Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Edu vow, Jorginho contract, Isak, and Sesko linked (2024)

20th May 2024, 20:28By Ian Tuckey

'Better than expected' - Rice

Declan Rice claims his Arsenal season went better than expected.

Last summer's £105million recruit delivered his glowing verdict to Gunners' co-chairman Josh Kroenke straight after Manchester City pipped Mikel Arteta's men to the title.

The England anchorman, 25, helped Arsenal land a 2-1 comeback win at home to Luton yesterday.

The ex-West Ham skipper told NBC Sports: "I was just speaking to Josh Kroenke on the pitch.

"I said, ‘It’s been everything I expected’ – the class levels of the club is just phenomenal from top to bottom.

"How everything is run. How all the staff are. How the manager runs the club. From top to bottom it is an amazing place.

"I knew there would be expectations coming here. It’s Arsenal and they’ve not won the Premier League in 20 years, just back in the Champions League.

"I’ve tried not to put too much pressure on myself and take it game-by-game. In football, you get confidence from games, and as the season went on we grew more and more.

"It’s been better than I ever expected it to be, my first season, and there is so much more to come from me as well."

20th May 2024, 20:01By Ian Tuckey

I've Ced my goodbyes

Cedric Soares has penned a gushing farewell to Arsenal.

The Portugal full-back, 32, has struggled for game-time in four years with the Emirates, spending the second half of last season on loan with Fulham.

But he shared a generous tribute to Mikel Arteta's men.

Soares said: “What a team and what a club. When I say a team, I mean exactly that, quality in every player, the professionalism that you show and the amazing human beings you guys are, so thank you!

“When I say club I mean all the departments, all the staff that is constantly putting all the hard hours on and off the pitch to make it possible to fight at the highest level.

“When I say club it also means its heart and with this I mean you guys, THE FANS, that made this journey so unreal and unforgettable.

“So to all the fans, I thank you! You will always have a special place in my heart!”

Cedric made just five appearances for the Gunners this term and with the likes of Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber competing for minutes in his favoured right-back spot, a new contract understandably wasn’t offered.

20th May 2024, 18:27By Ian Tuckey

Mikel tipped for new 3-year deal

Arsenal are tipped to announcea new deal for manager Mikel Arteta this summer.

The Spaniard has diverted attention whenquestioned about his future in recentweeks - focusing insteadon a title race that Arsenal narrowly lost to Manchester City.

But FootballTransfers say Emirates' chiefs have put a contract in place following negotiations.

The deal is expected to be for another three years.

It's understood it will bepubliclyconfirmed before next season.

20th May 2024, 17:50By Ellie Grant

Work of Art

Since taking charge atArsenalin December 2019,Mikel Artetahas implemented every trick in the managerial book with the ultimate aim of guiding the club to Premier League glory.

Read about what the Spaniard has changed at the Emirates to transform the Gunners into title contenders.

ART OF WAR Inside Arteta's obsessive pursuit of title from slogans to sleepless nights

20th May 2024, 16:40By Ellie Grant

Haaland recalls moment he knew Man City had beaten Arsenal

Erling Haaland recalled he knew Man City had beaten Arsenal to the title after their win against 2-0 win against Tottenham.

He said after City's 3-1 victory over West Ham: "I think after we won at Spurs, we kinda knew we were going to do it.

"Being in the Premier League has been harder than expected. The way every game is like – it’s not a final, but it’s not far away.

"You can’t relax after 45 minutes. Every game is so intense and tough.

"Pep demands a lot every day and if you don’t live up to what he expects you're in big trouble. I love him to bits."

20th May 2024, 15:16By Ellie Grant

Arsenal to sign No9

Arsenalare on the hunt to sign a striker before their pre-season tour, with Newcastle'sAlexander Isakand Ajax’s Brian Brobbey top of the list, according to reports.

The Independent reported Mikel Arteta wants to get a No9 in early so his squad can prepare for the next season and Isak has been the preferred option.

But If Arsenal can’t get Isak, Brobbey would be the next most likely option.

The 22-year-old Dutch striker has been a revelation for Ajax this season, with 22 goals in 42 matches bringing interest from a series of major clubs.

20th May 2024, 14:12By Ellie Grant

Wright send-off

Ian Wright fought back tears as he was given an emotional send-off in his final appearance on Match of the Day.

