ARSENAL are reportedly keeping tabs on Spanish star Sergio Ramos with the former Real Madrid defender now a free agent.
Nuno Tavares looks set to complete his move to the Emirates shortly, with the Benfica left-back in England to finalise terms.
The Gunners are also keeping tabs on Piotr Zielinski, but Napoli rate the midfielder highly and will reportedly demand around £45million for his signature.
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Follow all the latest from North London with our live blog below…
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
England could be without Bukayo Saka for their quarter-final clash against Ukraine.
The Arsenal star started the brilliant 2-0 win against Germany, but came off for Jack Grealish on 69 minutes.
Speaking ahead of the Ukraine clash, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said: “We have just to check on Buyako who had a slight knock today. But other than that everyone else is available.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal have reportedly been linked with a shock move to snap up free agent Sergio Ramos.
It had been expected that the 35-year-old was to sign for Paris Saint-Germain after running his contract down at Real Madrid.
The Spanish defender is claimed to have already agreed a two-year deal with Les Parisiens. But according to Goal, no deal has yet been done between Ramos and the Ligue 1 outfit.
And they have stated that Mikel Arteta has asked to be kept informed of any developments regarding the four-time Champions League winner’s future.
The Gunners have offered Reiss Nelson a new contract with a view to loaning out the Olympiacos target.
England Under-21 striker Nelson has two years left on his current deal but has not broken through under Mikel Arteta.
And CBS Sports’ James Benge claims the Gunners want the 21-year-old Londoner to develop his senior experience elsewhere.
Finally, Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Nuno Tavares with the Benfica left-back on his way to England to complete his move.
The 21-year-old is believed to have agreed a contract until 2026 in North London in a deal worth £7million plus add-ons.
Tavares has been identified to provide competition for Kieren Tierney, with Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka deputising in the Scotsman’s absence during the 2020-21 campaign.
And his move is expected to be confirmed imminently with the Portugal youth international jetting off from Lisbon to the United Kingdom.
His agent Rafael Santos posted a snap of him on Instagram alongside the defender on Friday before taking off.
- William Pugh
YOU'LL BOUNCE XHAK
Arsenal send their best wishes to Granit Xhaka after his Switzerland got knocked out of Euro 2020 by Spain.
The midfielder was suspended for the quarter-final but he watched from the bench.
His side battled to a valiant 1-1 draw in 90 minutes and neither team could break the deadlock before the end of extra-time despite the Swiss being down to 10 men.
But Spain edged a poor penalty shoot out 3-1 with Xhaka's side only converting their first kick.
- William Pugh
POWER SERGE
Arsenal have reportedly been linked with a shock move to snap up free agent Sergio Ramos.
It had been expected that the 35-year-old was to sign for Paris Saint-Germain after running his contract down at Real Madrid.
The Spanish defender is claimed to have already agreed a two-year deal with Les Parisiens. But according to Goal, no deal has yet been done between Ramos and the Ligue 1 outfit.
And they have stated that Mikel Arteta has asked to be kept informed of any developments regarding the four-time Champions League winner's future.
The North London giants are also believed to face English competition from Chelsea in the race to secure Ramos' services.
Meanwhile Manchester City have been linked, though the player is said to have reservations about a move to the City. A switch to PSG is still understood to be Ramos' priority as he looks to prolong his career at the highest level.
- William Pugh
GUNNER WORRY
England could be without Bukayo Saka for their quarter-final clash against Ukraine.
The Arsenal star started the brilliant 2-0 win against Germany, but came off for Jack Grealish on 69 minutes.
Speaking ahead of the Ukraine clash, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said: "We have just to check on Buyako who had a slight knock today. But other than that everyone else is available."
All 26 players trained at St George's Park ahead of this afternoon's flight to Italy, where they are overriding favourites with bookmakers to progress to the semi-finals.
Ukraine are 24th in the Fifa world rankings – 20 spots below England – and progressed to the last 16 as the luckiest third-placed side.
Andriy Shevchenko's men beat 10-man Sweden 2-1 in extra-time on Tuesday and Southgate is ready for a tough evening.
- William Pugh
LONDON CALLING
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Nuno Tavares with the Benfica left-back on his way to England to complete his move.
The 21-year-old is believed to have agreed a contract until 2026 in North London in a deal worth £7million plus add-ons.
Tavares has been identified to provide competition for Kieren Tierney, with Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka deputising in the Scotsman's absence during the 2020-21 campaign.
And his move is expected to be confirmed imminently with the Portugal youth international jetting off from Lisbon to the United Kingdom.
His agent Rafael Santos posted a snap of him on Instagram alongside the defender on Friday before taking off.
Gunners fans have already tracked down his flight, with the player to become Arsenal's first signing of the summer.
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- William Pugh
ZIE-LINKED
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Napoli star Piotr Zielinski during the summer transfer window.
Reports suggest the Gunners have added Zielinski to their list of options to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Arteta is determined to sign a highly-rated player to partner up with Thomas Partey in the middle of the park.
However, Napoli value the Poland international at around £45million.
- William Pugh
RECORD NUMBERS
Betfair have received nearly £5million worth of bets on England to bring football home this summer.
