Daniel Ek Arsenal takeover LATEST, Bellerin and Lacazette 'up for sale', Edouard replacement, Villarreal build up
SPOTIFY CEO Daniel Ek says he has secured the funds to take over Arsenal from unpopular owners the Kroenke family.
And he says he is prepared for his takeover bid to be a long journey if the Americans are not keen to sell immediately.
Meanwhile the Gunners – who face Villarreal in the Europa League tonight – have reportedly put Alexandre Lacazette and Hector Bellerin up for sale as they look to raise £120m for new signings.
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- Josh Graham
U N AI GO WELL TOGETHER
Robert Pires believes Unai Emery gives Villarreal the edge over Arsenal in the Europa League semi-finals.
That's despite the Gunners sacking him in 2019 in favour of current boss Mikel Arteta. Pires feels Emery's three Europa League crowns with Sevilla from 2013-2016 gives him vital pedigree.
And French 1998 World Cup winner Pires told AS: "I have been lucky enough to play for two great teams, such as Arsenal and Villarreal.
"Seeing them now face each other in a semi-final is something special. I see the situation at Arsenal with sadness.
I speak with Arteta and I see that it has not been an easy year. What can save them is to win this Europa League and thus play the Champions League next year.
"It is difficult to give a favourite for the semi-final. I would say it is 50-50. It is difficult to get it right. I think Villarreal has an advantage because they have Emery, a coach who has done very well in that competition.
"What I like the most is that it is a team that has a clear idea, that they like to play good football.
"Everyone knows that if you go to see Villarreal, you are going to see a good team, a team with very good players and that it will surely complicate things for Arsenal."
- Richard Forrester
MORNING, ARSENAL FANS
Gunners fans have been getting excited about Spotify founder Daniel Ek’s potential takeover in North London.
And the Swede, 38, has reaffirmed his desire to buy his boyhood club.
He told CNBC yesterday: “I’ve been an Arsenal fan since I was eight-years-old.
“Arsenal is my team. I love the history, I love the players and of course, I love the fans.
“So, as I look at that, I see a tremendous opportunity to set a real vision for the club, to bring it back to its glory.
“I want to establish trust with the fans, and I want to engage the fans again.”
Ek then added: “I’m very serious, I have secured the funds for it and I want to bring a very compelling offer to the owners and I hope they hear me out.
“I certainly didn’t expect this will happen overnight and I prepared for this to be a long journey.”
On the pitch, however, the Gunners have an important game to focus on this evening, as they lock horns with old boss Unai Emery and Villarreal in their Europa League semi-final first-leg.
Should Arsenal win, they could play in front of a 10,000 crowd in Gdansk, Poland on May 26 – potentially against Manchester United.
- Etienne Fermie
ICYMI – BLOOMIN’ EK!
Prospective Arsenal buyer Daniel Ek has been speaking to CNBC about his potential Gunners takeover.
The Swede, 38, said: “I’m very serious, I have secured the funds for it and I want to bring a very compelling offer to the owners and I hope they hear me out.
“I certainly didn’t expect this will happen overnight and I prepared for this to be a long journey.”
Daniel Ek is 'very serious' about buying Arsenal
- Etienne Fermie
ICYMI – EUR KIDDING ME
Arsenal and Manchester United have been told they will play in front of a 10,000 crowd if they reach next month’s Europa League Final.
But fans of the two Prem sides are unlikely to be allowed to travel to Poland – with local supporters set to be the only people allowed through the gates.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has announced a series of new measures as the country emerges from the Covid crisis.
That includes outdoor sports stadiums being able to open their turnstiles to up 25 per cent of capacities from May 15.
The Europa League Final is scheduled for the Stadion Miejski in Gdansk on May 26.
It is the home ground of Lechia Gdansk and has an all-seater capacity of 41,620. That will allow potentially 10,405 fans inside for the Final.
- Etienne Fermie
MORE FROM MARI
Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has had his say on Villarreal, ahead of his side’s Europa League semi-final first leg clash with the Spaniards tomorrow night.
