Arsenal set for Wembley date with Man City, fitness doubts linger
Guardiola wants EFL to let new signing Marc Guehi face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, despite rules barring him after joining post first leg. He plans to lobby, with Bernardo Silva an injury doubt.
Arsenal and Chelsea scouted Bayern prospect Lennart Karl, 17, likened to Arjen Robben and hailed for ‘fearless magic’. Fee touted at €80-90m as both clubs seek more cutting edge.
Arsenal host Sunderland on 7 Feb, 3pm. Saka likely out, Odegaard a doubt, Merino and Dowman missing. Sunderland lack Xhaka. Game not on UK TV due to 3pm blackout.
Michael Owen tips Arsenal for the title, saying rivals have faltered and the Gunners grind out results despite not being flawless.
Man City beat Newcastle 3-1 on the night, 5-1 on aggregate. Marmoush struck twice, Reijnders added a third, Elanga replied. City face Arsenal at Wembley, with Haaland a sub and Gordon injured.
Steve Nicol says Viktor Gyokeres should be dropped, arguing Jesus and Havertz contribute more outside the box as Arsenal chase results.
Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson says he ‘doesn’t know’ if Sandro Tonali was offered to Arsenal, insists the ‘superstar’ is happy and under contract, amid agent-linked rumours.
Paul Gascoigne praises Declan Rice as ‘outstanding’, lauding his work rate and influence for Arsenal and England. Rice assisted Havertz for the winner to reach the Carabao Cup final.
Arsenal and Chelsea are pushing to sign 17-year-old Middlesbrough forward Cruz Ibeh, with Liverpool monitoring. A summer move is possible as clubs seek attacking depth.
On-loan Ethan Nwaneri avoided a red in Marseille’s cup win over Rennes, with their boss claiming refs admitted an error. Hearts’ McInnes says James Wilson should have chosen Arsenal over Spurs loan.
Jurrien Timber hails Kai Havertz’s ‘amazing qualities’ and impact after his late winner vs Chelsea, saying his presence lifts Arsenal on and off the pitch.
Arsenal updates: Saka out with a muscle issue, Odegaard a doubt after a knock, Merino needs foot surgery, Dowman sidelined. No suspensions for Sunderland match.
Arsenal and Manchester United have held initial talks with Leon Goretzka’s camp over a free summer move, with the Bayern Munich midfielder out of contract and valued for his physicality and leadership.
Arsenal track Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon, whose release clause is £86m. Director Marcelo Paz says he has a strong long-term deal and is unlikely to leave before the mid-year window.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior says he lost his temper as Arsenal coaches encroached into Chelsea’s half during the warm up, insisting ‘it wasn't right’.
