Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Ben White new deal CONFIRMED, Tierney asking price set, Gabriel Martinelli injury latest
BEN WHITE has signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal, the club have confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have reportedly set their asking price for Kieran Tierney.
The Scotland international, currently on loan at Real Sociedad, is on the radar of a number of Premier League sides as well as boyhood club Celtic.
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Change of Crew
Columbus Crew keeper Patrick Schulte is rated a shock option to "replace Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal next season.
Schulte, 23 has won a single cap for the USA and has nver played outside of that country.
Meanwhile, England ace Ramsdale is tipped to move on over the summer after David Raya cemented his status as Emirates' No1.
The Telegraph claim Schulte is a serious contender for a huge move to the title-chasing Gunners.
He only broke through with Columbus in 2023 before making his international debut this year.
Gunners eye Barca starlet
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly keen on Barcelona whizkid Pau Cubarsi.
The centre-back, 17, was man of the match on his Champions League debut on Tuesday as he marshalled Victor Osimhen in a 3-1 win over Napoli.
say Manchester City came in last summer for Cubarsi, whose contract runs until 2026,
He is believed to have a release clause of between £8.5million and £12.8m but Barcelona remain “confident” the defender will stay at the Nou Camp beyond the summer.
The LaLiga champions, who sit eight points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, have opened talks with Cubarsi about an increase in both his salary and release clause.
The club are keen to tie him down to a long-term deal, but will have to wait until January 2025 to make this happen.
This is due to a rule that states U18s can only commit to a team for a maximum of three years.
Doug deep in summer transfer fight
Aston Villa believe they can keep Arsenal target Douglas Luiz this summer.
So say 90 Min amid suggestions Liverpool and Manchester United are also tracking the Brazilian.
The Gunners reportedly failed with a summer 2022 bid for the 25-year-old.
And Arsenal remain his main admirers.
Is Donyell Gunner be a £26m snip?
Borussia Dortmund's Donyell Malen is looming larger on Arsenal's radar as a bargain solution to their striker hunt.
That's according to various reports after the Borussia Dortmund hero was rated at £26million.
have tipped the Gunners to watch the 25-year-old Dutchman.
And it's claimed that, although Malen is not Arsenal's top target, he's a genuine contender to arrive in the summer.
Dream options might include Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Brentford main man Ivan Toney.
Southgate unsure why White snubbed England
England boss Gareth Southgate urged fans to lay off Ben White after he asked to not be picked for his country again, writes CHARLIE WYETT.
Southgate, who named a 25-man squad to face Brazil and Belgium, revealed the Arsenal defender does not want a call-up despite his red-hot form.
Four-cap White, 26, who signed a new four-year Gunners deal on Thursday, went home for personal reasons during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Yet Southgate says the door is still open for him, adding: “I don’t want a backlash. I understand we are in a situation where that could happen.
“But he’s signed a new contract so there’s no question he’s got the love of the Arsenal fans.
“The shame is I’d have liked to have picked him.In these situations, I’ve tried to protect players. Yet that’s impossible here.
“Because of the timing of asking to come off the long-list for our squad, I don’t think that it would be right not to state the situation we’re in.
“We’ve explained to Arsenal we were going to do that. And if you make a decision like that, you do have to stand by it."
Villa confident of keeping Arsenal target Luiz
Aston Villa believe they can keep Arsenal target Douglas Luiz this summer.
So say 90 Min amid suggestions Liverpool and Manchester United are also tracking the Brazilian.
The Gunners reportedly failed with a summer 2022 bid for the 25-year-old.
And Arsenal remain his main admirers.
Credit: Getty Prem clubs blasted
EFL chiefs have slammed Prem clubs and ORDERED them to come up with a cash deal to fund the pyramid.
On Monday, top flight clubs refused to even vote on the proposed extra £995m over six years that Prem chief executive Richard Masters wanted them to approve.
That was an embarrassing situation for the Prem, under pressure from Culture secretary Lucy Frazer to come up with the cash soon or risk a settlement being imposed by the planned Independent Regulator.
And after a meeting led by chief executive Rick Parry yesterday, the EFL board came out spitting tacks at the Prem and the clubs.
In a statement, the Board said: “We are clearly disappointed at the Premier League clubs’ repeated failure to put forward any new funding offer for the EFL that would have significant benefits for the entire football pyramid.
“The lack of positive progress once again demonstrates how difficult an issue this is for football to address, without independent input.
“Despite pressure from Government, fans and united voices across the professional game, the latest development represents a further setback.
“The EFL now awaits a formal update from the Premier League as to how it proposes to re-engage on its latest commitment to deliver ‘a sustainably funded financial agreement’.”