He told the Gunners’ official website: “I have to say that Villarreal is a big club, the owners are doing the right things over the past couple of years.
“They took a really good decisions for the club, they have a really strong academy and use it a lot for the young players, they are doing really well with this kind of thing and you can see it that they are growing the club.
“I am really glad because they are doing the right things and you can see that they are playing for a semi-final in the Europa League and that tells you they are doing good things.”
Pablo Mari is excited for tomorrow night’s clash - Etienne Fermie
VILL YOUR BOOTS
Tomorrow's Europa League semi-final first leg will be a special occasion for boyhood Villarreal fan Pablo Mari.
He told Arsenal's official website: "Of course, I grow up in Valencia and supported Villarreal and Valencia.
"Of course they are the two teams in my city, every time when I was looking they beat Villarreal, I remember a lot of games I watched them and you think, 'I want one time to play for them.'
"You grow up with that dream. Now I am in the moment where I am going to play against them in a semi-final of the Europa League.
"I am really glad to be here to fight for Arsenal in that semi-final and I am really happy and it's going to be really special for me against Villarreal."
Pablo Mari is getting ready for a special occasionCredit: Getty - Etienne Fermie
I WANT CHU
Genk striker Paul Onuachu revealed signing for Arsenal would be a 'dream'.
And the 6ft 7in forward's club admitted they may have to sell their star asset this summer.
Onuachu, 26, has attracted plenty of interest with his red-hot form since arriving in Belgium from Danish side Midtjylland, where he famously scored the winner against Manchester United.
He admitted he is desperate to catch the eye of his beloved Gunners.
The 11-cap Nigeria international recently labelled the Emirates as his 'dream destination' and longs to follow in the footsteps of his idols representing the club.
And in another interview, Onuachu told Sporza: "I really like Arsenal. Emmanuel Adebayor, one of the players I admired most, played there.
"I really was a fan of him, including Nwankwo Kanu. I really love watching Arsenal too."
Genk striker Paul Onuachu is hoping his impressive season will catch the eye of Arsenal - Etienne Fermie
RISKY BUSINESS
Mikel Arteta has revealed whether he will be willing to 'risk' returning stars Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tomorrow night against Villarreal.
He said: "We do need them, because we know that we have some players that are in contention and they are the ones who can make the difference in a big tie like this.
"But the word risk, I don't like to put players on the pitch if they can't perform and they can't feel secure that they can perform.
"If it's a risk or we're going to take a gamble, then I don't think it's the right thing to do."
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kieran Tierney are both nearing first-team returnsCredit: AFP - Etienne Fermie
TOP TIER
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an update on full-back Kieran Tierney, following the news that the Scot is nearing full fitness.
The Spaniard, 38, said: "He didn't need the surgery that we were afraid of at the beginning and then he's been working like a beast every single day.
"I don't know if he's going to make it tomorrow [against Villarreal] but he certainly wants to be as close as possible to that football pitch to give himself the best possible chance."
Kieran Tierney is approaching full fitnessCredit: Getty
- Etienne Fermie
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given fans a positive update ahead of tomorrow's clash with Villarreal.
He said: "They are all in contention. All of them.
"Including Aubameyang, Laca and Kieran. They are all in contention for the game. Yes [it is good news]."
Mikel Arteta has given fans a positive fitness updateCredit: Getty - Etienne Fermie
NAI REGRETS
Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery has insisted that he has no regrets over his time in North London.
He said: “We all have our pride and internal ego but because of my experiences with PSG, Arsenal, Sevilla and Valencia I have learned how to manage all the emotional moments that come with the position of coach.
“My time at Arsenal is behind me but I always keep a piece of my heart for all the teams I have played for or managed.
“I will always be grateful to Arsenal and just remember the good stuff which allowed me to grow and gave me a lot of experience to use at Villarreal.
“Everyone knows Arsenal is a great club and Mikel Arteta is a great manager, so it’s a perfect marriage.
“I think he should build on the improvements that I tried to work on but wasn’t allowed to continue.
