
"We were like it must be the other managers’ fault, this is actually a good squad and the players that are playing are better than what they’ve shown under previous managers but actually, maybe the truth is, that they aren’t actually that good and the squad isn’t that good.
"He’s now struggling. They had a bit of a run, they played well for a while, but they can’t maintain it.
“You do feel that the gap between the two North London sides is getting bigger and bigger.”
Arsenal are struggling to get points on the board and they currently sit 14th in the Premier League.
A loss against Tottenham tomorrow would put them 11 points behind their North London rivals.
- Joshua Mbu
SZOB STORY
REAL MADRID boss Zinedine Zidane has 'personally contacted' RB Salzburg prodigy Dominik Szoboszlai, in a transfer blow to Arsenal.
The Gunners are interested in signing the talented Hungarian attacking midfielder.
But it appears that they'll have to join a queue of would-be suitors.
According to Bild, Zidane, 48, has phoned Szoboszlai in the last few days, paving the way for a potential deal.
The Frenchman wants to sign the 20-year-old as a direct replacement for Isco, with whom is relationship is 'totally fractured'.
In Szoboszlai's homeland, comparisons have already been made with Real Madrid legend Ferenc Puskas.
And Hungary's latest hope is believed to be considering a January move in order to take the next step in his development.
- Joshua Mbu
YVES PLEASE
Liverpool and Arsenal look set to battle it out for Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
That's according to bookmakers Paddy Power, who've priced the Premier League heavyweights as leading contenders for the midfielder's signature.
Jurgen Klopp's champions, however, are the market favourites priced at 7/2.
The Gunners follow closely behind at 5/1 with manager Mikel Arteta desperate to bolster his ranks during the January transfer window.
TalkSPORT's transfer guru Alex Crook said: "Bissouma is a player Arteta is a big fan of. I know Arsenal are by no means the only big six club keeping tabs on him.
"Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is also monitoring his situation. He is looking for a replacement for the out of contract Gini Wijnaldum.
"Bissouma himself is contracted until 2023 so next summer would usually be the time when they would start negotiating a potential new deal."
- Joshua Mbu
USE YOUR HEADS
Petr Cech today tells football chiefs: Don’t ban heading.
The Chelsea legend, who is raising funds for a dementia charity with a Christmas single of his own, fears new laws to limit heading would ruin the game.
Cech, 38, almost lost his life after fracturing his skull during a Premier League match 14 years ago.
The keeper wore a rugby scrum cap as a safety measure for the remainder of his career with the Blues and Arsenal.
So he knows all about the dangers of head injuries in football.
As a keen drummer, he has teamed up with Wycombe boss and vocalist Gareth Ainsworth to make a Christmas record to help a cause close to their hearts.
WATCH HERE
- Joshua Mbu
NUN THE WISER
Nuno Espirito Santo is 'positive' regarding Raul Jimenez's chances of playing for Wolves again.
The Mexican fractured his skull during a clash of heads with David Luiz during last weekend's match against Arsenal.
He was immediately given oxygen and underwent surgery in the early hours of the following morning.
But given the delicate nature of the injury, no timescale has yet been put on his return.
But Nuno, 46, is remaining optimistic over Jimenez, 29, being able to resume his career.
- Etienne Fermie
GOOD MORNING GOONERS
Brighton star Yves Bissouma is being tracked by Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of a potential January swoop, according to reports.
The Seagulls midfielder, 24, has been in impressive form this season – and most-recently starred in the 1-1 draw with the reigning champions.
Now, it's claimed both Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp want to add Bissouma to their squads in the winter window.
Arsenal are desperately lacking a creative spark, managing just ten goals in ten Premier League games this season.
The Gunners had targeted Houssem Aouar as well as Thomas Partey in the summer, but were priced out of a move.
Arteta is also believed to be keen on RB Salzburg star Dominik Szoboszlai.
The winger has liked an Instagram post about the Gunners' 4-1 victory against Rapid Vienna – but Gooners aren't getting too excited.
Despite the 20-year-old liking a post celebrating Arsenal's fifth consecutive victory in Europe this season, some fans believe it isn't a sign he will be joining the club.
They pointed out to the fact that Szoboszlai could have been revelling in Vienna's misery as they are rivals with Salzburg.
Of course, this weekend sees Arsenal travel to Tottenham in the North London derby and Ian Wright hopes to see Willian benched for the trip.
Talking on Wrighty's House Podcast, the hitman-turned-pundit argued: "I'd try to throw something else into the mix, Reiss Nelson or even Saka on the right.
"But Saka's on the left so I'd put Reiss Nelson on the right instead of Willian because we know what Willian's going to do.
"For me he's been a little bit negative with the way he's been playing, a lot of backwards passing.”
Elsewhere, Patrick Vieira has been sacked by Nice after his side were knocked out of the Europa League with his No2 Adrien Ursea taking charge.
The Ligue 1 giants slumped to a 3-2 loss at home to Bayer Leverkusen to crash out of Europe on Thursday.
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