Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Latest updates from the Emirates
A bit awkward for Auba
Barcelona’s new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once promised his grandfather he would play for Real Madrid.
When Aubameyang played for Borussia Dortmund, he said he’d only leave the German outfit for Madrid.
The 32-year-old said at the time: “The only club I would leave Dortmund for are Real Madrid. If they don’t come calling, I don’t leave.
“My grandfather, the dad of my mum, always wished that I would play in Spain.
“Two years ago, when he died, I promised him that someday I will play for Real – and I work hard to reach that goal.
“Real Madrid is my main goal but at the moment I like it in Dortmund. If there is a chance to go to Madrid, I will say immediately yes – but at the moment there is no contact.”
Wilshere with Arsenal squad in Dubai
With Kevin Campbell predicting Arsenal offering Jack Wilshere a contract to ease their midfield woes, here’s some shots of the man himself in training over the last week.
He headed out with the squad for a warm-weather training camp in Dubai over the winter break.
The fact that Wilshere is a free agent means the transfer window closing on Monday doesn’t affect him potentially signing for the club.
Credit: Getty 
Credit: Getty Gunners to offer Wilshere a contract?
Former Arsenal man Kevin Campbell reckons the Gunners' failure to bring in a midfielder in January could see Jack Wilshere offered a short-term deal.
Wilshere has been training with the squad in recent weeks as he continues his search for a new club after being released by Bournemouth in the summer.
And Campbell reckons it's the perfect chance for Wilshere to make an emotional return.
He told The Highbury Squad podcast on YouTube: "He don’t need a transfer window because he’s free. He might just get the last few months of the season, the opportunity to occupy our bench.
"He’s been training with the team for quite a while and look, we’ve got nobody! Even if it’s for 15 minutes.
"Not to say I love Jack Wilshere, I think he’s an absolute diamond but you know what, I could see it happening."
New date for Wolves clash
The Gunners have confirmed a date has been set for their postponed game against Wolves to take place.
Wolves were originally meant to visit the Emirates on December 28th, but that game was called off due to positive Covid-19 cases within the squads.
Now Bruno Lage's side will come to town on Thursday, February 24, with kick off scheduled for 7.45pm.
That game will be shown live on Amazon Prime, as it was originally supposed to be.
Trusty - signing for Arsenal 'surreal'
Arsenal winter signing Auston Trusty has spoken on his delight to sign for the Gunners.
The 23-year-old defender was signed from MLS side Colorado Rapids on deadline day, before being sent back to the Americans for the rest of the season.
Speaking on his move to the Premier League, Trusty gushed: "It’s just surreal really. It’s been a long process, been a long way, a dream of mine since I was a little kid.
"Arsenal was actually my first team I ever played for when I was in little club.
"Really speechless – it’s such a big club, a big opportunity and just honoured to be in the position I am today.
"I’m just thankful and ready to go."
Aubameyang - Wright 'sad to see him go'
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed his disappointment at the way Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club.
Speaking on his Wrighty’s House podcast, the ex-striker said: "He’s taken a massive cut to go there [Barcelona] and he’s willing to do that.
"With all the people saying he’s just signed a contract and just clocked off, he got offered the same money he’s on at Arsenal to go to Saudi Arabia."
Wright went on to say: "The saddest thing for me was that we don’t know what’s happened. I’m not really bothered to know what has happened now with him and Mikel. What couldn’t be healed in a time where we need goals.
And he also said: "I’m quite disappointed that somewhere along the line something couldn’t have been resolved.
"But it’s not resolved, he’s gone and I’m sad to see him go.
"It just feels so definite. That’s it: bam, out, gone! If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t think it would come to this."
'No intention' of new Laca deal
Alexandre Lacazette looks destined to follow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out the door in the summer.
And in doing so the striker will become the latest high profile player to leave the club on a free transfer.
Lacazette is out of contract at the end of the season, and is being linked with a return to Lyon.
That moves seems increasingly likely, with 90min reporting the Gunners have 'no intention' of offering Lacazette a new contract.
Signing a striker now becomes an absolute must in the summer, if it wasn't already.
Arteta planning summer clear out
Arsenal are willing to part ways with SEVEN players in the summer in order to fund moves for their top targets.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira, Hector Bellerin, Reiss Nelson, Alex Runarsson AND Konstantinos Mavropanos are all set for the chop in the summer.
As a result the Gunners are hoping to raise £70m worth of funds.
That would go some way to letting the club fork out for Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ruben Neves.
