ARSENAL are weighing up a potential move for former star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
The former Gunners star, 28, has been at Liverpool since 2017 where he has won a Premier League and a Champions League winner's medal.
Arsenal also saw off QPR in a behind-closed-doors friendly, while we have the very latest on their interest in Ollie Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
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- Kealan Hughes
YOUNG GUNS
Nigel Winterburn says Arsenal can build a successful team around young English stars Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
And Gunners legend Winterburn, 57, believes the exciting duo are now cornerstones in Mikel Arteta’s in-form side.
England regular Saka, 20, and Three Lions Under-21 star Smith Rowe, 21, both have two goals and one assist from midfield so far this season for an Arsenal side which has won four of their last five games.
And former left-back Winterburn, who made 440 appearances for the club, insists both are vital if they are to challenge for titles again.
He told PaddyPower: “Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe are two players Arsenal won’t want to lose or have injured for extended periods.
“Smith-Rowe was left out of a game a few weeks ago which surprised me because his influence on the pitch is significant.
“Arsenal want to build around all those young players. They’ve got partnerships forming and the more they play together, the more they get a sense of winning games and the stronger that team bond becomes.
“I don’t see why Arsenal wouldn’t build the team around them and complement them by bringing in players that are strong for the future.”
- Kealan Hughes
'RUNNING OUT OF CHANCES'
Kevin Campbell has warned Gabriel Martinelli that he needs to start proving he is good enough to play for Arsenal.
The former Gunners striker suggests the Brazilian must take his chances this season or falling down the pecking order.
Campbell believes his former team should be looking to sign young English talent with Alexandre Lacazette likely on his way out and Martinelli yet to prove he has what it takes to succeed in North London.
Campbell told Football Insider: “Martinelli is only 20. He is still learning his trade. Arsenal cannot do wrong by signing a top, young international striker like Watkins or Calvert-Lewin.
“Lacazette will not be there next season. Martinelli will get his opportunities. The key is taking them.
“Nobody has time anymore. You will not get picked just because you are a young player who needs experience.
"You need to be doing the business to get on. Martinelli has to take his chance when it comes. That has been the case in football ever since I was a kid.
“There aren’t as many games this season with no European football so when the chance comes it is massively important that you make the most of it.”
- Kealan Hughes
RAY OF HOPE?
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya following his impressive start to life in the Premier League.
The Gunenrs could be in need of a new goalkeeper soon with speculation Bernd Leno could leave the club after being ousted as no 1 goalkeeper.
But Raya is keeping his cards close to his chest.
When asked about a potential transfer he told Cadena Ser: “I’m happy at the club.
“I want to have a good season this year. We’ll see what happens in the summer. My ambitions are great, I’d like to play at the top. You always want to play for big clubs.”
- Kealan Hughes
GUNNER SIGN?
Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham that Youssef En-Nesyri is good enough to be the leading force in the club's attacking trident, according to ABC Sevilla.
En-Nesyri is reportedly on Arsenal's radar ahead of the January transfer window after establishing himself as one of Sevilla's prized assets during his time in Spain.
Arsenal are said to be keen admirers of En-Nesyri amid the uncertainty surrounding the immediate futures of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Lacazette will be out of contract at the end of the season and is not expected to sign fresh terms in north London, meaning he is likely to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Meanwhile, Aubameyang will be in the same boat a year later and could be sold ahead of next season in order for Arsenal to recoup a fee for his services.
- Kealan Hughes
'GOOD PRESSURE'
Arsenal youngster William Saliba is happy he decided to move on loan to Marseille this season.
The defender is enjoying the pressure that comes with playing for a big club and it should stand him in good stead for when he attempts to break into the Arsenal first-team.
Speaking to L'Equipe, he said: "We made a big start to the season, even if the last three games were not positive with two defeats in Ligue Un.
"We will come back to try to win. I was very well received by my teammates, the supporters.
"For me, it’s a very good choice, it’s the right club, with very good pressure. At my young age, it’s good to play in a stadium like this."
- Dylan Terry
ARSENAL'S UPCOMING FIXTURES
Here are Arsenal's next five games in all competitions (all in Premier League aside from Leeds in Carabao Cup):
- Dylan Terry
MAANUM STUNNER
What about this one? Another sensational strike from Arsenal Women's 3-0 victory over Everton at the weekend.
