Arsenal to battle Man Utd for £35m Martinez, Nketiah HAT-TRICK in Gunners friendly, Gabriel Jesus pics – transfer news

Good morning Arsenal fans

Arsenal thrashed Ipswich Town with a comfortable 5-1 win in a behind-closed-doors friendly at London Colney on Saturday.

Eddie Nketiah stood out for the Gunners as he scored a hat-trick in his bid to prove manager Mikel Arteta he should run the attack after the signing of Gabriel Jesus.

Nketiah didn’t stop there, however, as he also assisted Albert Sambi Lokonga’s goal.

And it was Folarin Balogun who sealed the North Londoners’ triumph in the second half.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow in their pursuit of Bologna star Aaron Hickey with the left-back set to sign for Brentford in a £14million deal.

Hickey has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer with Arteta keen to bring in a back-up for Kieran Tierney.

But the Gunners have always been in competition with the Bees in the race to secure the Scotland international.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Brentford could announce the signing of the 20-year-old next week after his medical.

And Manchester United have made a £39.6 million offer for Ajax star Lisandro Martinez as they look to hijack the transfer from rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners have already seen their £34m offer for Martinez rejected, leaving the door open for United manager Erik ten Hag to raid his former club.

According to The Mirror, the Red Devils have lodged a £39m bid, which falls closer to the Dutch giants’ £43m evaluation.

They add that the Manchester giants have told Ajax they will splash £35.3m up front with a package of add-ons worth a further £4.3m.

Finally, Leicester star Youri Tielemans has agreed personal terms with Arsenal as he edges closer to departing from the King Power Stadium.

However it has been claimed that the Gunners are yet to make an official bid to the Foxes, with Manchester United and Newcastle joining the race to sign Tielemans.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs said: “Youri Tielemans update. Still no formal offers made. Tielemans wants to join Arsenal and Edu still in touch with his agent.

“Arsenal have agreed terms, and worked on the deal for a year, but have never placed an official bid.

“Fabio Vieira’s arrival doesn’t rule out Tielemans. Arsenal still deciding whether to bid. Erik ten Hag is also interested.

“Tielemans was actually a Ralf Rangnick target but didn’t want to join Man Utd under him.

“If Arsenal reach an agreement with Leicester, told Tielemans will sign. But for now, Arsenal haven’t decided on him.

“The genuine interest from Man Utd may force Edu to make a decision quicker than expected, especially if ten Hag pitch proves appealing.”