MX23RW : Wednesday, December 11 22:23:44| >> :60:1559:1559:

Sunday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: Willian, Alexandre Lacazette, Odsonne Edouard

Sunday's Arsenal transfer talk: Willian, Lacazette, Edouard
© Reuters
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Arsenal on Sunday, July 19.

The buildup to the summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Arsenal eye possible reinforcements.

The Gunners spent more than many expected during the summer - most notably their club-record purchase of Nicolas Pepe - but were more reserved in January as they focused on bolstering their defensive options.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Sunday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:


Paul Merson urges Arsenal to sign Manchester City's John Stones

Manchester City defender John Stones pictured on July 8, 2020© Reuters

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has urged the Gunners to move for Manchester City defender John Stones this summer.

The Englishman has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola this term and has been tipped to depart the Etihad ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Indeed, Stones has turned out just 15 times in the Premier League this season, and Merson believes that Stones would flourish under Mikel Arteta following their time together at City.

"Mikel Arteta has no chance of getting the money he needs out of Arsenal," Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star.

"They could spend £200m and still not make the Champions League next season because the gap is so big. They need a centre-back, a central midfielder and another striker. The whole spine of the team really.

"And I think he might go for John Stones at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola doesn't seem to trust him, and Arteta has worked with him before.

"Arsenal need an out and out defender, not another David Luiz who knows how to play the ball out from the back but makes a lot of mistakes.

"But Stones is English, young enough to improve, and Arteta will know all about him and know he fits into the system."

Stones was left on the bench for Man City's FA Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal, where a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace saw Arteta's men knock out the current holders on Saturday evening to reach the final.



Mikel Arteta: 'Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already convinced about Arsenal future'

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring against Manchester City on July 18, 2020© Reuters

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a match-winning brace to beat Manchester City and seal Arsenal's place in the FA Cup final – and head coach Mikel Arteta hopes such nights can convince the forward to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners secured a 2-0 victory over holders City to reach a record 21st FA Cup final after Aubameyang struck in either half as Pep Guardiola's side proved profligate in front of goal.

Fine displays throughout the team ensured a win against the odds for Arteta's side, who also beat new Premier League champions Liverpool three days ago.

Aubameyang was rested for that game but returned to the side at Wembley with devastating effect, a fine first-half finish added to with a coolly taken second with 20 minutes remaining.

The 31-year-old is out of contract next summer and is yet to agree fresh terms as Arsenal languish 10th in the Premier League.

But Arteta feels the Gabon international is more likely to be tempted into signing an extension if the club can continue to put in such displays.

"Good and beautiful moments, they are always better than the bad ones," Arteta said.

"As I told you, the way I look at him when I speak with him, he sounds pretty convinced.

"But obviously if he can see that success and the direction we are taking is the right one, I think he will be more positive about it, yes.

"Hopefully it will help him to be more convinced we are going in the right direction."

Arsenal – who will face either Chelsea or Manchester United in the final on August 1 – could still sneak into Europe through the league given their surprise win over all-conquering Liverpool.

"We are really happy with what has happened in the last four or five days," added former City assistant Arteta.

"To beat probably the best two teams in Europe is the nicest thing to do so credit to the players for what they are doing, their performances and the level of fight they are showing."

While City surrendered their Premier League title and can no longer retain the FA Cup, they did keep hold of the Carabao Cup and still have a chance of winning the Champions League.

Guardiola, however, has warned his players they will need to be better than they were in defeat here if they are to advance past Real Madrid – who they meet in Manchester in the second-leg of their round of 16 clash next month.

"We struggled to play at our level. It doesn't take a genius to realise we have to raise our standards against Madrid if we want to have any chance to go through," he said, despite his side holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg.

"I don't have to tell them, they have to know it – we felt it.

"We know the standards that we have to be at in these kind of competitions and maybe we will learn it, maybe not.

"The last game against Bournemouth was not good and today the first half was not good."


More transfer news from Arsenal:

Arsenal eye Matteo Guendouzi, Philippe Coutinho swap with Barcelona?
Arsenal are eyeing up a sensational swap deal involving Matteo Guendouzi and Philippe Coutinho with Barcelona, according to a report. Read more.

Arsenal to trigger £41m Joelson Fernandes release clause?
Arsenal are reportedly ready to trigger the £41m release clause in the contract of 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon winger Joelson Fernandes. Read more.

Arsenal 'in contact with Willian over potential move'
Arsenal are still in contact with Chelsea attacker Willian over a potential move to the club, according to a report. Read more.

Arsenal eye Odsonne Edouard as Alexandre Lacazette replacement?
Arsenal are interested in signing Celtic's Odsonne Edouard as a possible replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, according to a report. Read more.

Juventus 'begin talks over Alexandre Lacazette deal'
Juventus open talks with the representatives of Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette, according to a report. Read more.

ID:407131: cacheID:407131:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:12884:
Written by
Andy Brent
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard pictured in February 2020
Read Next:
Arsenal eye Edouard as Lacazette replacement?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!