Breaking News: Arsenal Completes Signing of Kai Havertz

In a highly anticipated announcement, Arsenal has officially unveiled Kai Havertz as their newest addition to the squad. The unveiling video, which was leaked earlier this evening on the club's official website, solidifies the completion of the deal. Havertz is now officially an Arsenal player, marking an exciting moment for the club and its supporters. With his exceptional skills and talent, Havertz is set to make a significant impact and contribute to the success of the team. Arsenal fans can now welcome Kai Havertz to the esteemed ranks of the kings of North London.

Mikel Arteta Dismisses PSG Speculation, but Suggests Interest in La Liga Move in the Future

Mikel Arteta has put an end to speculation surrounding his future, refuting reports that he has held discussions with Paris Saint-Germain to become their next manager.

The Spanish coach has garnered praise for his impressive work in revitalizing Arsenal, leading them to a second-place finish in the Premier League this season with stylish football.

Earlier this month, surprising news emerged that Arteta had engaged in talks with PSG's sporting director, Luis Campos, as the French glamour club searched for a replacement for Christophe Galtier. In April, it became known that PSG was among the admirers of Arteta, monitoring his situation as Arsenal temporarily put contract negotiations on hold to focus on the title race. Arteta's current contract at the Emirates runs until 2025.

However, the 41-year-old, who spent two seasons as a player at PSG in the early 2000s, told Marca that he is content at Arsenal. He stated, "I can only say that I am happy at Arsenal. I feel loved, valued by our owners, Stan and Josh [Kroenke], and I have a lot to do here at this club. I am happy and tremendously grateful to be at Arsenal."

Arteta shares a special bond with Arsenal and its fans, having spent five seasons at the club as a player before returning as the manager in 2019 after serving as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. In his debut season as head coach, he secured the FA Cup, and last season he ensured the return of Champions League football to the revered Emirates Stadium after a six-year absence.

While ruling out an immediate move, Arteta did not dismiss the possibility of returning to his homeland, Spain, in the future. He expressed, "Spain is my country. I have been away for many years, and at some point, it could be an option to return to La Liga and have different experiences. But not now..."

Arteta still follows La Liga matches whenever possible, particularly those played at night, which suits his schedule better. He mentioned that his children also watch a lot of football on TV.

When discussing his admiration for current Barcelona manager Xavi, Arteta revealed their shared history, stating, "I have known him since we played together at Barca. His character and his deep understanding of the game made it evident that Barcelona needed someone like him. He has handled the pressure and remained loyal to his ideas, always defending the club and the players. The team has been consistently reliable throughout the year."

Both Arteta and Xavi were part of Barcelona B's squad during the 1999-2000 season. However, while Xavi broke into the first team, Arteta struggled to secure opportunities for himself and eventually moved to Paris.

West Ham Urging Arsenal to Make Third Bid for Declan Rice, Manchester City Yet to Make Formal Offer

 West Ham United is reportedly urging Arsenal to submit a third bid for Declan Rice in order to bring an end to the transfer saga surrounding the midfielder. Arsenal has been strongly linked with the England international and has already had two bids turned down.

With Manchester City also interested in Rice, there is added pressure on Mikel Arteta's side as they look to secure the player's services. However, as of now, Manchester City has not made an official bid for Rice. According to TalkSPORT, West Ham is encouraging Arsenal to make another offer to expedite the resolution of the saga.

The report also mentions that Manchester City has held discussions with West Ham but has yet to present a formal offer. It is believed that Rice has expressed a preference for a move to Arsenal. Recent reports indicated that West Ham anticipated a forthcoming improved offer from Arsenal while Manchester City put pressure on the Gunners.

Nevertheless, West Ham has not received an improved bid beyond the previous offer of £90 million, which was rejected by the club. The situation regarding Manchester City's potential move for Rice remains uncertain, although Pep Guardiola is known to be a great admirer of the midfielder.

In other transfer news, Mateo Kovacic is set to complete his move to Manchester City after undergoing a medical examination on Friday. Ilkay Gundogan's potential departure could impact Manchester City's pursuit of Rice, while Bayern Munich has reportedly shown interest in Kalvin Phillips this summer.

With West Ham eager to bring the Rice transfer saga to a close, it is expected that there will be developments on this front in the near future.

