ARSENAL are closing in on the crucial signing of Martin Odegaard -and the Norwegian could even face Chelsea this Sunday.
And former target Houssem Aouar could also be available for a cut price fee after reportedly being transfer listed by Lyon.
Meanwhile Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic has confirmed Arsenal are STILL in talks with his club to sign goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
And finally, Mikel Arteta is listed at evens to be the first Premier League manager to get the sack this season.
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Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates below…
- Dylan Terry
GUNNAR CHANGE?
Brendan Rodgers is favourite to replace Mikel Arteta at Arsenal again.
Rodgers was momentarily replaced by Eddie Howe as the leading contender with the bookmakers this week.
But the Leicester boss is back to into top spot at Evens with Betfair.
Howe has moved out to 3/1 while Antonio Conte, who left Inter Milan after winning Serie A, is 6/1.
Other contenders include Ralph Hasenhuttl, Roberto Martinez and Gian Piero Gasperini.
Arsenal next manager
Betfair odds
- Brendan Rodgers Evens
- Eddie Howe 3/1
- Antonio Conte 6/1
- Ralph Hasenhuttl 11/1
- Roberto Martinez 14/1
- Gian Piero Gasperini 14/1
- Paulo Fonesca 14/1
- Freddie Ljungberg 16/1
NO GO LAUTARO
Lautaro Martinez is rumoured to be on the verge of dashing Arsenal’s and Tottenham’s hopes of signing him, according to reports.
The Argentina forward is thought to be close to agreeing new terms with Inter Milan that will see him stay at the Serie A club for the next five years.
And Sky Sports Italia say the striker has undergone ‘positive’ talks with Nerazzurri officials which are believed to have been in the offing for weeks.
The claims come amid speculation that Tottenham had agreed to a £60million deal with the Italian giants to bring the player to North London.
GUNNER SWAP
A potential swap deal involving Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin and Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier is reportedly ‘a genuine prospect’ this summer window.
The 26-year-old Gunners ace is growing increasingly frustrated with life under Mikel Arteta and has been linked with a move away for several months.
He was an unused substitute for the club’s defeat at newly-promoted Brentford on Friday.
Bellerin wants to return to Spain and both Atletico and Barcelona are keen.
Arteta is believed to be keen on getting a player in exchange for the full-back, with both Trippier and Barca’s Emerson mentioned as potential options.
Now Football London claims the Bellerin and Trippier swap is ‘a genuine prospect’.
And Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette could also reportedly be used in a possible exchange package.
- Dylan Terry
HOUSSE HUNTING
Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the chase for Lyon star Houssem Aouar, reports claim.
The Mirror says Spurs are set to make a late transfer move for the midfielder who has been heavily linked with an Emirates switch.
The club's bid has been given a boost by news that Arsenal are close to finalising a £30million agreement with Real Madrid for Martin Odegaard.
That would see the Norway playmaker Martin Odegaard return to the Gunners following his loan spell in the side last term.
Aouar, 23, is thought to be a target for a number of teams in the Prem and Europe, with Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace among them.
- Dylan Terry
FLUNKIN' DOUGHNUTS
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal tactics have been described as a 'doughnut of sadness' after their shocker at Brentford.
The analysis from Tifo – a football tactics podcast – was particularly cutting.
Drawing the trajectory of the ball as it circles around the pitch without going anywhere, the analyst mournfully says: "Pepe cuts back in and he goes back to [Calum] Chambers, and Chambers goes to [Ben] White, and White goes back to Sambi [Lokonga].
"Then Sambi puts it back to [Granit] Xhaka, and Xhaka goes back to [Kieran] Tierney, and it goes again and again and again in this doughnut of sadness.
"The doughnut of shame – going around and around and around and around, never going anywhere."
- Dylan Terry
RED HEAD 2 HEAD
Arsenal have replaced Joe Willock with Martin Odegaard and upgraded their midfield in the process – or have they?
The Gunners flogged Willock, 21, to Newcastle for £25million and have signed Odegaard, 22, from Real Madrid for £34m.
Fans are split over whether Norwegian ace Odegaard offers more than Willock.
And Gunners legend Paul Merson has hit out at his old club for letting academy product Willock go.
SunSport have unearthed stats from last season to explore whether Gooners should expect their team to be stronger with Odegaard instead of Willock in 21-22.
- Dylan Terry
NEXT FIVE GAMES
Here are Arsenal's next five Premier League games as they look to recover from their opening day defeat to Brentford:
- Dylan Terry
WINTER WARNING
Arsenal must learn from their 'disastrous' performance against Brentford or meet an even worse fate against Chelsea, says Nigel Winterburn.
The Gunners legend said: "From an Arsenal supporters' point of view, we want a high energy performance and commitment.
"Friday night they showed anything but that. It was a disaster.
"Not only defensively, but going forward, the front three didn't produce anything. It was either wide from Tierney or a burst from Emile Smith Rowe, that was it.
"Arsenal cannot afford to focus on just one Chelsea player on Sunday.
