A great deal has been said regarding Arsenal’s interest in Leroy Sané, especially with the growing speculation that the German international may leave Bayern Munich at the end of the current season.

Sané has already proven himself in the Premier League, having had a successful spell at Manchester City earlier in his career. During his time at City, he worked closely with Mikel Arteta, which has led to the Gunners’ manager having a solid understanding of Sané’s qualities. Arteta is confident that he could bring out the best in the winger, should a move to Arsenal materialise.

While Sané has achieved considerable success at Bayern Munich, his relationship with the club appears to be nearing its conclusion. It is likely that he will either secure a new club or potentially sign a new contract with Bayern Munich to extend his stay. However, if he decides against remaining at Bayern, he has no immediate plans to move outside of Europe. This means Arsenal need not worry about any lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs that Sané might receive.

As reported by Team Talk, Sané and Bayern Munich will engage in fresh talks following the international break. At present, Sané’s preference appears to be remaining at his current club, with the possibility of signing a new deal before the season concludes.

Sané has enjoyed a successful career thus far, although there are concerns about whether he would be able to adjust to the demanding pace of the Premier League at this stage in his career. The Premier League is known for its relentless speed and intensity, and it remains to be seen whether Sané could cope with these challenges. However, his previous experience in England could help him should a move to Arsenal come to fruition.

Mikel Arteta is preparing his Arsenal team for one of their biggest games of the season as they gear up to take on Chelsea on Sunday in a crucial Premier League fixture. The Gunners know that this is a must-win game, and they cannot afford to drop points if they want to keep their hopes of challenging for the title alive.

Currently, Arsenal is trailing league leaders Liverpool by 15 points, a significant gap that will be difficult to close. However, if they manage to secure a victory against Chelsea, they would reduce the deficit to 12 points, which, while still a big challenge, would keep them in the title race for a little while longer. Every match from this point onward is a must-win for Arteta’s side, and the players will need to deliver a top-class performance to ensure they walk away with all three points.

Although Chelsea is not currently considered one of the main contenders for the Premier League crown this season, Arteta insists that he always expected them to be a serious threat. The Spaniard has revealed that after watching Chelsea play in pre-season, he believed they had the potential to be title challengers. With the talent they have in their squad and the tactical setup under Enzo Maresca, he saw them as a team that could have competed for the league from the start of the campaign.

Speaking about Chelsea’s quality, Arteta said, as quoted by 90Mins:

“From the moment I watched them play in pre-season, understanding how Enzo works and the talent they have in the squad, they were contenders to even win it from the beginning.”

Arsenal is approaching a crucial period where several players’ futures need to be decided, with potential departures on the horizon. As the season nears its conclusion, the Gunners will likely see some first-team stars leave, either as free agents or through sales, as they prepare to strengthen their squad for the next campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side has made significant progress in recent seasons, boasting some of Europe’s finest talents. Despite injuries and squad limitations, Arsenal remains in contention for silverware, and fans are optimistic about the team’s future. However, to take the next step and start winning major titles, the club must make key decisions regarding outgoing and incoming transfers.

Two players who are widely expected to depart are Thomas Partey and Jorginho. Both midfielders have been valuable contributors but have faced challenges—Partey with injuries and Jorginho with age-related concerns. With Arsenal aiming to revamp their midfield, their futures remain uncertain.

Respected journalist David Ornstein recently provided an update on their situations, stating, as quoted by Give Me Sport:

“Not settled yet [exits for Partey and Jorginho], as far as I’m aware, but a very good chance. It may be influenced by the status of potential arrivals in that position.”

For at least two transfer windows, Arsenal have been in desperate need of a new striker, yet they have failed to secure one.

The Gunners have lacked a frontman capable of strengthening their squad and converting the chances they have created. Despite noticeable progress under Mikel Arteta, the Spanish manager would likely achieve even greater success if his team had a striker to reliably put the ball in the back of the net.

Almost every top striker in world football has been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent windows. However, Arsenal have been unable to add a proven goal-scorer to its squad. Fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the delays, but what do the players themselves think about this ongoing situation?

Former player turned pundit Kevin Phillips has now provided insight into what the discussions may be like in the Gunners’ dressing room. As a player who has experienced similar situations, Phillips speculates on the thoughts of the Arsenal squad. He said, as quoted by Mirror Sport:

“We’ve been in dressing rooms where a manager makes a signing and you’re like ‘oh, yeah! Delighted!’ That gives everyone a lift, a buzz. And you can’t tell me those Arsenal players are not thinking behind the scenes that ‘we need a striker, gaffer, we need a striker. Someone put the ball in the back of the net.’ So it’s going to be that ongoing question until they do go and get someone who’s out there.”