Malen 'could be bargain solution for Arsenal'
Borussia Dortmund's Donyell Malen is looming larger on Arsenal's radar as a bargain solution to their striker hunt.
That's according to various reports after the Borussia Dortmund hero was rated at £26million.
have tipped the Gunners to watch the 25-year-old Dutchman.
And it's claimed that, although Malen is not Arsenal's top target, he's a genuine contender to arrive in the summer.
Dream options might include Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Brentford main man Ivan Toney.
Credit: Rex Red Devils and Gunners become Cub scouts
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly keen on Barcelona whizkid Pau Cubarsi.
The centre-back, 17, was man of the match on his Champions League debut on Tuesday as he marshalled Victor Osimhen in a 3-1 win over Napoli.
say Manchester City came in last summer for Cubarsi, whose contract runs until 2026,
He is believed to have a release clause of between £8.5million and £12.8m but Barcelona remain “confident” the defender will stay at the Nou Camp beyond the summer.
The LaLiga champions, who sit eight points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, have opened talks with Cubarsi about an increase in both his salary and release clause.
The club are keen to tie him down to a long-term deal, but will have to wait until January 2025 to make this happen.
This is due to a rule that states U18s can only commit to a team for a maximum of three years.
Chelsea & Magpies linked to Ramsdale?
At least two Premier League clubs are tipped to weigh up bids for £50million-rated Aaron Ramsdale.
Chelsea and Newcastle are said to be monitoring the situation now that it's clear David Raya has replaced Ramsdale as Arsenal No1.
Credit: Getty Most pundits believe the England back-up keeper will move on in the summer - two years before his contract expires.
claim the Gunners value the 25-year-old as much as £50m.
'Liverpool join race for Arsenal target Zubi'
Arsenal will reportedly consider a double-your-money offer for Martin Zubimendi - amid claims Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also keen.
claim the Gunners are anxious to put together an approach as quickly as possible and are "working on a wage package" for the Real Sociedad midfielder.
It's even suggested the four-cap Spaniard could be offered a five-year contract with weekly wages of £115,000.
Zubimendi is said to have a £51 million release and Barcelona are known admirers of the 25-year-old.
But it's thought Liverpool might show strong interest if they appoint Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp's successor in the summer.
'Toney might not be the answer'
Arsenal legend Lee Dixon believes Arsenal need a new striker - but is unsure whether Ivan Toney fits the bill.
Chelsea-linked Toney, 27, has been flying with Brentford since his ban ended in January and is now back in the England squad.
Credit: Getty But ex-England right-back Dixon told : "The attacking players have moved around and how they’ve played with false nines with Kai Havertz or Leandro Trossard down the middle.
"Mikel Arteta will definitely be looking for a new striker in the summer,” Dixon said.
“Ivan Toney is a name that’s hot on everyone’s lips at the moment... but would he fit in at Arsenal? I’m still trying to work that one out myself!
"There’s lots of good things about him, but the way he plays, Brentford play a very different style to Arsenal… Would he fit into that position at Arsenal? I’m not so sure he would.
“Arsenal do need to strengthen in that position, they have to keep getting better and stronger, as if the goals dry up elsewhere then they need somebody that can guarantee goals.
"I think they will bring someone in in that department this summer."
'Schulte eyed as Ramsdale replacement'
Columbus Crew keeper Patrick Schulte is rated a shock option to "replace Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal next season.
Schulte, 23 has won a single cap for the USA and has nver played outside of that country.
Meanwhile, England ace Ramsdale is tipped to move on over the summer after David Raya cemented his status as Emirates' No1.
The Telegraph claim Schulte is a serious contender for a huge move to the title-chasing Gunners.
He only broke through with Columbus in 2023 before making his international debut this year.
In the pot
Arsenal secured their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals with their penalty shootout triumph over Porto on Tuesday.
And now the Gunners are readying themselves for a tough tie in the next round.
The draw for the last eight takes place tomorrow and here's who is left in the pot...
- Arsenal
- Man City
- Real Madrid
- Atletico Madrid
- PSG
- Borussia Dormund
- Bayern Munich
- Barcelona
Bright future
Brighton are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson.
Nelson has struggled for game-time this season with Mikel Arteta often opting for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard over the 24-year-old.
And according to TEAMtalk, Brighton are keen to sign the star to offer him more consistent game time.
It is said that Arsenal would be willing to let Nelson leave north London for a package worth around £30m.
The Hale End academy graduate is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2027 with reports suggesting Arsenal hold an option to extend his deal until 2028.
Credit: Getty
Simulated Champions League draw
Ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final draw SunSport has simulated a possible outcome.