"Chelsea have an array of exceptional individuals, and they perform very well tactically, and as a team.
"A manager must analyse Chelsea to find their strengths and any weakness to exploit. All managers will feel that there are some visible weaknesses."
- Dylan Terry
LOC AND LOADED
Juventus have officially announced the signing of Italy star Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo.
The midfielder, 23, was linked with Arsenal earlier in the window.
But the Euro 2020 star only wanted to go to Juve, and has penned a five-year deal.
- Dylan Terry
HOUSS LAUGHING NOW
Tottenham are reportedly set to swoop for Houssem Aouar, after Arsenal secured the permanent signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.
The Gunners have long been linked with Lyon midfielder Aouar.
But having moved for Odegaard instead, the Mirror claim that the path is now clear for Spurs to sign 23-year-old Aouar.
The France international has been transfer listed by Lyon supremo Juninho, and previously excelled alongside Tanguy Ndombele in Ligue 1.
- Alex Terrell
I'M STAYING 'EIRRE
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is determined to stay at Arsenal and become a club legend according to reports.
The Gabon star, 32, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates in recent weeks.
But according to the Express, Aubameyang wants to see through the contract he signed in September last year.
He scored 15 goals in all competitions last season, with four assists, compared to his 29 strikes the season before.
- Alex Terrell
'BANTER FC'
Arsenal have been called 'Banter FC' by former Tottenham and Billericay star Jamie O'Hara.
The talkSPORT pundit has blasted the club's recruitment this summer as they close in on deals for Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners have also signed Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga during this summer's transfer window.
But former Spurs midfielder O'Hara has criticised Arsenal's business, telling talkSPORT: "They are Banter FC right now… they are Banter FC!
"Odegaard, Ramsdale, White, Lokonga and Tavares – they've spent £135m on a B team. Is their team any better than what it was last season?"
- Thomas Blow
MORNING, ARSENAL FANS
The Gunners have bolstered their ranks by reportedly completing the signing of Martin Odegaard for around £30million.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the deal is complete and the North Londoners have agreed on personal terms with the Norwegian.
Odegaard, 22, is believed to have agreed a five-year contract with Mikel Arteta’s men.
He starred on loan at Emirates Stadium during the second half of last season, scoring twice and assisting another two goals in 20 appearances.
Another midfield target Houssem Aouar has reportedly been transfer listed by Lyon supremo Juninho.
But according to the Mirror, Arsenal’s prioritising of Odegaard has made a further move for Aouar unlikely – with rivals Spurs now in the driving seat for the French international.
Another former midfield target Manuel Locatelli yesterday completed his move to Juventus from Sassuolo.
The Gunners had been keen on the Italian after his stellar performances at Euro 2020.
In other transfer news, Arsenal are set to sign Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, according to reports.
The North Londoners were linked with the Blades stopper earlier in the window, but baulked at their £35m valuation.
According to David Ornstein, however, the two parties have agreed on a fee worth an initial £24m, with another £6m in potential bonuses likely to only be reached if Ramsdale becomes Arsenal's No1.
- Etienne Fermie
RAM RAID
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the £24million transfer of Sheffield United keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The England man was left out of Sheffield United's squad for their Championship clash away to West Brom on Wednesday night.
He has started the Blades' first two games of the season.
And according to The Athletic a return to the Premier League is on the cards for the 23 year old.
Arsenal are said to be paying £24m up front with a further £6m to be paid in add-ons.
It is significantly less than the £40m the Blades were previously demanding for their No1.
He is expected to provide instant competition for Bernd Leno at the Emirates.
- Etienne Fermie
RED HEAD 2 HEAD
Arsenal have replaced Joe Willock with Martin Odegaard and upgraded their midfield in the process – or have they?
The Gunners flogged Willock, 21, to Newcastle for £25million and have signed Odegaard, 22, from Real Madrid for £34m.
Fans are split over whether Norwegian ace Odegaard offers more than Willock.
And Gunners legend Paul Merson has hit out at his old club for letting academy product Willock go.
SunSport have unearthed stats from last season to explore whether Gooners should expect their team to be stronger with Odegaard instead of Willock in 21-22.
- Etienne Fermie
LAC OF THREAT
Danny Murphy believes Arsenal should look to sell striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer if they need money to sign more players.
The French forward, who missed Arsenal’s 2-0 opening day defeat against Brentford on Friday due to illness along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has been linked with a move away from the club during this window.
Murphy told talkSPORT: “If I was Arteta I’d make some definitive decisions and stick to a team that’s capable and some tactics that you can actually see.
“We were quite enthused [with Arteta] at the beginning, there was some positivity there. Then some negativity came and he became proactive not reactive. It’s like they’ve lost their way a bit.
“But when I say definitive I’d be telling Aubameyang that he’d play week in, week out up front. Whatever it, needs you play him, week in, week out and he’ll score you goals. And if you need funds then let Lacazette go.”
