ARSENAL have had a £66.6m bid for Dusan Vlahovic accepted, according to reports from Italy.
And with add-ons, that fee could rise to £88m.
But it is believed the Serb may yet choose to stay at Fiorentina for another season before joining Juventus on a free transfer in 2023.
Meanwhile Thomas Partey is joining Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in an early return from AFCON after his Ghana team were dumped out of the group stage following a shock defeat to Comoros.
Partey’s return will be a major boost for the Gunners threadbare midfield.
Ex-captain Aubameyang is on his way back to Arsenal after leaving the Gabon camp at Africa Cup of Nations.
The Gabonese FA claimed that they had discovered “cardiac lesions” when they checked Aubameyang’s recovery last Friday and he will now be assessed by Gunners medics.
And the ex-Arsenal skipper dismissed ‘false rumours’ he left the Gabon squad due to indiscipline.
The Gunners striker did not feature in either of Gabon’s first two group games at the Africa Cup of Nations after testing positive for Covid upon arrival in Cameroon.
And Gabon’s manager said the North Londoners were insistent he return as they were unable to perform an MRI scan in the AFCON camp.
Finally Juventus have reportedly identified Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes as their replacement for Arsenal target Arthur Melo.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Follow ALL of the latest updates…
Tuchel’s full of excuses
Thomas Tuchel is lacking confidence and coming up with excuses like he did at Paris Saint-Germain.
That is according to Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit.
He said: “What is happening on the pitch for Chelsea now, reminds me of what it was like under Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain when things started to go wrong there.
“Trouble started in newspapers, the pressure came on from the media and fans, powerful players within the club were questioning him all the time and it continued week after week.
“You could see physically he had changed during press conferences and on the bench in games.
“That cool attitude he has just wasn’t there. He was getting aggressive and was also looking for excuses from outside the club.”
Good job Arteta
Liverpool’s assistant manager, Pep Lijnders has praised Arsenal before the two sides meet in the Carabao Cup.
Ljinder’s credited Arteta for turning the Gunners into a good team.
He said: “First of all, Arsenal always had really good players but, for me, they have a really good team at this moment,” Lijnders said.
“I think credit to Mikel, they matured.”
Arsenal considering loan transfer
Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr have reportedly submitted a loan proposal for Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang has returned to Arsenal from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Gabon due to ‘lesions’ being found on his heart after contracting Covid-19.
His future remains uncertain, having not played for the club since December after being stripped of the club captaincy.
And Saudi side Al Nassr tabled a loan proposal for Aubameyang on Tuesday in a bid to rescue Aubameyang from his Arsenal woes, according to CBS.
The loan offer included a £6.7million obligation to buy the 32-year-old at the end of the campaign.
It’s claimed the Gunners are yet to respond to the offer, but are keen to offload Aubameyang’s £250,000-a-week wages.
Arsenal star under investigation
The FA have launched an investigation into a yellow card received by an Arsenal player in a Premier League game this season, according to reports.
It comes after bookmakers reported ‘suspicious betting patterns’ surrounding a Gunners star being booked.
Bookies flagged an ‘unusual amount of money being placed on the Arsenal player being shown a yellow’, according to the Athletic.
The FA told them: “The FA is aware of the matter in question and is looking into it.”
Several gambling industry workers have described the betting pattern as ‘highly unusual’.
Such ‘spot betting’ has long been an issue for governing bodies as the outcomes are much easier for individuals involved in sporting events to manipulate.
The identity of the player in question is yet to be released.
Get Tielemens in
John Barnes thinks Arsenal should go for Leicester ace Tielemans instead of Juve star Arthur as the Belgian is more suited to the English game.
Plus Barnes reckons the Foxes will potentially be more willing to do business than Juve would.
Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “Youri Tielemans would be a great signing for Arsenal because he knows the English game.
Arthur is a good player but the fact that Tielemans has proved himself in England and he knows the pace of the English game means he would suit Arsenal better.
“Tielemans has such a good intensity and drive to the way he plays. He’s also got such a good range of passing, can score from outside the box and has the mentality of a top player.
One thing you also couldn’t fault him on is consistency, he’s been one of Leicester’s best performers since he arrived at the club.
“Leicester City are a selling club, regardless of what anyone says. They have ambitions to get fourth or fifth and they can fulfill those ambitions with, or without Youri Tielemans.”