Alternative Arsenal XI after spree
Or alternatively the Gunners could lineup like this after their mammoth £180m summer spending spree.
Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ruben Neves are the three top targets come the end of the season.
Arsenal XI after spending spree
Arsenal could be set for a drastic new look next season as they plan their biggest summer spending spree in history.
SunSport have exclusively revealed how the Gunners are prepared to spend £180million on the likes of Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ruben Neves.
Billionaire owner Stan Kroenke is keen to show his faith in manager Mikel Arteta by providing the funds for a major squad upgrade.
Here SunSport takes a look at how Arsenal could line-up next campaign.
PSV accepting Gakpo will leave
Arsenal may have missed out on Cody Gakpo in January, but PSV are seemingly resigned to losing the starlet in the near future.
The 22-year-old winger was linked with a transfer to Arsenal in January, but a move failed materialise.
Gakpo has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 28 games this campaign, and has also been subject to interest from Liverpool and Manchester City.
And PSV director of football John de Jong has admitted the club may not be able to keep hold of Gakpo for much longer.
De Jong told Voetbal Primeur: "The interest started early in the season, when he performed well, also with the Dutch national team.
"My goal is to keep him for the season at all times. I don’t know how long we can keep him out of the hands of the big clubs in Europe. How he performs is the most important thing."
Credit: Getty Auba has £84m release clause
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang ended his Arsenal exile by joining Barcelona this week.
The former Gunners skipper joined the Spaniards on a deal that runs up to 2025.
But Barcelona revealed there is the chance for an 'early exit' for the 33-year-old.
That's because he has an £84million release clause in his contract, but rather confusingly, that clause can only be triggered in 2023.
Smith - This is 'Martinelli's time'
Alan Smith also went on to say Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure could free up space for Gabriel Martinelli to come in to the middle from the left hand side.
It's been done before of course, with none other than Thierry Henry...
Smith told Sky Sports: "It might just be Martinelli’s time. So far, he has been given a chance on the left and he has taken that chance.
"In order to be given an opportunity to play through the middle you have got to show you are in good form, you are fully fit and you are playing with confidence.
"He has done that so this could be a good time to move him inside.
"There is precedence there, famously Thierry Henry started on the wing and moved into the striker position to great effect."
Aubameyang exit good for Nketiah
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has labelled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure as a 'chance' for Eddie Nketiah, who has been restricted to League Cup duty this campaign.
Nketiah himself is expected to leave in the summer, but Smith told Sky Sports: "It should be a chance for Eddie Nketiah. You would imagine he will get more opportunities now than he did previously.
"We will wait and see. It does not seem to me Arteta is at all convinced by him as a starter.
"He’s done well in the Carabao Cup and has scored goals, but that’s come mainly against clubs in the lower divisions.
"When he has had the chance from the start in the Premier League, he’s not really convinced that he is somebody that can lead the line."
Arsenal could sell William Saliba
Centre-back William Saliba could leave without making a single appearance for Arsenal.
The 20-year-old signed for the Gunners for £27million in 2019, but has been shipped out on loan to Saint Etienne and Marseille.
And his form in France has attracted the attention of Real Madrid.
According to CalcioMercato, Carlo Ancelotti is weighing up a move for the defender, with Inter and AC Milan both also thought to be interested.
What's more, Arsenal transfer chief Edu is said to be considering a sale for just £25m - £2m less than what the Gunners paid to sign Saliba.
Saka set for new contract
Bukayo Saka will be rewarded for his excellent form by being offered a new contract at the end of the season.
The youngster has established himself as one of the key players at the club and will be offered a contract to reflect that, according to football.london.
20-year-old Saka's current deal expires in 2024, so tying him down to an extension will eliminate the risk of losing him for anything other than an enormous transfer fee.
Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for the England starlet, but he looks set to commit to staying in North London come the end of the season.
Arsenal in for Paulo Dybala
Arsenal are one of the latest teams to be linked with Juventus star Paulo Dybala.
According to 90Min, the Gunners are keen on a move for the playmaker, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
But the Mikel Arteta's side will face stiff competition for his signature, with FIVE other Premier League teams also interested.
North London rivals Spurs are linked with a swoop for the 28-year-old, as are Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Dybala is said to have been offered to the Prem clubs by his representatives after failing to agree to a new contract at Juventus.
Good morning Arsenal fans
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is finally a Barcelona player – two years after new boss Xavi warned them against the transfer.
