Arsenal set to rotate at Southampton as Arteta backs Kepa
Southampton ride a 14-game unbeaten run under Tonda Eckert, boosted by Cyle Larin and keeper Daniel Peretz. Injury-hit Arsenal must rotate but cannot underestimate the FA Cup hosts.
Arsenal eye Dani Olmo to bolster creativity alongside Odegaard and Eze, but face PSG, Man City and Al-Qadsiah. Barcelona could sell near £88m despite huge clause, fitness record a concern.
Joe Cole says Arsenal pulled out of signing him and Michael Carrick from West Ham in 2003. Cole joined Chelsea, Carrick later moved to Tottenham as Arsenal built the Invincibles.
Arsenal join race for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, valued at £43m with one year left. Competition from Man Utd, Newcastle and Atletico Madrid, who are said to have agreed personal terms.
Arteta backs Kepa to start at Southampton after Wembley error, saying the keeper is ready to play. Arsenal chase FA Cup semi-final, league lead and Champions League quarter-final next week.
Arteta says Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie are out, Noni Madueke unlikely. Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard in contention for the FA Cup quarter-final at Southampton.
Gabriel Jesus told Declan Rice on day one to shoot more from range, citing game-changing long shots. He hails Rice’s all-round ability to defend, create and score for Arsenal.
Teenager Max Dowman has wowed Arsenal training and broke records, with Laura Woods and Martin Keown praising his quality. Arteta hails his technique, while Jack Wilshere says he’s better than me.
Report claims Arsenal are frontrunners for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia, planning finances potentially via Jesus sale, amid Newcastle interest. Fee likely above £26m valuation.
Saints boss Tonda Eckert says Arsenal have changed their set-piece signals, lauds their delivery from Rice and Saka, and vows to limit set-plays in the FA Cup tie despite likely Gunners rotation.
Noni Madueke travels despite knee scare as Arsenal target FA Cup semi-final at Southampton. Arteta’s side still pursue league, Europe and cup after City ended quadruple hopes at Wembley.
Southampton vs Arsenal kicks off Saturday, 4 April, 20:00 BST on BBC One and TNT Sports, with streaming on iPlayer and HBO Max. VAR in use, ties settled on the night.
Arsenal tipped to rotate at Southampton: Kepa to start, Saliba and Calafiori in defence, Dowman on the right, Martinelli and Jesus to lead. Odegaard and Timber return to squad amid injury issues.
Arteta urges Saka to forget earlier dip and deliver in the season’s final push, saying performances now will be remembered as Arsenal chase the FA Cup, league and Champions League.
Arteta says the City cup final defeat must be fuel for Arsenal’s run-in as they target the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League, stressing mindset and resilience.
Arsenal and Tottenham linked with Roma defender Wesley Franca. Arsenal could consider him if defensive changes occur, with Ben White’s future mentioned as a potential factor.