Alexandre Lacazette is not Danny Murphy's favourite strikerCredit: Getty - Etienne Fermie
ODE TO JOY
Arsenal have reportedly completed the permanent £29m signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.
The Norwegian shone on loan in North London last season, and has returned on a full-time basis.
With the attacking midfielder set to be available to Mikel Arteta this weekend, let's remind ourselves of the magic that he's capable of.
- Etienne Fermie
LOC AND LOADED
Juventus have officially announced the signing of Italy star Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo.
The midfielder, 23, was linked with Arsenal earlier in the window.
But the Euro 2020 star only wanted to go to Juve, and has penned a five-year deal.
- Etienne Fermie
RAM RAID
Arsenal are on the verge of signing Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, according to reports.
The Blades were initially after £40million for the stopper.
But according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, the Gunners have settled on a fee of £24m, plus £6m in potential add-ons.
Ornstein adds that these add-ons are likely to only come into play if Ramsdale becomes Arsenal's first choice.
The 23-year-old has been offered a four-year deal with an option for a fifth.
Aaron Ramsdale is set for a move to ArsenalCredit: PA - Etienne Fermie
IT ALL ADS UP
Tony Adams has celebrated going 25 years sober by praising those who helped him kick the drink.
A quarter of a century of 'peace and serenity' has seen the former Arsenal and England star turn his life, on and off the pitch, around.
Adams, 54, struggled with alcoholism while performing on the biggest stage throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
But he was able to get the help he needed and has since spoken openly and honestly about his past addiction.
On Wednesday, Adams revealed he had reached 25 years sober and posted a heartwarming message to his Instagram.
He wrote: "There it is! Officially an old timer today.
"At 5pm on the 16/08/1996 I took my last alcoholic drink.
"25 years of peace and serenity later, I would just like to thank all those recovering addicts that freely carried the message of recovery to me.
"Thank God I surrendered and asked for help. Keep coming back. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻."
- Etienne Fermie
HOUSS LAUGHING NOW
Tottenham are reportedly set to swoop for Houssem Aouar, after Arsenal secured the permanent signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.
The Gunners have long been linked with Lyon midfielder Aouar.
But having moved for Odegaard instead, the Mirror claim that the path is now clear for Spurs to sign 23-year-old Aouar.
The France international has been transfer listed by Lyon supremo Juninho, and previously excelled alongside Tanguy Ndombele in Ligue 1.
Houssem Aouar could be set for Spurs
- Etienne Fermie
ARSENAL 4 OKZHETPES 0
Nikita Parris and Mana Iwabuchi helped Arsenal get off to a flyer in the Women’s Champions League qualifiers with a crushing defeat of FC Okzhetpes.
Goals from the summer signings were among the efforts that saw the WSL side seal a thumping 4-0 win and their first in Europe under Jonas Eidevall.
The result saw the North London outfit reach the first round final of the Champions League qualifiers where they will face PSV Eindhoven or Locomotiv Moscow.
A win for the Gunners in that game will see them secure a spot in the second round of the qualifiers for the contest.
- Etienne Fermie
TREASURE HUNT
Arsenal are continuing to revamp their transfer department with the addition of three new scouts.
An overhaul was kicked off last year when ten talent spotters were axed by technical director Edu.
Head of recruitment Francis Cagigao, France scout Ty Gooden and head of youth scouting Steve Morrow were all let go in the space of a few months.
Last month, a trio of new scouts began working for the Gunners with the aim of bringing in hidden gems.
Former Manchester United employee Romain Poirot will look after Arsenal's French network.
Now in charge of Arsenal's Spanish scouting system is former Andorra international Toni Lima.
And James Ellis has also joined Arsenal to help scout the domestic market, with all three starting their work for the club in July.
- Etienne Fermie
PAUL THE OTHER ONE
Arsenal icon Paul Merson has hit out at technical director Edu for his transfer dealings since the Invincibles hero returned to North London.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “It’s worrying at Arsenal. You’re still thinking: ‘Where are they going?’
Edu has come in, and the recruitment has been lazy, if I’m being honest. It’s been: ‘Oh, we’ll take Willian on a free… we’ll take David Luiz for cheap.’
“I remember years ago in football, managers were judged on signings. Sometimes I think Arteta is left behind, and I’m not sure how much of a say he has got in all of this.
“Why would you let Joe Willock go? I’m not saying he’s the answer, but he’s come through the club and is going for £25m, that sort of money isn’t going to change Arsenal.
“It’s not like a Harry Kane or Jack Grealish sale where you get £100m and can rebuild the team.”
Paul Merson has had his say on former club ArsenalCredit: Getty - Etienne Fermie
SOD'S LAU
Inter Milan have today held contract talks with rumoured Arsenal target Lautaro Martinez's agent.
The Argentine has been linked with a move away from San Siro, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Spurs and Atletico Madrid have had bids rejected.
But the Italian reports that Martinez's extension is edging closer, and is likely to be completed in the weeks ahead.
Lautaro Martinez is set to extend his contract at Inter Milan
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