Arsenal 'want Tite as manager', £50m Ruben Neves LATEST, Haaland asks Odegaard's transfer advice – updates
ARSENAL are ready to make a shock move to replace Mikel Arteta with Tite after the World Cup, according to reports in the South American nation.
Technical director Edu is said to be leading the talks and is well acquainted with the Brazil boss, having previously played for Corinthians, where Tite was manager.
Erling Haaland has reportedly turned to Martin Odegaard for advice as he chooses which club to join in the summer.
The striker plays with the Arsenal star in the Norway national team and it appears he has tapped into his expertise on the Premier League and La Liga.
As well as playing for Arsenal, Odegaard spent six years in Spain with Real Madrid and Real Sociedad.
And SunSport can exclusively reveal that Arsenal are ready to offer Bukayo Saka a new deal which will quadruple his wages.
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- Joshua Jones
Good morning to Gunners fans
Mikel Arteta’s long-term future as Arsenal manager is in question after it emerged that talks had taken place between the Premier League club and Brazil coach Tite.
According to sensational reports in South America, Gunners sporting director Edu has identified his compatriot as the man he wants to take the Londoners forward.
Tite is contracted to the Brazil national team until the completion of this year’s World Cup, but could be installed at the Emirates for the beginning of the 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate has revealed that the problem that kept Emile Smith Rowe out of England training this morning is not a major one, but he’s unlikely to feature against Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow.
Discussing fitness issues within the squad at yesterday afternoon’s press conference, the Three Lions boss said: “Emile [Smith Rowe] did not train today so he is unlikely to be involved tomorrow. It’s nothing too serious, but we’ll check on him late to see if he can take part.”
However, Southgate’s perplexed as to why Smith-Rowe’s Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka can’t remain on international duty after being struck with Covid.
Southgate said: “I’m lost on the rules really.
“I can’t sit here and give a medical download of all that. I’m not quite sure why he is out because I think you can carry on now with normal life.
“I think people have an ethical responsibility if they’re positive to stay away from others and stop the spread but by the normal rules of life he could carry on.
“Football rules are a bit different but I’m in a maze of confusion frankly.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal have reportedly approached wantaway Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele’s contract with Barca is up in the summer and according to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV, the Gunners want to bring him to the Emirates.
Talks between the parties have already begun as the report states Dembele’s agent Moussa Sissoko has met with the North London side.
Finally, Darren Bent doesn’t think Arsenal should try and sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.
Bent reckons the Welsh veteran will stifle Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s growth at the club.
He told talkSPORT: “It’s not that he is not good enough, but he has got Saka in front of him, Martinelli, these guys are getting better and better.
“You don’t want to stunt their development.”
- Justin Lawrence
Xhaka's joy for England game
Granit Xhaka is happy that Arsenal team-mates Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe will miss England's game against Switzerland.
The Swiss captain said: “Two of them are not playing tomorrow so it’s good because we know the quality they have.
“Of course they have a very good generation now, playing very well, not only in the national team but with Arsenal as well.
“We’re happy that Saka and Aaron are not playing tomorrow.”
- Justin Lawrence
Campbell praises Ramsdale
Kevin Campbell has praised Aaron Ramsdale's warm gesture to fellow Arsenal stopper Bernd Leno after the Gunners' 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
Campbell told Football Insider: "Leno came in and did really well against Aston Villa.
"It was really nice to see Ramsdale push Leno towards the fans to get his acclaim because he deserved it. It was amazing to see.”
- Justin Lawrence
Wolves hope to keep Neves
Wolves have opened contract talks with Ruben Neves in a bid to keep him out of Arsenal's clutches this summer.
The Arsenal boss sees the £50million-rated Molineux midfielder as key to his rebuilding plans with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also monitoring Neves, who will have two years left of his current contract this summer.
However Wolves know they must move now to convince Neves to extend his current deal – or cash in this summer while his value remains high, to fund new signings for Bruno Lage.
"We're obviously talking to him and we all know how much he loves playing for the club. We know how much he has settled here, but he is also an ambitious young man," said Wolves Technical Director Scott Sellars.
