Arsenal hold "high-level talks" to sign "bargain" attacker "in recent days"

Arsenal have held discussions over signing a quality attacker “in recent days”, with manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta continuing to make a head start on the next transfer window.

Andrea Berta identifies Arsenal transfer target with groundwork done

Berta’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium in late March signalled the start of a new era for the north Londoners, who have one eye firmly on the summer window amid their promising Champions League campaign.

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Arsenal smashed Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night, taking a comfortable three-goal cushion into their quarter-final second leg at the Bernabeu next week, but Liverpool are about to win the Premier League title by a seismic distance.

Brentford (home)

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Ipswich Town (away)

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Crystal Palace (home)

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Bournemouth (home)

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Liverpool (away)

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Domestically, their season has been nothing short of a real disappointment, with Berta expected to splash the cash in an effort to rejuvenate and bolster Arteta’s squad ahead of a more fruitful title challenge next term.

Arsenal are already expected to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and they’ve been in advanced talks since January (Fabrizio Romano), but it is widely reported that yet another Spain international could be on his way to N5 as well.

Indeed, that man is Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, and Berta is reliably believed to have met with the 22-year-old’s representatives last week.

While Berta is attempting to make a head start on negotiations with Williams, it is believed by some sources that the highly-rated forward is demanding around £250,000-per-week to agree a move away from Bilbao this summer (GiveMeSport).

This would make the player Arsenal’s third-highest earner behind Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, but Williams’ £48 million release clause is still viewed as a “bargain” by some following his exceptional exploits over the last 12 months.

Bilbao’s sensation played a vital role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024 and registered nearly 20 assists in all competitions last season, so it is clear he would give Arsenal a completely new dimension going forward.

Arsenal hold "high level" talks over signing Nico Williams

Now, according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal have held “high-level” talks over signing Williams “in recent days”, but there is a stumbling block in this potential move.

Berta and Arteta both want him at the Emirates Stadium, but his overall package, including wages, could still pose a problem considering they’re also attempting to save funds to buy a proven centre-forward.

A swoop for him remains on the cards for Arsenal, but they’ll have to find a way to navigate this situation regarding his salary, amid interest from Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, who could also swoop for Williams.

“Nico is unique, he is wonderful,” said Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho late last year, raving over the Spanish starlet’s obvious quality.

“During the European Championship, people were talking a lot about Lamine Yamal, who is obviously another wonderful kid, but I personally prefer Nico.”

PIF and Newcastle bid £50m+ to sign Premier League star who Shearer loves

Newcastle United have made an offer worth more than £50m to sign a new player this summer who has already received praise from club legend Alan Shearer.

Newcastle celebrate Carabao Cup win as PIF plot for summer signings

The Magpies took advantage of not having a game last weekend by celebrating their Carabao Cup triumph with a trophy parade. Ant and Dec, along with Shearer, were amongst those to join fans for an open-top bus parade which produced some brilliant moments for supporters.

Talking about the scenes, Shearer said: “The players must have absolutely loved it because they got some reception. I know they absolutely deserved it but they must have loved it because to be a part of that, on the bus with the trophy and the fans what they were giving them must have been incredible for them.

“Then to get on the stage and have another 150,000 to 200,000 cheer you on, it was just a great day. The way everyone mixed and got on, the atmosphere was brilliant.”

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Away from the parade, though, Newcastle and PIF are seemingly working behind the scenes on some summer transfers for Eddie Howe’s side.

Recently, it has been claimed that Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara is of interest and that contact has been made for the £33m+ forward. Now, it looks as if Newcastle have gone one further and made an offer for a Premier League player.

Newcastle make £50m+ offer to sign Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle have made an offer to sign Harvey Elliott from Liverpool. The bid made by Newcastle is thought to be worth €60m (£50.2m), with Elliott impressing due to his ‘vision, ball-handling skills, and ability to contribute both in attack and defence’.

Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool

The report then goes on to add that the offer could be hard to refuse for Liverpool, with Elliott out of contract in 2027 as things stand.

The 21-year-old has progressed through the ranks after joining the Reds from Fulham in 2019 and has gone on to make 140 appearances for Liverpool in a variety of attacking and midfield positions.

Right-winger

103

Attacking midfield

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Central midfield

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Left-winger

14

Centre-forward

3

Second striker

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He’s also been hailed by Shearer, who said on Elliott: “He’s a real talent isn’t he, he’s brilliant. What I like about him now, he can play midfield also. We all knew he could play midfield but he’s not just okay because Salah’s playing on the on the right and he wants to come in on his left foot.

“He can play in a variety of different positions and every time he plays it really shows me that he’s good enough for this level now, it really does. As long as he can get some consistency, I think we’ve got another top player on our hands.”

Now, it looks as if a move to St James’ Park could be one to keep an eye on.

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