8am Arsenal news LIVE: ‘Partey hoping for Gunners transfer’, Cazorla tells Arteta he wants return, Kroenke bags £300m – The Sun
ARSENAL are back in individual training as the Premier League looks to restart on June 12.
There looks to be a busy summer ahead at the Emirates with the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still uncertain, but there's good news on Dayot Upamecano.
Follow all the very latest updates from North London below…
TAKING THE MKH
Henrikh Mkhitaryanhas begged Arsenal to hash out a transfer agreement with Roma and insisted “my time in London is over”, according to reports in Italy.
The Gunners flop has spent this season on loan at the Serie A side and is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with the North Londoners.
Mkhitaryan is desperate to make his switch to Serie A a permanent deal.
And according to Corriere dello Sport, he told his employer: “My time in London is over, I hope you manage to find an agreement with Roma because my desire is to remain.”
The North London side have slashed their asking price to just £10million with the midfielder's agent Mino Raiola pulling the strings on the proposed sum.
Mikel Arteta's side lowered the fee in a bid to raise some cash for other transfer targets as they have been hit hard financially by the coronavirus crisis, with the majority of the squad accepting a 12.5 per cent pay cut.
SANTI BABY
Santi Cazorla has revealed he would welcome the chance to join Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff at Arsenal.
“I don’t know what my legacy is [at Arsenal],” the Spaniard told Vamos. “You have to ask the fans, but I want to thank everyone.
“I don’t know what I will do next, maybe a coach, maybe a sports director, but I would like to come back.”
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
The Gunners have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano.
Bild reports that RB Leipzig have dropped their asking price for the centre-back from £52.5m to just £35m.
The Frenchman's contract expires in 2021 and the German side are increasingly concerned that he won't commit to a new deal and have already said they are unwilling to lose him on a free.
Bayern Munich and Man Utd are also reportedly keen on Upamecano.
Long-term target Thomas Partey reportedly wants to join Arsenal this summer and hopes a deal can be done with Atletico Madrid.
The Ghana star, 26, is high on Mikel Arteta's wish list as the Gunners boss looks to strengthen in the middle of the park.
BLOCK SHOCK
Exclusive by Martin Lipton: The FA has the power to BLOCK any Premier League plans to axe relegation from the top flight.
Some clubs have warned that they will only back Project Restart proposals if the threat of dropping into the Championship is taken off the table.
But SunSport can reveal FA chairman Greg Clarke and the Wembley board have the right to demand promotion and relegation takes place — even if ALL 20 Prem clubs vote against it.
The ability of the FA to interfere goes back to the original Premier League breakaway from the Football League.
The resulting Founder Members Agreement, signed on July 17, 1991, gave the “Special Shareholder” — the FA — specific powers.
Under the terms of the document, which remains in place today, rule variations can “be effective only with the consent in writing of the Special Shareholder and without such consent shall not be done or caused to be done”.
YOUR CHOICE
Exclusive by Duncan Wright: Nine Premier League clubs are ready to let stars duck out of Project Restart over concerns they will infect vulnerable loved ones.
The top flight is pushing ahead with plans to resume matches on June 12 in a bid to finish the season and avoid financial meltdown.
But SunSport has discoveredalmost half of the 20 Prem sides now accept it is impossible to force stars back into action if theyfear falling ill or infecting their familywith Covid-19.
The growing list includes teams fighting it out at both ends of the table — as club bosses finally start listening to players, who are scared about being rushed into scenarios they feel are unsafe.
One source said: “If someone has a partner who’s pregnant, or close family who has cancer, how can we force them to play in those circumstances?”
S-KORE DRAW
Football fans can watch Friday's K League opener live for free in English – as South Korea does its bit for sporting morale around the world during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors face two-time Asian club champs Suwon Samsung Bluewings at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium from 7pm, streaming on YouTube and Twitter.
K-League chiefs say they want to “reach out” around the globe while most other countries are still in lockdown – promising online commentary remotely from Australia and “real time” English graphics.
IN THE RED
Former Liverpool star Florent Sinama-Pongolle has revealed that he would have joined Arsenal had Le Havre teammate Anthony Le Tallec not also agreed to move to Anfield.
He told The Athletic: “In England, I had Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United all trying to sign me and in Spain I had Valencia.
“Why Liverpool? The truth is that Anthony signed before me. When I heard that he was going there, I thought I’d do the same.
“I didn’t visit United but I did visit Arsenal. They invited us over and I met Arsene Wenger and [European scout] Damien Comolli.
“If Anthony hadn’t signed before me, I would definitely have gone to Arsenal. They were very respectful.”
MONEY TALKS
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has seen his wealth rise by more than £300million
On April 23, a study published by TheInstitute for Policy Studies revealed that the Gunners chief had seen his personal fortune increase by £323million since the start of 2020.
