Arsenal prepare for Chelsea as Arteta backs Gyokeres
Everton’s David Moyes urges referees to clamp down on ‘blocking’ at set pieces, citing Arsenal’s ‘dark arts’ as they lead the league with 17 set-piece goals under Nicolas Jover’s routines.
Finance expert Adam Williams says City’s wage bill over five years is £602m higher than Arsenal’s and that amortisation and sale profits skew net spend, undermining Guardiola’s comparison.
Max Dowman returns from an ankle injury, starting for Arsenal Under-21s against Ipswich before a planned half-time withdrawal in a 1-0 loss. The 16-year-old edges towards first-team contention.
Ivan Toney says he wants Arsenal to win the title, citing boredom with City’s dominance and friends at the club, despite past friction over his ‘nice kickabout’ jibe and transfer saga.
Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal plan summer moves at right-back, central midfield and winger under Andrea Berta, who is already assessing options after last year’s eight signings.
Ex-Chelsea player says he remains sad over leaving Stamford Bridge but would never have accepted an approach from Arsenal.
Arteta praises loanee Piero Hincapie’s dominant form at left-back and hints Arsenal could trigger the £45m option, while saying a decision will come after the season. Hincapie says he has settled well.
Recall of Arsenal’s 2-1 loss at Shakhtar’s Donbass Arena, later abandoned after 2014 conflict damage. The 52,000-seat, £318m venue remains unused as Shakhtar play elsewhere amid war.
Arsenal seek to extend a 10-game unbeaten run against Chelsea in all competitions. Ben White and Kai Havertz are doubts, Mikel Merino is out. Wesley Fofana is suspended for the Blues. Gyokeres and Odegaard pose threats, with set-pieces highlighted as a key area.
Bukayo Saka signs a long-term Arsenal deal reportedly worth £300,000 per week, placing him among the Premier League’s top earners, though several players still earn more.
Opta rate Arsenal at 27% to win the Champions League after a favourable path featuring Leverkusen in the last 16 and potential ties against Bodo/Glimt or Sporting, then Spurs, Newcastle, Barcelona or Atletico.
Arteta hails Viktor Gyokeres’ surge in form after his derby brace, citing better understanding with team-mates. Says Arsenal must feed his qualities ahead of hosting Chelsea to stay five points clear.