- Dylan Terry
GUNNING FOR GLORY
Arsenal have an incredible history and their trophy cabinet showcases just that.
- Dylan Terry
MAGIC FROM MCCABE
Katie McCabe scored a sensational goal for Arsenal in their 3-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
- Dylan Terry
WENGER WATCH
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger chilling on a boat this afternoon…
- Dylan Terry
LACA TO TYNESIDE?
Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette is wanted by Newcastle, according to reports.
The Gunners striker has just eight-months left on his deal and will be available on a free next summer.
The Toon have a large transfer budget to spend, following their £300m Saudi takeover last week.
And Lacazette is high on their radar to get the new revolution at St James’ Park underway, according to Fichajes.
The mega-rich Premier League side are looking to snatch the French forward on a free, or a cheap deal in January.
It is understood the Magpies have a ten-man initial shortlist of stars they are looking to bring in.
This includes Lacazette, who has become a bit-part player under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.
- Dylan Terry
ARSE IN GEAR
Katie McCabe led Arsenal’s bounce back from a midweek drubbing in Europe with a glorious strike to help defeat Everton.
The Republic of Ireland ace’s volley and Frida Maanum’s boomer were among the stunning efforts that sealed a 3-0 Gunners win.
The strikes by the duo, watched by Arsenal legend Ian Wright who attended the game, looked worthy contenders for the club's goal of the month competition.
Boss Jonas Eidevall, whose team play Hoffenheim next, said: “We have quite a few of those players who have good, long-distance shooting (skills).
“I think that really helps us because we are good at playing in behind.
“But when teams are dropping off against us, we know that we can create something from those shots. It was nice to see."
- Dylan Terry
STARS AND STRIPES
Former Arsenal ace Yunus Musah has explained why he switched international allegiance from England to the USA.
The 18-year-old represented the Young Lions at youth level and has even been described as Paul Pogba-like by his former U17s boss Steve Cooper.
But after leaving the Gunners for Valencia in Spain last year, he has now opted for a change at international level too.
And after starring on his latest appearance for the Stars and Stripes last night, Musah has now revealed the reasons behind his decision.
He told CBS Sports: “It was a mixture of things.
“I’m really into the project we have of building this team, this new identity and trying to change the view of American soccer in the world.
“That really inspired me and was one of the things I really wanted to be involved in.”
- Dylan Terry
WHAT ABOU THAT
Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton are not alone in their bid to sign Olympiacos star Pape Abou Cisse in January.
Reports emerged on Friday suggesting that the three Premier League sides are keeping tabs on Cisse ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
It has also been claimed that the Gunners, Reds and Toffees had scouts in Istanbul last week when Olympiacos beat Fenerbahce 3-0 in the Europa League.
SunSport can confirm those reports but sources suggest that the centre-back’s agent has received enquiries from various other clubs as well.
That means Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton are set for a bidding war if they go ahead with a swoop for the Senegal international.
- Dylan Terry
JAPANESE CONNECTION
- Dylan Terry
OZ THE MONEY
Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil will launch his own cryptocurrency this week.
The 32-year-old playmaker, who left the Emirates for Fenerbahce in January, is expanding his M10 brand by creating a digital coin.
World Cup winner Ozil launched his clothing brand, M10Streetwear, last year.
Now he is continuing to build M10 worldwide and dropped a Twitter hint that ‘exciting things coming soon’ on Saturday.
The ex-Real Madrid man, who has nearly 100 million social million followers, posted a photo of his eyes glowing along with an eye emoji.
SunSport understands he will officially launch his cryptocurrency over the coming days.
Fans who purchase it can trade it the same as Bitcoin and also get discounts on his gear plus there will also be opportunities to meet him.
Ozil is following in the footsteps of fellow footy stars Keisuke Honda and James Rodriguez by venturing into cryptocurrency.
- Dylan Terry
AL BE BACK
Arsenal are looking into bringing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back to north London, as well as sign young Dutch star Noa Lang.
Its been four years since Oxlade-Chamberlain left the Gunners for Liverpool in a £35million transfer.
The 28-year-old has had success in picking up some silverware, winning the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp.
But has ultimately struggled with injuries, missing a grand total of 74 games as a result.
The midfielder has made just five appearances for the Reds this season and has become frustrated with his lack of opportunities.
