Arsenal transfer news LIVE: £45m move for Calafiori ‘stalls’, Mikel Merino linked, Nico Williams latest updates

In good Nic

Arsenal have been told that Chelsea target Nico Williams would be a “perfect fit”.

Ex-Gunners defender Bacary Sagna believes Spain’s Euro 2024 hero has thrilling “freshness” and technical skills.

But Sagna also tipped Barcelona to beat Premier League clubs to the signing of Athletic Bilbao’s speedy winger.

The ex-Manchester City right-back told Paddy Power: “I would love to see Nico Williams at Arsenal.

“He represents the freshness at the club, he’s got the legs, he’s very good technically, he’s good in-between the lines and can find passes.  

“He would fit Arsenal perfectly and if he comes to the Premier League, I would love to see him there.

“But, I believe he will go to Barcelona and he will be reunited the devil on the right wing [Lamine Yamal] and both of them are amazing.”

Gunner get him

Arsenal have agreed an £86million deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, reports say.

Outlet Leonino led this evening’s speculation over the 20-cap Swede.

The Gunners, as as well as Manchester United, were talked up in connection with the ex-Coventry man, 26, early in the summer.

But it’s never thought they came close to launching a serious offer.

Now, however, at least according to one section of the media in Portugal, Arsenal could be in the running to recruit the former Brighton fringe man.

The Gunners are reportedly willing to pay his release clause.

Reiss lightening

Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson has reportedly opted for West Ham – after also being linked to Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.

TEAMtalk reckon the 24-year-old is ready to sign for new Hammers’ manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Gunners’ academy product has long been linked with the Hammers.

And he finally appears set for a permanent move away from the Emirates this summer for regular football.

TEAMtalk also suggest Palace have not ruled out trying to hijack London Prem rivals the hammers with a new approach for Nelson.

The Eagles are said to be keen on his ability to play out wide – especially after losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.

Villa win race for 'Arsenal target' Onana

Aston Villa will complete a club record £50million deal for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana this weekend, writes GRAEME BRYCE.

Unai Emery has beaten Bayern Munich and Barcelona to land the Belgian international, who was previously a target for Arsenal and Newcastle.

The 22-year-old has agreed personal terms on a five-year-deal and is set to undergo a club medical when he returns from a short break following his involvement with Belgium at the Euros.

Selling Onana means the Toffees are now under far less pressure to sell centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United. 

Capturing the 22-year-old represents a major coup for Emery who has been given the go ahead to considerably beef up Villa's squad for the Champions' League this season.

Onana has spent two seasons at Goodison Park after signing from Lille in a £33million deal, with the French club entitled to 20% of his sell-on value.

He has become a key player for Everton, making 72 appearances — including 37 last season in all competitions. 

Portuguese outlet claim Gunners agree Gyokeres fee

GOSSIP: Eyebrow-raising claims emerged from Portugal tonight - with the suggestion Arsenal have agreed an £86million deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Outlet Leonino led this evening's speculation over the 20-cap Swede.

The Gunners, as as well as Manchester United, were talked up in connection with the ex-Coventry man, 26, early in the summer.

But it's never thought they came close to launching a serious offer.

Now, however, at least according to one section of the media in Portugal, Arsenal could be in the running to recruit the former Brighton fringe man.

The Gunners are reportedly willing to pay his release clause.

Gunners 'face frustration over Zubimendi'

Arsenal's long-running interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi could end in more disappointment this summer.

The claim from Spain is that the Euro 2024 bit-part midfielder is now happy to stay with his LaLiga club.

Anchorman Zubimendi, 25, is rated at around £60milion.

'Spurs well placed in fight for Arsenal & Utd target Eze'

Tottenham could beat fellow Prem giants to Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have both been linked with Crystal Palace's attacking midfielder.

But it's claimed Spurs are one of the few clubs to indicate they are willing to pay something like the reported £60millionrelease clause for the 26-year-old.

Eze made brief but bright cameos for England at Euro 2024.

And Tottenham boss Ange Postecolgou is regarded as a confirmed admirer of the Eagles' hero.

Prem dials down objection to Independent Regulator

Prem chiefs have dialled down their stance after the new Labour Government reintroduced a Bill to establish an Independent Regulator, writes MARTIN LIPTON.

League bosses had previously warned of the “unintended consequences” of the proposed new body to have financial and other oversight powers.

But after the measure was included in the address at Westminster, the Prem response was much more low-key.

In a briefing note, the Government said the Regulator would “protect football clubs across England, ensuring their financial sustainability and giving fans a greater say in the way clubs are run”. 

It promised a block on any clubs joining any breakaway “closed” Super League “while providing the certainty and sustainability required to drive future investment and growth, so that English Football remains a global success story”. 

Full details of any extra powers from the Bill introduced in the previous Parliament have yet to emerge although the Government said it was “strengthening proposals to ensure that fans have a greater voice in their own clubs”.

