ARSENAL have received a huge setback in their chances of signing Argentinian forward Lautaro Martinez this summer.
The Inter talisman is set to stay in Italy next season according to his agent despite rumours circulating that the Gunners were desperate bring him to the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette could be on his way out of North London as Juventus step up their pursuit on Arsenal's number nine.
However, the Frenchman's trademark celebration with former teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could live on through Arsenal transfer targets, Jonathan David and Renato Sanches who copied it on Sunday.
And the reasoning behind Arsenal wearing red shorts against Watford has been revealed.
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- Justin Lawrence
Juve on Lacazette hunt
Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.
The 30-year-old is expected to leave North London in the summer when his contract expires.
nd now it's emerged Juventus are keen to sign the Frenchman.
According to Calciomercato, Juventus are looking to bring in an experienced striker to compete with Dusan Vlahovic.
- Justin Lawrence
Barcelona swoop for Kessie
Barcelona are keen to make AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie their next signing after securing Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen.
And Mundo Deportivo are now claiming that Kessie is the next player on Barcelona‘s radar.
Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Ivory Coast international.
He has also been muted as a potential target for Tottenham and Aston Villa.
But now it is understood Barca have joined the race to secure his signature as they look to obtain yet another player without paying a transfer fee.
- Justin Lawrence
Thomas – Saka's priceless
Arsenal legend Michael Thomas has admitted that Buyako Saka is invaluable to the Gunners.
He told Caught Offside: "I would hate to put a price on Saka. He is a tremendous talent and his mindset is so elite.
“I don’t think it is necessary to set a price for him as I fully expect Saka to be a main point in taking Arsenal back to challenging for the major honours.
“There are some amazing young talents across Europe and Saka is definitely in that conversation, but winning and contributing to the team will be his focus.”
- Justin Lawrence
Gunning for it
Arsenal transfer targets Jonathan David and Renato Sanches copied a famous North London celebration at the weekend.
David, 22, scored the second goal in the 4-0 drubbing of Clermont on Sunday.
After a gorgeous flick from Sanches on the edge of the box, David slid the ball into the back of the net.
The pair then celebrated by shaking hands and bowing their heads, in a mirror image of Aubameyang and Lacazette at Arsenal.
- Justin Lawrence
Ramsdale reveals worst opponent
Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale has admitted that he hates playing against Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy.
He said: “The one I hate playing against most is Jamie Vardy.
“The guy just doesn’t stop running. I’d love to have him on my team, hate playing against him.
“I’ve played against him five times now, he’s scored four times.”
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal chase wonderkid
Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to prise teenage striker Reyes Cleary away from West Brom in the summer.
His exploits in front of goal have made him a wanted man, with Bayern Munich claimed to have sent scouts to watch him in action this term.
And according to the Daily Mail, the Bundesliga giants face competition from Arsenal to sign Cleary.
They state that the Gunners have registered their interest in the youngster having been impressed by his deadly finishing.
- Justin Lawrence
Thoughts on Neves' Arsenal links
Former Arsenal forward Jérémie Aliadière reckons Wolves ace Ruben Neves would be a great addition for the Gunners.
Speaking to BonusCodeBets, Aliadere said: "I think (Ruben) Neves would be a great addition. I think he's a top player.
"You need somebody that's going to get the ball and bring it forward, and get more involved in the team play in the final third. That's why I think Ruben Neves would be brilliant.
“Obviously he's got that shot from outside the box as well, which is something I think Arsenal is lacking.
"I know Partey has been trying, but he still hasn't scored from that range. Xhaka has got it as well but so far, this season, there hasn't been many goals scored from outside the box.
"Neves would definitely be a good addition to the squad.”
- Justin Lawrence
Juve still want Lacazette
Juventus haven't given up hope of recruiting Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer.
Juve were reportedly intent on bringing the French ace to the club in January's transfer window but the move never materialised.
However, the Old Lady are planning to swoop on Lacazette who will be a free agent this summer when the season ends, according to Calciomercato.
- Justin Lawrence
Wright on Lacazette
Ian Wright reckons Arsenal should keep a hold on Alexandre Lacazette for the next few seasons.
The Gunners legend said on his Wrighty’s House podcast: “It will be interesting to see how they do that. His position is vitally important to everything we do, just look at the two assists he got.
“Unless we get that person, you think to yourself, maybe we could give Laca another year or two.
“I think Laca has got to stay around, man. You can see with his little back flick (for Saka’s goal vs Watford), his little assist. Man is feeling the vibe!”
