Arsenal head to Man City as Guardiola and Arteta set title stakes
Young keeper Alexei Rojas says Chelsea, Norwich, Watford and Crystal Palace rejected him before Arsenal signed him, crediting resilience and family support.
Focus on Anthony Taylor’s allegiance emerges before Manchester City vs Arsenal at the Etihad, with the referee set to take charge of the title clash.
Guardiola says if Arsenal win at the Etihad he will shake Arteta’s hand then ‘pray’ the Gunners lose their next five, though he admits it will not happen, underlining the title stakes for Arsenal.
Pundits split on Man City vs Arsenal: Shearer, Scholes, Merson, Sutton back City, Neville, Keane and Wright tip a draw. Stakes framed around title momentum and Arsenal’s recent form.
Adams questions Arsenal’s leadership and Odegaard’s captaincy, touts Declan Rice and Gabriel as leaders, and contrasts City’s on-pitch communication with Arsenal before the City clash.
Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘go for it’ at Man City, demanding belief and conviction in a potential title decider, despite recent cup exits and pressure from City’s game in hand.
Arsenal consider a ‘creative offer’ for Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall, rated from £50m, with Chelsea and Barcelona also keen.
Bukayo Saka stays out, but Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke are spotted with the squad pre-match, hinting at late fitness boosts for the Etihad trip.
PSG open talks over Gabriel Martinelli, with Arsenal fans predicting he would thrive in Ligue 1 amid a mixed campaign and possible swap angles discussed.
Arsenal open talks for Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, valued around £52.2m, as Arteta assesses left-back options alongside Calafiori and Hincapie.
Odegaard and Havertz start. Madueke and Eze flank Havertz, Rice and Zubimendi in midfield. Saliba-Gabriel at centre-back, Hincapie left-back, Mosquera right-back. Saka misses out.
Carlo Ancelotti tips PSG for the Champions League, not Arsenal. Sergio Aguero advises ex-City forward Julian Alvarez to pick Barcelona over an £86m Arsenal move.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern eye Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. Report claims Arsenal hold an edge due to the winger’s preference for London, though Newcastle insist he is not for sale.
Arsenal and Man City are linked with Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra after his Cagliari loan. AC Milan, Juventus and Inter also keen, but Atalanta reportedly do not want to sell.
Arsenal lead City by six points before the Etihad test. City absentees include Gvardiol, Stones and Dias, with Nico O’Reilly fit. A win keeps Arsenal in control, defeat tightens the race.
Arsenal visit Man City in a pivotal title clash. Watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League from 4pm BST, kick-off 4.30pm. Sky Go streams available.
