Arsenal tipped to beat Sunderland as transfer links swirl
Arsenal made initial contact for Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi after his scoring burst, but PSG lead the race following his switch to agent Moussa Sissoko.
Arsenal made a late move for Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz to bolster attack but were firmly rebuffed. Arteta knows him from Manchester City. Summer stance unclear.
Arsenal made a deadline-day offer for Bayern’s Leon Goretzka, but he refused a winter move. He likes the Premier League. Atletico, Juventus, Milan and Napoli also keen ahead of summer talks.
Arsenal confirm academy deals for midfielders Emerson Nwaneri and Mishel Nduka, who step up as scholars. Both debuted in U18 PL, PL2 and UEFA Youth League and have England youth recognition.
Joleon Lescott says Aston Villa are not ‘genuine contenders’, backing Arsenal and Man City to put together decisive winning runs in the title race.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to join Celtic after a medical, but will miss Europa League registration. Martin O’Neill confirms the 32-year-old’s arrival pending final checks.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior blasted Arsenal staff for encroaching in warm-ups before a 1-0 semi-final defeat, calling it ‘disrespectful’, while stressing respect for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s players.
Arsenal’s 19-year-old midfielder Maddy Earl joins Glasgow City on loan after a spell at Ipswich. Coach Leanne Ross hails her attacking threat and technical qualities.
On loan at Marseille, Ethan Nwaneri avoided a red for a tackle on Glen Kamara vs Rennes. Coach Habib Beye says officials later admitted the error after initially showing yellow.
Arsenal and Leeds are linked with Dortmund left-back Daniel Svensson, valued at £26m. A move could encourage Chelsea’s pursuit of Myles Lewis-Skelly if Arsenal reshuffle at left back.
Declan Rice’s consistent impact makes him the reported frontrunner for PFA Premier League Player of the Year, underpinning Arsenal’s title push with leadership, control and balance.
Report claims Barcelona may prioritise Robert Lewandowski’s new deal and cheaper options, potentially clearing Arsenal’s path to sign Julian Alvarez, with Chelsea’s push dependent on Champions League.
Sunderland moved hoardings closer in November to curb Arsenal long throws. At the Emirates they cannot, and Arsenal now consult throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark ahead of Saturday’s meeting.
Mikel Merino says he stayed neutral when Martin Zubimendi pondered Arsenal, calling it a personal choice. Zubimendi has since become a key starter after Partey’s exit.
Analysis says Arsenal are clear Premier League favourites, perfect in the Champions League League Phase, FA Cup prospects promising, and in the EFL Cup final vs Man City on 22 March.
Newcastle reportedly deem Sandro Tonali ‘untouchable’ despite links, with his agent denying contact with Arsenal. A summer move is considered unlikely under the Magpies’ stance.
Paul Merson says Arsenal ‘don’t trust’ Viktor Gyokeres, claiming teammates avoid passes into him when he drops short, reflecting adaptation issues in Arteta’s system.
Arsenal split Chelsea’s 6,000 away allocation across tiers in the Carabao Cup semi-final, muting the away support. Fans want the change kept, alongside Arteta’s tunnel removal tweak.
AreaNapoli say Arsenal and Spurs are eyeing Scott McTominay, but Napoli want €100m+ and plan renewal talks. The midfielder has 9 goals and 4 assists and has rejected Saudi offers.
Paul Merson backs Arsenal to beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Emirates and claims the title race could be ‘wrapped up’ if City drop points at Liverpool. He expects Sunderland to sit deep again.
