ARSENAL appear to have suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic.
Fiorentina are said to have reluctantly agreed a £63m fee with Juventus, where the Serb is keen to move to.
The Gunners are now reported to be looking at Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad and Luka Jovic of Real Madrid as backup options.
But there's better news in Arsenal's pursuit of a midfielder, with Arthur Melo of Juventus reported to be in talks.
However, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appears to have no future at the club after Mikel Arteta left him out of his squad for warm weather training in Dubai.
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- Justin Lawrence
Saliba 'keen' on Gunners return
William Saliba is reportedly ready to snub a permanent move to Marseille in order to return to Arsenal when the season ends.
Saliba's been on loan with the French side this season but he wants to return to North London and fight for his place in Mikel Arteta's team, according to Football.London.
The Frenchman's been in fine form while with the Ligue 1 side and it was thought that he would seek to make the switch permanent.
- Justin Lawrence
John-Jules' loan delight
Arsenal star Tyreece John-Jules has expressed his delight after joining Sheffield Wednesday on loan.
He said: “I’m delighted to come here in January. I’ve heard it’s a very big club and I just want to give it my all and help us get to where we need to be.
“I had a lot of clubs [interested] but I think knowing the manager who I had last season, his trust and faith in me was big in my decision to come here.
“He said ‘I know what you can do’ and last year I played well under him so hopefully I can do that again.
"I like his style of play, he tries to play football and that suits me as a player so I’ll try and do whatever he says and I’ll do it to the best of my ability."
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal and Juve transfer battle
Arsenal are reportedly set to battle Juventus for the signing of Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas.
Juve seemed to have beaten the Gunners to the recruitment of Fiorentina ace Dusan Vlahovic.
But the Gunners get can one over the Serie A giants if they manage to steal Tomas from under their noses.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, both the European giants are keen on the Spanish attacker.
- Kostas Lianos
Guimaraes transfer denied
Lyon have “categorically denied” that Newcastle have reached an agreement for Bruno Guimaraes.
But the Magpies are still pushing for a £30million deal for Guimaraes with the Ligue 1 club having taken the exact same stance in the past before selling a host of players, like Alexandre Lacazette, Ferland Mendy and Tanguy Ndombele.
It read: "Olympique Lyonnais categorically denies the false information disseminated by many media reporting an agreement between Newcastle and OL for the transfer of Brazilian international midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
"In this transfer window period where the slightest rumour is often presented as reality, Olympique Lyonnais reminds that only information officially released by the club is to be taken into consideration"
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Case for change
Premier League clubs have agreed new COVID-19 rules to clarify when matches can be postponed.
Today’s meeting of the 20 top flight clubs backed Prem proposals to demand at least four positive coronavirus cases for a postponement request to be accepted.
The change comes in the wake of League bosses agreeing to call off the North London derby when Martin Odegaard was the only Arsenal player unavailable due to the virus.
That was among the 22 matches that have so far been postponed because of virus-related absentees, although four of those have since been played on a different date.
The Gunners’ clash with arch-rivals Tottenham was postponed just 24-hours before kick-off.
Prem chiefs were widely criticised for that decision, with many accusing Arsenal of taking advantage of a flawed process.
Some managers have previously voiced that changing the rules mid-season could force them to play weakened teams when other sides had benefited.
But SunSport understands no clubs spoke out against the change at today’s meeting
- Kostas Lianos
No offer for Isak
Arsenal haven't made an offer for Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak at this moment in time.
That is according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim the Gunners nor any other team has made a formal bid for Isak.
Any potential suitor would also have to meet the striker's €90million (£75.2m) buyout clause.
The north Londoners are set to miss out on top target Dusan Vlahovic and will be looking for alternatives
- Kostas Lianos
Aubameyang left out
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been left out of Arsenal’s team flying to Dubai.
The Gunners are set to take off in the United Arab Emirates for a warm-weather training camp.
