Mansfield Town v Arsenal - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round - Source: Getty
Mansfield Town v Arsenal - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round - Source: Getty
Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for former Chelsea full-back Tino Livramento. As reported by Luke Edwards of The Telegraph, the Gunners are keeping tabs on the versatile Newcastle United defender.
Livramento has only two years left in his deal at Newcastle United and has shown no willingness to extend his deal. His situation has alerted Mikel Arteta who has the same agent as the 23-year-old.
Newcastle United find themselves in a tricky situation as they fear Livramento's value could drop if he does not sign an extension. They reportedly want to retain the former Chelsea academy graduate and want to tie him down with a new deal.
Livramento moved to Tyneside in 2023 from Southampton in a deal reportedly worth an initial £32 million, plus £8 million in add-ons. He has been a huge success at St. James' Park having featured as a full-back on either flank.
The 23-year-old has made 101 appearances for the Magpies till date, scoring once while producing three assists. He previously made 34 senior appearances for Southampton after moving to the St. Mary's Stadium in 2021 from Chelsea.
As per reports, Livramento could command a huge fee of around £60 million which could deter interest from Arsenal. A move for Livramento would likely see Ben White's future in further doubt who has already fallen behind Jurrien Timber in the pecking order at right-back.
Former Chelsea star delivers his verdict on Arsenal's Champions League chances
Chelsea icon Joe Cole has predicted a Champions League final between Arsenal and Manchester City this season. He has backed the Gunners to reach the final with ease but has tipped the Cityzens to find some hurdles.
Manchester City have drawn Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 and if they win, they will face Bayern Munich or Atalanta in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, they will be up against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chelsea, Galatasaray or Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16 and will take on Bodo/Glimt or Sporting CP in the quarter-final. In the semis, they will then face Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona or Newcastle United. Former Chelsea winger turned pundit Joe Cole said after the draw:
"I think, personally, it’s going to be an Arsenal versus Manchester City final. I think it will be an epic. I look at it, my only bet would be Arsenal going to the final. I’m not sure on the other side, with Manchester City you still don’t know because there’s too many good teams."
He added:
"AFC get to the final. They’re going to beat Bayer Leverkusen, they ain’t no cop [good], Sporting or Bodo/Glimt… In summery, the Champions League draw, they’ve opened it up, someone has rolled it across the goal for Arsenal. They cannot blow it… or can they? Arsenal fans, book your tickets for Budapest, in my opinion."
Mikel Arteta's side have been exceptional in the Champions League this season. They finished the league phase at the top, winning all eight games while Pep Guardiola's side finished eighth.