‘Back for Watkins’
Arsenal have put their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres on hold and reignited their interest in Aston Villa ace Ollie Watkins.
The Gunners held talks with Gyokeres’ agent over a summer move to the Emirates earlier this week.
But according to reports, the North Londoners have temporarily shelved their interest in the striker to re-examine a move for Watkins.
According to Record, Arsenal have put a move for the Sweden international on ice because Sporting won’t reduce their asking price.
That’s despite Gyokeres reportedly snubbing a move to Manchester United.
New transfer rule
Massive transfer fees could soon become a thing of the past with players’ chiefs wanting stars to have freedom to break their contracts for a fixed compensation payment.
The international players’ union FifPro has accused Fifa of dragging its feet over new transfer rules after the European Court agreed that ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Lassana Diarra was illegally “handcuffed” by Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow a decade ago.
Major agents claimed the October ruling was the first step towards a US-style “free agency” for players, with fees becoming a thing of the past and stars only liable to pay the balance of their contracts when they switch clubs.
Top clubs and Fifa are battling to resist such a move, while this summer Prem clubs already splashed out £375million before the full market officially opens on Monday.
But now FifPro has told stars and their lawyers to be ready to test Fifa’s failure to react and use European law to push for freedom of movement.
Ajax sensation rejects Arsenal
According to Jorrel Hato, the rising star of Ajax, he is content with his life in Amsterdam and has no plans to relocate this summer.
Although the defender has stated that he believes his future is with Ajax, Hato has been a target for Arsenal.
“In the Dutch league you have to show how good you are against the big clubs. Ultimately I have to continue to develop the things I am already good at, so that it becomes top”, he said.
“How do I describe my time at Ajax? Ajax is home for me. I just feel at home here.
“I still have plenty of time. I don’t think: I absolutely have to win the Champions League in two years,” Hato continues his story. What is the youngster’s ultimate football dream? “That is winning a World Cup. You want to be there when it happens.”
Williams alternative
In a possible double swoop with Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal is reportedly interested in RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa.
The Gunners’ intention to acquire a new wide attacker this summer is well known, and they are exploring alternatives to their primary target, Nico Williams.
Nusa has been connected to Brentford and Tottenham in the past.
The 20-year-old, who joined RB Leipzig from Club Brugge at the close of the previous summer transfer window, finished the previous season with 40 club appearances, five goals, and eight assists.
According to reports, he is worth £38.2 million.
Arsenal and Leipzig forward Sesko are still in negotiations.
Arsenal ‘freeze’ Gyokeres interest
There has been some significant news from Portugal about Arsenal’s interest in Viktor Gyokeres. According to Record, the Gunners have chosen to “freeze” their pursuit of the Sporting forward.
According to rumours from Portugal yesterday, Arsenal was getting ready to make a new offer for Gyokeres that would exceed £60 million.
However, according to the Record, Arsenal is “tired of Sporting’s demands.”
With negotiations still going on over Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, Sporting is reportedly seeking over £70 million for Gyokeres, while Arsenal will instead look for other prospects.
Williams to stay in Spain?
In a setback to Mikel Arteta’s intentions, Nico Williams, an Arsenal target, appears to be pushing for a move to Barcelona.
In addition to Barcelona and Bayern Munich attempting to lure the Spain winger away from Athletic Bilbao, the 22-year-old has been linked to a move to the Emirates.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Williams is keen to sign with Barcelona, and a lucrative deal is expected to be finalised in the upcoming weeks.