"As with all players, you try and have an open dialogue with them and their representatives to come to the best scenario for the club and the player.
"Rightly so, elite clubs all over Europe will have Ruben on their radar, but we have an excellent relationship with him and will do things properly, and collaboratively, when the time is right.
"Ruben is having a fantastic season and everybody should take a pat on the back in terms of how well he is playing."
- Justin Lawrence
Bent on Bale’s Arsenal links
Darren Bent doesn’t believe Wales hero Gareth Bale would be a good signing for Arsenal as he could stifle Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s growth.
Bent said on talkSPORT: “No, I don’t think so.
“It’s not that he is not good enough, but he has got Saka in front of him, Martinelli, these guys are getting better and better.
“You don’t want to stunt their development.”
- Justin Lawrence
Merson praises Odegaard
Paul Merson claims Martin Odegaard is Arsenal's best player at the moment despite initially being sceptical about the midfielder's arrival at The Emirates.
Merson said to the Daily Star: "Martin Odegaard has proved me wrong and is becoming the leader Arsenal need to pass their toughest test yet,’ Merson told the Daily Star.
"He is the main man there now and the first name on the teamsheet for me. He has really improved and is doing the business.
‘I think the players respect him because they can see he’s a real player. I didn’t see it at first, I have to admit.
"It looked like he didn’t really want to leave Real Madrid, and I didn’t think he pulled up any trees on his loan spell at Arsenal.
"He could have sulked and lost his confidence when Madrid didn’t want him any more, but he’s playing better than ever now. He’s Arsenal’s go-to man and he makes them tick."
- Justin Lawrence
Merson on Sancho for England
Arsenal legend Paul Merson reckons Gareth Southgate should’ve picked Jadon Sancho instead of Raheem Sterling for the England squad.
Merson said in his Daily Star column: “Gareth Southgate should have picked Jadon Sancho instead of Raheem Sterling in his England squad.
“Surely you’re better off having Sancho in the squad than Sterling? We know what Sterling can do.
“We know he’s going to the World Cup. Sterling always performs for England. Leave him out, he’s got big games coming up for Manchester City. And put Sancho in.”
- Justin Lawrence
Ben White's England appreciation
Arsenal star Ben White has shared his pride after getting another call-up for England.
He said: “Getting called up again shows that what I’ve done this season is really paying off.
“The last time I got called up I was straight into a tournament, so to come back in and be part of it again is a really nice feeling.”
- Justin Lawrence
Ousmane Dembele to Arsenal?
Arsenal have reportedly approached wantaway Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele's contract with Barca is up in the summer and according to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV, the Gunners want to bring him to The Emirates.
Talks between the parties have already begun as the report states Dembele's agent Moussa Sissoko has met with the North London side.
- Justin Lawrence
Southgate's doesn't understand Saka absence
Gareth Southgate is perplexed as to why Bukayo Saka can't play for England due to catching Covid.
He said: "I’m lost on the rules really.
"I can’t sit here and give a medical download of all that. I’m not quite sure why he is out because I think you can carry on now with normal life.
"I think people have an ethical responsibility if they’re positive to stay away from others and stop the spread but by the normal rules of life he could carry on.
"Football rules are a bit different but I’m in a maze of confusion frankly."
- Sam Dymond
Smith Rowe issue 'not serious'
Gareth Southgate has revealed that the problem that kept Emile Smith Rowe out of England training this morning is not a major one, but he's unlikely to feature against Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow.
Discussing fitness issues within the squad at this afternoon's press conference, the Three Lions boss said: "Emile [Smith Rowe] did not train today so he is unlikely to be involved tomorrow. It's nothing too serious, but we'll check on him late to see if he can take part."
Southgate had better news regarding another forward, but was left rueing another increase in Covid-19 cases.
"Raheem [Sterling] is absolutely fine. However, it was a shame to lose Bukayom [Saka], but that we're back in those moments with Covid where there's been a spike in the country."
