Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gunners eye £9m Norwegian wonder kid, Myhaylo Mudryk drops latest HINT, Mac Allister TWIST | The Sun
ARSENAL are reportedly in talks to sign Norwegian wonderkid Sivert Mannsverk.
And he could be available for as little as £8.9million, which would break Erling Haaland’s record as the biggest sale in the club’s history.
Meanwhile, the Gunners remain in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over the transfer of Mykhaylo Mudryk.
And the Ukraine winger has dropped ANOTHER hint he wants to move to the Prem leaders.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow as Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister prefers a move to Juventus, reports suggest.
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- Matt Penn
Top of the league
Arsenal are flying high at the top of the league with a seven point buffer over rivals Manchester City following their 4-2 win over Brighton.
"It’s still a long run to go," Arteta said.
"My excitement comes from going into the dressing room when the players are talking about what they should have done better today.
"That means that they know that we can still player better and be better and against Newcastle we have to be better.
"We knew the result [of Man City's game against Everton on New Year's Eve] but the boost is we have to come here and win and to do that we have to perform at the highest level in the league. It means nothing because our only focus is again is to improve."
- James Orr
Sak of the net
Bukayo Saka saluted Arsenal’s seven-point lead at the top as “amazing”.
The Gunners star set Mikel Arteta’s men on their way with a second-minute opener in their thumping win at Brighton.
And winger Saka admitted: “A seven-point lead sounds amazing. If you’d offered us this at the start of the season, we would have bitten your hand off.
“There was a big emphasis on getting a quick start, as we know how hard it is to come here, and that early goal set us up nicely.
“We have put ourselves in a great place but we are not focused on that now as we have to play Newcastle next and we know how well they have been playing.”
Credit: Reuters - Anthony Chapman
Player ratings – Gift of Gab
Gabriel Martinelli sparkled as Arsenal beat Brighton 4-2 to give their title hopes a huge boost.
But William Saliba was all over the shop as he had a day to forget.
How did Arsenal's other stars fare at the Amex?
SEE ARSENAL'S RATINGS HERE
- Anthony Chapman
FT – Brighton 2 Arsenal 4
Mikel Arteta's Gunners are seven points clear at the top of the table after a thriller at Brighton.
Arsenal were 4-1 up before their hosts attempted to mount a late comeback, having a third strike disallowed moments before full-time.
But the league leaders held on to ride out the storm and emerge victors after seeing rivals Man City and Newcastle held to draws.
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- Anthony Chapman
Mudryk drops Arsenal transfer hint
Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk has dropped a big hint he could join the Gunners in January.
Mudryk, also linked with Chelsea, shared a compilation video showing his best goals and skills of 2022 on Instagram.
And he used the song Circo Loco by 21 Savage and Drake over the highlight footage, which includes the lyrics: “Still gotta see the Gunners win Premier League.”
Mudryk then posted a picture of Mikel Arteta and Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi, his former Shakhtar manager, saying: "Top 2 coach."
- Anthony Chapman
HT – Brighton 0 Arsenal 2
Arsenal are in cruise control at the Amex and currently seven points clear at the top of the table.
Bukayo Saka gave the visitors the lead moments after kick-off before Martin Odegaard doubled his side's lead before the break.
Can Brighton pull it back in the second half?
FOLLOW THE LIVE ACTION HERE
- Anthony Chapman
Overmars hospitalised after minor stroke
Arsenal legend Marc Overmars suffered a health scare as he was rushed to hospital with a minor stroke.
Royal Antwerp confirmed: "Marc Overmars, director of football affairs at RAFC, became unwell last night and was admitted to hospital with a mild stroke.
"Marc is doing well in the meantime, but will have to take it easy for a while.
"Marc and his family focus on his recovery and do not wish to comment further. RAFC wishes Marc a speedy recovery!"
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal starting XI vs Brighton
Mikel Arteta has continued with his strongest available XI for today's crunch clash at Brighton.
Eddie Nketiah once again leads the line in place of injured Gabriel Jesus, while there are also starts for key men like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah
FOLLOW THE LIVE ACTION HERE
- Anthony Chapman
Emile back with a smile
Emile Smith Rowe is backing training after missing the last three months with a groin injury.
But he is unlikely to play any part in Arsenal's trip to Brighton later today.
Mikel Arteta confirmed: "He's made big steps in the last week.
"He took part in some training sessions and looked good. We're hoping to have him back soon."