The bookmaker has received a record sum from punters backing the Three Lions to win Euro 2020. Betfair have already taken more than double the number of bets they did during the last World Cup in 2018.
And the Three Lions are the current 15/8 favourites to lift the trophy, making this their best chance of winning a major tournament since 1966.
England's next hurdle is Ukraine in the quarter-finals, with Gareth Southgate's men priced as odds-on favourites to progress.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom: “We’ve seen a record sum of almost £5 million bet on England winning Euro 2020 which suggests confidence in football coming home is at an all-time high.
"England are already hot tournament favourites heading into their quarter final clash with Ukraine and the odds indicate this is now their best chance of major tournament success since 1966.”
- William Pugh
GO IF YOU STAY
Arsenal have offered Reiss Nelson a new contract with a view to loaning out the Olympiacos target.
England Under-21 striker Nelson has two years left on his current deal but not broken through under Mikel Arteta.
And CBS Sports' James Benge claims the Gunners want the 21-year-old Londoner to develop his senior experience elsewhere.
Hertha Berlin wanted Nelson on loan early in 2020-21 after his impressive temporary spell with Hoffenheim two years earlier.
But he was keen to forge a way into Arteta's plans as the Spaniard struggled to revive Arsenal. Now, though, the academy product might have to accept the only way he can progress with the Gunners is to spend time away.
It's claimed German clubs, as well as long-term admirers Olympiacos, are again keen on the Arsenal academy product.
- William Pugh
CAM BOOST
Arsenal have been given a major boost in their chase of Eduaardo Camavinga after Rennes DENIED Manchester United have made a bid.
It had been claimed this week that United had contacted Camavinga's agent Jonathan Barnett to talk over a proposed move.
But Rennes sporting director Florian Maurice was quick to shut down those rumours.
Maurice was adamant that they hadn't received an offer for the 18-year-old prodigy from United or anyone else.
While speaking to Rennes TV, he said: "No offer was received for Eduardo Camavinga, neither from PSG nor from Manchester United.
"We remain calm about his situation. I know he doesn’t want to go free."
- William Pugh
MATTER OF XHAK
Granit Xhaka says he is heartbroken to be suspended for Switzerland's quarter-final against Spain.
Not as heartbroken as he'll be with the start his country have made I wouldn't have thought.
Spain took the lead through Jordi Alba's deflected volley after just eight minutes and it's still 1-0 with 15 minutes of the first-half to go.
- William Pugh
GUNNERS ON THE BERGE
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Sheffield United ace Sander Berge with a view to bolstering their midfield ranks ahead of Granit Xhaka's possible departure.
But the Gunners are facing a transfer tug-of-war for the Blades ace with Napoli, Lazio and Liverpool reportedly after his signature.
The Sheffield Star claims the Norway international midfielder is among the names on the club's 'for sale' list following the arrival of new manager Slaviska Jankovic.
Bramall Lane chiefs are thought to be eager to boost funds following the club’s drop from the Premier League. And Berge, 23, who is reportedly unenthusiastic about the prospect of playing in the Championship, is believed to have a £35million release clause in his contract.
Arsenal, who finished eighth last term, are looking to strengthen their midfield options with wantaway star Xhaka heavily linked with a move to Roma.
Earlier this month it was reported the North London giants had a £17.2m bid for Berge rejected by Bramall Lane officials. However, the Star claims a concrete bid for the Norwegian is yet to be put forward.
- William Pugh
NOT GOING FOR GOLD
Arsenal and Chelsea players William Saliba and Malang Sarr have both withdrawn from France's Olympics squad.
Saliba, 20, and Sarr, 22, were initially named in the party for the Tokyo Games.
The tournament at the Olympics is due to start on July 22.
The final will take place on August 7, which would mean those involved would miss the majority of pre-season.
Now the duo are amongst several names to pull-out of the final squad prior to kick off in the Far East.
Saliba will now report back to the Gunners for their pre-season training under Mikel Arteta.
- William Pugh
BEFRIEND IT LIKE BECKHAM
Victoria Beckham has been crowned England’s ultimate Wag ahead of the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 quarter-final clash with Ukraine.
Manchester United legend David’s wife has topped the list of the most popular partner just ahead of Coleen Rooney and Abbey Clancey.
England’s current Wags were allowed to roar on Gareth Southgate’s men during their 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley.
They included Harry Kane’s missus Katie Goodland, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison and Harry Maguire’s fiancee Fern Hawkins.
Yet according to a survey by bettingexpert.com of over 1000 Brits ahead of the game, the partners of former players were more popular.
And it was England’s most famous Wag – Victoria – who remains the biggest fan-favourite with over half the vote.
Credit: Getty – Contributor - William Pugh
RAVING SAK-CESS
Bukayo Saka has been a revelation at Euro 2020 for England.
And the Gunners star has taken it all in his stride.
The Three Lions face Ukraine in the quarter-finals in Rome tomorrow with the 19-year-old expected to start.
Not that the weight of the nation's expectation seems to be weighing on the young ace.