- Sam Dymond
Arteta future in doubt amid Tite link
Mikel Arteta's long-term future as Arsenal manager is in question after it emerged that talks had taken place between the Premier League club and Brazil coach Tite.
According to sensational reports in South America, Gunners sporting director Edu has identified his compatriot as the man he wants to take the Londoners forward.
Tite is contracted to the Brazil national team until the completion of this year's World Cup, but could be installed at the Emirates for the beginning of the 2023-24 season.
Arteta has revitalised a young and exciting Arsenal side in recent months, but is only contracted to the club until the summer of 2023.
- Sam Dymond
Smith-Rowe misses England training
Emile Smith Rowe became the latest Arsenal player to sit out England training when he was absent from this morning's practice.
The Gunners midfielder also missed Wednesday's session although there has not yet been an official reason given for today's non-appearance.
The news comes a day after his club teammate and good friend, Bukayo Saka, withdrew from England duty, having testing positive for Covid-19.
Last week, Aaron Ramsdale was forced to pull out of the squad with a muscle injury.
Gunners fans will be hoping the Arsenal curse doesn't strike their one remaining England representative, Ben White.
- Sam Dymond
Charming Gunners pursue Benfica's Nunez
ArsenaL have reportedly begun a 'charm offensive' in their bid to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
Nunez, 22, was believed to be on Arsenal's radar in January with the club making initial contact with the player's agent.
The Gunners are increasing their contact with Benfica and are beginning to talk up a move to North London, according to Record.
And Arsenal are reportedly a few steps ahead of Newcastle and West Ham in the race to sign Nunez.
Both clubs were said to be interested in the Uruguayan in January but were put off by his asking price.
At one point Toon were prepared to pay £50million for the forward but given interest in Nunez is only increasing his asking price is now believed to be in the region of £67m.
- Sam Dymond
Another north London derby postponed
Tomorrow's clash between Arsenal and Tottenham in the Women's Super League has been postponed due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Spurs squad.
The announcement follows in the footsteps of the men's teams, who had their Premier League clash in January called off, and has yet to be arranged.
On that occasion, it was the Gunners that forced the cancellation with their squad depleted due to coronavirus, injuries, suspensions and the African Cup of Nations.
Spurs figureheads were critical of Arsenal on that occasion, but are likely to be more understanding today.
- Sam Dymond
Arsenal's Tierney opens Scotland account
Kieran Tierney scored his first international goal for Scotland in last night's 1-1 draw with Poland – and then joked afterwards that it only puts him on an equal balance for his country.
The Arsenal defender headed home John McGinn's free-kick at Hampden to give Steve Clark's men a first half lead in Thursday's friendly.
And after the game, Tierney laughed: "It's good to get my first goal. That's one goal and one own-goal for Scotland so that's me even.
"I was thinking 'is this onside or offside?' but that's just the shock. When do I score a header?"
- Sam Dymond
Proud Martinelli makes Brazil bow
Gabriel Martinelli's fine season with Arsenal was last night rewarded with a first senior cap for Brazil.
The 20-year-old winger was brought on by head coach Tite in the 76th minute of Selecao's 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile.
The Gunners forward was introduced into the game alongside fellow Premier League star Richarlison, and joined the likes of Neymar and Thiago Silva on the pitch.
Brazil have already qualified for Qatar 2022 as one of CONMEBOL’s top four teams.
- Sam Dymond
In demand Diaby considering options
Bayer Leverkusen's hottest property Moussa Diaby is already thinking about his future move – and it could depend on who clinches fourth spot in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old winger, wanted by both Arsenal and Manchester United, has revealed his desire to play in the Champions League.
In a conversation with Le Parisien (via Football.London), the French international admitted: “Obviously, I'm thinking about [my future], but not too much yet. I remain focused on the end of the season. For the moment it is my only concern.
“I want to play all the high level matches. The objective is to qualify with Bayer for the Champions League. I love participating in games with pressure.”
Diaby has scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 35 games for Leverkusen this season, and is expected to cost in the region of £50m.