Forbes values the 72-year-old at £8.1bn.
GETTING SHIRTY
The Premier League are reportedly set to ban shirt-swapping and team celebrations.
The Telegraph claim that new safety measures will be brought in when football restarts.
The proposals will also see players banned from sharing water bottles and could be in place for as long as a year.
START THE PARTEY
Robbie Savage has urged Arsenal to go all out and sign Thomas Partey.
He told BT Sport: “I think Arsenal defensively… will they go for a strong midfield player? I know Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid has been talked about.
“I think he would be a good signing.
“And a defender, whoever that may be.”
NOT SO FAB
Cesc Fabregas has dished the dirt on the fight between his then-Arsenal side and Chelsea in the 2007 League Cup final.
NO MO PROBLEMS
Arsenal are said to be willing to part ways with Mohamed Elneny.
Turkish newspaper Fanatik claim this benefits Besiktas, who are keen to sign the Egyptian on a permanent basis following a successful loan stint this season.
PL HELL
Chief Executive of the League Managers Association Richard Bevan has warned that the 2019-20 Premier League season could be axed altogether if clubs don't agree to matches being held at neutral venues.
Six teams are believed to be against surrendering their home advantage, however, including Brighton & Hove Albion.
And Bevan has gloomily predicted that such a stance could see the season scrapped for good.
Asked by BBC Radio 4's Today programme if that would be the case, he said: “Yes, I think that probably is correct.
“The Government, if they haven't already, will be making it clear that home matches with densely populated stadia really puts into question whether social distancing rules can be adhered to and without doubt that will be on the voting next Monday with the clubs.”
SANTI'S COMING HOME
Santi Cazorla has revealed that he would jump at the chance to return to Arsenal as part of Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff.
The duo tasted FA Cup success during their four years together at the Emirates.
Cazorla told Vamos: “I don’t know what my legacy is [at Arsenal].”
“You have to ask the fans, but I want to thank everyone.
“I don’t know what I will do next, maybe a coach, maybe a sports director, but I would like to come back.”
TOP TIER
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed how excited he is to see Kieran Tierney in action.
He told Ian Wright on his YouTube channel: “I’m really looking forward to working with him and giving him the opportunity to play. His attitude, his commitment, his willingness, it’s incredible.
“I think he’s going to bring something special to us. It [the injury] has been a shame, but it’s part of his development. During your career, you go through these moments.
“I challenged him to say, Kieran, how are you going to react to that? You can’t feel sorry for yourself, this happened. Okay, the level of pressure now is a little bit higher, you have to deal with it, you’re playing with a top club, top expectations, deal with it. You have everything to be successful here.
“You have the best possible attitude that I’ve known from a player, go and live your profession and enjoy it.”
KURZ FOR OPTIMISM
There is “zero chance” of Barcelona moving for Arsenal target Layvin Kurzawa this summer, according to reports.
The French full-back is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain on June 30, with a number of top European clubs believed to be interested in acquiring his services.
Unlike fellow full-back Thomas Meunier, also out of contract in June, it is no surprise that the Ligue 1 champions have not attempted to renew Kurzawa's stay at the Parc des Princes.
Patchy form over the last couple of years has seen him fall behind Juan Bernat in the pecking order, having started only nine league matches this season.
But according to Le10Sport, sources close to both Barcelona and the player himself have confirmed that there have been no talks at all between the two parties.
TAKING THE MKH
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has begged Arsenal to hash out a transfer agreement with Roma and insisted “my time in London is over”, according to reports in Italy.
The Gunners flop has spent this season on loan at the Serie A side and is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with the North Londoners.
The winger arrived at the Emirates in January 2018 as part of the swap deal with Manchester United involving Alexis Sanchez.
According to Corriere dello Sport, he told his employer: “My time in London is over, I hope you manage to find an agreement with Roma because my desire is to remain.”
ART ATTACK
Arsenal and Chelsea are set to battle it out for Orkun Kokcu this summer, according to reports.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been keeping a close eye on the £23million Feyenoord midfielder for several months.
Arsenal have already made contact with the 19-year-old's representatives following his impressive spell of form.
But Voetbal International journalist Martijn Krabbendam has revealed the Gunners are not the only interested club.
Chelsea are also keen as Frank Lampard looks to bolster his midfield during the summer transfer window.
ARMCHAIR SUPPORTERS
Crowd noises could be broadcast inside stadiums via fans sat on their sofas when football returns from the coronavirus pandemic.
German tech company hack-CARE have developed a mobile phone app, MyApplause, that is reportedly under consideration by Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
It works by giving fans four options to transmit a noise that will resonate across the stadium as the game pans out.
A cheer, jeer, applause or whistle noise can be made with the app claiming it has the capacity for up to one million viewers.
