ARSENAL are worried that they will be priced out of a mega-money move for top target Declan Rice similar to the Mykhaylo Mudryk saga.
But it is not just the big-spending Blues they are worried about this time as Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are also very keen on the England international.
And it seems as if any Raphinha deal could be a stretch of the imagination as the Brazilian international has labelled the rumours as "fake news".
However, starboy Bukayo Saka's new contract is reportedly almost done and will be announced soon.
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Stay up to date with all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium
- Tony Robertson
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka's new contract is almost done and will be made official soon.
According to The Independent, Saka is close to signing on the dotted line to extend his stay at the Gunners.
This would allow the North Londoners to announce the extension before the end of the season.
The winger has been instrumental in the North Londoners' Premier League title bid this season with 14 goals and 11 assists in 45 matches across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also set to extend Aaron Ramsdale's contract after an impressive season.
Ramsdale has three years remaining on his current deal with the North Londoners.
But the Gunners are keen to reward the goalkeeper's performances with fresh terms more befitting of his status.
Just like Saka, the England international has played a crucial role in Arsenal's Premier League title bid.
And Bayer Leverkusen director of football Simon Rolfes has avoided being drawn in on speculation linking the club with Arsenal star Granit Xhaka.
Rolfes told Fussball Transfers: "There are always rumours.
"We are looking around the market, but I will not comment on that.
"We want to fundamentally improve our team. There will be changes, we want to create new impetus."
Finally, Barcelona star Raphinha has slammed suggestions that he will be sold this summer amid links with Arsenal.
The ex-Leeds ace has been linked with a Premier League return, with the Gunners and Newcastle interested in signing him.
But the winger has played down those rumours ahead of the summer transfer window.
Raphinha said: "Fake news. Who shared that news is not well informed [and] not professional."
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal’s Hammer blow
Arsenal fear being priced out of a deal for £100million-rated West Ham superstar Declan Rice.
Signing Rice is the Gunners' top priority this summer and the club is convinced the player has his heart set on a move to the Emirates.
The North Londoners were hoping to pay around £80m for the 24-year-old and offer him a five-year contract worth up to £300,000 per week.
But after being gazumped by Chelsea for Mykhailo Mudryk in January, there are concerns at the club that history could repeat itself.
And it is not just the big-spending Blues they are worried about this time because Manchester United, Manchester City as well as Liverpool are also very keen on the star midfielder.
West Ham have made it clear it will take more than the £106m British transfer record which the West Londoners paid for Enzo Fernandez to convince them to sell their captain.
- Kostas Lianos
Nketiah praises team-mates
Arsenal ace Eddie Nketiah has praised Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Magalhaes but insists that the former's technical ability is a "joke".
Nketiah told the Premier League’s YouTube channel: “It’s tough man, I’m thinking out of two, Zini and Gabriel.
"Gabriel brings that oomph about him that you need, but for five-a-side Zini technically is a joke.
"So I’m going to go with Zinchenko, just because when I have the ball he brings the calmness."
Credit: Getty
- Kostas Lianos
Raphinha addresses Arsenal links
Barcelona star Raphinha has slammed suggestions that he will be sold this summer amid links with Arsenal.
The ex-Leeds ace has been touted for a Premier League return, with the Gunners and Newcastle interested in signing him.
But the winger has played down the rumours ahead of the summer transfer window.
Raphinha said: "Fake news. Who shared that news is not well informed [and] not professional."
- Kostas Lianos
More from Merson
Arsenal legend Paul Merson insists Jorginho should be ultilised better at the Emirates.
Merson added: “Don’t talk to me about ballers! It’s about keeping the ball, looking after the ball, passing and moving. Jorginho was man-of-the-match at Newcastle because he did just that.
“What he did won’t be on social media, kids won’t be watching that, there won’t be clips, because what he does goes under the radar.
“For me, Jorginho has to play for Arsenal. They have got the ammunition up front, we have seen that, [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Bukayo] Saka have delivered, whereas Jorginho brings balance.”
- Kostas Lianos
Gunner regret it
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has revealed the one big mistake he feels Mikel Arteta has made that will cost his former club the title.
Merson told Sky Sports: “I think Mikel Arteta will have learnt lessons from this last month. Looking back, Jorginho should have started against Southampton. It was a game Arsenal simply had to win, not by seven or eight goals, just win.
“I know hindsight is crystal clear, but Jorginho was brought in for a reason, and I think he would have helped keep things tight, ensured Southampton didn’t score, and then created chances. I was shocked Fabio Vieira, who has not had a great season, played ahead of Jorginho, and Arsenal went on to draw the game.
