Arsenal fitness updates and Odegaard praise ahead of Bournemouth
Ruud Gullit hails Jurrien Timber as ‘convincing in everything’, praising the right-back’s strength and form since returning from long-term injury to become a regular ahead of Ben White.
Arteta praises Eze’s determination and love for the game, lauding his attitude when benched. Eze has nine goals this season, including a derby hat-trick, despite injuries.
Opinion: to spark Gyokeres after a quiet Lisbon return, Arteta should pair him with a creative ‘Bergkamp kind of player’ to unlock Bournemouth.
Paul Merson rejects ‘bottling’ claims, noting Arsenal have earned two more league points than Man City over the last five games and remain in control of the title race.
Arteta says Eberechi Eze is fit for Bournemouth, but gives vague updates on Odegaard, Saka, Hincapie, Calafiori and Timber. Guardiola insists City must win every game, setting Arsenal a clear points target.
With Arsenal 1-0 up on Sporting CP and Atleti 2-0 over Barcelona, Arteta could face Simeone for a shot at payback for Wenger’s 2018 semi-final defeat.
PSG tell Arsenal that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is not for sale amid Gunners’ interest as they plan attacking changes. The Georgian remains central to PSG’s project.
Arsenal monitor AZ’s Kees Smit after 4 goals and 7 assists in 42 games. AZ could sell for at least £39m, but Arsenal face competition from Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Bayern reportedly contact Anthony Gordon’s camp as Arsenal and Liverpool also eye the Newcastle winger. Magpies are reluctant to sell and would demand a big fee.
Real Madrid are linked with academy left-back Myles Lewis Skelly, whose minutes have dipped after Calafiori and Hincapie arrivals. A sale could bring pure profit for Arsenal.
Arsenal are tracking Rennes and France U21 midfielder Djaoui Cissé, joining Leeds in monitoring the prospect. Interest could grow as he earns more senior minutes.
Arteta hails Odegaard as the glue who makes Arsenal ‘flow’, saying the captain connects everyone and sets the tone. He admits Arsenal have missed him amid injuries and wants him back at his best.
Arsenal vs Bournemouth is live on TNT Sports 1 at 12:30 BST. With City at Chelsea on Sunday, Arsenal can push their lead to 12 points amid fitness doubts for key starters.
Arsenal host Bournemouth aiming a fifth straight league win after a 1-0 Sporting CP victory. Eze is available, while Saka, Ødegaard and Timber face late tests. Bournemouth arrive 11 unbeaten.
Fan analysis proposes creative reinforcements: dream moves for Foden or Güler, Juventus’ Yildiz as a fit, and a budget striker option in Ponomarenko as Arsenal fine-tune the squad.