Breaking News: Kai Havertz Medical Scheduled for this Weekend

 Arsenal Football Club is edging closer to securing the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea. The German midfielder is set to undergo a medical examination overseas this weekend, with an official announcement of the £65 million transfer expected next week. Simultaneously, negotiations with West Ham regarding the potential signing of Declan Rice are still ongoing. Additionally, Manchester City has entered the race for Rice, the West Ham captain.

Due to Havertz's schedule, his medical assessment is likely to take place outside the United Kingdom. If all goes well, Arsenal will make a formal announcement of the £65 million move in the coming week. Chelsea is reportedly satisfied with the deal as Havertz has expressed his desire to leave Stamford Bridge. This marks the end of Havertz's three-year tenure with Chelsea, during which he scored the winning goal in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, securing the club's second European crown.

Chelsea had acquired Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for £75 million. After a mixed performance in the last campaign, the Blues were looking to recoup a significant portion of their investment. Arsenal's proposed transfer not only provides much-needed funds for Chelsea but also strengthens Mikel Arteta's attacking options while adding versatility. The Gunners aim to build on their second-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Arsenal is also engaged in discussions with West Ham regarding the potential acquisition of Declan Rice. Despite having their initial bid of £90 million rejected, the London club is expected to make a third offer. However, there are recent reports from Italy suggesting that Manchester City is nearing a deal for Rice. The reigning English champions are prepared to offer £75 million plus an additional £15 million in bonuses paid over two years.

In other transfer news, there is interest from Juventus for Arsenal's Thomas Partey, although no formal bid has been made yet.

Arsenal is seeking a certain level of certainty regarding incoming transfers before allowing any departures from the club. The Gunners are actively working to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

Arsenal on the Verge of Signing Chelsea's Havertz

In an exciting development, Arsenal is nearing an agreement with Chelsea to secure the services of forward Kai Havertz, for an estimated fee of approximately £65 million. The two clubs are presently working on finalizing the specifics of the deal, which include potential installment payments and add-ons. While personal terms have been agreed upon, the remaining steps include scheduling a medical examination before the transfer is officially completed.

Havertz's Versatility Makes Him an Attractive Prospect for Arsenal

The initial impression is that Havertz would be an excellent addition to the team. His elegant ball control, physical attributes, and young age make him a compelling choice. However, one question remains: where would he fit in the squad?

Arsenal envisions Havertz as a top-quality player who can fulfill multiple roles within their system, bringing a distinct set of skills to their existing forward lineup. Moreover, his acquisition aligns with the club's strategy of building a squad for the future, given that Havertz has recently turned 24 years old.

Arsenal Transfer News and Rumors: Summer Transfer Window 2023

Arsenal Makes Headway in Lavia Talks: Arsenal is said to be making significant strides in their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. Noted transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that negotiations between Arsenal, Southampton, and the player's representatives are moving forward positively.

Arsenal Engages in Negotiations for Timber Transfer from Ajax: Reports confirm that Arsenal is currently in talks with Ajax regarding the potential signing of defender Jurrien Timber. These discussions have been described as "very positive," with all parties displaying a keen willingness to reach an agreement. Timber, who still has two years remaining on his contract, holds an approximate valuation of €50m. While some sources suggest that an initial bid may have been turned down, Arsenal is internally strategizing on the valuation and payment structure for Timber, a player they have been monitoring since January. The Gunners are aiming to enhance competition in the respective position with the addition of the Dutch international.

Arsenal Makes New Bid for Havertz as Chelsea Looks to Balance Books: According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal has recently submitted a verbal offer to Chelsea for forward Kai Havertz. The bid for the talented German international is believed to be valued at £60m. Chelsea acquired Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for a significant £75m fee, with two years remaining on his contract. However, as the Blues have made substantial investments, approaching £600m, in player acquisitions since last summer, they are now seeking to recoup funds, making Arsenal's offer a potential avenue for them to rebalance their books.

Arsenal Open to Offloading Partey as Midfield Overhaul Begins: In an effort to revamp their midfield, Arsenal is reportedly open to parting ways with Thomas Partey this summer, according to the Telegraph. Alongside Partey, Granit Xhaka is expected to depart, with Bayer Leverkusen emerging as his probable destination. Manager Mikel Arteta has set his sights on West Ham captain Declan Rice, and talks are reportedly progressing positively. However, the Hammers have set a hefty price tag of £120m or a player-plus-cash deal. Arteta aims to shape the midfield around Rice and Martin Odegaard, as reported by the Telegraph. Additionally, Arsenal has shown interest in Brighton's Moises Caicedo and Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan, who will become a free agent at the end of the month.

