Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gunners handed Declan Rice boost, Premier League competition for Caicedo, Xavi Simons linked

Cancelo 'doesn't want Arsenal move'

Despite the reported interest in Cancelo from Arsenal, German outlet  claim Cancelo would prefer a move overseas rather than stay in the Premier League.

Ligue 1 is now the only top-five European league the Portugal defender has not played in yet.

Arsenal make "contact" over Cancelo

Arsenal have made "contact" over a deal to sign Joao Cancelo, according to reports.

The Gunners want to sign Cancelo following his loan to Bayern Munich safe in the knowledge his days at the Etihad are numbered.

Fabrizio Romano revealed the news to , saying: "For Cancelo, yes, they are interested.

"They had some contact, and they have very good relationship with these agents.

"So there was a conversation over the possibility to sign Cancelo."

Gabriel sends Arsenal star message

Gabriel has sent a heartfelt message to Arsenal team-mate Marquinhos.

The 20-year-old was part of Brazil's Under-20 World Cup team, which saw them knocked out in the quarter-finals by Israel.

Marquinhos took to Instagram to offer an apology, but Gabriel responded.

The defender wrote: "Head up my brother! You are a monster! I love you ❤️."

Wembley trip for Arsenal

Arsenal will face Manchester City in the Community Shield following City's triumph in the FA Cup.

A win for Manchester United would have meant another all-Manchester Wembley showdown ahead of the next season.

However, because City have won both the Premier League and FA Cup, the other team is chosen based on who came second in the league.

That would be the Gunners, who finished second five points behind City.

Arsenal pre-season fixtures

Here are some pre-season games the Gunners have lined up (kick offs in UK time):

• July 20: MLS All Stars vs Arsenal (Audi Field, Washington DC) - 1.30am
• July 22: Arsenal vs Man Utd (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey) - 10pm
• July 26: Arsenal vs Barcelona (SoFi Stadium, LA) - TBD

Good morning Arsenal fans

Chelsea hold a major advantage over Arsenal in the bidding war for Brighton star Moises Caicedo.

According to The Guardian, the Blues could hold a huge trump card with regards to negotiating a deal for Caicedo and it involves Levi Colwill.

Colwill joined the Seagulls on loan at the beginning of the season and thrived under manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The Blues may be willing to let the centre-back return to the Amex for another season to continue his development.

And the 20-year-old may potentially be included as part of a deal to secure the Ecuador international’s signature.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are eyeing up a move for PSV Eindhoven sensation Xavi Simons.

Simons has enjoyed an impressive season netting 22 goals across all competitions with PSV.

Now, VI report the Gunners have targeted the 20-year-old, who can play in midfield or as a wide forward.

Interestingly, the Netherlands international's agent is ex-Arsenal chairman David Dein's son.

And West Ham star Declan Rice is snubbing a move to Bayern Munich in a major boost to Arsenal.

SunSport reported last week how Bayern were set to step up their pursuit for Rice.

However, the Daily Mail now report “Rice will prioritise a move to the Premier League” as he prepares to reject the Bundesliga champions' advances.

The same report adds the Gunners, who want the midfielder to replace Granit Xhaka, are “set to make an opening offer of £90m”.

The bid will be lodged after West Ham’s Europa Conference League Final against Fiorentina.

Finally, Newcastle believe they are in pole position to beat off interest from Aston Villa and sign Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney.

The Gunners are planning to put the money raised by selling Tierney towards bringing in Rice.

The Magpies are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to Champions League action next season and have been linked with the 25-year-old for months.

But the Toon face competition from Villa, who qualified for the Europa Conference League, as manager Unai Emery targets a reunion with the left-back he brought to the Emirates.

According to The Times, Newcastle “are confident” of landing the Scotland international despite Emery's interest.

Declan Rice boost

West Ham star Declan Rice is snubbing a move to Bayern Munich in a major boost to Arsenal.

SunSport reported last week how Bayern were preparing to step-up their pursuit for Rice.

However, the  now claim “Rice will prioritise a move to the Premier League” as he prepares to reject the Bundesliga champions' advances.

