Arsenal fitness calls on Saka and Timber before Newcastle
Report claims Napoli lead for Leandro Trossard at about £15.6m, with the Belgian open to the move and the appeal of playing with Kevin De Bruyne. Inter also monitoring.
ESPN Brazil link Arsenal with Bernardo Silva, who starred in City’s 2-1 win. Barcelona also keen and the player is reluctant to join a title rival. Valuation cited around £23m, with contract expiring.
Form table: Arsenal third with 4 wins in 6, Newcastle 17th with 2 wins and 4 defeats. Arsenal 28 points ahead. A Newcastle result would dent Arteta’s title bid after City went top.
Arsenal host Newcastle with no suspensions. Saka a major doubt with Achilles, Timber close after groin issue, Calafiori minor doubt after knock. Merino out with foot fracture. Possible returns this week.
Micah Richards says Atletico Madrid semi-final will define Arsenal’s title push, warning the Madrid away leg could drain them. He tips wins vs Newcastle and Fulham but backs City’s experience overall.
Despite City going top, Opta model gives Arsenal a 66.38% title chance to City’s 33.62, projecting 80.75 points vs 79.17. Returns of Saka and Timber are tipped as potential boosts.
Neville says Rice’s ‘it’s not done’ reaction after the 2-1 loss shows belief slipping, claiming Bernardo Silva and Rodri outplayed him. Wright fears Guardiola will use the clip to fire up Man City.
Arsenal will visit Brabrand IF to assess 19-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard’s loan. Sporting director Andreas Rasch-Christensen says talks are ongoing over extending his Denmark spell to season’s end.
Arsenal monitor Marco Palestra, on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta. Report claims €30m asking price amid Juventus interest. Young defender fits Arteta’s recruitment focus.
Speculative squad revamp: sell Jesus, Gyokeres, Trossard, possibly White. Targets cited include Livramento, Tonali, Diomande and £100m Alvarez, with Raya, Saliba, Calafiori, Rice and Odegaard core pieces.
