Arsenal confirm Merino blow as Zinchenko exits, late loan assessed
After being benched at Leeds on Kai Havertz’s return, speculation from Fichajes claims Martin Odegaard could leave Arsenal and even return to Real Madrid, though it remains speculative.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ‘disappointed’ not to add in January but would only sign the right profile. He rejects talk of a gamble, citing a smaller squad and reliance on academy depth.
With Mikel Merino facing a fractured foot, Arsenal assess a short‑term loan before the 7pm deadline. Bukayo Saka has a ‘niggle’. Oleksandr Zinchenko leaves permanently for Ajax for €1.5m plus add‑ons.
Peter Bankes will referee Arsenal vs Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg. Arsenal’s PL record under him is W7 D1 L2, no reds shown to the Gunners. VAR: James Bell, AVAR: Daniel Robathan.
Arsenal beat Corinthians in the Champions Cup final. Olivia Smith and Lotte Wubben‑Moy scored, Victória equalised from a late VAR‑awarded penalty, then Caitlin Foord netted the extra‑time winner.
Arsenal go six points clear after 4-0 at Leeds as Man City draw 2-2 at Tottenham and Aston Villa lose 1-0 to Brentford. Next five league games listed with Sunderland at home up first.
Throwback: Arsene Wenger’s £300k gamble Amaury Bischoff made one Premier League appearance for Arsenal before release, later playing mainly in Germany and ending up at French fifth-tier club Colmar.
Opinion credits Andrea Berta for Arsenal’s signings over Chelsea’s options, praising Noni Madueke and preferring Cristhian Mosquera to Jorrel Hato, as Arteta readies for the Chelsea semi-final second leg.
Report says Raheem Sterling believes low wage contribution affected minutes on his Arsenal loan. He made 28 appearances, 1 goal, 5 assists, mainly backing up Bukayo Saka, and is now a free agent.
Opta model gives Arsenal 91% title chance after a 4-0 win at Leeds and slips by Man City and Aston Villa. Predicted points: Arsenal 82.08, City 71.41, Villa 71.18; United push for top five.
Right-back Josh Nichols, 19, who made the bench vs Club Brugge and featured in the EFL Trophy, is set to leave Arsenal this summer after stagnating without a loan, per ‘Next Generation Arsenal’.
After sealing a move to Ajax, Oleksandr Zinchenko thanks Arsenal fans on Instagram. William Saliba replies: ‘Thank you… Top man. Top player. We will miss you brother. Good luck’.
Mikel Merino suffers a serious foot injury and will undergo surgery. Arsenal say he is out for an ‘extended period’, aiming to return to training before season end after 33 games and 6 goals this term.