- Anthony Chapman
Dusan Vlahovic a wanted man
There are no less than four top sides battling it out for Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian striker could leave Juventus with the club in turmoil after their board dramatically quit.
Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea are leading the race from England.
But Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also known to be interested.
- Tony Robertson
Gunners eye Sivert Mannsverk
Norwegian wonderkid Sivert Mannsverk is on the radar of Arsenal.
French outlet Jeunes Footeux report that the defensive midfielder, named as the third most prominsing Under-21 defensive midfielder by CIES football observatory, has been noticed by the Gunners.
This interest could prompt a move for the 20-year-old Molde star.
The report indicates he could be available for as little as £8.9million, which would break Erling Haaland’s record as the biggest sale in the club’s history.
Man Utd and Ajax are also reportedly interested.
- Tony Robertson
Chelsea to hijack Mudryk transfer
Chelsea have added Arsenal transfer target Mykhaylo Mudryk to their list of transfer targets.
The Guardian report that Chelsea want to add attacking reinforcements in January and have now shortlisted the Ukrainian, who was recently subject to an official offer from the Gunners.
Shakhtar Donetsk are holding out for £85million, which is far more than the opening £55m Arsenal bid earlier this week.
- Tony Robertson
Rab-it's hat
Arsenal are leading the charge to sign Adrien Rabiot.
According to Calciomercato the Gunners are leading the race to sign the Frenchman once his contract expires next summer.
The report indicates they are also looking at a similar deal for Milan Skriniar, and could even leapfrog PSG in the pursuit of him.
- Tony Robertson
London battle for Vlahovic
Chelsea and Arsenal are "ready" to go head-to-head to sign Dusan Vlahovic.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Vlahovic's future at Juventus is under threat, and he may now end up being flogged elsewhere soon.
Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be the frontrunners for his signature, which puts them ahead of Man Utd, PSG and Bayern, with the latter two, in particular, remaining cautious.
- Tony Robertson
Asens-e of a deal
Arsenal face missing out on a deal for Marco Asensio after Manchester United turned their attention towards trying to sign him.
As reported by Spanish outlet Sport, Real Madrid are prepared to let Asensio go with his contract on the brink of expiration.
This means he is free to negotiate pre-contractual agreements from January 1, with United keen to seal a deal on the cheap after they missed out on Cody Gakpo.
Arsenal have previously been interested in a deal but currently have their sights firmly set on Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk.
- Tony Robertson
Misfire
However, while Deeney believes they are more than capable of maintaining their push, he has doubts over their ability to bounce back should Manchester City catch up.
The ex-Watford ace also revealed where he thinks the Gunners could finish.
He said: "But I just wonder that if City catch them, and I believe they can, will Arsenal recover from it?
"I actually feel they will finish as low as third come the end of the season."
- Tony Robertson
'Don’t need too many additions'
SunSport Columnist Troy Deeney has insisted Arsenal do not need many additions to maintain their title charge.
Instead he believes the key to success will be down to staying consistent and keeping the squad happy.
He wrote: "Buying new players to bolster their squad is all well and good, but it is about bringing in new players and maintaining the consistency they have had so far this season.
"They don’t need too many additions, but if they do sign someone else, how does that dynamic change things? They have a happy squad, and you need to keep it that way.
"There is a growing expectation that Arsenal really can do it the longer they are top, and if they come out of the next month unscathed, I will start believing."
- Tony Robertson
Good morning Arsenal fans
The Gunners want a hefty reduction in Mykhailo Mudryk's valuation – plus victory over Brighton today to extend their Prem lead.
Arsenal remain overwhelming favourites to land Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mudryk
But they hope to pay little more than their initial offer of £35million – with £17.5m in add-ons – rather than the £85m the Ukrainian giants still want.
If Mudryk is a signing for the future, then Arsenal are being linked with arguably the best club player of the past year.
Karim Benzema is said to be “tempted” by the Gunners.
That follows claims Manchester United have offered the Real Madrid frontman “crazy money”.
Arsenal “admire” the 35-year-old and could initiate contact next month.
The Gunners and Chelsea are thought to be keen on Brighton’s World Cup hero Alexis Mac Allister.
Arsenal have triggered William Saliba’s contract extension until June 2024.
Finally, Gunners Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is back in training following the groin injury that's kept him out since September.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Mykhaylo is very important transfer’
Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk could win the Ballon d’Or in the future, his former manager has claimed, writes JACK ROSSER.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi coached Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk before the outbreak of war in Ukraine saw him leave the club.
