Arsenal transfer news: Mustafi, Keane, Martinelli, Praet
Gunners boss Emery ready to make defensive changes at the Emirates
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.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
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)
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 23, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - qualifications, tax cuts, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Long summer days in Iceland's highlands
The Week Recommends While many parts of this volcanic island are barren, there is a 'desolate beauty' to be found in every corner
By The Week UK Published
-
The Democrats: time for wholesale reform?
Talking Point In the 'wreckage' of the election, the party must decide how to rebuild
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published