The 32-year-old penned his deal at the Nou Camp only 48 hours after Arsenal cancelled his contract to enable him to sign on a free transfer.
Speaking on his move to the Catalan giants, Aubameyang said: “I’m very proud, especially because my family is Spanish from my mother’s side.
“I’m really proud and happy to be here. My main goal is to help the team and give everything I can to bring the team back into the Champions League and stuff like that.
“I’m just happy to be here and I will try to give everything.”
And fellow ex-Gunner Mesut Ozil was quick to send Aubameyang his best wishes following the striker’s move to Spain.
On social media, Ozil wrote: “All the best bro.”
Meanwhile, the Gunners may have to also replace Alexandre Lacazette this summer after Lyon ramped up their interest in the French star.
The Ligue 1 outfit have vowed to go all out for the striker when the season draws to a close.
And a free transfer agreement could be close, with Lyon’s sporting director Vincent Ponsot revealing he is in constant contact with Lacazette’s representatives.
Finally, the Gunners are fully focused on the future and are planning the biggest spending spree in their history with up to £180million budgeted for summer signings.
Billionaire owner Stan Kroenke is keen to show his faith in manager Mikel Arteta by providing the funds for a major squad upgrade.
That means coming up with the cash for two top-class strikers and an established central midfielder.
Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ruben Neves have all been identified as the kind of hungry young players required to take Arsenal to the next level.
Nketiah's Arsenal challenge
Alan Smith reckons Gunners youngster Eddie Nketiah has alot to prove in order to show he can fill Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's boots at the club.
He told Football Insider: “You would imagine he will get more opportunities now than he did previously,” he wrote. “We will wait and see. It does not seem to me Arteta is at all convinced by him as a starter.
“He’s done well in the Carabao Cup and has scored goals, but that’s come mainly against clubs in the lower divisions. When he has had the chance from the start in the Premier League, he’s not really convinced that he is somebody that can lead the line.
“He’s a penalty area poacher and you need a little bit more than that as the striker in Arteta’s system – especially when you are playing through the middle on your own.
“So, he’s still got plenty to prove at Arsenal but as to whether he can do that in the next few months, who knows. He may be able to do it.”
Trust in you
Arsenal's new signing Auston Trusty can't wait to get started in North London.
The 23-year-old American, who the Gunners signed from Colorado Rapids, told his former team's media: “It’s just surreal really.
“It’s been a long process, been a long way, a dream of mine since I was a little kid.
“Arsenal was actually my first team I ever played for when I was in little club.
“Really speechless – it’s such a big club, a big opportunity and just honoured to be in the position I am today.
“I’m just thankful and ready to go.”
Ferdinand on Aubameyang
Rio Ferdinand reckons Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made the right choice leaving Arsenal to join Barcelona.
Speaking on his FIVE podcast, Ferdinand said: “I wish him luck, for both parties, Aubameyang needed to leave, for his sake, for football’s sake and for Arsenal’s sake.
"You don’t want it at the club, a player hanging around who is not really wanted by the manager.”
Wilshere praises Martinelli
Jack Wilshere has backed Gabriel Martinelli to rise to the top at Arsenal.
He said: "The one who I really like and think he's going to be top, is Martinelli. I think what the manager has done with him has been genius as well.
"When I first went there he was training, coming on, not playing much, but training really well and I was thinking, "He's going to get a chance here" and he eventually got his chance and he's been brilliant.
"He was the Player of the Month and he's been brilliant and he trains like that every day as well."
Turner's set to join Arsenal
New England Revolution head coach Bruce Arena is adamant that goalkeeper Matt Turner will join Arsenal at the end of the season.
Speaking to the Boston Herald, he said: "Obviously everyone is aware of Matt Turner with the summer transfer to Arsenal.
"There is not much more to comment on that and if it hasn’t been fully executed than it will be.”
Ozil sends message to Aubameyang
Mesut Ozil has sent a heartfelt message to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on social media after his Arsenal exit to Barcelona.
Aubameyang, 33, was granted a stunning free transfer to the Nou Camp on deadline day.
The Gabon star had been frozen out by Mikel Arteta after being stripped of the captaincy for a breach of discipline.
Aubameyang’s decline at Arsenal echoed that of Ozil, who was also axed from the senior squad by Arteta.
And the German playmaker, now playing in Turkey with Fenerbahce, sent Aubameyang a message on Instagram after the forward published a farewell note to Gunners fans.
Ozil simply wrote: “All the best bro.”