The same report adds the Gunners, who want the midfielder to replace the departing Granit Xhaka, are “set to make an opening offer of £90m”.

The bid will be lodged once West Ham have faced Fiorentina next week in the Europa Conference League final.

Bay out clause

Bayern Munich are set to hijack Bayer Leverkusen’s move for Arsenal star Granit Xhaka.

Xhaka, 30, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates in recent weeks.

Leverkusen are said to be on the verge of signing the midfielder in a £15million transfer.

According to , Bayern are ready to pounce despite their Bundesliga rivals offering the Switzerland international a five-year contract.

Top Tier move

Newcastle believe they are in pole position to beat off interest from Aston Villa and sign Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney.

And the Gunners are planning to put the money raised by selling Tierney towards bringing in West Ham superstar Declan Rice.

The Magpies are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to Champions League action next term and have been linked with the 25-year-old for months.

But the Toon face competition from Villa, who qualified for the Europa Conference League, as manager Unai Emery targets a reunion with the left-back.

According to , Newcastle “are confident” of landing the Scotland international despite Emery's interest.

Rice open to Bayern

Arsenal's status as favourites to sign West Ham superstar Declan Rice has been wobbled by claims he's "given the feeling" he'd consider joining Bayern Munich.

According to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Rice is open to linking up with ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel at Bayern.

Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked with the midfielder.

And the 24-year-old is rated the main summer target for Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta.

Xavi Simons says

Arsenal are eyeing up a move for PSV Eindhoven sensation Xavi Simons.

Simons has enjoyed an impressive season scoring 22 goals across all competitions with PSV.

Now, VI claim the Gunners have targeted the 20-year-old, who can play in midfielder or as a wide forward.

Interestingly, the Netherlands international's agent is former Arsenal chairman David Dein's son.

Moises Caicedo bidding war

Chelsea hold a major advantage over London rivals Arsenal in the bidding war for Brighton star Moises Caicedo.

According to The Guardian, the Blues could hold a huge trump card with regards to negotiating a deal and it involves Levi Colwill.

Colwill joined the Seagulls on loan at the beginning of the season and has thrived under manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The Blues may be willing to let the defender return to the Amex for another season to continue his development.

And the 20-year-old could potentially be included as part of a deal to secure Caicedo’s signature.

Smith Rowe tats

Arsenal fans have fallen in love with Emile Smith Rowe's new Mikel Arteta-inspired tattoos.

The midfielder, 22, showed off his new ink in a TikTok video - posted by tattoo artist Daniel Rossetter - on Friday.

One tat reads: "Believe in yourself," while the other, written in Spanish, translates to "Trust the process" - a phrase Arteta regularly uses.

Fans are now convinced that Smith Rowe's artwork is a homage to the Arsenal boss.

One person tweeted: "Arteta is the inspiration behind this, can't tell me otherwise."

Another added: "The Arteta effect."

Gundogan blow

It's a blow for Arsenal in their pursuit for Ilkay Gundogan with reports from Spain claiming the German is more likely to move to Spain.

Barcelona are long term suitors for the midfield star, who is available on a free transfer with his contract expiring.

Sport say he has decided against joining another Premier League club and wants a new challenge abroad.

AC Milan are also reportedly interested in signing the FA Cup final hero.

Arsenal in Maddison chase

Arsenal are to go head-to-head with Newcastle in the race to sign to James Maddison.

The England international is expected to leave Leicester City, after the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League.

A £50million move to the Magpies has been touted.

But Football Transfers claims the Gunners will rival Eddie Howe's side for the midfielder.

No Boey approach

Arsenal have not made an approach for Sacha Boey, according to reports.

The Gunners were said to have tabled a £17.2million bid for the Galatasaray defender.

However, Fabrizio Romano tweeted that the Gunners are yet to make an official approach.

He says they have not met with his new agents, however Mikel Arteta does admire the player.

Petit backs Rice & Caicedo swoop

Emmanuel Petit has backed Arsenal in their pursuit of Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice.