Arteta in Talks with PSG for Managerial Role:

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has reportedly initiated discussions with Mikel Arteta regarding the possibility of him becoming the club's new manager, as stated by French publication RMC. PSG is currently in search of a new manager after parting ways with Christophe Galtier at the conclusion of the previous season, during which they secured their second consecutive Ligue 1 title. Following failed negotiations with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, talks with Arteta have now commenced. Despite being contracted to the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2024, Arteta's successful stint with Arsenal, guiding them to a second-place finish in the Premier League last season, has captured the attention of PSG.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles Leaves Arsenal After 20 Years

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has announced that his tenure at Arsenal has reached its conclusion, as the versatile 25-year-old looks to make a move this summer.The English international, who emerged from Arsenal's renowned academy system, has spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Southampton, following previous loan spells at West Brom and Roma. 

During his time at Arsenal, Maitland-Niles made 132 appearances for the club and earned five senior caps for the national team. However, he now feels the time has come to seek a new challenge away from north London as he approaches free agency.

Speaking to The Athletic, Maitland-Niles stated, "It has been an incredible journey, but my time [at Arsenal] has come to an end. It's time for a fresh start and to find a new club.

Arsenal's Opening Bid for Declan Rice Rejected by West Ham as Manchester City Joins the Race

Arsenal's pursuit of star midfielder Declan Rice has hit a roadblock as West Ham swiftly rejected their opening bid of £80 million plus £10 million in add-ons. The north London club faces unexpected competition from Manchester City, who have emerged as surprise rivals in the race for the Hammers captain's signature.

Despite interest from several top-flight clubs, Arsenal has long been seen as the favored destination for the England international, dampening the hopes of rivals like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. Bayern Munich, in particular, withdrew their interest in Rice earlier this week, citing Arsenal's financial strength as a decisive factor.

West Ham values their prized player at a staggering £110 million, and co-chairman Daniel Sullivan hopes that multiple suitors will drive up the bidding war. Arsenal initiated discussions with West Ham during the Premier League clubs' annual AGM, but their initial offer fell short of the Hammers' demands.The delay in securing Rice's services stems from West Ham's interest in what Manchester City can offer for the midfielder, hindering Arsenal's plans for a swift acquisition. Additionally, the Hammers were disappointed with Arsenal's proposal to structure the deal over four years, as they preferred to have the guaranteed portion of the transfer fee by 2025 to meet UEFA's financial fair play regulations.

While Manchester United shifted their focus to Mason Mount, Rice remained their primary target for weeks. Manchester City, on the other hand, may face significant departures this summer, with players like Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Kyle Walker uncertain about their futures at the club.

As negotiations continue, Arsenal and Manchester City will need to refine their offers to meet West Ham's valuation and secure the services of Declan Rice, whose transfer saga has garnered significant attention in the transfer market.

Arsenal's 2023/24 Premier League Season Fixtures Released

The upcoming Premier League season holds exciting fixtures for Arsenal, starting with a home match against Nottingham Forest on August 12. One of the standout moments is the first north London derby, scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium on September 23, with the return fixture on April 27, marking the penultimate phase of the campaign. The Gunners will conclude their season with a home game against Everton.

In the early stages of the season, Arsenal will face two London derbies against Crystal Palace and Fulham before welcoming Manchester United in their first 'Big Six' encounter, adding an element of anticipation to the start of their campaign.

The clash with last season's title rivals and treble winners, Manchester City, will occur within the first eight games on October 7, with the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium on March 30. Preceding the visit to the Etihad, Arsenal will navigate challenging encounters against Brentford and Chelsea in back-to-back London derbies, followed by matches against Brighton and Aston Villa.

The final away fixture will see the Gunners visit Manchester United before concluding their season at home against Everton on May 19, offering a thrilling climax to the campaign.

Analyzing Potential Arsenal Departures and What They Can Sell For

Following a remarkable season, Mikel Arteta has provided the club's board with ample justification to have faith in his vision. Consequently, an exciting summer reconstruction is on the horizon. Perhaps, against all odds, Arteta might even conclude the season with a coveted Premier League championship. But there might be some players who will be surplus to requirement, so we are analyzing the potential outgoing and what the club can generate from their sale.