“Jorginho manages the game. People say he cannot run, but you don’t have to run, his brain is quick. You’re better off having a quick brain than quick legs. You know what the best skill in football is? It isn’t stepovers or flicks, funnily enough it’s finding your team-mates with the ball.
“It’s an unbelievable skill that often goes under the radar. Everyone wants to see players beating seven defenders and scoring amazing solo goals, but the best skill is passing the ball successfully.”
- Kostas Lianos
Getting Maur tricky
Mauricio Pochettino believes Mason Mount is a perfect fit for how he wants to play at Chelsea.
The uncertainty surrounding Mount's future has contributed to significant links with Liverpool as well as Arsenal.
According to the Mail, however, Pochettino is likely to want to keep the playmaker.
The former Tottenham manager admires his work rate and technical skills and would want him to be part of his team.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty - Kostas Lianos
Go Sal out
Arsenal star William Saliba has shown off his home gym but brutal fans "want him sold" for the poster he put on the wall.
Some supporters believe the renovation suggests he is settled at the club and that he will stay long-term with his contract set to expire in 2024.
However, harsher fans have slammed his choice of decoration for the workout room as he put up a poster of Chicago Bulls legends Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.
But it was the image of Peaky Blinders characters Arthur and Tommy Shelby that got fans raging as they were left "cringing".
- Kostas Lianos
On the Mou-ve
Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
And according to Blick, Xhaka's wife, Leonita wants to move back to Germany.
Therefore, she could help convince her husband to make the move at the end of the campaign.
And that could in turn help set up a deal for Arsenal with Leverkusen for Moussa Diaby.
The Gunners are battling with Newcastle, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain for the £50m-rated 23-year-old.
- Kostas Lianos
Aaron Ramsdale extension
Arsenal are set to extend Aaron Ramsdale's contract after an impressive season.
Ramsdale has three years remaining on his current deal with the Gunners.
But the North Londoners are keen to reward the goalkeeper's performances with fresh terms more befitting of his status.
The England international has played a crucial role in Arsenal's Premier League title bid.
- Kostas Lianos
Marc Guehi bid
Arsenal could hand Chelsea a major transfer boost if they sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.
Accoridng to Football London Guehi is among the Gunners' top targets as they wish to strengthen in defence.
And the Daily Mail claim theBlues' previous regime under Roman Abramovich secured a 20 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal that saw the centre-back leave Stamford Bridge for Selhurst Park.
The Eagles have set a £50million asking price for the 22-year-old, meaning the West Londoners could receive a windfall in the region of £10m if the North Londoners meet that fee.
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Rafael Leao blow
Arsenal have received a transfer blow in their bid to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Milan appear to have had a breakthrough with Leao who could sign a contract extension after a verbal agreement.
Romano tweeted: "AC Milan are closing in on agreement to extend Rafael Leao’s contract — plan is to get all the documents finally signed in the next days.
"Verbal agreement on new deal valid until June 2028 — Leao’s camp, already in Milano [Milan] in order to seal the new contract."
- Kostas Lianos
Zubimendi addresses Arsenal links
Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has dismissed claims he is close to a move to Arsenal and reaffirmed his commitment to the LaLiga club.
Zubimendi told Marca: “I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad — I always say that.
"I love life here, at home, I’m so happy here.
“The value of this club are same as mine so I feel very good, I always said that I’m happy."
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal eye Barcelona wonderkid
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Barcelona wonderkid Ilias Akhomach ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Sport, the Gunners are considering a move for Akhomach, 19, who is expected to leave Barca once his contract expires in June.
The winger is frustrated after just three first-team appearances and he views his future elsewhere.
Leeds were mooted as a possible destination but that appears to be off after Victor Orta left the club.
- Kostas Lianos
Against the Laur
Laura Woods has admitted she would be "gutted" if her favourite Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka left this summer amid links with Bayer Leverkusen.
Woods told talkSport: "I wouldn’t want to lose him.
"If they’re [Arsenal] in the Champions League next season and they need a little bit more depth in that team and you’ve got someone like Granit Xhaka who is the unofficial captain in so many ways, and I think is a bit of glue with a lot of those youngsters and the new players that are coming in, I really wouldn’t want to lose him.
"I understand if he wanted to have a move and play first-team football consistently and if you’re bringing in like a Declan Rice or a Moises Caicedo, that might edge him out a little bit. I understand and you wouldn’t want to stop him from doing that.
