Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Pablo Mari Flamengo return, Xhaka wants Gladbach transfer, Lacazette contract LATEST

GRANIT XHAKA is hoping to be back in the next month, with recovery going well.

He suffered medial knee ligament damage during the North London derby and has been out ever since.

Xhaka is open to leaving Arsenal for Borussia Monchengladbach on a FREE when his contract expires.

The Swiss international signed a new deal last summer, stretching to 2023-24.

He told Swiss publication Blick: “I hope to celebrate my comeback as soon as possible.

“I’ve been gone seven weeks and a few days now.

“The bone was also broken twice. The problem with the bone is that it takes so long. I hope to be back in the next three or four weeks."

The club risk losing Alexandre Lacazette at the end of the season for NOTHING, with the club refusing to discuss a new deal till the end of the season.

The striker, 30, is in the final few months of his £200,000-a-week deal and can open talks with overseas clubs in January.

The Gunners are preparing to welcome Newcastle to the Emirates after their harrowing 4-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Renato Sanches has responded to reports linking him with a host of clubs, including Arsenal.

Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

  • Kealan Hughes

    WIL HE COME BACK?

    Jack Wilshere is far from ruling out a return to the Arsenal first team, with the Gunners potentially needing reinforcements during the African Cup of Nations.

    He told talkSPORT: "I went there, very kindly invited by them to come and train, get my fitness back, which I’ve done.

    "I am [training with the first team]. They’ve got a lot of midfielders, they’ve got Ainsley Maitland-Niles…"

    Asked whether he has played for the Under-23 side, Wilshere’s replied, ‘no.’ But asked whether he could do so soon, he said, ‘maybe.’

    Pushed on whether there is a chance he could play for the first team again he said: ‘Erm, I don’t know mate. Honestly, I don’t know.’

  • Joshua Mbu

    3 PINTS FOR A WIN

    Footie fans could be allowed to drink during games again for the first time in 36 years, writes NATASHA CLARK and NICHOLAS GUTTERIDGE.

    The law banning booze in stands could be axed as part of a wide-ranging review of the sport.

    Among recommendations is a test scheme for fans to be able to drink alcohol during matches at League Two and National League clubs.

    Ministers have welcomed the move, part of a fan-led review headed by ex-sports minister Tracey Crouch.

    She said a “small scale and limited pilot” on the sale of alcohol “in sight of the pitch” would help struggling clubs rake in extra cash.

    Ms Crouch added yesterday: “This is about the financial sustainability of the lowest parts of the league — such a small change would make a huge difference.”

    Research suggests an average League Two club loses around £184,000 a season by not being able to sell booze to fans watching matches.

  • Joshua Mbu

    'ALMOST IN TEARS'

    Arsenal defender Gabriel's father was 'almost in tears' when he learned his son had been called up for Brazil.

    Edu revealed: "As a Brazilian I was so pleased to see Gabriel Magalhaes join the national team for the first time.

    "For every Brazilian it's a dream to wear the yellow shirt, it's difficult to describe. 

    “A few days before the games, I received a phone call from the Brazil federation, telling me they were going to select him. I was so happy for him, because I know what it means to him. 

    “So what I did was first of all call Mikel, explain it to him and say that it would be nice for him to call Gabi to give him the news.

    "He did that and within five minutes Gabi called me – so excited! It was so brilliant to hear his reaction, what it meant to him. 

    “Then I called his father, who's back in Brazil, and explained it to him and honestly he was so happy he was almost in tears.”

  • Joshua Mbu

    GUNNING FOR GLORY

    Summer arrivals Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale are amongst some of Arsenal's most expensive signings of all time.

  • Joshua Mbu

    HENRY'S MAGIC

    Arsenal legend Thierry Henry produced some magic at the San Siro on this day in 2003.

  • Joshua Mbu

    WILLOCK RETURNS

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expecting a big reception for Joe Willock when the academy graduate comes back to north London with Newcastle at the weekend.

    Willock was permanently sold to the Magpies in the summer after a successful loan spell in the second half of last season.

    Arteta said: "Yeah, I think it will be really nice to have him, we all love and like Joe.

