Arsenal in Talks to Sign Gremio Midfielder Bitello

• Gremio want £8.5m for midfielder
• Arsenal sporting director Edu has driven the deal
• Gunners representatives watched Gremio's cup game with Bahia on Wednesday

Arsenal has initiated discussions with Brazilian club Gremio regarding a potential deal for midfielder Bitello, sources have confirmed to 90min. Representatives from the English club traveled to Brazil earlier this week and were present at Gremio's match against Bahia on Wednesday, with Bitello featuring for the entire 90 minutes.

Bitello has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal through the efforts of sporting director Edu, who has utilized his connections in Brazil to identify him and explore a potential agreement. Sources indicate that this situation mirrors the signing of Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano in 2019, as both players were relatively unknown in Brazil but were believed by Arsenal scouts to possess the ability to thrive in the Premier League.

It is understood that Gremio is willing to accept a deal worth £8.5m, including potential future profit from any subsequent sale. Ongoing negotiations suggest that an agreement could be reached later this week.

The 23-year-old Bitello primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but is versatile enough to play in various positions across the frontline or midfield. Sources have informed 90min that his style of play bears similarities to former Arsenal winger Willian.

While actively engaging in this summer's transfer market, Arsenal is also focusing on securing Bitello. The club has already confirmed the signing of Kai Havertz and is set to announce deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber in the near future.

Arsenal Training Camp and Pre-Season Squad: Players Heading to Adidassler Sportplatz in Germany

 

As part of their preparations for the upcoming 2023/24 campaign, Arsenal is currently en route to the Adidassler Sportplatz in Germany for a training camp. The Gunners will face FC Nurnberg on Thursday, July 13th, before heading to the United States for three pre-season matches. The squad has already departed for Germany, and here are the players expected to be on the plane and potentially feature in the upcoming game:

• Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Alex Runarsson, Arthur Okonkwo, James Hillson.
• Full backs: Cedric, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Lino Sousa.
• Centre backs: William Saliba, Rob Holding, Reuell Walters, Auston Trusty, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior.
• Centre Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Mohamed Elneny, Martin Odegaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Sambi Albert Lokonga, Ismail Ouland-M’hand, Mauro Bandeira, Jack Henry-Francis.
• Wingers: Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, Leandro Trossard, Marquinhos, Amario Cozier-Duberry.
• Centre Forwards: Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun, Mika Biereth.

It's important to note that there may be additional youngsters who are not listed above.

Next stop: Germany 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/v1bOocbi1C

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 9, 2023

Arsenal and Watford Battle to 1-1 Draw in First Pre-Season Friendly Match

 Arsenal's Marquinhos found the back of the net as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Watford in their first pre-season match. The game took place at London Colney, with Mikel Arteta fielding a strong starting line-up featuring Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Eddie Nketiah. 

However, it was Watford who took the lead through Ismael Kone and held on until the second half. After making several changes, including the introduction of Marquinhos, Arsenal equalized with a rebound goal. The match also saw the return of Reiss Nelson, who recently signed a new long-term contract. In transfer news, Arsenal is close to finalizing the signing of Jurrien Timber after he successfully completed a medical.

HIGHLIGHTS Arsenal vs Watfor
Pre-season friendly 1-1 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/nvAfNZHe6W

— ناشط ارسنالي (@TacticAFC) July 8, 2023

Exclusive: William Saliba Signs Long-Term Contract with Arsenal Until June 2027

In a highly anticipated move, William Saliba has officially signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. The deal, accepted by Saliba in June, has now been finalized with the signing of official documents. The contract will keep the young defender at Arsenal until June 2027, with the option to extend until 2028. This signifies Arsenal's commitment to Saliba's future and their belief in his potential. Arsenal fans can now eagerly anticipate Saliba's return to the club and his contributions to the team after missing the final months of last season with an injury which ultimately derailed the team’s chances of winning the premier league trophy.

On est ensemble.

Wilo stays ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XxsneBf90m

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 7, 2023

Arsenal's Head of Medical Services Gary O'Driscoll Set to Join Manchester United

Arsenal’s head of medical services, Gary O’Driscoll, will be joining Manchester United in a move expected to be completed later this summer.

O’Driscoll, who has been with Arsenal since 2009, is a highly-regarded figure at the club. He was on the verge of signing for Liverpool in 2020 but decided to stay with Arsenal, turning down other opportunities to leave.

However, Manchester United has successfully attracted O’Driscoll away from the Emirates Stadium. The transition period will allow him to assist in integrating a successor at Arsenal, ensuring an amicable departure.

