Arsenal Transfer News LIVE updates: Jonny Evans bid expected, Sterling for Sanchez swap

ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Real Madrid’s Asensio target plus Ox and Sanchez updates

Tuesday August 29

Arsenal join Evans battle

11:50: Arsenal have joined the battle to sign West Brom centre-back Jonny Evans.

Manchester City are thought to be leading the race for the Northern Irishman’s signature, with a £30million bid expected in the coming days.

But The Telegraph believe Arsenal now have their sights set on the former Manchester United defender.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger approached West Brom for Evans last season, and is once again interested after a calamitous start to the season that’s seen them ship eight goals in three matches.

Leicester had a bid of £21 million for Evans rejected this week but are likely to lose out to City or Arsenal.

Life after Alexis

11:10: Arsene Wenger has planned for life without Alexis Sanchez, according to Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli.

The latest reports claim Manchester City have made direct contact with Arsenal and offered winger Raheem Sterling plus cash for the Chilean superstar.

Arsene Wenger has publicly stated that Sanchez, 28, will not be sold this summer.

But should he perform a U-turn, Giulianelli believes Paris St-Germain star Julian Draxler is top of his shortlist.

Sterling has no "football brain"

10.30: Manchester City would be getting the better deal if they swapped Raheem Sterling plus cash for Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, according to Ray Parlour.

City have reportedly offered Sterling as a makeweight in a deal to sign contract rebel Sanchez.

Parlour is not a fan of the idea and does not think Sterling would be a good replacement for Sanchez.

“For me the football brain isn’t there,” he said on talkSPORT.

“He’s a good player and is a player who could come into the club and be a decent signing, but will he score as many goals as Sanchez? 

“I know he started well in the Premier League but he’s a totally different player to Sanchez.”

Inter identify Mustafi alternatives

09:30: Inter Milan are drawing up a shortlist of alternatives to Arsenal star Shkodran Mustafi.

Numerous reports have claimed that Mustafi is edging closer to a season-long loan switch to the Italian giants after struggling to settle in England.

But Corriere dello Sport claim the two clubs are struggling to reach an agreement.

Inter are prepared to offer £16million, while Arsenal are holding out for £23m.

Some of Inter’s alternatives include Dinamo Kiev’s Domagoj Vida, Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleksander Dragovic and Genoa’s Armando Izzo.

City launch player-plus-cash offer for Sanchez

09:15: Manchester City have submitted an audacious player-plus-cash offer to sign Alexis Sanchez.

According to John Cross of The Mirror, City have made direct contact with Arsenal and offered winger Raheem Sterling plus cash for the Chilean superstar.

Arsene Wenger has publicly stated that Sanchez, 28, will not be sold this summer and he would prefer he leave for free after another season's service.

But rumours the forward has submitted a transfer request, paired with the prospect of landing Sterling could force a sale.

Monaco to accept Lemar bid

08:30: Monaco are prepared to accept Liverpool’s latest offer for Thomas Lemar today, reports claim.

The Reds have reportedly seen two separate offers rejected for the talented international, but it’s believed the third will be successful.

Monaco ruled out selling Lemar, 21, because of seemingly impending departure of Kylian Mbappe to Paris St-Germain. 

But French website Le10Sport claim Monaco are ready to accept a £66.8million deal that could be completed before Thursday’s deadline.

Wenger should leave - Wright

07:25: Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright says the Gunners are at "crisis point" and has urged Arsene Wenger to quit as manager "for his own sanity".

Wenger's future was the subject of intense debate last season but he ended up signing a new two-year contract to extend his 21-year reign in charge of the Premier League club.

However, after suffering back-to-back league defeats at Stoke (1-0) and Liverpool (4-0), Wenger's tenure is again in the spotlight and Wright believes it is time for the 67-year-old Frenchman to say enough is enough.

Wright said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Where do we start? The amount of things that are going wrong, it does come back to Arsene Wenger's door. We're three games in and we're literally at crisis point.

"Do I think he should go? I would like him to go simply because I do not believe now that Arsene Wenger can motivate those players with everything that's going on above him.

"And the way the players are performing on the pitch, for him to turn this around....(It's) for himself, for his own sanity. We are three games in and it's already an absolute nightmare. Where does he go from here?"

Neville criticism

05:00: Meanwhile, Phil Neville thinks Arsenal are in more of a crisis now than when they capitulated against Manchester United six years ago.

Arsenal were on the wrong end of a 4-0 drubbing by Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

And Neville believes the north London outfit are in a much more perilous state now than the side that were rolled over by United.

“The foundations are totally wrong and are crumbling," he told Sky Sports. 

“When they lost 8-2 to Manchester United [in 2011] it didn't feel as bad as this."