In response, a Premier League spokesperson said: “We look forward to working with the new Government and discussing the detail of the Bill. The success of the Premier League model enables us to support the best-funded football ecosystem in the world, including substantial investment into grassroots and communities. 

“It is critical that the regulation of this highly successful industry is proportionate and effective, to ensure that English football can continue to be world-leading and deliver for millions of fans.”

'Nelson chooses Hammers over Palace'

Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson has reportedly opted for West Ham over Crystal Palace.

TEAMtalk even claim the 24-year-old has agreed to join the Hammers under their new manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Gunners' academy product has long been linked with the Hammers.

And he finally appears set for a permanent move away from the Emirates this summer for regular football.

TEAMtalk also suggest Palace have not ruled out trying to hijack London Prem rivals the hammers with a new approach for Nelson.

The Eagles are said to be keen on his ability to play out wide - especially after losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.

Seaman tips Howe for Three Lions

Legendary ex-England keeper Davis Seaman believes Newcastle chief Eddie Howe is the best candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate.

The former Arsenal hero Seaman reckons the ex-Bournemouth chief now has the right level of dealing with top-level players.

Seaman told Betway: "If I had to choose the next England manager I would go for Eddie Howe, because he’s used to dealing with Premier League players.

"He seems to tick all the boxes for an England manager, and he would have the respect of the players for what he has achieved at Newcastle.

"The FA would have to tempt him away from his club, and it’s tough because that day-to-day life of club management is a big buzz.

"I would imagine every English manager’s dream is to manage England, though, and if you get the opportunity, th

Nico would 'fit Arsenal perfectly'

Arsenal have been told that Chelsea target Nico Williams would be a "perfect fit".

Ex-Gunners defender Bacary Sagna believes Spain's Euro 2024 hero has thrilling "freshness" and technical skills.

But Sagna also tipped Barcelona to beat Premier League clubs to the signing of Athletic Bilbao's speedy winger.

The ex-Manchester City right-back told Paddy Power: “I would love to see Nico Williams at Arsenal.

"He represents the freshness at the club, he’s got the legs, he’s very good technically, he’s good in-between the lines and can find passes.  

“He would fit Arsenal perfectly and if he comes to the Premier League, I would love to see him there.

"But, I believe he will go to Barcelona and he will be reunited the devil on the right wing [Lamine Yamal] and both of them are amazing."

Sagna backs Arsenal to sign Williams

Bacary Sagna has told Paddy Power that Arsenal need to sign Spain star Nico Williams.

Sagna said: “I would love to see Nico Williams at Arsenal. He represents the freshness at the club, he’s got the legs, he’s very good technically, he’s good in-between the lines and can find passes.

"He would fit Arsenal perfectly and if he comes to the Premier League, I would love to see him there. But, I believe he will go to Barcelona and he will be reunited with the devil on the right wing [Lamine Yamal] and both of them are amazing. They know each other and they’ve got a relationship already so I could see him going there.”

Odegaard ready for more

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has shown he's raring to go again in his latest Instagram post.

The midfielder wrote: "Back home and ready to work 👊🏼 Let’s get it 🔴"

Tierney spotted in training

Kieran Tierney has been spotted at the Arsenal training ground following the Euros.

The left-back is currently nursing a hamstring injury he suffered while playing for Scotland.

He spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad.

Arteta wants to strengthen midfield

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield this summer.

The club like Joao Neves as well as Mikel Moreno and Martin Zubimendi.

The club will look to move for a midfielder if they can sell Thomas Partey.

Calafiori on hold

Riccardo Calafiori's move to Arsenal is on hold and under threat according to The Mirror.

Bologna and Basel are in a stand-off over Calafiori's sell-on-fee.

Bologna are threatening to pull the plug on the deal.

Nuno Tavares on joining Lazio

Nuno Tavares has had his say on joining Serie A side Lazio.

He said: “I wanted a new challenge in my career. I discussed it with my family & my agents, we evaluated the various proposals & decided to accept this new challenge.

“We never crossed paths at Arsenal, but I know Matteo Guendouzi from our time at Marseille. We had a great relationship & remained in contact. I did talk to him about Lazio & that made it easier for me to accept this move.”

Players involved in the final not expected back until after US tour

Players involved in the Euros finals are not expected back until after Arsenal's tour of the US.

That includes Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, David Raya and Declan Rice.

Given Ramsdale and Raya's lack of gametime though, they could return sooner.

Group stage players to join USA tour

Arsenal are expecting some players back from their international break.

Players that played for teams that exited in the group stage will all be back for the tour of the US.

Players that went out in the early rounds, such as Jorginho, could also join the squad in the US.

Departures expected

Aaron Ramsdale and Kieran Tierney are looking to secure deals to leave Arsenal, according to The Athletic.

Both players are desperate to play first team football again.

Osimhen open to joining PSG

Arsenal target Victor Osimhen would like a move to PSG according to Fabrizio Romano.

PSG are in talks with Osimhen’s camp.

They are now waiting for PSG to provide a solid offer to Napoli and are hopeful a deal can be done.