"But I think he’s got so much more of his Arsenal career still to live out. I adore him, he’s been my favourite player since the whole revival of Granit Xkaka. I just love him, so I’d be gutted to see him leave."
Laura Woods admits she’d be ‘gutted’ if favourite Arsenal player leaves in summer transfer as she reveals ‘I adore him’
- Kostas Lianos
Arsene Wenger wonderkid
A former Arsenal ace, who was once called a “special talent” by Arsene Wenger, is now a free agent.
Dan Crowley, 25, is on the hunt for a new team after being released by League One side Morecambe.
And the attacking midfielder is not the only big name to be released by the Shrimps, with ex-Everton forward Oumar Niasse and former Spurs kid Jonathan Obika also leaving.
Morecambe boss Derek Adams said: "To the departing players, it is very difficult as some of them have been with me here for a significant period of time."
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Leverkusen address Xhaka links
Bayer Leverkusen director of football Simon Rolfes has avoided being drawn in on speculation linking the club with Arsenal star Granit Xhaka.
Rolfes told Fussball Transfers: "There are always rumours.
"We are looking around the market, but I will not comment on that.
"We want to fundamentally improve our team. There will be changes, we want to create new impetus."
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal "confident" on Rice
Arsenal like their chances of landing West Ham star Declan Rice this summer.
According to the Mirror, the Gunners are very confident of Rice moving to the Emirates ahead of next season.
However, the North Londoners face competition from other teams over the midfielder's signature.
The England international is also being targeted by Chelsea as well as Manchester United.
- Kostas Lianos
Saka contract announcement
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka's new contract is almost done and will be announced soon.
According to The Independent, Saka is close to signing on the dotted line.
This would allow the Gunners to announce the extension before the end of the season.
The winger has been instrumental in the North Londoners' Premier League title bid this season with 14 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
- Henry Tomlinson
Against the Laur
Laura Woods has admitted she would be "gutted" if her favourite Arsenal player Granit Xhaka left this summer.
The Swiss international has been linked with a move away from the Emirates with Sky Germany reporting that Bayer Leverkusen are interested in a deal.
However, talkSPORT host Woods, who is an avid Gunners fan, admitted that she would be devastated if Xhaka left and that he's her favourite player.
Speaking on talkSport she said: "I wouldn’t want to lose him.
"If they’re [Arsenal] in the Champions League next season and they need a little bit more depth in that team and you’ve got someone like Granit Xhaka who is the unofficial captain in so many ways, and I think is a bit of glue with a lot of those youngsters and the new players that are coming in, I really wouldn’t want to lose him.
"But I think he’s got so much more of his Arsenal career still to live out. I adore him, he’s been my favourite player since the whole revival of Granit Xkaka. I just love him, so I’d be gutted to see him leave."
Credit: talkSPORT - Henry Tomlinson
De Zerbi backing Brighton bounce
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi expects his side to bounce back from their heavy defeat against Everton when they face Arsenal.
The Seagulls were smashed 5-1 at the Amex Stadium on Monday, taking a big dent in their European aspirations.
But the Italian is backing his team to turn up against Arsenal.
He said: "I think on Sunday (against Arsenal), we will show our quality and be back to playing our style.
"You will see the true Brighton.”
Credit: Getty
- Henry Tomlinson
Bayer chief addresses Xhaka link
Bayer Leverkusen director of football Simon Rolfes has avoided being drawn in on transfer speculation linking the club with Arsenal star Granit Xhaka.
He was quoted by German outlet Fussball Transfers saying: "There are always rumours.
"We are looking around the market, but I will not comment on that.
"We want to fundamentally improve our team. There will be changes, we want to create new impetus."
Credit: AFP - Henry Tomlinson
Where can it be watched?
Arsenal vs Brighton will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
Coverage is set to commence from 4pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off on both channels.
Subscription members of NOW TV can stream the entire action through their website or app.
Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire game including build-up and post-match reaction.
- Henry Tomlinson
When is Arsenal vs Brighton?
Arsenal's monumental Premier League match against Brighton takes place on Sunday, May 14.
It is scheduled to get underway at 4:30pm UK time.
Emirates Stadium in North London is the allocated arena for this huge fixture and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
The Gunners secured a 4-2 win on the final day of 2022 when the sides last met.
- Henry Tomlinson
Referee named for Arsenal match
Andy Madley will referee Arsenal's next Premier League game against Brighton.
Peter Bankes will be in charge of the VAR during the fixture.
Credit: Getty
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