Arsenal await FA call on Martinelli as transfer plans emerge
Arsenal track Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane, valued at €40m, after his breakout season. The Cameroon international’s rise has drawn Real Madrid interest too.
With cups gone, Arsenal remain nine points clear and favourites for the league, while facing Sporting in a favourable Champions League path. The piece weighs title-only success versus failure.
Ex-Sporting boss Carvalhal warns the tie is ‘50-50’, highlights Catamo, Araujo and Goncalves as threats, notes Hjulmand’s ban helps Arsenal, and praises Arteta’s side as Champions League contenders.
Predicted Arsenal XI at Sporting: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Saliba, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Gyokeres, Saka, with Gabriel Magalhães a doubt and Trossard a fitness option.
Despite FA Cup exit, Opta model still gives Arsenal a 97% title chance, with City at 3% before their 19 April clash. Relegation model tips West Ham to drop with Wolves and Burnley.
Arsenal’s 2-1 FA Cup exit at Southampton, amid injuries and Gabriel’s knock, ramps up pressure before Sporting, Bournemouth and a pivotal trip to Man City. Semi-final draw: City v Saints, Chelsea v Leeds. Livescore
Ipswich avoided a £30m move for Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah, who later struggled at Crystal Palace. They signed Liam Delap instead, who scored 12 goals then earned a £30m sale to Chelsea.
Opinion on Arsenal’s stylistic wobble after Southampton, citing chance-creation issues and reliance on systems, yet stressing the league title remains within reach despite cup exits.
Theo Walcott says Arteta’s ‘nervous energy’ fed into the FA Cup loss at Southampton. Atletico chief Enrique Cerezo rebukes constant Julian Alvarez transfer chatter amid Arsenal links.
Report claims Arsenal are prepared to bid for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon this summer, amid Liverpool interest and potential Arsenal attacking changes involving Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka says the Gunners ‘look like’ Premier League winners but warns the season is long, backing his former club while noting pressure from Manchester City.
Arsenal are eyeing Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall but would need a large fee and must fend off Man City. The 21-year-old averages 1.9 tackles per 90 and is strong on the ball.
Arsenal are monitoring São Paulo winger Lucca Marques, 18, after his record Libertadores goal, with a summer offer possible amid Dortmund interest as Arteta and Berta target rising talent.
Opinion suggests Arsenal could sell Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli to Atletico Madrid to help fund a move for Julian Alvarez, leveraging Andrea Berta’s ties.
Column urges Arsenal to respond to FA Cup upset by beating Bournemouth and then Man City, mirroring Liverpool’s rebound last season after a shock exit.
At 16, Max Dowman impressed in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Southampton, excelling wide and centrally with 4 successful crosses, 5 dribbles and 26/29 passes, pushing for more Premier League minutes.
Ben White’s and Cole Palmer’s England prospects diverge after FA Cup showings, with mixed performances affecting their World Cup fight.
William Gallas backs Arsenal to win the Premier League but doubts their Champions League chances, despite a favourable quarter-final against Sporting.
Gabriel Magalhães is a major doubt after injury at Southampton. Saka and Rice are minor doubts, Trossard and Timber could return. Eze, Hincapie and Merino are out. No suspensions.
Martinelli was booked for pushing referee Sam Barrott in Arsenal’s 2-1 FA Cup loss at Southampton and is set to face no further FA action, despite criticism from Mark Halsey and Ref Support UK.
Sporting likely XI vs Arsenal: Silva; Vagiannidis, Diomande, Inacio, Mangas; Braganca, Morita; Catamo, Trincao, Goncalves; Suarez. Hjulmand is suspended, Diomande and Inacio set to return.
