𝗔𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀: Gunners offered PSG star William Saliba compared to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk

The latest Arsenal news from football.london on Friday morning including updates on Mauro Icardi, William Saliba and Lisandro Martinez

Here is your Arsenal morning digest for Friday, July 29.

ICARDI OFFER

Arsenal were offered the chance to sign Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain frontman Mauro Icardi this summer, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Writing for CaughtOffside, Romano said: "Arsenal have had many opportunities that they have turned down, but this happens in all the top clubs every day,.

“For example, Mauro Icardi was an option offered to the club in recent months and it was decided not to proceed because they were looking for a different striker, Edu has always had Gabriel Jesus in mind as a priority.

"Sometimes the refusal is for technical reasons, other times for economic reasons."

SALIBA CLAIM

Former Arsenal forward Kevin Campbell is a huge fan of defender William Saliba, comparing him to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk. Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell said: "If Virgil van Dijk is a Rolls Royce, Saliba is a Bentley.

"He is never flustered, and his passing is a lot better than a lot of people give him credit for. He is smart, quick, strong, physical, powerful and does not make mistakes.

"I think he needed that extra year at Marseille, if I am honest. I think that has really helped his confidence.

"Now when you see him play at Arsenal, and I know it is pre-season, he looks mature."

MARTINEZ DECISION EXPLAINED

Former Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez has opened up about his decision to join Manchester United this summer. Speaking to the official website on his arrival, the Argentine said: "Well, Manchester United, I think, is one of the best clubs in the world.

"Every player wants to play here. The opportunity was there, so I took it and now I'm really happy to be here."