Ex-Gunner Jenkinson goes Down Under
Ex-Arsenal star Carl Jenkinson has made a shock loan switch to Australian side Melbourne City from parent club Nottingham Forest.
The 29-year-old will join the A-League Champions for the rest of the season after falling to nail down a regular first-team spot during his time with Forest.
Jenkinson said: “I’m excited to be joining a Club that are the current champions of Australia.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about both Melbourne as a beautiful city, the professionalism of the club and the quality of the league.”
Arteta addresses criticism
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta addressed recent criticism after the Gunners’ request to postpone the north London derby was accepted by the Premier League.
Arteta said: “We didn’t have the players necessary to put a squad in a Premier League match. That is 100 per cent guaranteed. When we played the first three games of the season we were killed because people said we were naïve, don’t play with your kids.
“We played against [Nottingham] Forest when we had 10 players out. And we went to Liverpool and we had many players out.
“We have done that and we have played with academy players when we already have the youngest squad in the league. Tomorrow if we have everybody available as I suspect we will play the match because we want to play football.
“Yes, but you have to do that from the beginning. To ask somebody to change is a little bit manipulative. I think everybody has to do the right thing and if we have to change things let’s change them”
Aubameyang receives offer
Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has received an offer to join Al-Nassr after falling out of favour.
Aubameyang has been sidelined following another disciplinary breach and questions about his future have risen.
According to CBS, Al-Nassr have lodged a loan offer for the star striker with an obligatory buy clause of €8million (£6.6m).
The Gunners have yet to respond but they are open to selling the Gabon international
GETTY IMAGES Arteta on Aubameyang
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is back in London going through medical tests after he was diagnosed with minor heart problems following his recent bout with coronavirus.
Arteta said: “He’s in London and going through some examinations because we haven’t had any clarity from Gabon about why he came back.
“So it’s our obligation to make sure he’s safe and in good condition.
“So far historically with what we’ve done with the player that’s never been an issue”
Vlahovic advised to join Arsenal
Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic has been advised to sign with Arsenal by his former sporting director at Partizan Ivica Iliev.
Iliev told the Daily Mirror: “I hope, for the moment at a club where there is not too much competition, a club who will give him space – for example, I think Arsenal is one of these clubs.
“I am waiting for the moment he signs for a top, top club, for me it is normal that every top club in the world wants him, I think the whole of Europe wants him, now I hope that he will sign for the best club for his career.
“He needs to choose the best place for his career because he is still so young and has a lot of years in front of him to improve and become one of the biggest and best strikers in the world”
Art of the deal
Arsenal ace Mohamed Elneny could be on his way out of the Emirates in the January transfer window with Fenerbahce keen to sign him.
Elneny is currently on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The midfielder has entered the final six months of his contract at the Emirates and it doesn’t seem likely that he will sign fresh terms.
According to Sport360Egypt, the 29-year-old could return to Turkey to play for Fener
Bissouma bid rejected
Brighton refused a £30million offer for Yves Bissouma from an unnamed club.
Bissouma has impressed in the Premier League and has attracted interest from various suitors, such as Arsenal.
However, the Seagulls are proving to be tough negotiators as they turned down a hefty fee, according to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
Hawkins tweeted: “Yves #Bissouma , currently at the [AFCON], is the subject of several offers. Brighton have rebuffed a £30m offer. The Malian will not move this winter unless there is an exceptional offer. Aston Villa, Newcastle and Arsenal are interested”
GETTY IMAGES Xhaka still eyeing move
Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka is still interested in a move to Roma, even though he has already signed a a new deal.
That is according to Corriere dello Sport, who claim he could still move to the Serie A.
The midfielder was close to a move to the Olimpico last summer but a transfer never materialised.
The Switzerland international instead penned a new contract with the Gunners, despite Jose Mourinho’s intense interest
Melo move on
Arsenal are pushing ahead with an attempted loan deal for Juventus ace Arthur.
That is despite Thomas Partey’s early return from the Africa Cup of Nations after Ghana’s shock elimination in the group stage.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta wants to boost his depleted squad after loaning out Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Pablo Mari and Folarin Balogun, while also cancelling the contract of Sead Kolasinac.
Arthur is keen on the move after struggling to make an impression in Italy and Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri is not opposed to the deal.
Dembele plot twist
Barcelona manager Xavi has admitted that Ousmane Dembele will be sold this month unless he signs a new deal.
Dembele has been linked with Arsenal as well as other clubs, like Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool.