- Kostas Lianos
NOT WRIGHT
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has slammed his former club's decision to let Granit Xhaka go amid an impressive Euro 2020 campaign with Switzerland.
Xhaka appears to be on the verge of joining Jose Mourinho's Roma after the tournament.
Wright told ITV's Football Show Podcast: "That is the best I’ve ever seen him [Xhaka] play.
I feel for him because he’s someone I’ve been very critical of in the past and when you see a performance like, do you blame him or the coaches for not getting those performances out of him in the past?
"I have never seen him used to that effect. There’s no way Arsenal should be selling a player that can play like that, at that level.
"So unfortunately for us it looks like he is going but I’m delighted for him because he’s answered a lot of critics. He was magnificent."
- Kostas Lianos
SAK ATTACK
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand also praised Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
Saka has proven to be one of England's best players during the Three Lions' impressive Euro 2020 campaign.
Ferdinand told BBC Sport: "He’s got no qualms about roaming about, what is great about him he has confidence to drive forward and draw fouls.
"He’s got that unpredictability, one thing you do know he is willing to turn defence into attack"
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
SHEAR PRAISE
Premier League Hall of Famer Alan Shearer believes Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is England's "best player".
Shearer told BBC Sport: "England need more players like that.
"He’s been so brave, when someone’s marking him tightly he still wants the ball.
"I think he’s been our best player"
- Kostas Lianos
WILL I NEVER
Inter Miami have ended their interest for Arsenal ace Willian, Steve Brenner reports.
SunSport understands the winger wanted around £8.7million a year to play in MLS, which is too much for David Beckham's side.
That is more than what current top earner Gonzalo Higuain makes, as he bags an annual salary of £4.19million.
The ex-Chelsea star's contract at the Emirates expires in 2023 but he wants to quit after a difficult first season
- Kostas Lianos
WINTER IS COMING
Arsenal have been linked with various Euro 2020 stars, such as Manuel Locatelli and Alexander Isak, but club legend Nigel Winterburn has advised his former team to think again.
Winterburn told NetBet: "I think we've been linked with a few players at this tournament already, but I'm always weary of these situations.
"Just because a player is performing well in a tournament doesn't mean they'll be a good addition.
"Unless that player has been identified already prior to the tournament, I think it would be a huge risk"
- Kostas Lianos
FANS NOT ALLOWED
England fans who travel to Rome for the Euro 2020 quarter-final clash against Ukraine, which will feature Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, will not be allowed into the stadium even if they have a ticket.
The Italian embassy in London have warned that “anybody who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days, irrespective of their nationality or residency will not be admitted to the stadium, even if they have a ticket.”
They added: “Anyone who is found to be failing to observe quarantine will be punished as laid down by the law.
“Fans based in the UK should therefore not travel to Italy to attend the match on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.”
The embassy also said that those “who can prove that they have arrived in Italy at least six days previously, have observed five days of quarantine, and have taken a post-quarantine Covid-19 test with a negative result will be allowed into the Stadio Olimpico”.
But they added: “Being exempt from quarantine in Italy for any legal reason, will not translate into permission to enter the stadium.”
- Kostas Lianos
LOCATELLI BLOW
Arsenal may have been dealt a transfer blow in their hopes of signing Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli.
That is because Locatelli has his heart set on joining Juventus in the summer transfer window.
That is according to reports in Italy, that claim the star midfielder has decided to join Juve in order to take the next step on his career.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is looking for a highly-rated midfielder to link up with Thomas Partey in the middle of the park
GETTY IMAGES
- Kostas Lianos
WHITE SITUATION
Brighton star Ben White is very close to joining Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
That is according to Football London, who claim that a deal for White to join the Gunners is all but complete.
It is also expected that the talented centre-back will link up with the north Londoners after Euro 2020.
That is despite recent reports linking the England international with Manchester City and Everton
- Kostas Lianos
RES IS HISTORY
Benfica ace Nuno Tavares plans to travel to London today to sign a deal with Arsenal.
That is according to reports in Portugal, who claim Tavares will have to quarantine for five days once he lands in England.
So if everything goes well then the Gunners will be able to present the left-back from next Tuesday.
The Portuguese ace will likely support Mikel Arteta's starting left-back Kieran Tierney
- Kostas Lianos
SHAW PRAISE
Manchester United star Luke Shaw has praised England team-mate and Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka.
Shaw said: "Honestly, I love him.
"I would just love it if he was my child or something, I love him like that and you could ask anyone in the squad and they would say how nice a guy he honestly is.
"I didn’t know him before I came to the camp and I didn’t know what he would be like but I have got on so well with him, I would love him to be my brother"
- Kostas Lianos
XHAKA HIJACK
Juventus are interested in hijacking Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, who is close to joining Roma.
That is according to CalcioMercato, who claim Juve are impressed with Xhaka and may make a move if they fail to sign Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo.
The midfielder has reportedly agreed terms with Roma ahead of a potential move but the Serie A side are struggling to meet the Gunners' asking price.
The 28-year-old is enjoying a stunning Euro 2020 campaign with Switzerland as he helped his country advance to the quarter-finals after eliminating reigning world champions France
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