- Justin Lawrence
Mait it happen
Ex-Arsenal ace Ainsley Maitland Niles' Roma future isn't looking bright, reports claim.
It's been inferred that Roma boss Jose Mourinho is unimpressed by the 24-year-old's contribution this season.
And as a result, Mourinho's said to be considering getting rid of Maitland-Niles in favour of a move for Man United star Diogo Dalot, the Daily Mail reported.
- Justin Lawrence
Saka urged to stay at Arsenal
Arsenal star Thomas Partey has admitted that he wants Bukayo Saka to stay with the Gunners amid interest from Liverpool and Man City.
Speaking on Saka, Partey said: “We all know what he is doing.
“He is one of the best young players in the world now.
“I think he is doing a great job. I hope he stays with us for a long time and does what he can, and tries to take this team far.”
- Justin Lawrence
Gunner gnab him
Arsenal have reportedly been linked with a shock move to bring Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry back to the Emirates.
The 26-year-old came through the Gunners’ academy where he won the FA Cup in 2014, but left two years later due to a lack of game time.
According to Football.London, the three-time Bundesliga champion has unfinished business in North London.
They state that the player is valued at around £63million, with Arsenal expected to once again invest heavily in the summer.
And should the club secure a Champions League spot for next term, they could look to tempt Gnabry in joining their project.
- Justin Lawrence
Martinez's shock Spurs admission
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez has made a shock admission that Tottenham's White Hart Lane stadium is his favourite ground to play in.
Martinez who's now Aston Villa's No.1 made the surprise revelation when speaking to Ben Foster.
Martinez said: "I’ve got to say Spurs away, a modern stadium. It looks like playing in the NFL.
"You go away there, massive dressing rooms. It’s like you’re playing in a final."
- Justin Lawrence
Thoughts on Lacazatte's future
Ex-Arsenal star Perry Groves doubts Alexandre Lacazette will stay at Arsenal beyond the summer when his contract ends.
Instead, Groves reckons the Gunners should bring in Everton attacker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to replace to French national.
Groves told the Daily Star: “I don’t think they are going to re-sign Alexandre Lacazette. I am a big fan of Lacazette, the quality he brings players in around him with the physicality.
“Obviously his goalscoring output has dropped substantially over the last 18 months but the money and the wages he is on, I don’t think they will renew for that sort of money.
“I would bring in someone like [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin. I think he would fit in perfect, his attitude is good, taught by Carlo Ancelotti and off the ball he can close down and press.”
- Justin Lawrence
Wenger accuses Fabinho
Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger believes Liverpool star Fabinho cheated to get Inter Milan's Alexis Sanchez sent off.
Inter beat the Reds 1-0 at Anfield in the Champions League's Round of 16 but Jurgen Klopp's men were the ones that qualified for the quarter-finals after winning 2-0 in the first leg at the San Siro.
The Nerazzurri scored the winner on 61 minutes with Lautaro Martinez's screamer after Sanchez, who played under Wenger at the Gunners, provided the assist.
But the ex-Manchester United ace was sent off just two minutes later for a second yellow card after a challenge on Fabinho.
And Wenger believes the Liverpool midfielder "made more of it" to get his former Arsenal star ejected from the pitch.
- Jake Lambourne
Morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal target Lautaro Martinez will be staying at Inter, according to the striker’s agent.
The 24-year-old had reportedly attracted Arsenal, who are desperate for forward reinforcements in the summer.
But Martinez’s representative, Alejandro Camano said on his client: “He will stay at Inter, he has a five-year contract, he feels like an Inter fan. Inter are the team of his heart.”
And in another blow to the Gunners, Barcelona have reportedly offered Arsenal target Noussair Mazraoui a contract for a free transfer in the summer.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims Barca have tabled a proposal for the 24-year-old Ajax man.
Arsenal have reportedly joined the race for 17-year-old West Brom starlet Reyes Cleary.
The striker has made just one senior appearance for the Baggies, but has scored 30 goals for the youth sides this campaign.
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are the latest team to express their interest in the sensation, joining the likes of Bayern Munich, Newcastle and Everton.
And finally Calciomercato report Arsenal are preparing to take on Paris Saint-Germain to land Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has been enjoying another fine campaign with Lyon in France, and has caught the eye of the Ligue 1 leaders on several occasions.
Paqueta has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 30 appearances for Lyon in all competitions this season.
- Giacomo Pisa
Martinelli – "I want to stay for life"
Gabriel Martinelli has said he wants to stay at Arsenal for life and help fire the club to lifting silverware.