William Gallas continues to advocate for Victor Osimhen as the ideal striker for Arsenal to add to their squad.

The Nigerian forward has been in outstanding form for some time and is demonstrating his quality while spending the season on loan at Galatasaray. His performances have further solidified his reputation as a top-class striker, capable of delivering goals across multiple competitions.

It came as a surprise that no elite club moved to secure his signature last summer before he completed his loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray. However, Osimhen has once again proven his ability to score consistently, and he will likely attract significant interest from clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options in the upcoming transfer window.

Arsenal has monitored Osimhen for several seasons, yet they have not made a decisive move to bring him to the Emirates. This has left Gallas puzzled, as he believes the striker possesses the attributes necessary to elevate the Gunners’ attack.

The former Arsenal defender has once again emphasised the value Osimhen could add to Mikel Arteta’s squad, highlighting that his contributions extend beyond goal-scoring. As quoted by Metro Sport, Gallas stated:

Darwin Nunez has faced significant criticism this season due to his inconsistent goal-scoring record at Liverpool.

The Uruguayan striker is undoubtedly a talented player, but his goal return has not been as prolific as expected. Despite this, he contributes in other ways when he plays, offering pace, physicality, and movement that help create opportunities for his teammates. Liverpool has continued to publicly support him, with their manager working to find ways to maximise his potential within the team.

While Nunez has had several standout performances, including crucial matches where his contributions have helped Liverpool maintain their push for the Premier League title, his inconsistency remains a concern. His overall campaign has been marked by as many frustrating moments as decisive ones, leading to speculation that the Reds could consider offloading him at the end of the season.

This uncertainty over his future has opened the door for other clubs to express interest in signing him, with Arsenal reportedly among the potential suitors. According to Fichajes, the Gunners are one of the teams keeping an eye on Nunez, with Mikel Arteta said to be open to working with the former Benfica forward despite his struggles at Liverpool.

Arteta has shown a willingness to take on underperforming players and help them rediscover their best form. His success in revitalising Martin Odegaard’s career at Arsenal stands as a prime example of this approach. However, not every struggling player can be turned around, and signing someone with Nunez’s inconsistency would represent a significant gamble.

Riccardo Calafiori only joined Arsenal in the summer, yet he is already being linked with a potential move away from the club.

The Italian left-back initially established himself as the best option in that position at the Emirates. However, the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly has altered the situation, creating increased competition for the role. Despite the Englishman’s rapid rise, both players continue to share responsibilities in the position, and Calafiori remains a vital member of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Arsenal are keen to retain the defender, particularly as they continue to compete for major honours this season. Losing an important player at this stage would be far from ideal, given the club’s ambitions. Calafiori has been working hard to secure more playing time, demonstrating his determination to contribute significantly to the team’s success.

However, speculation has begun to surface regarding his future, raising questions over whether he could spend only one season at the club before moving on. According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are closely monitoring the Italian and view him as a potential reinforcement for their squad. The Spanish giants are constantly looking to strengthen their team, and they reportedly see Calafiori as a player who would enhance their defensive options.

Madrid’s interest is a testament to the defender’s quality and the impression he has made in the Premier League. Since arriving in England, Calafiori has consistently delivered solid performances, proving himself as one of the league’s standout left-backs. His defensive abilities, combined with his attacking contributions, have made him a valuable asset for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta has provided insight into the best positions for Myles Lewis-Skelly as the young talent receives his first call-up to the England national team.

Having played primarily as a midfielder in Arsenal’s youth teams, Lewis-Skelly has recently been deployed as a left-back for the senior squad. His versatility has been a key asset, allowing him to adapt to different roles within the team.

After an outstanding spell in the academy, he earned a well-deserved promotion to the senior side, where he has continued to impress. Arteta is keen for the youngster to develop into a world-class player, and Arsenal firmly believes they have uncovered one of the brightest talents in English football. The club is committed to allowing him the time and space to grow, ensuring he reaches his full potential.

Currently, Lewis-Skelly is Arsenal’s first-choice left-back, but his long-term position in the team remains uncertain. Given his ability to play in multiple roles, there is a strong possibility that he will be utilised in different positions as his career progresses. His adaptability provides the team with valuable tactical flexibility, and his final role as a professional may not yet be determined.