Kieran Tierney: 45m

It appears that the moment has arrived to part ways with Kieran Tierney. Despite his undeniable talent and popularity, it has become evident that he does not align with Arteta's system and must seek a new opportunity elsewhere. Numerous potential suitors, such as Newcastle, are likely to express interest, providing Arsenal with the opportunity to secure a substantial transfer fee for the accomplished left-back.

The funds acquired from Tierney's sale can then be strategically reinvested to support the acquisition of players who genuinely align with the long-term vision of the club in North London.

Nicolas Pepe: 7m

As Nicolas Pepe enters the last year of his contract, it's evident that he won't be offered an extension. Consequently, if there exists an opportunity to secure a transfer fee for the winger, who was once acquired for a club-record £72m merely four years ago, Arsenal should seriously consider it. However, it remains uncertain whether such a move is feasible, considering the substantial wage demands associated with Pepe.

Nuno Tavares: 20m

Foreseeing a lasting future for Nuno Tavares at Arsenal appears challenging. Although his loan stint at Marseille began promisingly, it eventually mirrored the underwhelming trajectory of his debut season in North London a year prior.

While Tierney's anticipated departure might provide a slight opportunity for Tavares to make his mark, it seems prudent for Arsenal to explore the market and capitalize on a favorable offer for the talented young Portuguese full-back, aiming to swiftly turn a profit.

Albert Sambi Lokonga: 15m

Lokonga's circumstances closely resemble those of Tavares. Judging by his performance over the past two years in England, it becomes increasingly challenging to envision him thriving and meeting Arsenal's standards.

If a compelling offer presents itself for the Belgian midfielder this summer, it would be in Arsenal's best interest to accept it and embrace a new direction. However, if securing a transfer proves difficult, arranging another loan spell would serve as a favorable alternative. Lokonga requires regular playing time to further his development.

Folarin Balogun: 25m

In an ideal scenario, retaining Balogun would be the preferred course of action. His remarkable season on loan at Reims in France has showcased his true potential. However, with only two years remaining on his contract and his desire for guaranteed regular first-team football, it appears unlikely that he will commit to a new deal.

Considering Arsenal's inability to offer the desired playing time, if the club does not sell Balogun this summer, his market value will significantly decrease as he enters the final year of his contract next season.

Occasionally, it becomes necessary to identify the opportune moment to sell, even if it's not the preferred choice. The current summer transfer window feels like the right time to part ways with Balogun, especially considering the considerable interest he is likely to generate.

Rob Holding: 10m

Undoubtedly, Rob Holding has had a commendable tenure at Arsenal and holds significant popularity among the squad. However, as he made appearances towards the end of the season, it became evident that he does not meet the current requirements of Arsenal's defensive setup and struggles to align with Arteta's desired style of play.

Considering the pressing need for a new center-back, this summer presents an ideal opportunity for Arsenal to address the position by acquiring fresh talent. Consequently, it would be appropriate for Holding to make way and seek new opportunities elsewhere, facilitating the necessary transition within the squad.

Marquinhos: Loan

Following his loan spell at Norwich City during the latter half of the season, it appears that another loan is the most viable path for Marquinhos in the upcoming 2023-24 season. With limited opportunities likely at Arsenal, especially with the absence of Europa League football, it is crucial for him to seek regular playing time elsewhere to sustain his development.

While another loan to the Championship could prove fruitful, exploring a move abroad might present significant benefits for the former Sao Paulo prodigy. A fresh environment and exposure to a different style of football could be highly advantageous in his continued growth and progress.

Charlie Patino: 7m

Witnessing the departure of a highly talented academy product is always a challenging situation for supporters, yet for Charlie Patino, it seems to be a matter of being in the right place at the wrong time with Arsenal. Following an impressive season on loan at Blackpool, his primary desire is to continue gaining regular playing time at the first-team level, an opportunity he is unlikely to find in North London.

Considering the existing obstacles blocking his pathway, coupled with the anticipated arrival of high-profile signings in his position, the road ahead for Patino at Arsenal remains unclear for the foreseeable future. Recognizing this reality, the club has agreed to allow his departure this summer, provided the right deal can be secured.

While Patino may not command a substantial transfer fee, it is vital for Arsenal to safeguard their interests by incorporating significant clauses that could potentially yield a significant amount in the future, should Patino move on once again.

