Here are your Arsenal morning headlines for Monday, May 25.
Manchester United battle with Arsenal for Adrien Rabiot
Arsenal may face stiff competition in their reported bid to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot as it emerged that Manchester United have already spoken to his agent and mother Veronique, per Gazzetta dello Sport (via The Mirror).
The report also states that both Arsenal and Everton are interested in the 25-year-old, who could be available at a cut price this summer.
Rabiot is expected to leave Turn after a difficult debut season in which he started just 11 Serie A matches. The 25-year-old is reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to boost his midfield options.
Arsenal enter race to sign Philippe Coutinho - report
Mikel Arteta “dreams” of signing Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho and Arsenal have made plans to talk with the player’s agent, according to Le10 Sport.
The club’s preparations to begin talks, which are reportedly fully backed by the manager, come as it emerges Coutinho is highly unlikely to remain at Bayern Munich beyond the end of this season.
He is reportedly a target for Newcastle United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, suggesting a return to the Premier League - where Coutinho has been most successful - is on the cards.
The Brazilian has managed just 15 starts in the Bundesliga this season, having gone out on loan after failing to establish a first-team place at Barcelona.
However, the player’s transfer fee and wages could be a stumbling block for Arsenal.
Barcelona rule out Samuel Umtiti sale
Reported Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti will not be allowed to leave Barcelona this summer, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
The 26-year-old centre-back was expected to leave the club this summer and Arteta was one of several parties said to be interested as he looks to strengthen the Arsenal defence.
The France international has seen his playing time increase since Ernesto Valverde was replaced by Quique Setien, and consequently his chances of leaving are reportedly ‘practically zero’.
Setien’s trust in Umtiti makes him one of the most important players in the team now, effectively ending Arsenal’s pursuit.