Despite being popular at Arsenal and not actively seeking to leave, the opportunity at Manchester United proved too good to refuse for O’Driscoll. The move will also bring him closer to his family in the north-west.

Manchester United has been in need of filling their vacancy since Steve McNally departed in December 2022. Jim Moxon, a former Liverpool doctor, had been serving as an interim replacement. It is possible that Moxon will continue to be a part of the medical set-up under O’Driscoll.

The appointment of O’Driscoll followed an extensive search conducted by Manchester United, utilizing headhunters to identify top-level candidates. O’Driscoll stood out due to his professional credentials, experience, personality, and character.

During his tenure at Arsenal, the club has achieved success, including winning four FA Cups and finishing second in the Premier League last season, earning a return to the Champions League after a six-year absence.

Granit Xhaka Departs Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has officially bid farewell to the Gunners, marking the end of a significant chapter in his football career. After an impressive seven-season stint at Arsenal, Xhaka has completed his highly-anticipated move to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

During his time at Arsenal, Xhaka established himself as a pivotal figure in the squad, making a remarkable 297 appearances for the club. His contributions were not limited to his defensive duties as a midfielder, but he also managed to find the back of the net on 23 occasions, showcasing his ability to contribute to the team's attacking play.

As Xhaka embarks on a new adventure with Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal fans will undoubtedly reminisce about his time at the Emirates Stadium.

A farewell video was posted on the official Arsenal website bidding farewell to Granit Xhaka, thanking him for his many years of service to the club.

297 appearances. 23 goals. 29 assists. Two FA Cups. And one inspirational story.​

Granit Xhaka: forever a part of the Arsenal family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gbgRVicFiM

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 6, 2023

Reiss Nelson Signs New Contract with Arsenal: Confirmed

Arsenal has officially announced the signing of Reiss Nelson on a new long-term contract. The 23-year-old winger, who technically became a free agent in June, has rejected offers from clubs both domestically and internationally, including notable interest from Italy, to remain at his beloved childhood club.

Nelson previously agreed to a long-term contract with Emirates Stadium in 2018 and has since gained valuable experience during loan spells with Hoffenheim and Feyenoord.

During his time at Arsenal, Nelson has made 66 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists. His exceptional performance in the 3-2 victory over Bournemouth in March earned him the prestigious title of the Premier League's Gamechanger of the Season for 2023/24.

The talented player has committed to a four-year deal with Arsenal and will continue to provide crucial coverage on the flanks, supporting Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Our Reiss. Here to stay ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hTROO5YpXB

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 6, 2023

Arsenal on the Verge of Finalizing £105m Deal for Declan Rice's Transfer from West Ham

Arsenal is in the final stages of securing the terms for a £105m agreement to acquire West Ham's midfielder, Declan Rice. The guaranteed portion of the fee is expected to be paid in three instalments over a span of 24 months.

West Ham has agreed to sell Rice for £100m plus an additional £5m in add-ons, and the transfer is nearing completion. Arsenal initially intended to spread the cost of the guaranteed payment over five years, but they have had to reduce the number of instalments in order to bring their top summer target, preferred by Mikel Arteta, to the Emirates Stadium. Ongoing discussions are focusing on the details of the add-ons, while Rice is anticipated to undergo a medical examination and join Arsenal within the coming week. The tight payment schedule is designed to support West Ham's financial position, as they were placed on Uefa's Financial Fair Play watchlist in September of the previous year.

Earlier, Manchester City expressed interest in Rice after losing Ilkay Gündogan to Barcelona and had a £90m bid for the West Ham captain rejected just last week. City ultimately withdrew from the bidding process after Arsenal, who had already faced two rejected offers, surpassed the £100m mark for the 24-year-old.

The champions were unwilling to engage in a bidding war with Arsenal and believed that West Ham's demands, particularly concerning the payment structure, were excessively high.

As Arsenal prepares for another title challenge, they have been making substantial investments. They have already secured the signing of Germany attacker Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65m. Additionally, a deal to acquire Ajax defender Jurrien Timber for £40m is close to completion. To make room for Rice in midfield, Arsenal plans to offload Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

Xhaka is expected to join Bayer Leverkusen, while Thomas Partey has attracted interest from Juventus and clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Arsenal could further raise funds by selling USA striker Folarin Balogun and Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares.

Although Rice was open to joining Manchester City, Arsenal was always his preferred choice. The English international admires Arteta's football philosophy and is believed to have already agreed to the terms of a long-term contract. Arteta has made significant efforts to court Rice and believes that his physicality and leadership will enhance Arsenal's chances of ending Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League.

