A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Kylian Mbappe issues his honest verdict on William Saliba and Aaron Ramsdale hatches a plan as a transfer to Newcastle fades.
Thierry Henry reveals why Arsenal really ‘love’ Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli
All-time Arsenal record goalscorer Thierry Henry believes the Gunners simply ‘love’ Gabriel Martinelli as the Brazilian gives 100% ‘every single game’. He also offers coach Mikel Arteta lots of options with the 22-year-old’s willingness to contribute beyond in the attack phases.
Martinelli endured a largely frustrating season at Emirates Stadium in 2023/24 as he failed to replicate the winger’s efforts from the previous campaign. But the Guarulhos native was still a key part of Arteta’s plans with 44 appearances from the north London giants’ 52 fixtures.
Arteta only omitted Martinelli from the action when without the Arsenal forward due to an injury this season. In return, the 11-cap attacker scored eight and assisted five goals – down on his 15 and six from 22/23. Martinelli’s all-round involvement is also what Henry admires.
Henry has told the Premier League’s YouTube channel: “You can play low with him, on the counter [and] you can press with him. I think the way he did improve is amazing. People love him at Arsenal because he gives 100% every single game.”
Read more about what Henry has said about Martinelli, here.
Kylian Mbappe thinks William Saliba is ‘among the best’ Premier League centre-backs
New Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe thinks Arsenal defender William Saliba is ‘among the best’ centre-backs in the Premier League. He is also confident that the 23-year-old has it within the Bondy-born brute to become a pivotal presence in the France side at Euro 2024.
Saliba is with Les Bleus for this year’s European Championship in Germany. But the Gunners’ 15-cap enforcer is still often only a bit-part presence under Didier Deschamps. Saliba boasts just eight starts over a possible 23 games since his first senior call-up back in March 2022.
Deschamps is even expected to favour Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate alongside Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano over Saliba in Germany. But what the 6 ft 3 enforcer showed for Arsenal in 2023/24 convinced Mbappe that Saliba has the talent to find a place with France.
“He has become a very important player for Arsenal and is among the best centre-backs in the Premier League,” Mbappe told Ouest-France. “He is starting to get minutes with us. It’s now up to him to find his place.
“For me, he has all the qualities to, in time, be a starter with Les Bleus. I look at his journey with the pride of an older brother. There is no taboo between us and we tease each other.”
Read more about what France forward Mbappe has said about Arsenal star Saliba, here.
Aaron Ramsdale warms to a move abroad as a transfer to Newcastle fades
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is open to moving abroad this summer as his transfer to Newcastle United appears unlikely. That is according to Ben Jacobs, who reports the Toon have prioritised talks with Burnley to sign James Trafford and are optimistic about the move.
St James’ Park chiefs are becoming confident that the Clarets will agree to a £20m package if they improve their add-ons. Newcastle were interested in signing Ramsdale from Arsenal but shelved the pursuit for Trafford. Now, Ramsdale will review any options after Euro 2024.
Ramsdale is giving England his full commitment before reviewing all offers for a transfer out of Arsenal to be a No1 again. The 26-year-old is keen to avoid another season on the bench after falling behind David Raya. He will even consider going abroad if the right offer arrives.
Read more about Ramsdale’s stance on a transfer away from Arsenal, here.