Aubameyang has been sidelined and stripped of the captain’s armband by manager Mikel Arteta after another disciplinary breach.
The Gabon international has attracted interest from various clubs, like Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and AC Milan
- Kostas Lianos
Vlahovic potential medical
Arsenal look set to miss out on Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic, who appears close to a move to Juventus.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Vlahovic will undergo his medical at Juve on Saturday after agreeing a £63million deal with the Serie A giants.
Reports suggest the Bianconeri have also reached an agreement with Fiorentina.
The Serbia international has been the Gunners' top target as manager Mikel Arteta needs a centre-forward.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has fallen out of favour whereas Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah will become free agents in June
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Arthur transfer collapses?
Arsenal's bid to sign Juventus ace Arthur in January is reportedly in danger of collapse.
That is because Juve can't find a replacement to fill in for the midfielder midway through the season.
The Brazil international appeared to be a highly likely addition to the Gunners but a transfer was always dependent on the Bianconeri finding reinforcements.
According to The Mirror, sources close to the 25-year-old believe the next two days will be crucial
- Kostas Lianos
'Five per cent chance'
Ajax ace and Arsenal target Noussair Mazraoui has said he will likely leave at the end of the season.
Mazraoui said: "I think the chances of me remaining at Ajax are very small, maybe five per cent.
"I am open for something new, I have played here for 16 years and I think it's a good moment to leave."
Mazraoui plays at right-back and his contract expires in June
- Kostas Lianos
Aubameyang latest transfer rumour
Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona.
But Barca may reject the chance to bring Aubameyang to the Nou Camp as manager Xavi prefers Juventus star Alvaro Morata.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Gabon international is desperate to link up with the Blaugrana.
The same report states that the centre-forward has offered himself to the Catalans as he looks to leave north London.
But Aubameyang could be denied a move to Barcelona with Xavi keen on bringing Morata back to LaLiga
- Kostas Lianos
Newcastle agree Guimaraes fee
Newcastle are closing in on Bruno Guimaraes after Lyon accepted a bid of around £30million, reports SunSport’s Oscar Paul.
Guimaraes is set to undergo a medical in his home country of Brazil today.
Arsenal and Juventus were also keen but didn't submit an offer, leaving the Magpies in pole position to secure the midfielder's signature.
Guimaraes is a deep-lying playmaker and would become the Toon's second most expensive signing ever behind £40million fellow countryman Joelinton.
The 24-year-old joined Lyon from Athletico Paranaense in January 2020 and has picked three caps with Brazil.
One of Lyon’s most consistent performers over the past two season, Guimaraes was part of the Selecao squad that won Gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Arsenal's Vlahovic blow
Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic's agent is reportedly ‘not even considering Arsenal and Tottenham’s transfer offers’ as his client closes in on a move to Juventus.
Vlahovic is still the Gunners' No1 target but reports suggest Juve have reached a deal with the Viola as well as the striker.
Spurs manager Antonio Conte is also believed to have identified the 21-year-old as the man to help take some of the scoring load off Harry Kane’s shoulders.
According to Sky Italy, the north London rivals are now in talks with the Serbia international over a five-year deal, with the player’s agent not considering any offers from them
- Kostas Lianos
Will-ing and able
William Saliba is ‘open’ to staying at Marseille if they qualify for the Champions League.
Saliba joined the Gunners from Saint-Etienne for around £27million back in 2019.
After spending a season back on loan at the Geoffroy-Guichard in the 2019-2020 campaign, many were expecting the defender to play a part for the north Londoners the following campaign.
But by the time the January transfer window rolled around he had still failed to make his debut.
A loan move to Nice followed and the centre-back was on the move back to his homeland again last summer to join the OM.
The 20-year-old has been thriving in Ligue 1 under manager Jorge Sampaoli and has made 26 appearances so far this term.