    “Obviously, it was a difficult decision to make to let him go, but I think he’s shown that’s what he needs as well to play the minutes that he’s finding there and find a new challenge.

    “Yes (I’ve spoken to him), not this week, but I have done it before and he knows the reception he’s going to get.”

  • Joshua Mbu

    MAR DRAMA

    Pablo Mari could reportedly be in line for a move back to Copa Libertadores finalists Flamengo, writes GIACOMO PISA

    The 28-year-old Arsenal centre-back joined from the Brazilian outfit in January 2020.

    But after playing just twice in the Premier League so far this campaign Mari has become tired of stewing on the bench, according to Mauro Sant’Anna, a Flamengo dedicated YouTuber. 

    Mari is said to be 'unsatisfied' with his current role in North London. 

    He is nowhere near the first team after summer signing Ben White has struck up a solid partnership with Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal's defence. 

    Flamengo chiefs are keen on striking a deal for Mari, although they would prefer a loan move to a permanent transfer.

  • Joshua Mbu

    NEXT FIVE

    Newcastle are up next for Arsenal.

  • Justin Lawrence

    STAND UP

    Human rights campaigners have suggested that Arsenal fans should protest against Newcastle's new Saudi owners when the club meet this weekend.

    Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK’s Head of Campaigns said, reported by Online Gooner: "Supporters of teams playing Newcastle United should bear in mind that human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia are extremely grave.

    "People have been jailed, tortured and even killed – so any protests ought to be serious ones.

    “One case we’d urge fans to take up is that of the Saudi aid worker Abdulrahman al-Sadhan, who was recently given a 20-year jail sentence for sending satirical tweets.

    “Though the Newcastle buyout is clearly part of the Saudi authorities’ long-term attempt to sportswash the country’s image, it’s fairly predictable that the effect in the short term has been to trigger greater discussion of human rights abuses in the country.

    “Greater awareness of Saudi human rights issues is extremely welcome, and we hope it can lead to sustained pressure for much-needed reforms.”

  • Justin Lawrence

    NO PARTY TRICKS

    An overzealous reporter has faced backlash for letting off a party pooper at Arsenal's press conference.

    Sky Sport's Gary Cotterill unleashed the pooper in celebration of press conferences being done in person once again.

    But some people on Twitter thought his theatrics were a step too far.

    One person wrote: “The panic in Arteta's face as the bum slips his and is his pocket, looks like he's expecting a gun, in fairness, it would be the most attacking anyone has been near Arteta.”

    Another fumed: “I am calling for a total and complete shutdown of in-person pressers until we can figure out what the hell is going on.”

    And a third quipped: “Bet Arteta has requested to go back over Zoom.”

  • Justin Lawrence

    MAR DRAMA 

    Pablo Mari could reportedly be in line for a move back to Copa Libertadores finalists Flamengo.

    The 28-year-old Arsenal centre-back joined from the Brazilian outfit in January 2020.

    But after playing just twice in the Premier League so far this campaign Mari has become tired of stewing on the bench, according to Mauro Sant’Anna, a Flamengo dedicated YouTuber.

    Mari is said to be 'unsatisfied' with his current role in North London.

    He is nowhere near the first team after summer signing Ben White has struck up a solid partnership with Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal's defence.

    Flamengo chiefs are keen on striking a deal for Mari, although they would prefer a loan move to a permanent transfer.

  • Justin Lawrence

    DUS THE MAN 

    Manchester United will battle it out with a host of Europe’s top clubs including Spurs to sign £70million-rated Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

    According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are the latest to join the list of clubs keeping tabs of Vlahovic – including Spurs, Newcastle, AC Milan , Juventus and Arsenal.

    The 21-year-old striker is currently one of Europe’s most sought after players, having scored 12 goals in 14 games in all competitions so far this season.

    He netted an impressive 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina last season, which saw him win the Serie A Best Young Player for 2020-21 award.

  • Justin Lawrence

    NOT ON

    Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana is sick of the media linking him with a move to Arsenal.

    Several reports have suggested that Onana could be on his way to Arsenal or Lyon.