The 20-year-old has been enjoying his best season yet with the Gunners first team, making 24 appearances in all competitions.
He scored a fine goal against Watford at the weekend, his fifth effort in 17 Premier League outings this campaign.
And in conversation with ESPN Brasil, the winger said: "Arsenal are a giant team. If I can, I’ll stay here my whole life.
"I want to conquer things, I want to stay here and win titles with this wonderful crowd and my teammates."
- Giacomo Pisa
Martinez staying at Inter
Arsenal target Lautaro Martinez will be staying at Inter, according to the striker's agent.
The 24-year-old had reportedly attracted Arsenal, who are desperate for forward reinforcements in the summer.
But Martinez's representative, Alejandro Camano, has dealt the Gunners a blow in the pursuit of the striker.
Camano said on his client: "He will stay at Inter, he has a five-year contract, he feels like an Inter fan. Inter are the team of his heart."
Martinez scored for Inter in his side's 1-0 Champions League win at Anfield tonight, although the Italians still crashed out of the competition 2-1 on aggregate.
- Giacomo Pisa
Gunners loan watch – Balogun on target
Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun opened his account for Middlesbrough this evening with a goal during a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.
The 20-year-olds strike came in his 12th game for Boro.
Balogun is highly rated by the Gunners, and started Arsenal's 2-0 opening day defeat to Brentford before coming on as a late substitute in their following game against Chelsea.
Credit: Getty - Giacomo Pisa
Arsenal dealt transfer blow
Barcelona have reportedly offered Arsenal target Noussair Mazraoui a contract for a free transfer in the summer.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims Barca have tabled a proposal for the 24-year-old Ajax man.
Mazraoui is out of contract at the end of the season and destined to leave the club upon the expiry of his current deal.
Arsenal have been linked in the past, although it's Barca who are claimed to have submitted a concrete proposal.
Leeds are also reportedly keen on the right-back, as are AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
Credit: Getty - Giacomo Pisa
Richards impressed by Arsenal
Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards reckons Arsenal could finish as high as third this season.
So much has been made of who will finish in fourth-place, but the Gunners are only five points behind third-placed Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta and Co also have a game in hand over the Blues.
And Richards said when asked who he picked to finish fourth: "I don’t think it’s as bad as everyone’s making out at United.
"But I’d pick Arsenal at the moment. They’ve got momentum. Chelsea could be looking over their shoulder at this rate."
- Giacomo Pisa
Gift of the Gab
Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has backed Arsenal to qualify for the Champions League thanks to Bukayo Saka's 'frightening form'.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “I think Arsenal will finish in the top-four.
“Manchester United are a million miles off it and their closest challenges will be Spurs, I feel.
“Arsenal have got enough. Saka is in frightening form, Martinelli is in frightening form. Lacazette is doing well.
“Even defensively they are looking stronger and I think they are the most consistent team at the moment.
“There are not a lot of games left now. It’s not like it’s halfway through, there are 10 games left. Arsenal will see it through.
- Giacomo Pisa
Noa way to act
Arsenal transfer target Noa Lang caused controversy as he stormed down the tunnel after being substituted for Club Brugge.
The £33million-rated winger has reportedly been scouted by the Gunners for months.
And multiple sources in Belgium and Lang’s native Netherlands have claimed Arsenal are ready to submit a bid.
The 22-year-old has scored eight times and registered a further 12 assists so far this term but despite his good form, his mood appears to be quite the opposite.
Brugge were cruising to victory at Seraing and leading by three goals when his manager Alfred Schreuder decided to give him a rest in the 63rd-minute.
Bas Dost was brought on to replace him – but Lang was absolutely furious and marched straight down the tunnel as he headed for the showers.
- Giacomo Pisa
Gunners keeping tabs on West Brom ace
Arsenal have reportedly joined the race for 17-year-old West Brom starlet Reyes Cleary.
The striker has made just one senior appearance for the Baggies, but has scored 30 goals for the youth sides this campaign.
And according to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are the latest team to express their interest in the sensation.
But they're not alone in their pursuit of Cleary.
It's claimed Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Salzburg Newcastle, Southampton AND Everton are all keen on the youngster.
- Giacomo Pisa
Paqueta latest – In case you missed it
Arsenal are preparing to take on Paris Saint-Germain to land Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has been enjoying another fine campaign with Lyon in France, and has caught the eye of the Ligue 1 leaders on several occasions.
However, Calciomercato now hint that that Arsenal are hoping to beat PSG to the former AC Milan star with the lure of the Premier League.
Paqueta has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 30 appearances for Lyon in all competitions this season.
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