“Arsenal should be fighting for Champions League spots so they need to trust Arteta and have patience to execute a game plan because with patience and confidence they will make it.”
Unai Emery was axed in November 2019 - Etienne Fermie
CALL A CEB
Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos has dropped a major hint that he could be set to return to parent club Real Madrid in the summer.
The 24-year-old Spaniard joined the Gunners on a season-long loan deal at the beginning of the 2019-20 campaign and impressed in England with his creativity and range of passing.
His loan was then extended last summer and he has enjoyed another good campaign in North London.
But while it would seem Arsenal fans are intent on keeping him on a more permanent basis, comments from Ceballos now appear to suggest he will not stay.
Speaking to Onda Cero, he said: "I'm learning a lot in the Premier [League] but I think LaLiga is better for my game."
Ceballos looks set to return to Real Madrid at the end of the season - Etienne Fermie
ARTETA ON EMERY
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has had kind words for his predecessor Unai Emery, ahead of clashing with his Villarreal side tomorrow night.
Arteta, 38, said: "Unai was very open, honest and helpful and I was very grateful to him because a conversation like that is not something that is very common.
"I know a lot of people who have been around him and they all say that he is a fantastic man and a great manager.
“It didn’t work out for him at Arsenal but he did a lot of good things for the club and in his time here he reached a European final and was competing for a place in the Champions League.”
Mikel Arteta succeeded Unai Emery in 2019Credit: PA - Etienne Fermie
ART DEALER
Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery has revealed that he chatted with his replacement Mikel Arteta shortly before his appointment in 2019.
Speaking ahead of his Villarreal side's clash with the Gunners tomorrow, Emery said: "A common friend interceded and it was good for me because I had to leave my home in London.
“So apart from talking about football and my job at Arsenal, I suggested he take over my house, although in the end it was a player who took it.
“Of course I knew Arteta from before. He is from San Sebastian, just like me, so we were practically neighbours.
“So in the call we spoke a little bit about my time at Arsenal, in a positive way, and what I had lived through.
“I just wanted to tell him about my experience there, what I thought could be helpful for him and maybe one or two things that could be improved in a personal way.”
Unai Emery was sacked by Arsenal in November 2019Credit: Reuters - Etienne Fermie
MORE FROM DANIEL EK
Here is some more of what prospective Arsenal buyer Daniel Ek had to say to CNBC this afternoon.
He added: "I've been an Arsenal fan since I was eight-years-old.
"Arsenal is my team. I love the history, I love the players and of course, I love the fans.
"So, as I look at that, I see a tremendous opportunity to set a real vision for the club, to bring it back to its glory.
"I want to establish trust with the fans, and I want to engage the fans again."
Ek, 38, has been an Arsenal fan for 30 yearsCredit: Getty
- Etienne Fermie
BLOOMIN' EK!
Prospective Arsenal buyer Daniel Ek has been speaking to CNBC about his potential Gunners takeover.
The Swede, 38, said: "I’m very serious, I have secured the funds for it and I want to bring a very compelling offer to the owners and I hope they hear me out.
"I certainly didn’t expect this will happen overnight and I prepared for this to be a long journey."
The Spotify chief wants to buy ArsenalCredit: AFP - Jake Lambourne
NO TRAIN, NO GAIN
Just one more day until Arsenal face Villarreal.
And Gunners fans will be delighted to see the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kieran Tierney and Alexnadre Lacazette back in the team.
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- Jake Lambourne
ART DEALER
Mikel Arteta has spoken of the dangers that Villarreal possess ahead of tomorrow's meeting.
Asked what his biggest concern is about facing the Spanish side, Arteta said: "Well, I’d say the main thing is the clarity of idea that they have both with and without the ball.
"And in transition and set-pieces they have very clear ideas and some great connections between the players.
"They have some fantastic individual players in the final third and they can decide a game at any time.
"They compete throughout the game and they also have an ability to change system using either the same players or different players during a game, and that makes them a very difficult to read."