Sanchez should be sold

03:35: Alexis Sanchez should be sold before the transfer window closes, according to former Arsenal striker Ian Wright. 

The former Barcelona man returned to first-team action for the first time this season at Liverpool, but he was substituted after 62 minutes as they were hammered 4-0. 

And Wright reckons Wenger should let him leave this summer as he ‘doesn’t want to be there’. 

Wright said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’d sell Sanchez.

“Why? He doesn’t want to be there.”

Sanchez may follow Oxlade-Chamberlain

01:15: Alexis Sanchez will want to follow Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out the door at Arsenal, according to Danny Mills.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to complete a £35million move to Chelsea before Thursday’s deadline.

And former England international Mills believes Sanchez could be next to leave the Emirates.

“The danger is Sanchez follows him out the door,” Mills told Sky Sports.

“He must be thinking now ‘what’s in it for me this season? Why would I want to stay this season?’ 

Monday August 28

Warning for Ox

22:24: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to leave Arsenal to save his career, believes Stuart Pearce.

Chelsea and Arsenal have agreed a £35million deal for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

“The expectation on both of them, for me, is under what I am expecting,” Pearce told talkSPORT.

“I expect both of them to have a bigger impact at both club and international level.

“I’m not sure Theo would be any different, even if he changes clubs now, to what he is at the moment.

“I think that could be different for Oxlade-Chamberlain. I think he needs a new challenge now, and he’s of the age to embrace a new challenge.

“Whether this is the club for him, I don’t know…

“Time will tell – but he needs to move.”

Ox wants Liverpool

20:52: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain still wants to move to Liverpool over Chelsea, according to Sky Sports transfer guru Jim White.

The Blues have agreed a £35million fee with Arsenal to sign the England international, who was due to have a medical at St George’s Park today.

Arsenal are ready to sell Oxlade-Chamberlain after he refused to sign an improved £180,000-a-week contract.

The Blues looked set to beat Liverpool to sign him but White claims the move may not be clearcut.

He tweeted: "Although @Arsenal and @ChelseaFC reportedly agree fee for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, source says player's preference would be @LFC."

Chelsea agree Oxlade-Chamberlain fee

17:17: Chelsea have agreed a fee with Arsenal to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who will have a medical at St George’s Park.

Arsenal are ready to sell Oxlade-Chamberlain after he refused to sign an improved £180,000-a-week contract.

A £35m fee has been agreed and the England player could become Chelsea’s fifth signing of the summer very soon.

His last appearance for Arsenal was the 4-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.

Mbappe revelation

15:00: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger turned down the chance to sign Kylian Mbappe because he refused to pay his family commission, according to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague.

“18 months ago Wenger met Mbappe’s family, he was then 16, 17 years old,” Balague said on Sky Sports.

“And the family asked for a huge commission of around €7-8million so Mbappe could go to Arsenal. 

“And Arsene Wenger said no to that. I think logically, sometimes the fact he doesn’t want to play those games - commissions and money - may work against him. 

“But the club will look at that and think ‘I agree,’ at that point it didn’t make any sense to pay €7-8m commission to the family of a player who’s 16.”

Ox wants move

13.50: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to leave Arsenal after rejecting a new contract at the club.

Arsenal offered him a deal in excess of £100 a week but he is set to leave.

“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played at Anfield yesterday but he still wants to leave,” Kaveh Solhekol said on Sky Sports.

“He has just a year left on his contract and Chelsea and Liverpool both want to sign him this week.

“We’re told it would take a bid of at least £35m for Arsenal to even think about letting him go.”

Seri welcomes Arsenal move

12:45: Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri says he would like a dream move to Barcelona but would also be keen on a transfer to Liverpool or Arsenal.

He said: “Is the Barca move dead? I want to be optimistic and think that there are still options.

“Let the two clubs talk quietly again and come to an agreement.

“We are not talking about any club, where you are going to sign for money.

“I want to sign for big European clubs, like Juventus, PSG, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool.”

Changes needed - Rambo

11:46: Aaron Ramsey admits Arsenal must change something following yesterday’s 4-0 drubbing at Liverpool.

The Wales international told the club’s official website: "We're going to have to change something if we're to compete this year.

"Liverpool showed what it's going to have to take to compete for the Premier League and we're going to have to do something about it if we're going to do that. 

“We're very disappointed with the way we performed."

Liverpool battling Arsenal for Lemar

10:30: iverpool have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race for Thomas Lemar by launching a £66.6million bid, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The Gunners have already had three offers rejected but Liverpool could now win the race to his signature.

The report claims Liverpool officials will hold talks with Monaco’s vice president Vadim Vasilyev today over the possibility of a switch.

Lemar remains under contract with Monaco until 2020 but the French club could be prepared to cash in with Liverpool ready to pay a club-record transfer fee.