In addition to Rice, Arsenal is interested in securing another midfielder, with Romeo Lavia of Southampton valued at £45m. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United have also shown interest in the 19-year-old talent.

West Ham, on the other hand, is actively searching for Rice's replacement and has shown interest in João Palhinha from Fulham, Denis Zakaria from Juventus, Amadou Onana from Everton, and James Ward-Prowse from Southampton. They may also consider reviving their pursuit of Edson Álvarez if the Ajax midfielder's move to Borussia Dortmund falls through.

Source: The Guardian

Granit Xhaka Transfer News: Arsenal Midfielder Nears Bayer Leverkusen Move

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is on the brink of completing his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, as reported. The Swiss international, with one year left on his Arsenal contract, is set to join Leverkusen for a fee of £21.5 million. Leverkusen initially offered £12 million but had to increase their offer to meet Arsenal's valuation. Xhaka has expressed his interest in a future managerial role, and Leverkusen sees him as a potential coach after his playing career. Xhaka's Instagram post with the caption "Thank you Gunners" suggests his farewell to Arsenal. Arsenal is nearing the signing of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as a suitable replacement for Xhaka, with a potential transfer fee exceeding £100 million.

Cesc Fabregas Announces Retirement from Football at 36: A Glorious Journey

Former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona midfield maestro, Cesc Fabregas, has officially retired from professional football at the age of 36, culminating an illustrious career that spanned multiple top clubs and international success.

During his tenure, Fabregas proudly represented Spain with 110 caps, achieving remarkable triumphs such as consecutive European Championships and a World Cup victory. Originating from Barcelona's esteemed La Masia academy, he made his debut for Arsenal at a tender age of 16, commencing an eight-season stint in north London before returning to his beloved Catalonia.

Fabregas's accolades expanded as he clinched the FA Cup with Arsenal and later thrived in Spain, securing LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup during a remarkable three-year spell.

A triumphant return to the Premier League ensued as he joined Chelsea, where he attained two Premier League titles, one under Jose Mourinho and the other under Antonio Conte. Additionally, he earned the FA Cup and League Cup honors with the Blues. Fabregas concluded his professional football career with Como, an Italian second-tier team, during his final season.

Taking to social media, Fabregas expressed his emotions, stating, "With great sadness, the time has come to hang up my boots. I will cherish every moment, from the early days at Barcelona, Arsenal, back at the Blaugrana, Chelsea, Monaco, and finally Como. From the World Cup to the European Championships, the victories in England and Spain, winning European trophies—it was a journey I will never forget. I've had experiences I never thought I'd even come close to in a million years."

Excitingly, Fabregas announced his transition into coaching as he embarks on a new chapter with Como. He exclaimed, "I'm not sad because I'm about to start a new path: coaching the B and Primavera team of Como 1907. A club and project that ignite my enthusiasm to the fullest. This team captured my heart from the very first minute; we crossed paths at the perfect moment in my career. I will pour my heart and soul into this new adventure."

Thus, after an incredible 20-year journey marked by sacrifice, joy, and passion, Fabregas bids farewell and extends his gratitude, while simultaneously embracing the beauty of the world's most captivating sport.

Every minute was cherished. Thank you, Cesc.

Pablo Mari Completes Permanent Transfer to AC Monza

Pablo Mari, the talented 29-year-old defender, has officially joined AC Monza in a noteworthy permanent transfer. After initially signing for us on loan in January 2020, he quickly established himself and secured a permanent position just six months later. Throughout his tenure with us, Pablo made an impressive 22 appearances in various competitions, even contributing a remarkable goal in our triumphant 4-1 UEFA Europa League victory against Rapid Vienna in December 2020.

Before joining our ranks, Pablo showcased his exceptional skills at Flamengo, where he played an integral role in their tremendous success, clinching both the Brazilian league title and the South American Copa Libertadores.

After a short-term spell with Udinese, concluding the 2021/2022 campaign, the Spanish defender embarked on a loan journey with AC Monza for the entire previous season. His incredible performance saw him make 31 appearances in all competitions, significantly contributing to his newly promoted side's impressive 11th-place finish in Serie A.

Pablo's resilience and fortitude are truly commendable, as he demonstrated remarkable strength in recovering from a distressing attack that left him injured in Milan back in October 2022. We are ecstatic to share that Pablo has made a full recovery and is now back in top form, ready to take on new challenges.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pablo for his invaluable contributions to our club, and we wholeheartedly wish him and his family continued health and happiness in this exciting new chapter of their lives.

Please note that the completion of this deal is contingent upon the fulfillment of necessary regulatory processes.