Here is your Arsenal morning digest on Monday, June 8.
Gunners set to miss out on signing of Argentine wonderkid
Manchester United are set to beat Arsenal to the signing of Argentine youngster Thiago Almada, according to the Sun.
The 19-year-old is among the most coveted young players in South America and was reportedly close to joining Manchester City last summer.
But he is now expected to join United, who are set to pay his £19million release clause.
Arsenal were also interested in Almada, a player who has been compared to Lionel Messi and was included in the Guardian’s ‘Next Generation’ in 2018.
The Gunners may instead turn their attention to 17-year-old Palmeiras forward Gabriel Veron.
Why Chelsea opted for Werner over Aubameyang
Chelsea were originally planning to move for Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before instead switching their attention to Timo Werner, according to the Metro .
The Blues were interested in the Gunners’ top scorer in January, with Frank Lampard and Petr Cech attempting to push through a deal.
Chelsea’s board were unwilling to pursue the transfer of the 30-year-old, largely because of his age.
Aubameyang turns 31 this month and is seven years Werner’s senior. Arsenal were also unwilling to sell their key striker midway through the season.
The Gabon international is out of contract at the end of next season, which leaves the Gunners with a decision to make over his future.
Keown urges Arsenal to resolve concerns over Aubameyang’s future
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has insisted that the club must prioritise securing the future of Aubameyang.
The striker has just a year remaining on his contract and it remains unclear as to whether he will stay at Arsenal beyond the end of next season.
And Keown has highlighted the importance of keeping Aubameyang at the club.
“I think he’s the nearest thing I have seen to Thierry Henry at the football club and the club will have to make swift decisions,” Keown told talkSPORT . “They can’t allow what happened a few years ago with the transfers just going on and on. The club needs direction.
“What are they going to get? What are the offers? Because they do need to look at it and what it means to them to break into the Champions League, to maybe challenge for a Premier League.
“So if they’re only going to get an offer of £20million or £30million then you have to consider whether you’re going to keep him there or not.”