Henry questions Sanchez future

09:15: Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has questioned why Alexis Sanchez would stay at the Gunners after their humiliating defeat to Liverpool.

When asked about the former Barcelona star, Henry told Sky Sports: "Why would he stay after watching this? After this type of performance?

“That is why they [Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain] are not renewing their contracts. There is something wrong with Arsenal at the minute.”

Mustafi exit

07.05: Shkodran Mustafi is poised to leave Arsenal for Inter Milan after just 12 months at the club.

The German defender has failed to settle and has lost his place in the side to Rob Holding.

Arsene Wenger was noncommittal about his future last week and he appears to be on his way out.

Mustafi joined Arsenal for £35m last summer but is set to leave on loan, according to ESPN.

Arsenal also sold Gabriel earlier this month so will be left with just Laurent Koscielny, Holding and Per Mertesacker as recognised central defenders.

Adelaide wanted by Bolton

04:15: Arsenal youngster Jeff Reine-Adelaide is wanted on loan by Championship side Bolton Wanderers. 

The 19-year-old made just six first-team appearances for the Gunners last season.

And The Sun claim Arsene Wenger is ready to offload the midfielder in order for gain regular minutes and benefit his development. 

Bolton want to bolster their midfield ranks and have targeted him. 

But they will face competition from Claudio Ranieri’s Nantes, who are also keen on securing his signature. 

Mesut Ozil apology

02:30: Mesut Ozil has issued a grovelling apology to Arsenal fans after their abysmal 4-0 defeat to Liverpool yesterday.

Arsene Wenger described Arsenal’s performance as ‘unacceptable’ as the players came under heavy criticism for their abject performance against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

And Ozil has apologised to the Arsenal fans before insisting they will come back more determined after the international break.

"Blame us, shout at us, criticize us, but I'm also very disappointed about today's game," Ozil wrote on his Instagram page.

"We wanted to achieve a positive result before the international break but we were simply not good enough during the 90 minutes and Liverpool deserved the win without a doubt.”

City to give Arsenal Denayer and £70m for Sanchez?

00:30: Manchester City are ready to offer Arsenal £70million plus Jason Denayer for Alexis Sanchez. 

The Gunners have already rejected a £50m bid from City for the Chile international. 

But The Daily Star claim Arsene Wenger could be willing to sell his prized asset following their 4-0 drubbing at Liverpool. 

It is said Wenger will use the money from Sanchez’s potential sale to land top target Thomas Lemar from Monaco.

Sunday August 27

Lemar to Liverpool?

22.00: Liverpool have enquired about signing Monaco winger Thomas Lemar for a club-record £55m, according to The Telegraph.

The report says the move is not linked to the future of Philippe Coutinho, who the club are insisting will not be joining Barcelona this summer.

The Anfield club will have been boosted in their attempts to sign the Lemar this week after Arsenal ruled themselves out of the chase.

When asked about a move for Lemar, Arsene Wenger said: “It’s dead because Monaco has closed the door.”

Neville demands action

18:16: Gary Neville says Arsenal should transfer list all their players after the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The Gunners went down woefully at Anfield and Neville was not impressed.

“I’d stick all of them on the transfer list,” he said on Sky Sports.

“Not many of them will get a club better than where they’re at.”

Asensio bid

09:50: Arsenal want to sign Real Madrid star Marco Asensio in a dramatic late bid ahead of deadline day.

Arsenal are keen to bring in fresh faces after a reasonably quiet transfer window.

Express Sport understands a £75million bid for Asensio is in the pipeline.

That would trigger the 21-year-old’s buy-out clause - a clause Real have been trying to increase for weeks.

Arsenal can raise a good chunk of the money by selling Shkodran Mustafi, which Inter Milan and Juventus both keen on the player.

Liverpool and Chelsea eye Oxlade-Chamberlain

09:20: Liverpool are ready to snatch Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from under Chelsea’s noses.

Arsenal are open to selling Oxlade-Chamberlain and Express Sport understands a deal with Liverpool is the most likely option.

Antonio Conte is keen to bring Oxlade-Chamberlain to Stamford Bridge to bolster his midfield.

It comes as Willian is linked with a move to Barcelona.

But Liverpool are ready to offer Oxlade-Chamberlain the contract he demands after the player rejected a £180,000-a-week offer to remain at the Emirates.

Sanchez open to Arsenal contract

09:00: Alexis Sanchez will stay at Arsenal if they make him the Premier League’s highest earner.

That is according to the Daily Starr Sunday, who claim money is the driving factor behind Sanchez’s future.

The Chilean is into the last year of his contract at Arsenal and is wanted at Manchester City.

City could afford his wage demands but the 28-year-old has given Arsenal the chance to offer him the £400,000-a-week contract he craves.