Arsenal transfer news: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mauro Icardi, Ivan Perisic, Antonio Valencia
Gunners eye Palace star Wan-Bissaka and plot swoop for Inter Milan duo
Arsenal’s desire to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka could see the Gunners offer Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Crystal Palace as part of a deal.
The Sun says that Wan-Bissaka’s form for the Eagles this season has convinced Arsenal boss Unai Emery that the right-back has what it takes to thrive at the Emirates.
Palace have slapped a £40m asking price on the 21-year-old, but Emery is apparently hoping to take him for half that sum if he throws a player or two into the bargain.
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Reiss Nelson, who’s on loan at Hoffenheim in Germany, is the first name on Emery’s list. If Palace turn down that idea, Maitland-Niles could be used to tempt the south London outfit.
The youngster has impressed this season for the Gunners, but Emery is prepared to sacrifice him in order to sign Wan-Bissaka.
Is Valencia the plan B?
In the event that Palace don’t play ball and hang onto Wan-Bissaka, Sky Sports claim that Emery could turn to experience to bolster his options at right-back.
The broadcaster predicts that Antonio Valencia “could join Arsenal following his Manchester United exit” – at least that’s the claim of the veteran’s father.
The 33-year-old Valencia is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season. His father, Luis, says his son is looking for a fresh challenge.
A swansong in China has been mooted but in conversation with the Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo, Valencia senior declared: “He wants a change in the air and the club is not going to renew him either.”
When asked about his son’s future destination, Luis Valencia said: “Arsenal, West Ham, Inter Milan and one club from China are options, but in football everything is changing. He wants to choose the best option, but above all he wants to sign a contract for two years.”
Inter ambitions
According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal and Manchester United are on “red alert as Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic plot their Inter Milan exits”.
Frontman Icardi has long been linked with a summer move from Inter and the Argentine is tempted by the idea of testing himself in the Premier League.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that United are the favourites to sign Icardi, although Arsenal and Real Madrid are also monitoring his situation.
The Gunners are unlikely to be able to afford Icardi – Inter reportedly want £90m for his services – but Croatian winger Perisic is within their budget.
The Mirror says that Inter are ready to let him go for around £30m. The paper adds that he would like a move to Arsenal.
Weekend results
Premier League
- AFC Bournemouth 2 Newcastle United 2
- Burnley 1 Leicester City 2
- West Ham United 4 Huddersfield Town 3
- Fulham 1 Liverpool 2
- Everton 2 Chelsea 0
FA Cup quarter-finals
- Watford 2 Crystal Palace 1
- Swansea City 2 Manchester City 3
- Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Manchester United 1��
- Millwall 2 Brighton & Hove Albion 2 (AET, Brighton won 5-4 on penalties)
FA Cup semi-final draw
The semi-finals will take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 6 April and Sunday 7 April. The 2019 FA Cup Final will be on Saturday 18 May at Wembley.
- Watford vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Manchester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
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