Cedric Soares: 2m

During the latter part of the season, the Portuguese full-back, Cedric Soares, had a loan spell at Fulham. Unfortunately, he struggled to leave a lasting impact at Craven Cottage, and a permanent move to west London is not on the horizon. Consequently, Soares is set to return to Arsenal this summer with just one year remaining on his contract.

While he may be inclined to stay and compete for his spot in the team, it would be opportune for Arsenal to explore the possibility of finding a buyer for him. This would enable Soares to seek fresh opportunities elsewhere, while the club can potentially benefit from his departure.

Auston Trusty: Loan/ 3m

Auston Trusty made an impressive debut season in England, garnering recognition as the Player of the Year at Birmingham City. While from an Arsenal perspective, it may be prudent to capitalize on the defender if a compelling offer arises, the likelihood of him securing an opportunity in North London seems highly improbable.

Alternatively, considering the potential benefits, it might be advantageous to send the United States international on another loan spell to a club operating at a higher level next season. This strategic move could significantly enhance Trusty's value, especially if he manages to deliver another strong campaign.

Pablo Mari: 3m

The transfer of Pablo Mari to Monza has already been finalized, with the Serie A club successfully avoiding relegation this season. This agreement proves to be a positive step for both Mari and Arsenal.

Arthur Okonkwo: 1m

Exploring the possibility of another loan spell for Arthur Okonkwo could be a viable choice, albeit one that would only delay the inevitable for a couple more years. With Aaron Ramsdale firmly established as the first-choice goalkeeper and recently signing a new long-term contract, there is currently no clear pathway for Okonkwo to break into the team.

Similar to the situation with Patino, while the ideal scenario would involve retaining Okonkwo, it is crucial to consider the player's perspective as well. If a favorable deal can be arranged, including significant clauses to safeguard the club's financial interests in the future, selling Okonkwo now might be the most beneficial option for all parties involved.

Runarsson: 1m

At 28 years old, Runar Runarsson has only made a single league appearance, and that was due to Bernd Leno's red card, with Runarsson fortuitously being on the bench at the time. Unfortunately, that appearance resulted in an away defeat to Wolves.

Additionally, his current loan spell at Alanyaspor hasn't been particularly successful either. In 28 appearances, the Icelandic goalkeeper has conceded a total of 51 goals, which falls below the expected standard.

Given the goalkeeping hierarchy at the Emirates Stadium, Runarsson has no realistic chance of featuring. Aaron Ramsdale is firmly established as the clear number one, with Matt Turner as a capable backup. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Runarsson will receive any playing time in the upcoming season. With his contract set to expire in 2024, it would be in Arsenal's best interest to part ways with him, enabling him to join a club where he can secure more regular minutes.

Conclusion: Arsenal has the potential to generate over £140 million from the sales of outgoing players, which would significantly bolster our transfer budget for the upcoming summer transfer window. We invite you to share your thoughts on these figures and provide your own estimations for outgoing transfers. Feel free to comment and let us know which players would make it onto your list.

Round Up Of Arsenal’s Transfer Rumors

Speculation Grows as Declan Rice Arrives for England Duty

The excitement among Arsenal fans is reaching new heights as they closely monitor Declan Rice's arrival for England duty today. The speculation surrounding the midfielder's potential move to the Gunners has intensified in recent days.According to SunSport's report last week, West Ham is preparing for a bidding war with a staggering £110 million price tag set for Rice. This announcement from the club's owner, David Sullivan, has sparked interest from top clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.

The anticipation among Arsenal supporters grew even stronger when photographs emerged of Rice arriving at St. George's Park for England's training camp. Arsenal players Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale were quick to extend a warm welcome to Rice, adding fuel to the fire of transfer rumors.

As expected, these images set social media ablaze, with Arsenal fans expressing their excitement and anticipation over the potential arrival of Rice at the Emirates Stadium. The prospect of securing such a highly regarded midfielder has certainly caught the attention of the Gunners faithful.

While the transfer saga continues to unfold, fans eagerly await further developments and hope to see Rice donning the Arsenal colors in the near future.

Is Gundogan Coming To Arsenal

Ilkay Gundogan could be on his way to Arsenal this summer, as suggested by Per Mertesacker, the Arsenal Academy manager.

During his appearance as a pundit for German broadcaster ZDF, Mertesacker speculated that Gundogan might consider a move following Manchester City's Champions League triumph. He hinted that Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, could be in a favorable position to secure the midfielder's signature.