    But the keeper insists the rumours are false and wants the media to stop claiming to know more about his future than he does.

    He fumed, via HITC: “I’ve wanted to talk about this for some time. (Recently) there was an article about me every day. It was Arsenal, then it was Lyon.

    “I’m there tired of it. The media thinks it should inform me about my own life. I still have a contract with Ajax.” 

  • Justin Lawrence

    WORK OF ART

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed his admiration for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.

    Howe was brought in to replace Steve Bruce on Tyneside by the Toon's new Saudi owners.

    And after seeing what Howe did with ex-club Bournemouth, Arteta thinks the Magpies made the right choice.

    He said: "I admire Eddie, and what he’s done in the league, (with Bournemouth) his style of play."

    Which is why the Spaniard isn't taking Howe's side lightly ahead of their clash with the Gunners this weekend.

    Arteta added: "I know the coaching staff well. I’m sure they will be fully prepared.”

  • Justin Lawrence

    NO ISSUE

    Mikel Arteta has no issue with Newcastle's £300million Saudi takeover.

    Arteta's Gunners take on the Toon who have had a cash influx as a result of their new owners this weekend.

    But as long as the deal met the criteria provided by the financial regulators, Artetathinks the takeover was handled correctly.

    He said: "I cannot say much. I think we have regulators that have to decide who can own a football club or not.

    They’ve gone through the system, and now Newcastle have new owners. I think they have fulfilled the criteria needed, and that’s it.

    "That’s what the regulators should do.”

  • Justin Lawrence

    NEW THREAT

    Mikel Arteta is wary of the attacking threat Newcastle pose ahead of their Prem clash this weekend.

    The Toon have had a staff overhaul since new owners came in and appointed Eddie Howe as manager.

    And Arteta can already see an improvement in the Magpies approach.

    He said to Arsenal: "Obviously there are so changes happening there, you can see the momentum that is building and it is different.

    "You see the last game they played as well, you saw some different things: new manager, new coaching staff, so let's be prepared.

    "Fron what I’ve seen of them in the last few games there were crucial moments in games where the game could have gone in a completely different way.

    "We know the attacking threat that they have, they have players that can hurt you in the last 30 metres of the pitch and we’re gonna have to be really conscious of that and play as well as we can."

  • Justin Lawrence

    YOU'RE WELCOME

    Mikel Arteta is looking forward to welcoming Newcastle loanee Joe Willock back to the club this weekend.

    Willock joined the Toon on loan in the summer but will return when they lock horns with the Gunners in the upcoming Premier League clash.

    And although Willock will be on the opposing side, Arteta can't wait to connect with the youngster once again.

    He told Arsenal: "I think it will be really nice to have him [back], we all love and like Joe.

    "Obviously it was a difficult decision to make to let him go, but I think he’s shown that’s what he needs as well to play the minutes that he’s finding there and find a new challenge.

    "Yes {I've spoken to him] – not this week, but I have done it before and he knows the reception he’s going to get."

  • Justin Lawrence

    RAM JAM

    Arsenal supremo Stan Kroenke will have to pay $790 million (£592m) to settle a lawsuit over the Los Angeles Rams' departure from St Louis.

    According to the Los Angeles Times, Kroenke and the NFL agreed to pay close to £600m and will avoid the spectacle of a trial in St Louis next month, just before the Super Bowl.

    The lawsuit was filed in 2017 and alleges that the team’s move to Los Angeles violated the league's relocation policy, under which the club and the NFL should have made every reasonable effort to keep the team in St Louis, who are set to receive the sum by Christmas Eve.

    The settlement says no party acknowledges liability and the Rams made no immediate comment, whereas the NFL said in a statement it appreciated “the effort by all parties to reach a settlement.”

    The mayor of the city of St Louis and the county's executive said in a joint statement the settlement “closes a long chapter for our region, securing hundreds of millions of dollars for our communities while avoiding the uncertainty of the trial and appellate process.”

    They added that they are “still determining” what to do with the money they are about to receive by next month.

  • Justin Lawrence

    PORT OF CALL

    Arsenal's Portuguese duo Cédric Soares and Nuno Tavares find out who their country will face in the 2022 FIFA World Cup European play-off tomorrow.

