Arsenal transfer news: Spurs boss cracks Gunners transfer joke as 150-game defender retires

It's a big summer for Arsenal sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta after the Gunners were as close to a Premier League title last season as they have been in a long time.

Arsenal took the race down to the final day, only for Manchester City to finish two points clear and claim their fourth straight title. Goalkeeper David Raya is expected to officially make his loan move permanent, but questions remain further forward.

Arteta's team will begin their pre-season campaign on July 27, facing Manchester United in Los Angeles, with further games to come against Liverpool in the United States and Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon back in North London. Before then, we could see some new faces arrive at the Emirates Stadium.

The pursuit of a new striker is one of the hot topics this summer, while a former Arsenal defender has called time on his career. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines.

Mustafi hangs up his boots

Former Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has announced his retirement from football. The centre-back, who played more than 150 times for the Gunners, also had spells in Germany, Italy and Spain.

The 32-year-old, who won 20 caps for Germany, has now taken up a role as a coach with his country's Under-17s. Germany are the current Under-17 World Cup holders, having beaten France on penalties in the 2023 final.

"It is a shame because I would have liked to have played football myself for longer," Mustafi said "I’ve had the idea of gaining experience as a coach for a long time. I want to pass on to the boys all the experience I gained during my time with the under-15s, under-21s and of course with the senior national team.”

More competition for David

West Ham United have joined the race for Arsenal-linked striker Jonathan David, according to Sky Deutschland.. The Canadian international continues to be linked with a move away from Lille, where he is under contract until the summer of 2025.

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Jonathan David celebrating his goal against Peru

Chelsea have reportedly held talks with David's representatives, with Manchester United and Arsenal the others linked. Saudi club Al-Ahli are also thought to remain in the mix, having qualified for the AFC Champions League.

David, who could be available for just £30m, is currently away with Canada at the Copa America. He scored the only goal of the game in a victory over Peru, leaving Jesse Marsch's team needing just a point from their final group fixture against Chile to progress.

Postecoglou's Sesko assessment

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was in the ITV studio for coverage of England vs Slovenia, with Benjamin Sesko in action for the underdogs. The striker was linked with a summer move to Arsenal before agreeing a new contract with RB Leipzig, but had a quiet evening against Gareth Southgate's team.

Sesko ended the 2023-24 season in fine form but decided he was best placed staying put for another year. Postecgolou agreed, before delivering a simple "no comment" when asked if he was saying the youngster was smart to turn down Arsenal.

"I think a big club would have looked at him this year, and it's a smart move for him to stay there for another year," the Australian said. "I think there's still some development in him, but really good attributes for a striker position, for sure."

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