Wright became a regular on the show back in 2002, with his first appearance coming five years earlier.

On his last show on Sunday night a video montage was played, with Wright’s friends and family sending him heart-wrenching messages.

He vowed “not to look at the camera” as he welled up.

Wright, who announced his decision to quit last year, said: “I’m going to miss you guys, I really am.

“This has been the greatest for me. Match of the Day means the whole world to me, you lot don’t even know. I’ve got my eight, nine, ten [tattoos with the shirt numbers of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer], my two guys who I love so much on there"

20th May 2024, 12:43By Ellie Grant

Lev it out

Bayer Leverkusen posted a cheeky snap of Granit Xhaka moments after Arsenal failed to win the Premier League title.

Arsenalallowed their former club captainXhaka, 31, to leave forLeverkusenlast summer.

He has since enjoyed an astonishing campaign with the German side and is on the verge of sealing an unbeaten Treble.

Just moments after Arsenal's missed out on the Premier League title, Leverkusen's X account posted a snap of Xhaka clutching the Bundesliga trophy.

They captioned it: "What a feeling."

20th May 2024, 11:44By Ellie Grant

Rodri questions Arsenals mentality

Rodri has claimed that a difference in "mentality" separated Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

The midfielder believes City won their fourth title in a row due to their winning mentality.

The midfielder told Optus Sport: "To be honest, I think it's in here. It's the mentality.

"Great players all over the league, all over the clubs.

"Arsenalalso they deserve [to win], they did an unbelievable season, but I think the difference was in here [points to his head].

"When they came here, they faced us at the Etihad, I saw them and said: 'Ah, these guys, they don't want to beat us, they just want a draw.'

"And that mentality, I don't think we would do it the same way.

"And we caught them. At the end, if you give us one point, we will win the last seven, eight games even though it's so tough. So I think [winning the title] comes down to mentality."

20th May 2024, 10:37By Ellie Grant

Ram Raid

Newcastle have launched a move to sign Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale, according to reports.

The Telegraphreport that the Magpies are willing to pay £15million to sign the keeper.

They are also prepared to offer the keeper a five year contract to entice him to take a move to the North East.

Ramsdale has fallen down the pecking order atArsenalafter the club signedDavid Rayaon loan fromBrentfordlast summer.

20th May 2024, 08:58By Connor Greaves

Sesko deadline

Arsenal must trigger Benjamin Sesko's €65m (£56m) release clause by the end of June, according to reports.

It has been reported that the Gunners are keen on adding the 20-year-old to their forward line this summer and are currently leading the race.

Sesko has scored 14 goals for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga this season.

20th May 2024, 08:13By Connor Greaves

Raya on permanent move to Emirates

David Raya has enjoyed a stunning season on loan at Arsenal, which saw the Spaniard claim the No1 shirt from Aaron Ramsdale.

Ahead of the Gunners' Premier League finale with Everton on Sunday, Raya said: "No, no. I am just focused on the present. I don't want to think too much about the future. It's not up to me now. I have to think about the game on Sunday.

"Then we break for summer. It's not up to me to sign. It's up to the club and Mikel. If my performances have been good enough, hopefully, they will offer me a contract.

"Of course, I would love to be here next season and, if that's the case, it will be amazing - a dream come true. I don't want to it stop here. I want more. I want to win trophies withArsenal."

19th May 2024, 23:34By Jon Boon

Odegaard's message to fans

We’ve been fighting do long for the big dream. We were so close.

"I'm so proud of the boys, so proud of the team the fans. I'm so proud of the progress we are making.

"We’ve changed the club and I think you all believe in us now.

“We have to use the break to come back even stronger, even more hungry, and push to win everything”.

19th May 2024, 23:05By Jon Boon

Richards makes Arsenal demand

Micah Richards has told Arsenal to sign a striker in the summer transfer window.

He told Sky Sports: "It's a brilliant team, a young team they have more to come. I think at times. (Kai) Havertz has done exceptionally well, (Gabriel) Jesus has not probably played at the level we all expected when he played atMan City.

"I think if you are looking at them, how can they improve next season? It's to get a striker who can score all types of goals, I think that potentially has been a difference this year even when (Erling) Haaland has not been playing at his best he has scored goals.