Mertesacker stated, "I think the clubs are showing interest. Arteta knows him well, and there may still be some communication between them, which puts us in a good position. Gundogan will probably take his time to reflect and then decide among the four clubs."

While Manchester City is keen to retain Gundogan, the player has attracted attention from other suitors, including Arsenal, Barcelona, and some clubs in Saudi Arabia. The competition for his services is evident, but Arsenal seems to have an advantage due to their connection with Arteta and their ongoing communication with Gundogan.

Raphinha Remains a Target

Barcelona has reportedly set an asking price for Brazilian winger Raphinha, catching the attention of Arsenal once again.

Arsenal had expressed interest in the former Leeds player last summer, but Raphinha ultimately chose to join Barcelona at the Camp Nou. However, according to Sport, Barcelona has now set a price tag of £68 million for the talented winger.

Arsenal Eyeing Leicester Full-Back Timothy Castagne

Arsenal is reportedly showing interest in securing the services of Leicester City right-back Timothy Castagne.

While Mikel Arteta has been keeping an eye on Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda as his top priority for the right defensive position since January, talks have yet to yield a deal.

In the event that a transfer with Valladolid fails to materialize, Arsenal is already considering an alternative option, with Borussia Dortmund also expressing interest.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has indicated that Castagne is the backup target should negotiations with Fresneda not progress. Talks have allegedly begun between Arsenal and Leicester regarding a potential move.

If Arsenal decides to pursue the Belgian international, it is suggested that developments in the transfer could occur swiftly.

Uncertain Playing Time for Tierney at Newcastle, Says Hamann

Former Liverpool player Didi Hamann has expressed doubts about Kieran Tierney's potential playing time if he were to move to Newcastle United this summer.

In an interview with Casinos En Ligne, Hamann remarked, "Dan Burn has been performing exceptionally well at left-back. If Kieran Tierney were to join Newcastle United because he is considered a part-time player at Arsenal, would the situation be any different at Newcastle?"

Hamann praised Newcastle's defense and back four, emphasizing their sensational performances throughout the season. He acknowledged Eddie Howe's interest in Tierney, acknowledging his value as a quality squad player. However, Hamann questioned whether Tierney would be content with a secondary role behind Burn.

Burn's impressive performances at left-back, despite his height, have made him an essential part of the team, contributing to both goals and defensive solidity in set pieces. Hamann suggested that Tierney would face a significant challenge in displacing Burn from the starting lineup.

Ultimately, Tierney's potential move to Newcastle could result in uncertain playing time for the Scottish international, according to Hamann's assessment.

Zinchenko to Fulfill Childhood Dream with Wenger at Charity Event

Oleksandr Zinchenko is on the verge of realizing his childhood dream of playing under the guidance of Arsene Wenger at the Game 4 Ukraine charity event. Scheduled for August 5, the event aims to raise funds for the reconstruction of the Mykhailo-Kotsiubynsky School in Chernihiv Oblast, which was devastated by missiles.

The 26-year-old Zinchenko, a key figure in the Ukrainian national team, will captain one of the sides, while former Ukraine captain and manager Andriy Shevchenko will lead the other. Wenger, the iconic former Arsenal manager, has agreed to manage Zinchenko's team, providing the Ukrainian star with the long-awaited opportunity to play under his idol.

Zinchenko's aspiration to represent Arsenal and work with Wenger dates back to his childhood, and he came close to joining the Gunners at the age of 17. Although the deal fell through, Zinchenko's dream was eventually fulfilled eight years later when he signed for Arsenal under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta last summer.

Now, Zinchenko is set to achieve another cherished dream of playing under Wenger, and he expresses his gratitude for the former Arsenal boss's participation in the charity match. In an interview with talkSPORT, Zinchenko shared his excitement, stating, "It's incredible. I'd like to say a massive thanks to him for joining us. My boyhood dream was to be an Arsenal player, and I always wanted to be a part of Arsenal since I was a child, watching them with Arsene Wenger. Now, using this opportunity, he will be my manager. Although I had the chance to join Arsenal when I was 17, it finally happened a bit later!"

The upcoming charity event holds great significance for Zinchenko, not only as a chance to contribute to a worthy cause but also as an opportunity to fulfill his childhood aspirations alongside his idol, Arsene Wenger.