All the latest Arsenal news and rumours on Thursday morning.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 27: Yeremi Pino of Villarreal CF looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between Villarreal CF and RCD Espanyol at Estadio de la Ceramica on February 27, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images) (Image: (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images))

Speaking ahead of Villarreal’s clash against Juventus in the Champions League last term, Arsenal transfer target Yeremy Pino said: “He [Ronaldo] won me over with his mentality and sacrifice. A player who might not be a pure talent, but who, based on work, perseverance and effort, gets to where he wants to.

“He comes from Madeira, an island like Gran Canaria, and looking at him, I also recognised myself in emigration, suffering, difficulties. For me, he was a point of reference for everything.

“Today, the thing that strikes me most about him is his intact ambition: he is 37 and continues to fight and work harder than anyone to keep winning. An example, I know that there are people who say that he affects the way a team plays. I reply that he is still one of the few able to carry that team on his shoulders and win a game alone.”

Arsenal are in the market for a new winger and Villarreal could accept a lower fee than Pino’s £67million release clause with the La Liga outfit in need of transfer funds, according to MailOnline.

Lacazette enjoys perfect return to Lyon with win

The former Arsenal striker gets a goal and an assist as they beat Ajaccio 2-1

Arsenal double transfer exit

Arsenal are edging closer to the exits of two first team players as Edu attempts to reduce the size of their squad, football.london understands.

The ɢυппeгѕ are in talks with Monza over a move to take Pablo Mari on loan for the rest of the season, although it has not yet been confirmed whether an option to buy will be included in the deal.

Meanwhile Runar Alex Runarsson is attracting interest from Turkey over a potential loan move, with Antalyaspor understood to be among the clubs interested. At time of writing though football.london understands that there is still a way to go before a deal for the Iceland international can be completed.

Cody Gakpo delivers verdict on his future

Arsenal remain interested in signing Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven this summer but face competition from Manchester United.

Speaking to ESPN after PSV’s first leg 1-1 draw against Monaco, the 23-year-old offered an update on his future. Gakpo said: “We must first focus on [the second leg against Monaco] and try to make it to the Champions League, then it is more likely that I will stay.

“I don’t think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay.”