During a recent press conference, Arteta was asked about Lewis-Skelly’s versatility and his potential future positions within the squad. As quoted by Goal.com, he responded:

Leandro Trossard has addressed concerns regarding Arsenal’s mindset throughout the season, insisting that the team has always maintained belief in themselves.

Mikel Arteta’s side has encountered various challenges over the course of the campaign, with several key players suffering injuries at crucial moments. Despite these setbacks, Arsenal has remained highly competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

At the start of the season, many expected the Gunners to contend strongly for the Premier League title, particularly if Manchester City showed signs of struggle. However, Liverpool has now emerged as the team most likely to claim the title, establishing themselves as the primary obstacle in Arsenal’s pursuit of success. While the Reds have replaced City as the frontrunners, Arsenal has remained firmly in the title race, demonstrating resilience and determination.

Even as key players have spent time on the sidelines due to injury, Arsenal has continued to perform at a high level. They currently occupy second place in the Premier League table and have also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Trossard is adamant that their mindset has not wavered, and he maintains that the squad has remained focused on their objectives throughout the season.

Speaking via Arsenal Media, he reaffirmed the team’s unwavering commitment, stating:

While his manager and peers celebrated with him on the training pitch as the news became official, one might wonder what Ethan Nwaneri must have been thinking. The 17-year-old has had an even more consistent run in our first team, whereas Skelley started on the bench last Sunday after Mikel Arteta had to remind him about his discipline, following his fortunate avoidance of a second yellow card at PSV. So fortunate, in fact, that Arteta immediately substituted him.

The fact that we are talking about two teenagers—one selected as his country’s best 26 players—while the notion that someone so young might feel disappointed to be lining up with Lee Carsley’s group U21 squad, speaks volumes about how far both have progressed so quickly.

It is worth noting that, at the start of the season, neither would have called left-back (Skelley) or a position in a front three (Nwaneri) their preferred role. This speaks to the credit due to their manager for recognising their potential and encouraging them to learn new positions.

While time will tell if, once Bukayo Saka is fit, Nwaneri returns to midfield, asking Skelley to be a defender has always been a deliberate choice. The coach discussed with the youngster over the summer that he possessed the attributes to be a fullback, and that would be his quickest route to the first team.

Arsenal is certainly not short of left-backs, meaning Skelley has been keeping out three established internationals. Like Gareth Southgate at the Euros, Tuchel does not have as many current options at left-back, which could explain why the German might be willing to put faith in someone so young for the upcoming Wembley fixtures against Albania and Latvia in the next two weeks.

Joshua Kimmich is currently causing significant upheaval in the transfer market as he hesitates to sign a new deal with Bayern Munich. The German midfielder is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, having spent the past decade at Bayern Munich. Over the years, he has remained an integral part of the squad, and his reliability has earned him the captaincy of the national team. However, with the player now 30 years old, questions have arisen about whether he is looking for a new challenge elsewhere.

At this stage in his career, Kimmich may see this as his final opportunity to move to another club, which could explain his reluctance to commit to a new contract at Bayern Munich. Some reports suggest that Bayern have even withdrawn its offer to Kimmich, leaving him with the prospect of finding a new club. This uncertainty has opened the door for Arsenal, who are eager to add the German international to their squad. The Gunners are determined not to miss the opportunity to bring one of the world’s best midfielders to the Emirates.

According to Football Insider, a source close to the situation has revealed that Arsenal have set aside a substantial sum of money to secure Kimmich’s signature. Although Kimmich would technically be a free agent, Arsenal would still face significant costs in securing his services. These costs would include agent fees, sign-on bonuses, and various other charges, all of which come with signing one of the most highly regarded players in the world in his position.

While Arsenal may avoid paying a transfer fee, they would still need to allocate a considerable amount of money to cover the associated expenses of bringing Kimmich to the club. However, the Gunners believe that Kimmich would be worth every penny spent, given his quality and experience. Signing a player of Kimmich’s calibre would undoubtedly strengthen Arsenal’s midfield and improve their overall squad depth, making him a valuable addition to their team as they continue to challenge for top honours both domestically and in Europe.

Now managing at Feyenoord, Robin van Persie is back in the spotlight.

With Manchester United hosting Arsenal on Sunday, the media used his Champions League press conference to ask the former striker to choose between his two former clubs: the one where he did his best work or the place where he earned the Premier League medal his talent deserved. Understandably, the 41-year-old was diplomatic, not wanting to disrespect either fanbase, so he refrained from picking between Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney or Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson.