- Sam Dymond
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica ace Darwin Nunez ahead of Premier League rivals West Ham and Newcastle.
The Prem trio are all keen on recruiting Nunez this summer in a bid to bolster their respective attacks.
But according to Record, the Gunners are in pole position to snag the striker as they are the club out of the interested parties who will most likely be able to offer him Champions League football.
Meanwhile, Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has been omitted from Fenerbahce’s first-team photo.
The Turkish titans declared Ozil’s exclusion on social media earlier today.
However, no explanation was given for the midfield maverick’s omission.
Elsewhere, David Seaman has praised Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka for raising his game and always producing 8/10 performances.
Seaman said: “What I love about Saka is that when he gets the ball, he wants to go forward, he wants to turn and get at the defenders.
“He did that in the summer with England and he’s carried it on and gone to another level. He’s nearly always an 8/10 every game.”
And finally, Buyako Saka has revealed that he’s gutted about having to leave England’s squad due to illness.
He wrote on Twitter: “I am gutted to withdraw from the England camp, but I have tested positive for Covid-19 and I will be isolating until I am negative.
“I’ll be supporting the boys from home this weekend and I can’t wait to be being back doing what I love soon.”
- Justin Lawrence
Ben White's tough rise
Ben White was toughened up for the Premier League with pre-match curries and dressing-room punch-ups.
White smiled when asked about life in Wales with Newport he explained: “I don’t think I ever thought about playing for England back then.
"You’re having a curry for your pre-match meal.
“Everything was totally different from what I knew in the academy.
“In my first game there was a punch-up at half-time — between our own players in our own dressing room.
“It was a bit scary to be fair. I didn’t want to make any mistakes, that’s for sure."
- Justin Lawrence
Lloris praises Saliba
Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris has praised Arsenal star and fellow French team-mate William Saliba.
Lloris said: "What he’s doing at a club like Marseille at 21 years of age, that’s impressive. He’s got this calm strength about him.
“We feel him ready and serene. He’s got the assets to go up another level in his career.
"If the chance presents itself, there’s nothing better for him to play his first game for France at the Vélodrome.”
- Justin Lawrence
Saka's gutted about England exit
Buyako Saka has revealed that he's gutted about having to leave England's squad due to illness.
He wrote on Twitter: "I am gutted to withdraw from the England camp, but I have tested positive for Covid-19 and I will be isolating until I am negative.
“I’ll be supporting the boys from home this weekend and I can’t wait to be being back doing what I love soon.”
- Justin Lawrence
Winterburn on Tammy Abraham
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn reckons Tammy Abraham would've been a perfect signing for Arsenal before he left Chelsea to join Roma.
Speaking to FreeSuperTips, Winterburn said: ‘Back in the summer when he was moving, there was a link with Arsenal, I don’t know how strong, but he fits into the bill of what Arsenal were trying to do.'
‘A young player with huge potential, so my opinion doesn’t change that he would have been a great option for Arsenal.
- Justin Lawrence
Saka leaves England squad
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for England after testing positive for COVID-19.
Saka has left the Three Lions’ camp, where he had been isolating since Wednesday, and is now back home.
Manager Gareth Southgate is not expected to call up any replacements for the upcoming international friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
The FA released the following statement: “Bukayo Saka has left the England camp having tested positive for COVID-19.
“The Arsenal player had been isolating from the rest of the squad at St. George’s Park since Wednesday and has now returned home.
“No further replacements are planned with a squad of 24 in place for the forthcoming fixtures against Switzerland, An Alzheimer’s Society International, on Saturday (26 March, 5.30pm kick-off) and Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday (29 March, 7.45pm kick-off) at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.”
- Justin Lawrence
Seaman praises Saka
David Seaman has praised Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka for raising his game and always producing 8/10 performances.
Seaman said: "What I love about Saka is that when he gets the ball, he wants to go forward, he wants to turn and get at the defenders.
"He did that in the summer with England and he’s carried it on and gone to another level. He’s nearly always an 8/10 every game."
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