Arsenal face Manchester City on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium in a game that, at the end of the season, could be remembered as the one that decided the title battle.

A significant victory this weekend is crucial for our Gunners’ chances of winning the league.

Mikel Arteta will need to field his strongest eleven. But I’d like us to concentrate on the attack he could field. Which forward line should he play? I believe he should field an attack featuring Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka.

Saka, if fit, is ‘undroppable’ on the right wing. Kai Havertz should start as a striker; he has been fantastic in recent weeks, spearheading the Arsenal attack with his fine link-up with Martin Odegaard. There’s a strong argument that the German international is more influential in attack than in midfield. He has scored four goals in his last six games for Arsenal, and dropping him from the attacking line would be scandalous. Gabriel Jesus, a left-winger, could be an excellent option if Gabriel Martinelli is out. Leandro Trossard is an excellent player, but he lacks the energy that Martinelli brings to the left wing. Jesus, who is recognised for his ability to spark Arsenal’s attack, might be an excellent left-wing alternative. As James Benge told Charles Watts on YouTube:

“If Martinelli’s fully fit he goes in my team. I don’t like normally talking about the sort of narratives about players being up for games, but I don’t believe that Gabriel Jesus wouldn’t be up for this game.

Aaron Ramsdale could still return to being Arsenal’s number one, according to Gareth Southgate.

While naming his England Three Lions squad for the March internationals, most Gooners were waiting to see if Ramsdale would get a call, which he did.

Gareth Southgate, in fact, revealed he continues to believe in the ‘wantaway’ Arsenal goalkeeper. He considers the 25-year-old one of the best three England goalkeepers. He is disappointed by the fact that the Gunner has not gotten much playing time, but they still value him. That’s why they give him a chance on the national team.

Strangely, while many believe Ramsdale is leaving Arsenal, Southgate hints he may not need to. He confesses that he believes the ex-Sheffield custodian still has a future as a Gunner; he only needs to keep pushing, and he could return to be their first choice.
Southgate explained: “We have chosen the three goalkeepers who we think are the best.

“It is not ideal that Aaron does not play. But he showed last week that he has the mental toughness to play for England when he responded to the mistake that he made.

Chris Sutton is confident that Arsenal can overcome Bayern Munich and advance to the Champions League semi-finals when they meet in the quarterfinals.

Arsenal secured their spot in the last eight by defeating FC Porto via penalties, showcasing their determination and resilience.

In previous seasons, Bayern Munich would have been considered the clear favourites in such a matchup, given their consistent success in European competition.

However, this year, Arsenal presents a different challenge. The Gunners currently sit atop the Premier League standings and have displayed formidable form throughout 2024.

Conversely, Bayern Munich is facing challenges in their domestic league, losing their grip on the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen.

Benjamin Sesko has caught the attention of Arsenal, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the Gunners pursued him for their squad.

The young striker has been performing well at RB Leipzig since his move from their sister club RB Salzburg.

During his time at Salzburg, Sesko attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe. However, he opted to continue his development by moving to Leipzig.

Leipzig recognises Sesko’s potential as a top talent and understands that they may be unable to retain him for an extended period.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has shed light on Arsenal’s intentions to bolster their striker options, highlighting Sesko as a potential target alongside Viktor Gyokeres.

Harry Kane will return to London to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals this season after the Gunners were drawn against his Bayern Munich team.

The striker moved to Germany in the summer and has continued his fine run of form in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

He always enjoyed facing Arsenal as a player of Tottenham, and when the Gunners thought they would no longer need to worry about him in the Premier League, he is now set to face them in Europe.

Everyone knows Kane is a dangerous striker, and Martin Keown has warned the Arsenal’s defence about facing the Euro 2020 finalist.

He said, as quoted by Metro Sport:

Joshua Zirkzee has emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, impressing with his performances at Bologna.

The Dutch striker is enjoying a stellar season, showcasing his talent and making a significant impact in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Bologna, traditionally fighting for survival in Serie A, find themselves in contention for a European place this season, largely due to Zirkzee’s brilliance along with the contributions of his teammates.

With his standout performances, Zirkzee has attracted interest from clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, who are closely monitoring his progress. Valued at around 80 million euros, Zirkzee’s price tag is within the reach of Premier League clubs.

Despite Arsenal’s interest, reports from FC Inter News suggest that their pursuit of Zirkzee may not be as serious as portrayed in the media. As a result, it’s likely that Zirkzee will remain in Italy.