It’s fair to say that he would be welcomed back at Old Trafford more than at the Emirates. That, of course, could have happened had our draw for the last 16 in Europe gone differently. Our ex-captain made it clear that he enjoyed watching the Gunners’ 7-1 win over PSV, as he continues to mend a few broken fences with Arsenal fans. When recounting his transfer to Manchester United, Wenger added that if his former skipper had his way, he would have returned to North London in 2015. This influenced my next list: players who either verbally expressed regret about leaving Arsenal or asked to return.

Keown – Aston Villa

While technically the defender was motivated by money, he maintains that his principles led to the end of his first stint at Highbury. Considering the dispute was over £50, I believe him. Although it seems the club could have handled the situation better. Having graduated from the academy, the centre-back had a verbal agreement with Don Howe over terms for a contract extension. When Arsenal changed managers to George Graham, the Invincible felt disrespected by the change in deal. Despite it being only a £50 difference from what he had requested, he felt it was a sign that he wasn’t trusted by his new boss and that his employers were taking advantage of him, as he came from the youth setup.

Leandro Trossard has found himself taking on more responsibility at Arsenal as the club deals with an attacking injury crisis. Several of Arsenal’s key attackers have been sidelined, and Trossard is now one of the few fit options left in the squad. The Belgian forward, who joined the Gunners at the start of 2023, has become an important player for the team, scoring several crucial goals throughout the season. With the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli currently unavailable, Arsenal will be hoping Trossard can continue to deliver in their absence.

Despite Trossard’s key role in the squad this season, there is growing speculation that it could be his final year at the club. Several clubs have expressed interest in the Belgian, and this could lead to a potential exit at the end of the season. In January, it seemed unlikely that Arsenal would allow Trossard to leave, even with interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. However, as time has passed, the possibility of a sale has increased.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal is now open to considering offers for Trossard when the season concludes, particularly with ongoing reports linking him to Saudi Arabian clubs. This could signal a change in Arsenal’s approach, as the club may need to offload some players before bringing in new talent.

While Trossard has been a valuable player for Arsenal, the club may decide that, should a suitable offer come in for him, it could be in their best interest to sell and use the funds to sign a replacement. This decision would likely depend on the offers Arsenal receives and their ability to find an adequate alternative to strengthen their attacking options.

ADMIN COMMENT

Raheem Sterling is the latest experienced player Arsenal has signed from Chelsea, following in the footsteps of Willian, David Luiz, and Jorginho—all acquired under Mikel Arteta’s tenure. As the Spanish manager continues to rebuild his squad, Arsenal has primarily focused on signing younger players under the age of 25. However, when an opportunity arises to bring in a more experienced player, Arteta is willing to take it.

Many found it surprising that Arsenal pursued Sterling in the summer, especially considering Chelsea had deemed him surplus to requirements. If he was no longer needed at Stamford Bridge, how could he be considered a suitable addition for the Gunners? Nevertheless, Arteta has made several bold decisions regarding player recruitment since taking charge, and the club has consistently backed his judgement.

Sterling arrived at the Emirates on loan from West London, but his performances have been underwhelming. His decline has been particularly concerning, as he now struggles even with fundamental aspects of his game, such as completing dribbles. Given his past success, this drop in form has been unexpected and frustrating for both the club and its supporters.

Despite his struggles on the pitch, a report in the Daily Mail suggests that Sterling still commands significant respect within the Arsenal setup. Those who work closely with him continue to hold him in high regard and believe he has the potential to regain his best form. His experience and professionalism remain valued, and there is still some hope within the club that he can turn things around.

Arsenal was one of the clubs interested in signing Nico Williams at the start of this season, following his impressive performances that helped Spain win Euro 2024. The Gunners have been tracking the winger for some time, but his standout display at the Euros further increased their desire to add him to their squad.

Mikel Arteta, a long-time admirer of Williams, was keen to bring him into the team for this campaign. Barcelona was another club that made a strong push to sign the winger, but Williams ultimately chose to remain at Athletic Bilbao for another season. This decision came as a surprise to many, considering the size of the clubs interested in him compared to Bilbao.

However, Williams is content with his current situation, and there is even a possibility that he could spend his entire career at Bilbao, much like his older brother, who has been with the club for several years.

When asked about his decision to stay at Bilbao despite the interest from top clubs, Williams explained, as quoted by Goal:

“This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible. Everyone respects everyone else, which is incredible. This atmosphere, I’ll never have it anywhere else. I decided to stay because of that. I took the decision I thought was the right one. I’m happy, and I’m trying to do my best.”