According to La Provence, the Frenchman is feeling ‘very good’ at the Velodrome and he is willing to make it a permanent switch.
However, ‘his condition is that the club qualifies for the Champions League’ next season.
Marseille are currently on course to achieve that goal as they sit third in the top-flight, two points behind second-placed Nice and 13 behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal's art heist
Arsenal are reportedly gearing up to renew discussions with Juventus over a January loan deal involving Arthur.
Italian media claim Gunners officials will meet with their Juve counterparts to thrash out a temporary swoop for the midfielder.
Tutto Mercato’s chief editor Marco Conterio claims the north Londoners' fresh talks with the Bianconeri are due to take place imminently.
Reports suggest initial negotiations hit a stumbling block with the Vecchia Signora wanting more money and a longer-term loan.
It is claimed the Serie A giants are after an option to buy as part of a potential deal.
Arsenal are willing to maintain their pursuit of the Brazil international despite Thomas Partey’s return from the Africa Cup of Nations
- Kostas Lianos
Cool hand Luk
Arsenal could seek a short-term loan for Real Madrid ace Luka Jovic if they cannot persuade Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic to join them this month.
Mikel Arteta is desperate to bring in another striker after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fell out of favour.
Vlahovic is still Arteta's top target but the Serbia international looks set to join Juventus.
That is why the Gunners are examining several alternatives, including Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak, Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jovic.
The north Londoners have been told by Real that Jovic could become available on loan.
The two clubs have a good relationship after Arsenal loaned Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard from Los Blancos in the past.
And Jovic is believed to be eager to prove himself in the Premier League
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Arsenal's forward thinking
Arsenal remain desperate to bring in a striker this month with Dusan Vlahovic, Alexander Isak and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all serious options.
The Gunners made bringing Fiorentina star Vlahohic to the Emirates their No1 priority this month.
But the north Londoners look set to miss out with the Serbia international understood to have agreed personal terms with Juventus.
According to The Athletic, the Premier League giants are yet to give up on luring the 21-year-old to the Emirates.
However should they fail to nab him, Arsenal will redouble their efforts in signing either Everton ace Calvert-Lewin or Real Sociedad centre-forward Isak.
But Mikel Arteta's team know landing either player midway through the season will prove difficult as they are both critical to their teams
- Kostas Lianos
Auba the odds
AC Milan are interested in signing Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but a deal would be costly.
Aubameyang is likely to leave the Gunners at the end of the month after being exiled by manager Mikel Arteta, who stripped him of the captain's armband.
According to Football Italia, Milan would like to bring the striker back to the San Siro.
The Gabon international was on the Italian giants' books between 2007 and 2011 but never made a senior appearance.
With Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic having both struggled with injuries this term, the Rossoneri are interested in strengthening their attack.
But the 32-year-old's salary will provide a stumbling block as he would require at least double than what Ibrahimovic makes.
The Sweden international is currently understood to be Milan's top earner on around £120,000-a-week
- Kostas Lianos
Now or Neves
Arsenal are interested in Wolves star Ruben Neves as a potential replacement for Granit Xhaka in midfield.
The Gunners are very impressed with Neves' performances this season so still hold an interest in the midfielder, according to The Athletic.
But the Portugal international has also attracted the attention of Manchester United, who look set to lose Paul Pogba in the summer.
Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old, who could cost around £38million.
Xhaka was heavily linked with a transfer exit last summer with Roma manager Jose Mourinho enquiring about his availability.
The Switzerland international is still being linked to the Giallorossi and that means the north Londoners could line up a swoop for Neves once more
- Kostas Lianos
Tielemans transfer boost
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their transfer pursuit of Leicester star Youri Tielemans as Brendan Rodgers admitted the midfielder has to 'look at all options'.
Rodgers said: "You always have to [plan for life without players], that is key. You always have to be looking ahead, that’s important.
"Youri is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option.
"I would love it to be here at Leicester, that is natural, but I understand it's a very short career.