Arsenal are interested in an initial six-month loan with the possibility of a permanent deal at the end of the season.
- Dylan Terry
OX RETURN?
Arsenal are considering a shock swoop for former player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Liverpool midfield star, 28, spent six years at the Emirates before a £35million move to Anfield in the summer of 2017.
Now he is weighing up the prospect of a reunion with his former Gunners team-mate Mikel Arteta in the January transfer window.
The Ox has become frustrated with his lack of opportunities since helping Jurgen Klopp’s team win their first Premier League title two years ago.
A knee injury ruled him out of the first four months of last season and he has only started four games for Liverpool since.
He is starting to feel he needs a fresh challenge, despite his £125,000-a-week contract running until 2023.
- Dylan Terry
KICKING OFF
Premier League anti-vax stars have been likened to drink-drivers as they were urged to get jabbed.
The top-flight footballers were told by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to help protect the public after concerns about their slow vaccine take-up.
Former vaccines minister Mr Zahawi said: “I urge all footballers to listen to Jurgen Klopp. He says we all have a duty to protect one another.
“He compared it to being drunk behind the wheel because of the harm to others.
“So get yourself protected. Protect your community, protect people that might come into contact with you.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said of those refusing the jab: “It is disappointing. They are role models in society.”
- Dylan Terry
ALEX ON WAY?
Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette is wanted by Newcastle, according to reports.
The Gunners striker has just eight-months left on his deal and will be available on a free next summer.
The Toon have a large transfer budget to spend, following their £300m Saudi takeover last week.
And Lacazette is high on their radar to get the new revolution at St James' Park underway, according to Fichajes.
The mega-rich Premier League side are looking to snatch the French forward on a free, or a cheap deal in January.
It is understood the Magpies have a ten-man initial shortlist of stars they are looking to bring in.
This includes Lacazette, who has become a bit-part player under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.
- Dylan Terry
PARTEY TIME
- Jack Figg
MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Arsenal are considering a shock swoop for former player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Liverpool midfield star, 28, spent six years at the Emirates before a £35million move to Anfield in the summer of 2017.
Now he is weighing up the prospect of a reunion with his former Gunners team-mate Mikel Arteta in the January transfer window.
The Ox has become frustrated with his lack of opportunities since helping Jurgen Klopp’s team win their first Premier League title two years ago.
A knee injury ruled him out of the first four months of last season and he has only started four games for Liverpool since.
He is starting to feel he needs a fresh challenge, despite his £125,000-a-week contract running until 2023.
Meanwhile, Arsenal star Thomas Partey gave fans plenty to be excited about after he scored a brilliant solo goal for Ghana against Zimbabwe.
The midfielder, 28, was brought on as a second-half substitute and it did not take him long to make an impact.
With the scores level at 1-1 Partey pounced on a loose touch by a Zimbabwe player.
He seized possession inside the attacking third and quickly bore down on goal, feigning to shoot which left another opposition player on the ground.
Partey then fired low into the bottom corner with a superbly composed effort to put his team back in front.
- Dylan Terry
OZ THE MONEY
Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil will launch his own cryptocurrency this week.
The 32-year-old playmaker, who left the Emirates for Fenerbahce in January, is expanding his M10 brand by creating a digital coin.
World Cup winner Ozil launched his clothing brand, M10Streetwear, last year.
Now he is continuing to build M10 worldwide and dropped a Twitter hint that ‘exciting things coming soon’ on Saturday.
The ex-Real Madrid man, who has nearly 100 million social million followers, posted a photo of his eyes glowing along with an eye emoji.
SunSport understands he will officially launch his cryptocurrency over the coming days.
Fans who purchase it can trade it the same as Bitcoin and also get discounts on his gear plus there will also be opportunities to meet him.
Ozil is following in the footsteps of fellow footy stars Keisuke Honda and James Rodriguez by venturing into cryptocurrency.
- Dylan Terry
PARTEY TIME
Arsenal star Thomas Partey gave fans plenty to be excited about after he scored a brilliant solo goal for Ghana against Zimbabwe.
The midfielder, 28, was brought on as a second-half substitute and it did not take him long to make an impact.
- Dylan Terry
ON TONY ADAMS' BIRTHDAY…
It's worth reflecting on this special moment…
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