Arsenal set for Atletico test as Arteta targets statement
Atletico v Arsenal is live on TNT Sports 1 from 7pm BST, with streaming via HBO Max. Standard Sport will run a live blog with analysis from Matt Verri.
Griezmann once told Arsenal to ‘forget it’ after a failed move from Real Sociedad, fuelling extra spice before Atletico face the Gunners in the Champions League semi-final.
Arsenal top the league but face a lighter run while City cram five games into 15 days, including the FA Cup final. Gunners juggle Atletico semi ties with Fulham, West Ham, Burnley and Palace.
Arsenal and Manchester United are monitoring Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras. The 23-year-old has 38 games, 2 goals and 2 assists, and is contracted until 2031, with Napoli and Juventus also keen.
Henry warns Arsenal looked fatigued and short of creativity despite set-piece strength before Atletico, as Arteta admits finishing must improve but vows to ‘be ourselves’ and win.
Arteta drafts 18-year-old Ife Ibrahim into first-team training before Atletico trip. The academy midfielder debuted in January’s Champions League win over Kairat Almaty.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, now Luton boss, dodges talk of facing relegation-threatened Tottenham next season, focusing on clinching a play-off place with a final-day win over Bolton.
Arsenal admire Anthony Gordon but could be deterred by a ‘prohibitive’ fee, with Bayern and Chelsea also keen. Club weigh value on a left winger amid Trossard and Martinelli uncertainty.
Jose Antonio Reyes’ widow shared his final message before his 2019 death. The Invincibles winger later starred for Atletico, who now meet Arsenal in the Champions League.
Ahead of Atletico v Arsenal, Julian Alvarez dismisses transfer talk. Arsenal also track Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, rated about £80m, after his breakout scoring season.
Arsenal chase a record-equalling 13-game UCL unbeaten run. Arteta urges a dominant ‘statement’ in Madrid. Raya targets a ninth clean sheet. Atleti’s 4-4-2 press and counters pose threats, but gaps in behind.
Opinion suggests benching Viktor Gyokeres and using a Ramsey-like runner in a new role to sharpen Arsenal’s attack.
After PSG 5-4 Bayern, Seedorf backs Arsenal to win the Champions League, citing their clean sheets and defensive edge, against claims they would be outgunned in the final.
Ahead of Arsenal’s tie, Atletico’s Marcos Llorente is profiled for his goals in Europe and controversial lifestyle views, from chemtrails to blue light glasses and a strict Paleolithic diet.
Piero Hincapie says he ignores social media, spoke with his agent, and is glad he chose Arsenal over interest from Atletico. The loanee hails Arteta and prepares to face Atletico in the Champions League semi-final.
Report claims Arsenal are ‘most interested’ in Atalanta’s Ederson for £38m-£43m, viewing him as an ‘ideal profile’ box-to-box option amid doubts over Nørgaard’s role and Merino’s injury issues.
Report alleges Arteta angered some staff by severing ties with a £27m signing, ending a once-promising Arsenal career.
Opinion piece argues Arsenal feel freer in Europe than in the title race, with Atletico in the Champions League semi-final seen as ‘everything to gain’ compared with domestic scrutiny of ‘bottlers’ jibes.
Arteta says Arsenal are ready to make a ‘statement’ at Atletico, promising to attack the tie despite weather and pitch talk, while criticising Burnley home game’s TV reschedule as ‘not ideal’ for fans.
