Arsenal news LIVE: Gunners could sign ‘next Andrea Pirlo’ for £22m, Everton transfer claim

Arsenal news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from the Emirates

Wednesday 17, October

  • Brescia are prepared to sell their talented teenage midfielder Sandro Tonali
  • Arsenal have been linked with Tonali, who has been dubbed the ‘next Pirlo’
  • The Gunners target Nicolo Barella says he’s not thinking about a transfer
  • Arsene Wenger says he has received “enquiries from all over the world”

The next Andrea Pirlo…

Brescia are prepared to sell their talented teenage midfielder Sandro Tonali… but he’s going to cost a substantial amount!

Tonali, 18, has attracted a number of top European admirers after his impressive displays in Serie B.

He also drew plaudits for performances at last summer’s Under-19 European Championships in Georgia.

Sky Sports claim Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli, Arsenal and Chelsea are all monitoring Tonali, who has been dubbed the ‘next Pirlo.’

Calciomercato report that Brescia President Massimo Cellino (formerly owner of Leeds) will consider selling Tonali for £22million.

It’s also been said that Blues boss Maurizio Sarri ordered his scouts to watch Tonali during Brescia’s 4-1 thrashing of Padova – a game in which Tonali grabbed two assists.

Aaron Ramsey to Everton claim

Aaron Ramsey has been backed to join Everton – because he would not be a regular in any of the top-four teams in the Premier League, says ESPN FC pundit Alejandro Moreno.

“Aaron Ramsey, if he was going to sort himself out with Arsenal I think it would have happened by now,” Moreno said. “It feels like that situation is now done with.

“So therefore he has to find a place to go. Why not Everton? Theo Walcott went in that direction.

“No, I don’t think Aaron Ramsey’s too good for Everton. I think he would be an important piece for Everton.

“Where else would he go? You’re alluding and perhaps hinting at the fact that maybe he should go to a top-four team.

“He would have the same circumstances in a top-four team, perhaps even worse, than he does at Arsenal in terms of playing time – where does he break through?

“Where is it he is going to get consistently on the field? I just don’t see Aaron Ramsey breaking through in any of those teams.

“So, for that reason, I do believe that Everton may just be a good destination for him.”

Nicolo Barella latest

Arsenal target Nicolo Barella says he’s not thinking about a transfer.

The 21-year-old made his Italy debut last week in the 1-1 draw against Ukraine.

He also played against Poland in the Nations League on Sunday.

Italian daily Gazzetta claim Arsenal are monitoring the Cagliari midfielder and have been impressed with what they’ve seen so far.

However, the Gunners face a battle for his services.

Roma and AC Milan are sniffing around and Barella was coy when quizzed about moving on.

“I’m not the one who sorts out the transfers,” he told Sky Italy. “It’s the agents, presidents and clubs who do that. I only think about Cagliari and to stay up in the league.

“We’ll see about the rest. The interest from big clubs is pleasing, and makes me proud. It means I’m doing the right things.”

Arsene Wenger return

Arsene Wenger says he has received “enquiries from all over the world” as he plans a return to management in January.

The 68-year-old ended his 22-year reign at Arsenal at the end of last season.

In an interview with German newspaper Bild, Wenger revealed he expected to take up the offer of a new job again early next year.

“I believe that (I will) start again on January 1. I don’t know (where) yet. I feel rested and am ready to work again,” said Wenger, who joined Arsenal from Japanese club Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1996.

“There are associations, national teams, it could be also (in) Japan. From my 22 years at Arsenal, I have big experience on different levels. There are enquiries from all over the world.”