And it's not looking good for Arsenal with our simulation seeing Mikel Arteta's side draw 14-time winners Real Madrid.
Should Arsenal somehow make it past Madrid, they would then face the winners of Barcelona vs Bayern Munich in a mouthwatering semi-final.
Ramsey return
Aaron Ramsey returned to the Emirates Stadium to watch his former club advance into the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night.
The Welshman was in attendance for Arsenal's penalty triumph over Porto, returning after he left for Juventus in 2019.
Now playing in the Championship with boyhood club Cardiff, Ramsey received a standing ovation from Arsenal fans before the game kicked off.
Credit: Getty Arsenal's next five
Arsenal have a lengthy break until their next game with FA Cup postponements and the upcoming international break.
But they'll be back with a bang when they face Manchester City in a HUGE title clash on March 31.
April will be a defining month in the Gunners' title race while they will also play their Champions League quarter-final after they discover their opponents during tomorrow's draw.
More on White
Gareth Southgate expanded on Ben White's decision to not join up with the England squad in his press conference.
The Three Lions boss explained that White isn't the first player who has removed himself from contention for the squad during his time in charge.
He said: "I have to respect it. He's not the first player who at times hasn't wanted to be available for selection. I've always tried to protect those players.
"Sometimes as a leader you have to take the flak for others and give them the time to come through.
"He's clearly playing very well and has been for a long time. But he's not available to us.
"You always have to find a different solution. The very first squad I picked I had a player call and say thanks but no. You just have to move on.
"Clearly to come in for June now would be difficult because others will be in the squad and playing regularly.
"Whenever you have a situation like that you have to assess those who have been on the journey all the way through."
White rejects England call up
Gareth Southgate has revealed that Ben White has made HIMSELF unavailable for England selection.
The Arsenal star has been in superb form for the Gunners, but has decided he does not want to play for England in the upcoming international break.
Speaking in his press conference, England boss Southgate said: "On form, I can't say he doesn't deserve to be here.
"John McDermott had a call from Edu last week saying Ben didn't want to be considered for England at this time.
"That's a shame. He's a player I really like. I spoke to him post Qatar and there was clearly reticence from his side. I don't know fully why that is.
"But I want to leave the door open because he's a good player. There is no issue between us at all."
He added: "He would be in this squad but he's not available to us."
Three Lions
Three Arsenal stars have been called up to the England squad for the international break.
Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will join Gareth Southgate's side for upcoming clashes with Brazil and Belgium.
Credit: Getty
City star injured
Arsenal may face a Manchester City side without one of their biggest stars when they visit the Etihad on March 31.
Kevin De Bruyne has been left out of the Belgium national squad with an injury.
De Bruyne, who is a vital cog in Pep Guardiola's City side, is said to be carrying an injury that means he won't be able to go away with his national side next week.
Belgium manage Dominico Tedesco said: "He's been playing with a minor groin issue in the last games."
New contract 'perfect', says White
Ben White has said his new contract with Arsenal is "perfect" after extending his stay at the Emirates Stadium.
I’m so happy – it’s been a long journey, and amazing to sign again and be here for more years.
I’ve said before I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, so it’s perfect.
Ben WhiteHenry names Champions League side to avoid
Thierry Henry has warned which two clubs Arsenal should be hoping to avoid in tomorrow's Champions League quarter-final draw.
The Gunners earned their spot in the last eight after a penalty shootout win over Porto on Tuesday.
And club legend Henry has said that of the seven possible teams that Arsenal could face, there are two who they should be hoping to steer clear of.
Speaking on CBS Sports, he said: "You can never disrespect anyone in Europe.
"There are two teams there who can be cocky – it’s Real Madrid and Man City, that’s about it. The others, you just take who you can play.
"Man City are the team to beat still, for me. I know Pep, it’s not how he’s going to take it, I was just putting it out there.
"Me as a player, I’ve been in too many situations to know that sometimes the so-called team who was easy to play against is not the case, you arrive and people think, ‘you’re going to win it easy’, no, that’s not really the case.
"So the champions can talk – Man City – and then Real Madrid, we already know they have 14 [Champions League trophies], other than that, let’s see what’s going to happen."
Ramsdale replacement
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing USA international Patrick Schulte to replace Aaron Ramsdale this summer.
Ramsdale is expected to leave the Emirates outfit after falling behind David Raya in the pecking order this season.
And according to the Telegraph, 23-year-old Schulte is being targeted by the Gunners to come in and play second fiddle to Raya.
Schulte is currently on the books at MLS outfit Columbus Crew and earned a call-up to the US national team this season and made his debut against Slovenia in January.
Credit: Reuters
