Mustafi must go
Is Unai Emery coming round to Arsenal fans’ view that Shkodran Mustafi has become a liability at the heart of the Gunners’ defence?
The Sun believes so, reporting that the Arsenal manager is ready “to let the centre-back go” after a disastrous defensive display this season.
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The fans have been on the gaffe-prone German’s back for months, although as Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat at Wolves demonstrated, Mustafi - who was dropped for the game - is not the only incompetent defender at the Emirates.
According to the newspaper, Emery “will try to cash in on Mustafi” this summer by offloading him. In terms of possible replacements, the smart money is on Everton’s Michael Keane, with the 26-year-old having been scouted by Arsenal several times this season.
Emery swoops for wonderkid
One player already on his way to the Emirates, according to talkSPORT, is 17-year-old Ituano sensation Gabriel Martinelli.
Described by the broadcaster as a “wonderkid”, the young frontman has been tracked recently by Barcelona and Manchester United. But it appears that Emery has “beaten a host of clubs” to the Brazilian’s signature.
The move will be confirmed officially in June, when Martinelli turns 18, and he will hook up with the Gunners in time for the new season.
Another Italian job?
Reports from Italy suggest that Emery will again be shopping from Sampdoria this summer. Last year, the Gunners snapped up Lucas Torreira, and his impressive adaptation to the Premier League has inspired the Arsenal boss to look to his former teammate Dennis Praet.
According to Italian outlet Il Corriere dello Sport, Sampdoria are ready to let the 24-year-old Belgian midfielder go for around £18m.
Emery believes that Praet, who has won three caps for his country, could be the man to replace Aaron Ramsey, who is leaving for Italian champions Juventus.
Premier League fixtures and TV guide
Friday 26 April
- Liverpool vs. Huddersfield Town (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
Saturday 27 April (3pm unless stated)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Crystal Palace vs. Everton
- Fulham vs. Cardiff City
- Southampton vs. AFC Bournemouth
- Watford vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Newcastle United (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)
Sunday 28 April
- Leicester City vs. Arsenal (12pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Burnley vs. Manchester City (2.05pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Manchester United vs. Chelsea (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