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the future of Arsenal’s Champions League hero, David Raya, affirming that the Gunners are keen on retaining him.

Raya has been on loan at the Emirates since the beginning of the season, and his performances have left a positive impression on Arsenal.

Quickly establishing himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper over the highly-rated Aaron Ramsdale, Raya initially faced criticism. However, he has silenced doubters with consistent and impressive displays.

Raya’s standout moment came in Arsenal’s Champions League round of 16 match against FC Porto, where he emerged as the club’s hero.

Given his contributions and form, Arsenal is eager to secure Raya’s services beyond his loan spell.

Former Liverpool legend turned pundit Graeme Souness believes that Arsenal squandered the opportunity to win the Premier League title last season, but he commends them for overcoming that setback and using it as motivation for improvement.

Souness highlights that at this stage of the previous campaign, Arsenal began dropping points against teams they were expected to defeat, allowing Manchester City to mount a successful title challenge.

The collapse came as a surprise to many, given Arsenal’s strong start to the season and consistent form throughout much of the campaign. Souness attributes this setback to a lack of experience on Arsenal’s part.

However, in the current season, Arsenal has shown significant improvement compared to the same stage of the previous campaign. Souness is impressed by their progress and how they have addressed the issues that plagued them last season.

He writes in the Daily Mail:

Arsenal is reportedly eyeing a move for Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz and may launch a bid for him in the upcoming summer transfer window.

As Arsenal aims to maintain their upward trajectory in the Premier League, bolstering their squad with new signings becomes crucial for sustained success.

According to a report from Football 365, Diaz has emerged as one of the talents on Arsenal’s radar. The Spanish attacker, who previously featured for Manchester City and enjoyed a successful loan spell at AC Milan, is now part of Real Madrid’s squad.

While Real values Diaz highly, they could be open to offloading him if a suitable offer is presented. The report suggests that Diaz’s market value is around 60 million euros, a figure that Arsenal should be capable of meeting once the current season concludes.

Just Arsenal Opinion

Ivan Toney has spoken about what an ideal summer will be for him as Arsenal and several clubs show an interest in the attacker.

Toney has been one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League for much of his time as a Brentford player in the English top flight.

He missed most of this term due to a ban but is still expected to leave Brentford in the summer, as the Bees have already signed a replacement for him.

Toney could remain in London, where Arsenal and Chelsea are battling to add him to their group.

However, the striker was asked what an ideal summer would be for him, and he revealed, as quoted by Goal.com:

Kylian Mbappe has addressed a request for him to join Arsenal as he prepares to announce his next club.

The striker has been linked with moves to several top clubs across Europe, as he has yet to finalise his decision on his next destination.

It’s been communicated to PSG that he will not be extending his stay, sparking interest from elite European clubs vying for the signature of the 2018 World Cup winner.

Real Madrid has long been considered a likely destination for Mbappe, with the club having tracked him since the early stages of his career.

While Arsenal would undoubtedly benefit from his addition, it appears unlikely that Mbappe will consider a move to the Emirates at the end of this season.

Cesc Fabregas is confident that Arsenal will be too strong for Sheffield United in the upcoming Premier League match on Monday. Mikel Arteta’s side has displayed impressive form in 2024, maintaining an unbeaten streak in league games since the start of the year.

The Gunners’ outstanding run positions them well ahead of the game against Sheffield United, and the Blades are expected to face challenges in containing Arsenal’s performance. With Liverpool continuing their formidable run, Arsenal finds itself in a situation where maintaining a winning streak is crucial.

While Arsenal faces several tougher matches before the end of the season, securing maximum points in the upcoming match against Sheffield is imperative for Arteta’s side.

Fabregas said, as quoted by the BBC:

“I see Arsenal at the moment as too strong. I see them confident.

Kai Havertz is a player who significantly divides opinion as he endeavours to establish himself at Arsenal. His unexpected and somewhat unpopular signing in the last summer transfer window raised eyebrows among Arsenal fans, as the move for a player who hadn’t enjoyed a particularly spectacular spell at Chelsea was not anticipated.

Despite the initial scepticism, Mikel Arteta was confident in his choice, believing that Havertz would prove to be a valuable asset for the team. The German player faced challenges in the early stages of his Arsenal tenure, with fans often questioning his impact in each game.