"City won the League without Haaland but they won the treble with him last season. They have a chance to win a double next season and I think for Arsenal, going forward, having added threat up front could pay dividends."

19th May 2024, 22:23By Jon Boon

Arteta new deal

Mikel Arteta has penned a new deal with the club, according to reports.

FootballTransfers claims Arsenal's hierarchy will announce the contract ahead of next season.

Although the figure and span of the contract remain unclear, FootballTransfers say they expect it to be a three year deal, as per sources.

19th May 2024, 21:19By Jon Boon

Seaman's reaction

Arsenal legend David Seaman was at the Emirates to see Arsenal win on the final day.

However, it wasn't to be for their title hopes as Man City also won to win the Premier League.

Seaman tweeted: "Wasn’t to be this season, so close and going in the right direction, great to see all the love at the ground! Feels like real belief at the club now, let’s go one better next year!"

The former England No1 played for both Arsenal and City during his illustrious career.

19th May 2024, 20:40By Jon Boon

Piers Morgan's verdict

Piers Morgan has tweeted where he believes Arsenal lost the title.

19th May 2024, 19:54By Jon Boon

Havertz's tears

Kai Havertz broke down in tears after missing out on the Premier League title on the final day of the season.

The German ensured Arsenal just about held up their end of the bargain by grabbing a dramatic late winner against Everton.

Thatsealed a 2-1 victory at the Emirates- with the Gunners coming from behind following Idrissa Gueye's deflected free-kick and Takehiro Tomiyasu's neat equaliser.

ButManchester City's3-1 home win over West Hamsecured a fourth title in a row for Pep Guardiola's men.

And the heartbreak forArsenalwas clear to see after their second-placed finish was confirmed.

Havertz went down on his haunches and could not hold back the waterworks as he blubbed up on the Emirates pitch.

19th May 2024, 19:10By Jon Boon

Arteta's rallying cry

Mikel Arteta issued a rallying cry to Arsenal fans when he addressed the crown following the Gunners' win over Everton.

“All this is happening because you started believing,” Arteta said.

“You started to be patient, you started to understand what we were trying to do and all the credit has to go to these amazing players, and the staff that are unbelievable.

“I think now it’s time to have a break, think, reflect and please, keep pushing, keep inspiring this team. Don’t be satisfied because we want much more than that, and we’e going to get it. Thank you so much.”

19th May 2024, 18:34By Jon Boon

Match report

Read our Arsenal match report to get the lowdown on their performance against Everton.

HOPES ARE GUNN Havertz' controversial late winner meaningless as title dreams dashed again

19th May 2024, 18:02By Jon Boon

Arsenal fall short

The Gunners can end the season with their heads held high.

They beat Everton 2-1, but sadly missed out to Man City in the title race who defeated West Ham 3-1.

Arsenal's fans are still in fine voice at the end of the match, clapping and cheering their side on.

19th May 2024, 17:44By Jon Boon

Sesko blow

Arsenal have suffered a blow in the chase for transfer target Benjamin Sesko.

The Gunners were said to be in pole position for the Slovenian, who reportedly has a £55million release clause.

However, his club RB Leipzig have reportedly made contact with his agent to offer him a new lucrative contract.

19th May 2024, 17:17By Jon Boon

Kroenke transfer spree hint

Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has seemingly promised a spending spree this summer.

He said on Arsenal's website: "While we are undoubtedly proud of the progress we have made, I want to be clear that no one at the club will stand still.

"However things finish today, we’re all working behind the scenes to move us forward - always forward - again.

"There is so much that we want to achieve, both at home and in Europe, and we are focused on writing some exciting new stories and chapters that build on the history of Arsenal Football Club."

19th May 2024, 16:47By Jon Boon

Is the tide turning?

Well, well, well.

West Ham have a goal back against City, that's 2-1 to the home side.

While the Gunners have just equalised against Everton. 1-1 at the Emirates.

Could we have some drama this afternoon?

19th May 2024, 16:18By Jon Boon

Bad news

So far Arsenal's title hopes are fading.

City are already leading against West Ham, thanks to a Phil Foden goal.

The Gunners haven't broken the deadlock yet at the Emirates, although Jordan Pickford has just kept them out.