    Portugal are one of12 nations that did not directly qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup during the first qualifying stage.

    But the pair will avoid playing their Scottish teammate Kieran Tierney in the the next round of qualifying – with a two-round playoff incoming, because both sides are part of the seeded group.

    The teams in the hat are:

    Seeded:

    • Portugal
    • Italy
    • Scotland
    • Russia
    • Sweden
    • Wales

    Unseeded

    • Austria
    • North Macedonia
    • Turkey
    • Poland
    • Ukraine
    • Czech Republic

    NO MAUR

    Zinedine Zidane is not interested in becoming Manchester United manager, according to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

    The former Real Madrid head coach has been touted as a potential long-term fix at Old Trafford following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

    But Gunners icon Henry, who played alongside Zidane for the France national team, does not believe it is something the World Cup winner is considering.

    Speaking on CBS Sports, he said: “Zidane going to United? I don’t think he would be interested in that now.

    “Why? Because in the back of my head I’m thinking that maybe he’s waiting for the national team job.

    “I think he has that in the back of his mind.

    “So I see it more, although I don’t think Pochettino will leave, but if Pochettino goes then the PSG job will be free for Zidane.”

    COME BACK

    Mikel Arteta has revealed he would like Arsene Wenger to return to Arsenal.

    Arteta's the latest in a long line of coaches that have been brought in to replace Wenger who left as Gunners boss in 2018.

    But after watching his documentary. The Invincibles, Arteta is keen for the Frenchman to come back to the club and be closer to him.

    He said: “There’s been communication, I spoke to him when we went to see the film.

    “It was incredibly pleasant to see him, to chat to him and hopefully we can bring him close.

    “I think he will have a great time just seeing the environment that he can create around him when he’s around this place because of the respect, admiration and the love that everybody has for what he’s done and, as well, for what he represents as a person in this club.

    On what type of role Wenger might take up, Arteta continued: “I cannot tell you now but what I can say is that I’d like him to be much closer personally to me, because he’d be a great help and a great help for the club.

    “Things take time, he has to dictate those timings. What I can say is that from my side and I can say on behalf of everybody [here] that we’d be delighted to have him much closer here.”

    • Justin Lawrence

      BOUNCE BACK

      Mikel Arteta is happy with how his Arsenal team reacted after their loss to Liverpool last weekend.

      Despite getting thumped 4-0, Arteta's impressed with what he's seen from his Gunners side ahead of their upcoming game with Newcastle.

      He said: I liked the reaction in the dressing room at Anfield at the end of the game,' Arteta added. 'They (the players) discussed what happened in a really honest way. 

      'There are issues you have to deal with. I really liked how the team reacted in the week. Before this didn't happen."

    • Justin Lawrence

      ART OF WAR

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed he'll always fight to defend his players.

      Arteta was involved in a touchline spat with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after Sadio Mane and Gunners star Takehiro Tomiyasu clattered into each other.

      Their clash resulted in a heated exchange between Arteta and Klopp, but the Gunners boss has no regrets over the situation.

      He said: "I don't know (if players like it when I fight on the touchline). It's who I am. I will react. 

      "If I have to defend my players I will do it. Maybe you don't give me motivations to go the other way. It's part of our character"

    • Justin Lawrence

      GETTING THERE

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is happy with Jack Wilshere's progress since he returned to the club.

      Wilshere has been training with the Gunners over the last few months while he searches for a new club.

      And Arteta couldn't be more pleased with what he's seen from the ex-England national.

      Arteta said when asked about Wilshere: "To be fair he's doing really well, he's doing better and better, and we know the qualities that Jack has."

    • Alex Terrell

      XHAK: I'LL BE BACK

      Granit Xhaka is hoping to get into full contact training next month after his medial ligament knee injury.

      He told Blick: “I hope to celebrate my comeback as soon as possible.“I’ve been gone seven weeks and a few days now.

      “The bone was also broken twice.

      "The problem with the bone is that it takes so long. I hope to be back in the next three or four weeks. ”

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