Xavi said: “The message is clear. Ousmane Dembele has to sign a new contract or we find a way to sell him in January. No other way.
“I also wonder about agent is talking the way he is and Dembele, on the other hand, telling me he wants to stay.
“I can’t understand”
Up for Cup
Arsenal’s Carabao Cup second leg against Liverpool is set to go ahead with five more Gunners aces available.
There were doubts over Thursday night’s match at the Emirates going ahead with so many of the north Londoners’ players out of action.
It is understood Mikel Arteta was missing 14 players through a combination of Covid-19, injury, international call-ups and suspension.
According to the Daily Mail, however, Arteta has been boosted by some of those returning and ready for selection.
Martin Odegaard tested positive for coronavirus last week but has now completed his isolation period.
Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares have all shaken off minor injuries
GETTY IMAGES Arthur term
Arsenal are reportedly facing a speed bump in their attempt to sign Juventus star Arthur.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve want to sanction an 18-month loan deal, or negotiate a larger fee.
The Gunners were hopeful of signing the Brazil international on loan until the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta wishes to strengthen in midfield as he pushes for a top-four finish
Arsenal out of Asensio race
Arsenal have reportedly pulled out of the transfer race for Real Madrid star Marco Asensio.
The Gunners have been among the clubs keeping tabs on Asensio during the January transfer window.
According to El Nacional, however, the winger has been taken of the north Londoners’ shortlist.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also prefers to rely on Gabriel Martinelli, who is making a lot of progress at the Emirates
Lino Da Cruz Sousa announcement imminent
Arsenal are expected to announce the arrival of West Brom youngster Lino Da Cruz Sousa.
That is according to Football London, who report the deal is expected to be announced imminently.
Sousa has been earmarked as a potential star of the future by those within the Gunners’ hierarchy.
The left-back has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League and can be versatile on the pitch
Aubameyang offered to Barcelona
Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been offered to Barcelona amid the ongoing January transfer window.
That is according to Mundo Deportivo, who report that Barca have been offered an ‘endless’ list of players, with Aubameyang included.
The likes of Edinson Cavani, Paulo Dybala and more have also been made available.
The Gabon international has flown back to London from the Africa Cup of Nations after being diagnosed with minor heart problems following a bout with coronavirus
GETTY IMAGES Another Dembele U-turn
Arsenal have been previously linked with Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele during the January transfer window.
However, it seems like Dembele wants to stay at Barcelona after all.
That is according to Sport, who report that the striker has performed a U-turn and wants to remain in Catalonia.
However, the France international is still out of contract at the end of the season
Arthur boost
Arsenal have received a significant transfer boost in their bid to sign Juventus ace Arthur.
That is according to Calcio Mercato, who report that Juve have identified Borussia Monchengladbach star Denis Zakaria as a replacement.
That works as a transfer blow for Manchester United, who have also been linked with Zakaria.
The Bianconeri are not willing to let Arthur go unless they have a replacement sorted
Vlahovic bid accepted
Fiorentina have accepted Arsenal’s bid for Dusan Vlahovic but the player has his sights set elsewhere.
That is according to Ok Calcio Mercato, who report that the Viola have agreed to a £66.6million offer from the Gunners.
But Vlahovic has already agreed to link up with Juventus in the summer of 2023.
The Serbia international is on high demand following some smashing displays in the Serie A
GETTY IMAGES Vlahovic mega bid
Arsenal have submitted a fresh transfer bid for Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Vlahovic is ready to leave and the Gunners are desperate to replace out-of-contract Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as well as out-of-favour Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
According to Corriere della Sera, the north Londoners have submitted a fresh bid worth £50million plus Lucas Torreira.
The Serbia international has scored a staggering 16 goals in 20 Serie A games for the Viola so far this campaign, with three more in the Coppa Italia
Aubameyang coming back
Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was allegedly sent back to the Emirates due to ‘pressure’ from the club after his heart scare.
Aubameyang contracted COVID-19 shortly before heading to Cameroon to link-up with Gabon for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Gabonese FA claimed that they had discovered ‘cardiac lesions’ when they checked the striker’s recovery last Friday.
The player assured the Gunners’ medical team that he was fine and training normally.
But the 32-year-old is heading back to Colney for tests after he – along with Nice’s former Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina – was sent home by Gabon manager Patrice Neveu.
Neveu admitted that the ‘pressure’ from each player’s club proved to be too much after Gabon were unable to perform an MRI scan
