Here are your Arsenal morning headlines for Friday, 18 September.
New Arsenal defender wants to follow in footsteps of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira
William Saliba has opened up on how he aspires to follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira to become a legend at Arsenal.
The French defender signed for the Gunners last summer, but spent last season on loan at St Etienne. Saliba has arrived at the Emirates Stadium this summer and has spoken about his connection to the club goes back to his childhood.
“I had an Arsenal jersey when I was little with Thierry Henry [on the back], so I liked the club since then,” he said, also revealing his ambitions to be Arsenal captain one day. “Now I am very proud to have the Arsenal jersey.
“I don't know why [I got it]! I went in the shop, and I only wanted Arsenal. I liked Vieira and Thierry Henry because I was little and I only knew the French players and they were very good.”
Developments in Arsenal’s pursuit of a new second-choice goalkeeper
Arsenal have decided to make a move for David Raya, with the Brentford goalkeeper identified as the ideal replacement for Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez completed a move worth £20 million to Aston Villa earlier in the week, opening up a spot in the Gunners’ squad for a new second choice goalkeeper. Raya is now desired to fill that place.
According to The Beautiful Game Podcast, Raya has informed Brentford head coach Thomas Frank of his wish to leave the club for Arsenal this summer.
However, a fee has yet to be agreed between Arsenal and Brentford for the transfer of the 25-year-old goalkeeper, with the Telegraph reporting an offer of £10million has been knocked back by the Championship club.
Icelandic goalkeeper undergoing medical ahead of Arsenal transfer
Dijon goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson has undergone a medical ahead of a move to Arsenal after a fee of £1.6million was agreed for the transfer of the Icelandic youth international.
According to Goal, Runarsson’s medical took place in France, with the 25-year-old unlikely to be signed in time to be included in Mikel Arteta’s squad for this weekend’s Premier League match against West Ham United.
The Gunners have moved for Runarsson following the sale of second-choice goalkeeper Martinez to Aston Villa, although it’s unclear whether the Icelander will fill that spot.
Runarsson signed for Dijon in 2018 and has represented his country at under-19 and under-21 level, playing two seasons in Ligue 1.
