Here are your Arsenal morning headlines for Tuesday, July 21.
Ozil rejects Fenerbahce offer - report
Mesut Ozil has reportedly turned down the chance to join Turkish side Fenerbahce this summer.
The Arsenal playmaker hasn’t featured since the 2019/20 season resumed last month, leading to speculation his days at the club are numbered.
Ozil is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until next summer but Arsenal may look to get his sizeable salary off the books ahead of next term.
However, the former Real Madrid man has rejected the chance to join Fenerbahce, according to German outlet Bild.
Ozil’s £350,000-a-week wages proved problematic for the Turkish club, while the player himself remains keen to fight for his place at Arsenal.
The 31-year-old has made 18 Premier League appearances this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
Arsenal eye Stones deal
Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth, in a move that could have knock-on effects for Arsenal.
According to the Guardian, City are set to complete the signing of Ake for £35million regardless of whether or not Bournemouth avoid relegation.
The move for the Dutchman casts further doubt on John Stones’ future, and the same report in the Guardian states that Arsenal could be alerted to his availability.
Stones’ career has stalled at the Etihad Stadium but he is still only 26 years old and has previously performed to a high level.
Mikel Arteta worked with the former Everton man during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City.
And the Arsenal boss could be the man to resurrect Stones’ career after a frustrating campaign which has seen him make only 12 Premier League starts.
Guardiola takes shot at Arsenal
Guardiola has launched an attack on the Arsenal hierarchy in the aftermath of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.
The Gunners turned in a brilliant display at Wembley to book their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over City.
That defeat for City came just days after the club was cleared to play in the Champions League next season by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which overturned their two-season ban from European competition.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal were one of eight clubs who urged CAS to uphold City’s suspension - a move which appears to have riled Guardiola.
"Watford and Norwich can beat us but I want us to be who we are. I said after Arsenal, my only regret from the game was that we didn’t play the first half like the second,” the City boss said ahead of his team’s final two matches.
"We wanted to play 90 minutes like the second half. And after, if we were beaten, we shake hands. The opponents always deserve my respect and credit and Arsenal have it.
"I have all respect for what Arsenal are on the pitch - not much off the pitch, but on the pitch a lot. Congratulations to them and good luck in the final.”
