Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attacking line-up this summer after a season in which star man Bukayo Saka suffered an injury.
Saka plays through pain for England
Saka will continue to ‘bet’ on his fitness to take part in England’s World Cup campaign.
The Arsenal winger is playing through the pain barrier after enduring an Achilles injury that dogged him at the end of the domestic season, with manager Thomas Tuchel saying during pre-competition training camp in Florida that he did not think he would be able to play 90 minutes yet.
Saka, who missed a month of international action after being injured in March, said he was “ready to go” for Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas, but revealed he had taken a fitness risk to join Arsenal’s back-to-back Premier League and Champions League games.
“As a player, it’s the biggest gamble, especially when you’re not at your best,” he said.
“You have a choice: not to play or to put yourself out there knowing people will judge you the same way.
“At the end of the day, people don’t care about how you feel. They expect you to deliver and perform.
“I was willing to take the gamble, and I think it paid off. I’m going to keep doing it.”
“But I feel much better than I did in March and I’m ready.
Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal the go-ahead to sign former Barcelona star, close to departure
The Spaniard personally leads their pursuit.
“I don’t want to say anything against the manager, but between Mikel and the Arsenal medical team and the England medical team, they’ve managed me amazingly since March and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team.
“I feel better than I have in months. I’m ready.”
Arsenal are pursuing a number of forward options this summer, with doubts surrounding the future of Gabriel Martinelli, who was briefly replaced by Leandro Trossard last season.
Club Brugge star Christos Tzoris is reported to be a top target, but manager Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arteta is personally pushing for a big contract for the Greek international.
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Arsenal’s Morgan Rodgers transfer ‘set in stone’ – Romano
Fabrizio Romano has said in his latest Youtube video that Arsenal and Morgan Rodgers are “a done deal”.
Aston Villa will stand firm and demand a monster price for the England international, believed to be close to £100m, but Arteta is personally involved and the Gunners will move on.
According to Romano, the Spaniard has told Arsenal’s bosses that Rodgers is a “perfect” fit and urged them to sign him this summer.
“For Morgan Rodgers, Arsenal are working on it, Arsenal are talking to people close to the player and Arsenal have already been talking about this possibility for some time.
“Aston Villa extended his contract a few months ago. They are in a very good position. There is also the Champions League and the Super Cup, so there is no need to rush to sell.”
“So financially we have to check, but we are certain that the contract continues.”
Arsenal are also eyeing a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, but with Tottenham in the process of signing the Italian and the Gunners also planning to make a big bid for Rodgers, it seems unlikely that they will land two £100m midfielders in one summer.
Arsenal backed by Sandro Tonali, Newcastle make clear Tottenham stance
Spurs have emerged as favorites in the race to sign the Italian.