- Jake Lambourne
EUR KIDDING ME
Arsenal and Manchester United have been told they will play in front of a 10,000 crowd if they reach next month’s Europa League Final.
But fans of the two Prem sides are unlikely to be allowed to travel to Poland – with local supporters set to be the only people allowed through the gates.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has announced a series of new measures as the country emerges from the Covid crisis.
That includes outdoor sports stadiums being able to open their turnstiles to up 25 per cent of capacities from May 15.
The Europa League Final is scheduled for the Stadion Miejski in Gdansk on May 26.
It is the home ground of Lechia Gdansk and has an all-seater capacity of 41,620. That will allow potentially 10,405 fans inside for the Final.
- Jake Lambourne
GUNNED DOWN
Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has revealed that Arsenal were priced out of a move to sign him.
Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-A-Side Bet on Burnley v West Ham, he said: "Arsenal asked about me in the past.
"I think Arsene Wenger wanted to pay £4million for me but West Ham wanted more money.
"It was around the time he went and bought Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou instead. He signed those two instead of me.
"There's no doubt about it that if I'd have gone to that World Cup in 2006, a big move would've happened for me. There's no doubt about it."
- Jake Lambourne
WAGE RAGE
Liverpool have risen above Manchester United in the Premier League wage bill standings – but still sit miles adrift of Manchester City.
The official salary totals for the 2019-20 season have now been confirmed.
Across last season, the Reds paid out a whopping £325million in player wages.
Meanwhile, Manchester City still top the pile, shelling out an extraordinary £351m on wages last season.
Man Utd sit third on the list – miles adrift of their local rivals – on £284m, despite David De Gea signing a massive £375,000-a-week contract at the start of the season.
Last season, Chelsea spent just £1m less than United on wages at £283m.
Arsenal and Tottenham ran the tightest ship wage-wise, spending just £225m and £181m respectively last term.
Man City spent the most on players wages in 2019-20, with Liverpool overtaking Man Utd
- Jake Lambourne
ART ATTACK
MIkel Arteta has had his say on Dani Ceballos' comments that he intends to return to LaLiga in the summer.
Asked his views on what his Spanish compatriot said, the Arsenal boss remarked: "We mentioned to you guys and at the end of the season we have a lot to play for yet, so I don’t want any distractions.
"We will sit with them and we are always in contact and communication with the players and the agents to know what their feelings are.
"And at the end we have to make a common decision for what’s best for the club and the player."
Ceballos has featured in 74 games for the Gunners across his two loan spells so far.
- Jake Lambourne
ON GAARD
Real Madrid will not entertain any offers to sell Martin Odegaard in the summer, according to reports.
It will come as a major blow to Arsenal who were hoping to make the Norwegian’s loan spell a permanent one.
Odegaard, 22, headed to the Emirates on loan in January after struggling for game time in Madrid.
But AS write how any hopes of bringing him in on a permanent deal seem highly unlikely.
That is because Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane sees him as a ‘fundamental’ part of his plans going forward.
The Frenchman believes Odegaard can feature in a deeper midfield role and wants to give him the chance to compete for his place next season.
- Jake Lambourne
TOP TIER
Arsenal could have a fully fit squad to choose from for Arsenal's huge Europa League tie with Villarreal.
Mikel Arteta confirmed SunSport's news of a huge fitness boost for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as well as Alexandre Lacazette and Kieran Tierney.
David Luiz has also sat out the last month after undergoing minor knee surgery but returned to training this week.
Here is how the Gunners could start against the LaLiga side on Thursday.
- Jake Lambourne
NO LOVE LLOS
Dani Ceballos has revealed he will be returning to Spain once his loan spell at Arsenal finishes.
The midfielder – on loan at the Gunners from Real Madrid for a second season running – believes his qualities are best suited to LaLiga.
Quoted by El Transistor, he said: "I'm learning a lot in the Premier League but I think LaLiga is better for my game."
Before adding: "I think I am a better player, a more complete player, in the Premier League.
"I have grown above all physically but also tactically."
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