Arteta battling with ex-mentor Guardiola to secure Arsenal’s first summer transfer

Arsenal: Arteta's defiant message to critics after tough season

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Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand is set to depart the club at the end of the season when his contract expires. It was announced earlier this month that Bertrand would be leaving and a number of clubs have already been linked with his services.

Both Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be interested in the 31-year-old, with the Gunners counting Kieran Tierney as their only senior left-back after Sead Kolasinac joined Schalke on loan.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Mikel Arteta’s side have stepped up their interest in Bertrand but they will face competition from Pep Guardiola’s City.

Arsenal are keen to bring in an experienced defender to support Tierney, while City are said to be long-term admirers of Bertrand.

Benjamin Mendy has struggled with injury during his time at the club and, while Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko have largely impressed at left-back this season, Guardiola is said to be after a more natural option.

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Leicester City, AC Milan and Monaco have also been mooted as potential destinations for the former England international.

In a lengthy statement posted on social media, Bertrand wrote: “After many months of hard decision making, I have decided to leave Southampton Football Club.

“I want to thank all the fans for welcoming me to this football club and supporting me endlessly. All the support staff behind the scenes, I thank you.

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“Also, special thanks to the Liebherr family. It is a shame I cannot experience a full crowd at St Mary’s one more time.

“As this year has shown us, football is nothing without the fans. Arriving at Southampton seven years ago, I soon realised what a family-orientated club this is. A true peoples’ club!

“I bought into the ‘Southampton Way’. A connected football club, built on solid foundations and ambition, with an attractive, attacking style of football.

“During my time here, there have been many battles and there have been many amazing moments along the way too.

“From finishing in the club’s highest position within the Premier League, to playing in two FA Cup semi-finals, to a Carabao Cup final, to me being voted to the Premier League Team of the Season.

“This has been a difficult decision for me, but the time has come for me to seek a new home that allows me the freedom to play and maximise my contribution to the team.

“This club is in great hands now with CEO Martin Semmens and Matt Crocker. I would like to thank them both for their efforts.

“Southampton Football Club will always have a special place in my heart and I hope the saying, ‘once a saint, always a saint’ still stands because I look forward to returning to this club one day, either behind the scenes or as a fan. Thanks again, keep marching on!”

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