And ahead of facing the Gunners on Saturday, the Italian has made a bold prediction about his former player.
De Zerbi said: “I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future.
“[It is] a very important transfer and I know the value of Mudryk and he has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.
“Mudryk is a fantastic player but Brighton can’t buy him.
“All my ex-players I like but I am Brighton coach and Brighton can’t buy him.” - Ian Tuckey
Martinelli pays tribute
Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli has paid tribute to Pele with a touching message on social media.
He wrote: “No Brazilian player, not one, grew up without thinking of you, without listening to your stories, your legacy.
“Each yellow shirt represents a lot of you, each club when it hires a Brazilian wants a little bit of Pelé. I hope I can pass some of your magic forward.
“Thank you King. You are in our hearts. Rest In Peace.”
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.martinelli/?hl=en - Ian Tuckey
Gunners and Red Devils 'keen on Karim'
Karim Benzema is “tempted” by Arsenal – following claims Manchester United have offered him “crazy money”.
That’s tonight’s talk surrounding Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or winner.
Spanish outlet Nacional say the Gunners “admire” the France striker and could initiate contact for the 35-year-old next month.
United, meanwhile, have reportedly told Benzema he’d be an “undisputed starter” under boss Erik ten Hag.
Real, though, are still open to keeping their main out-and-out frontman, who missed the World Cup through injury.
Club president Florentino Perez has reportedly said that he has ‘no doubt that they will end up reaching an agreement sooner or later’.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal linked to Alexis as Utd eye Enzo
CHELSEA are reportedly eyeing Brighton’s World Cup hero Alexis Mac Allister if they cannot sign his fellow Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez in January.
Benfica’s £106million release clause for Fernandez is a big deterrent for Chelsea, Manchester United and Co.
And the Portuguese outfit, who are still in the Champions League, hope to keep Fernandez until the end of the campaign.
And if Chelsea feel he is unobtainable, The Times understand they will then turn their attention towards Mac Allister, 24.
He only penned a new deal with Brighton in October to keep him at the club until 2025 – with the option of an additional year.
Yet despite his lengthy contract, Mac Allister is expected to be a much more affordable option than Fernandez – with the Gunners, Tottenham and Juventus also interested in him.
- Ian Tuckey
Don't compare Odegaard to KDB… yet
Martin Odegaard is proving to be every bit as good as Mikel Arteta had hoped…but still isn’t ready to be compared to Kevin de Bruyne. writes MARK IRWIN.
Arsenal’s Norwegian international playmaker has been in sensational form since being handed the captain’s armband at the start of the season.
And Real Madrid are already kicking themselves for only getting £30million when they sold him to the Gunners in 2021 following a successful loan period at the Emirates.
Now Arteta is banking on the immaculate 24-year-old to keep spearheading his team’s unexpected title challenge…but is quick to play down comparisons to Manchester City superstar de Bruyne.
“They play in a similar position but they have very different qualities,” Arteta says.
“Martin is exceptional at what he does but he still has to grow in many areas and he knows that.
“Physically he can still improve, the way he can drive with the ball and eliminate people can be much better and also his crossing and his passing range.
“But his willingness to learn, his attitude and his application has been incredible since the day he joined us. And when you have all those ingredients good things normally happen.
“Martin is in a really good moment. He is defining games, having a real presence on the pitch and showing the talent I hoped he would bring to us when we signed him.”
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners extend Saliba deal
Arsenal have triggered William Saliba's contract extension until June 2024.
The centre-back has been a revelation since linking up with Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of this season.
Despite signing in the summer of 2019, the 21-year-old only made his Gunners debut at Crystal Palace on the opening day.
He's started every Prem game since, missing just 14 minutes.
But Saliba's contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
However, according to David Ornstein, Arsenal have taken up the option to extend his deal by an extra 12 months.
- Ian Tuckey
Pele loved Wenger's Gunners
Pele would have played for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal if he he’d had to choose a Prem club.
The Brazil legend, who died yesterday, also loved the Barcelona side spearheaded by fellow South American attackers Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
The ex-Santos hero told the Telegraph in 2015, as reported by the Mirror: “Arsenal would be a good team to play for.
“I like the teams that play open football. Today it is difficult to decide which teams play that way.
“Barcelona are the closest in style to Santos and are almost the same style as Brazil in 1970.
“Between Chelsea and Arsenal? I would play for Arsenal if I had the chance.”
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