Arsenal is determined to secure the signing of Martin Zubimendi at the end of the season, despite strong competition from several top European clubs. The Spanish midfielder has been on the radar of elite teams for some time, and his performances have only strengthened the demand for his signature.

Last summer, Liverpool came close to adding Zubimendi to their squad, but the player ultimately decided against the move. With another transfer window approaching, it is widely expected that he will decide his future, and Arsenal is keen to position itself as the leading contender for his services.

However, their task has become significantly more difficult. According to Fichajes, Real Madrid has now placed Zubimendi firmly on their transfer shortlist, and the Spanish giants are determined to keep him in La Liga. Given their stature and history of signing top domestic talents, Madrid’s interest presents a major challenge for Arsenal.

While Liverpool could enter the race once again and offer a lucrative deal, Arsenal may have an edge due to Mikel Arteta’s influence. The Spanish manager’s presence, along with the growing contingent of Spanish players at the club, could be an attractive factor for Zubimendi. The opportunity to play in a system that suits his style, under a coach who values technical midfielders, might make Arsenal an appealing destination.

Despite this, competing with Real Madrid is an entirely different challenge. The allure of playing for Los Blancos is difficult for any player to ignore, particularly for a Spaniard who has already established himself in La Liga. Madrid has the financial power, the pedigree, and the promise of domestic and European success, all of which could persuade Zubimendi to remain in Spain rather than move to the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta watched Manchester United’s European game against Real Sociedad on Thursday and revealed what he had learned ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend. The Gunners are set to face United in a crucial match, one they simply cannot afford to lose.

Arsenal have struggled in recent weeks and are finding it difficult to keep pace with Liverpool at the top of the table. With United currently struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League, many might view them as easier opponents on paper. However, history shows that when facing top sides, Manchester United often steps up their game. This was demonstrated when they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup in a memorable tie not too long ago.

Despite their league struggles, United’s performance against Real Sociedad left a lasting impression on Arteta. He noted that they are more than capable of putting in a strong performance on any given day, and he is fully aware of the challenge his team faces. Speaking to Arsenal Media, he said:

“Watching the game against Real Sociedad, it became very clear that [Man Utd] are very capable of putting a really strong performance in and beat you on the day. We know the difficulty of the match and that’s what we’re preparing for.”

While Arsenal also had a positive result in midweek, Arteta knows that if his side performs at their best, they will have every chance of overcoming the challenge United presents. The match promises to be an intense contest, and the Gunners are determined to come out on top.

Mikel Arteta has shared insights into his tactical approach, explaining how he tailors his game plans based on different situations.

The Spaniard has been in charge at the Emirates since 2019, and under his leadership, Arsenal has shown consistent improvement year after year. His ability to adapt and refine his strategies has played a key role in keeping the Gunners competitive at the highest level.

Arteta works tirelessly to ensure his team has the upper hand over their opponents, and more often than not, Arsenal’s tactical setup gives them an edge. However, there have been occasions where, despite careful planning, results have not gone their way.

While some managers prefer a rigid approach, sticking to a fixed playing style regardless of the opposition, Arteta takes a more flexible stance. He has now explained how he prepares for different matches and adjusts his team’s tactics accordingly.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta said:

Arsenal could beat Manchester United to the signing of Viktor Gyokeres at the end of the season despite Ruben Amorim’s insistence. The United manager helped the striker reach top form when they worked together at Sporting, and he remains a player of interest for the Red Devils. Gyokeres has continued to deliver outstanding performances, but most believe he would be doing even better if Amorim had not left.

Manchester United are looking to improve their attack, as they do not have a striker as good as Gyokeres. Reports suggest they could push for his signature when the season ends, seeing him as a key addition to their squad. However, Arsenal have been monitoring him for a long time and remain a serious contender to sign him.

A report on 90Mins claims the striker is now more likely to move to the Emirates rather than Old Trafford. Arsenal need a striker and has Gyokeres on their list alongside other attacking options. They are determined to strengthen their squad, and his impressive performances make him an appealing target.

The striker will want to play for a top club fighting for trophies, which could give Arsenal an advantage over United in the race for his signature. Gyokeres has been one of the best in his position, and if Arsenal secure his signing, they will add a reliable goal scorer who can make a huge impact in their squad.

Arsenal’s search for a new striker has been ongoing, with reports linking them to several high-profile forwards. The club are eager to bring in a proven goal scorer who can elevate their attack to the next level. Gyokeres has shown consistency in front of goal and possesses the qualities Arsenal needs.