And they reckon a minimal delay of only a tenth of a second comes between the button being pressed and the noise being transmitted, making for instant reactions akin to a real game.
Jurgen Kreuz of hack-CARE told Sportsmail that the company wants to generate tangible interest from major teams before pitching their idea to the Premier League.
THE ONLY WAY IS UP
Arsenal have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano.
Bild reports that RB Leipzig have dropped their asking price for the centre-back from £52.5m to just £35m.
The Frenchman's contract expires in 2021 and the German side are increasingly concerned that he won't commit to a new deal and have already said they are unwilling to lose him on a free.
Bayern Munich and Man Utd are also reportedly keen on Upamecano.
GUNNING FOR IT
Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal transfer targets that they can’t hesitate over joining the Gunners.
It comes with the club being linked with a host of players including Willian, Thomas Partey and Samuel Umtiti.
The Emirates boss doesn’t want to work with any time wasters this summer and says he will be put off by players that need convincing on a North London switch.
In an interview with Ian Wright on Adidas UK’s Twitter account, he said: “Everybody wants to come here and we have a really clear idea of what we are.
“It doesn’t need much convincing and if they do, for me it’s not a good starting point. If I have to convince a player to stay or to join us. To Arsenal? It holds me back a little bit.
“It has to be ‘what do we have to do? I want to play for that club and represent exactly the values the style of play that I want’. That’s the kind of emotion I want to hear at the start.
“The same with the players that are here. Once you finish what are the feelings you have towards the club? That’s what really interests me.”
SNACK TO WORK
Stadiums across London donated £50,000 worth of snacks to hero NHS workers on last Friday.
Crisps and soft drinks were taken in lorries to hospitals where medics are putting their lives on the line helping look after coronavirus patients.
The stock came from DN managed Wembley Stadium, The Emirates Stadium and The London Stadium.
Deliveries went to field hospital NHS Nightingale in East London and the Whittington Hospital in North London.
A source told The Sun: “There delivered around £50,000 worth of crisps and soft drinks to the Nightingale and the Whittington hospitals.
“Palletts of stock were just sitting there in the stadiums and bosses wanted to put it to good use – and give the hard working NHS staff some snacks.
“Staff loaded up lorries on Friday and were sure to maintain two metres between each other.”
KYL-ER BLOW
Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Kylian Mbappe would fit in better at Real Madrid than Barcelona as he talks up a transfer for PSG ace.
The 21-year-old World Cup winner has long-been linked with a move to the Bernabeu and was expected to make the switch this summer before the coronavirus crisis derailed the mega move.
Mbappe has a deal in the French capital until 2022 and is believed to have recently been offered a staggering £600,000-a-week contract to remain with the Ligue 1 champions.
He told Estudio Estadio: “I, who look at him [Mbappe] as a midfielder, consider him to be one of the strikers I would like to play with. He goes well into space, he has brutal timing. He has a definition, he is hungry.
“He is a boy who wants to be the best. Seeing him play is delightful and he would fit really well at Real Madrid. In Barcelona too, but I think especially in Madrid.”
SORT THIS MES
Kevin Campbell has urged Arsenal to sell Mesut Ozil and join Manchester United in the transfer race for Jack Grealish.
The former Gunners marksman reckons his old club should cash in on the German as he feels the 31-year-old is past his best.
Ozil has a contract until the summer of 2021 at the Emirates, where he earns a staggering £350,000-a-week.
Campbell told the Metro: “Arsenal need an all-rounder in midfield,
“Arsenal need someone in the middle of the pitch who not only can create, he can break the play up, but he’s got legs, we miss that. We’ve been a strong spine for years.
“There was talk of should we go for Jack Grealish or James Maddison, these type of guys would improve Arsenal.
“No disrespect to Mesut Ozil, but Ozil is on the wrong side of his Arsenal career with a year left on his contract after this.
“But we need someone who’s going to be in there with legs, we need creativity, and someone that when the games not going particularly well, he can get stuck in and knuckle down as well.”
PARTEY MOOD
Thomas Partey wants to join Arsenal this summer and hopes a deal can be done with Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
The Ghana star, 26, is high on Mikel Arteta's wish list as the Gunners boss looks to strengthen in the middle of the park.
And according to The Telegraph, the holding midfielder has made it clear he is intent on making the switch to North London.
It is thought he is desperate to prove himself in the Premier League next season.
The reports come following his standout performances across both legs of the Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool, which the Spanish side won 4-2 on aggregate.
Partey's release clause in his Atletico contract is around £43.5million but it is unlikely Arsenal will be able to afford that, especially if they miss out on the Champions League.
Alexandre Lacazette is one of four players who reportedly could be sacrificed to help finance a deal for Partey.
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