“I have said for a long time that I am a big fan of Moises Caicedo. During the World Cup I said that top clubs would be interested in Brighton’s duo in midfield. Brighton are one of the best in the transfer market in England. The way they spent their money and chose their players was very good and they should be a benchmark to all of the teams in Europe. It is similar to Brentford’s style but it is very different. Arsenal have been talking about Declan Rice a lot.

“If they can get him, It will be a great move but I am a very big fan of Caicedo. This guy can play so many different positions for club and country. He is young and talented. He has a great heart and mentality. Mac Allister will also suit Arsenal as well with his vision and movement on the ball, as well as his passing. He is also scoring goals, which for me is very important for a player. I am happy that top clubs in England are looking at him.

“Caicedo is doing brilliant things at Brighton. Before Alexis Mac Allister won the World Cup, I said clubs should be interested in him and Caicedo together.

“Caicedo understands everything in the midfield, he has a great heart and mentality. Mac Allister would also suit Arsenal perfectly as well with his vision and passing. On top of that, he’s scoring goals too which is important for midfield players.”

Caicedo wants Arsenal move

Moises Caicedo wants to move to Arsenal this summer, according to reports.

Journalist Tom Canton revealed on his YouTube channel the Ecuador midfield star would welcome a move to the Emirates, if the Gunners can agree a deal with Brighton.

"Money talks in football, I’m afraid, but I agree that he should be aiming higher for a team in the Champions League, and Arsenal certainly are that," Canton said.

He added: "He’s a big fan of Arsenal. He likes Arsenal, and he’d be willing to move to Arsenal if they offer the money that Brighton are willing to accept."

Xhaka latest

Recent reports suggested Bayern Munich may enter the race to sign Granit Xhaka.

However, reports in Germany believe Bayer Leverkusen are still in pole position to seal the deal.

Bayern are more interested in signing Declan Rice.

While Xhaka would prefer a move to Leverkusen, claims journalist Florian Pettenberg.

Tierney chase

Newcastle United reportedly believe they are in pole position to beat off interest from Aston Villa and sign Kieran Tierney.

And Arsenal are planning to use the money raised by selling the Scottish international towards bringing in Declan Rice from West Ham United.

Newcastle are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to Champions league action next term and have been linked with the 25-year-old for months.

But they face competition from Villa, who qualified for the Europa Conference League, as Unai Emery targets a reunion with the left-back.

The Times has offered an update on the situation, and they claim that Eddie Howe’s Newcastle “are confident” of landing Tierney despite the interest from Villa.

Gundogan 'advanced talks'

AC Milan are in advanced talks with Ilkay Gundogan, according to reports.

Corriere dello Sport, as per Football Italia, say that the Man City captain is set to leave the Cityzens with his contract expiring.

That will be a blow to Arsenal, who are desperate to lure him to the Emirates.

Caicedo blow

Chelsea hold a huge advantage over other rivals Arsenal in the transfer chase for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, according to reports.

The Guardian states that the Blues could hold a huge trump card with regards to negotiating a deal and it involves defender Levi Colwill.

The Ecuadorian has helped the Seagulls secure Europa League football this season with a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Simons says

Arsenal are eyeing up a move for Holland sensation Xavi Simons, according to reports.

The Dutch international was in sensational form for PSV this campaign - netting 22 goals in all competitions.

Now, VI claim the Gunners have targeted the 20-year-old, who can play in midfielder or as a wide forward.

Interestingly, his agent is former Arsenal chairman David Dein's son.

No rush on Odegaard contract

Both Arsenal and Martin Odegaard's reps are in agreement there is no rush for the Norwegian to sign a new contract.

According to a report, with both player and club wanting the same thing, talks are planned for an extension to his current deal.

However, it may be several months before anything is finalised.

First bid for Boey

Arsenal have submitted a bid of £17.2million for Galatasaray star Sacha Boey, according to reports from Turkey.

Turkiye Gazetesi claim the Gunners are "determined to finalise the transfer'.

Ben White was Arsenal's first choice right-back this campaign, moving across from centre back.

While Takehiro Tomiyasu suffered with injuries throughout the campaign, leaving the North London side short in defence.