"Once the player is committed, focused and professional it’s never a worry for me.
"With Youri you can see his joy of being here, he loves being here and you have to respect these guys’ careers are short.
"If we are going to lose one we have to be ready for the next one to come in"
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Gini’s Prem return
Paris Saint-Germain star Georginio Wijnaldum would be keen to return to the Premier League and play for Arsenal.
Kaveh Solhekol told Sky Sports: “The situation is Gini Wijnaldum is out injured at the moment.
“He’s not going to come out in public and say, ‘I want to leave PSG’, because you wouldn’t want to spoil your relationship with the fans.
“But what we’re being told is he would like to return to the Premier League.
“I’m not saying he wants to return today, this week or even in the summer, but he would like to return and we keep being told he would like to play for Arsenal.
“They’re a club he admired a lot when he was growing up. It’s definitely something that appeals to him.
“If PSG were to sign Ndombele on loan, would they let one of their midfielders go? Would Wijnaldum then become an option for Arsenal?
“We know Arsenal are looking for a midfielder. PSG have consistently said, ‘we don’t want him to leave'”
- Kostas Lianos
Tielemans transfer update
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers admitted Youri Tielemans has to ‘look at all options’.
Speculation surrounding Tielemans’ future continues after he entered the final 18 months of his current contract.
Arsenal have been linked with the talented midfielder during the January transfer window.
Liverpool were also touted as a potential suitor last summer when Georginio Wijnaldum departed for Paris Saint-Germain,
Manchester United also had contact with the Belgium international’s agent before interim manager Ralf Rangnick arrived at Old Trafford
- Kostas Lianos
Gunner miss out
Juventus are set to sign Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic in a huge transfer blow to Arsenal.
Vlahovic is Arsenal's top target during the January transfer window but he looks poised to stay in Serie A.
Juve have had a £63million bid accepted by the Viola and are now just finalising terms with the striker, according to Sky in Italy and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
So the Gunners look set to miss out on a key transfer target to the Bianconeri
- Kostas Lianos
Arthur chance for Arsenal
Arsenal are reportedly set to talk to Juventus again about a January loan swoop for Arthur .
Tutto Mercato’s chief editor Marco Conterio claims Gunners officials will meet with their Juve counterparts to thrash out a temporary deal for the midfielder.
The Brazil international has been among the north Londoners' top targets during the January transfer window.
Manager Mikel Arteta seems set to miss out on Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic, who is close to a deal with the Bianconeri, but is still desperate to bolster his squad
GETTY IMAGES - Etienne Fermie
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Ajax right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
The 24-year-old Moroccan international, who is into the final six months of his contract, told Dutch media: “I think the chances of me remaining at Ajax are very small, maybe five percent.
“I am open to something new, I have played here for 16 years and I think it’s a good moment to leave.”
AC Milan want deposed Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Football Italia.
The Gabon striker's days at the Emirates look numbered after boss Mikel Arteta took the armband off him last month.
And the Gunners are still after Lyon's £21.5million-rated Bruno Guimaraes, according to Sky Sports.
Apparently Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Spurs are also tracking the Brazil star.
Arsenal were reportedly interested in the midfielder two years ago before Lyon signed him from Atheltico Paranaense.
But Gini Wijnaldum has dealt the Gunners a transfer blow by reportedly saying he has ‘no intention’ of leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
The former Liverpool star had been linked with a move to the Emirates, who are desperately in need of midfield reinforcements.
And in another set-back for Arteta’s side, it has been reported Juventus are on the cusp of signing Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian striker is Arsenal’s top transfer target but now looks poised to stay in Serie A.
But the London club are reportedly set to chat to Juventus again about a January loan swoop for midfielder Arthur Melo.
Tutto Mercato’s chief editor Marco Conterio says Gunners officials will meet with their Juve counterparts to thrash out a temporary deal for the Brazilian.
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