However, in recent weeks, the former Bayer Leverkusen youngster has shown remarkable improvement and has become one of the key players at the Emirates. He has contributed significantly, scoring important goals that have played a crucial role in winning over the fans.

Havertz’s outstanding performances seem to be garnering attention not just from supporters but also from his fellow professionals.

While speaking to Goal.com on TikTok, Manchester United star Diogo Dalot was asked the player he thought had the best football IQ and his answer was simply: “Havertz.”

In red-hot form, Viktor Gyökeres is becoming increasingly hard for Arsenal to overlook, potentially emerging as their next goal-scoring machine. The striker has been in exceptional form this season, registering an impressive 31 goals for Sporting Club across all competitions. Despite joining Sporting Club from Coventry only in the summer, he has quickly become their leading scorer.

Initially considered an alternative option if Arsenal fails to secure Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney, Gyokeres’ outstanding performances have elevated him to a crucial target on Arsenal’s shortlist. Mikel Arteta’s team is now viewed as a serious contender for his signature. However, reports from Team Talk suggest that securing Gyokeres might pose a challenge for Arsenal, as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is also interested in acquiring him.

With PSG in need of a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is set to depart at the end of the season, they are actively seeking a quality addition to their squad. The French club has expressed interest in both Gyokeres and Osimhen, setting the stage for a potential duel with Arsenal to strengthen their respective teams.

Just Arsenal Opinion

Gyokeres has been fantastic, and most Arsenal fans would be delighted to see him in our colours next season. 

Mikel Arteta has selected his dream five-a-side team from his former teammates, including a controversial name.

Arteta, now establishing a successful managerial career, enjoyed a distinguished playing career with stints at Barcelona, PSG, Rangers, Everton, and Arsenal before retiring.

Choosing a five-man team from his former teammates is undoubtedly challenging, but Arteta has included some intriguing names.

‘Ronaldinho has to be there,’ said Arteta, as quoted by Metro Sport. 

‘I never saw anything like it, he was 19 or 20 years old at that time and I never seen anybody do the the kind of things he could do with the ball at that pace.

Arsenal recently released its financial report for the 2022/2023 season, and it was positive.

Despite not participating in the Champions League last term, the Gunners’ financial outlook remained favourable.

This is encouraging news because they have the potential to generate more revenue by reaching the knockout stage of the Champions League this term.

They stand a chance to increase their earnings further if they defeat FC Porto and progress to the quarterfinals of the competition.

Financial analyst Kieran Maguire has shared insights into what Arsenal can anticipate in terms of their finances at the end of this season.

Arsenal was recently linked with a surprising move for Mykhailo Mudryk, with reports suggesting the Gunners maintained interest in the Ukrainian player. Initially considered favourites to sign him from his former club, Chelsea ultimately secured his services.

However, since joining Chelsea, Mudryk has struggled in West London, leading to speculation that he might be better off playing for Arsenal. Reports even suggested that Arsenal could pursue him if given a second chance to add him to their squad, potentially rescuing him from his challenging time at Chelsea.

Contrary to these rumours, journalist Dean Jones has responded by stating that Arsenal no longer has any interest in Mudryk. Additionally, he mentioned that the Ukrainian player is focused on contributing to his current club and helping them overcome their challenges.

He tweeted:

“Arsenal have been linked with a new move for Mudryk in the summer – but there is no plan for that.

Ben White concurs with Mikel Arteta’s assessment that Arsenal needs to enhance their game to succeed in the Champions League.

In their recent UCL match against FC Porto, the Gunners suffered a defeat, with Porto appearing more experienced and adept at the tactical aspects of the game.

The Portuguese side demonstrated a mastery of the “dark arts” and showcased a greater streetwise approach compared to Arteta’s team.

This Champions League campaign marks Arsenal’s return to the competition for the first time since 2017, and they haven’t reached the quarterfinals in a decade.

Porto, being a frequent qualifier for the competition and often advancing to the latter stages, displayed a tactical prowess that got under Arsenal’s skin, leading to their defeat.

Mikel Arteta is still in his first stint as a senior manager, with Arsenal entrusting him to lead their team while he was serving as an assistant coach at Manchester City.

While Arteta was performing admirably as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, Manchester City attempted to retain him at the end of 2019. Despite their efforts, the Spanish coach decided to depart.

Taking a chance, Arteta accepted the job at Arsenal, marking a significant risk for the club as they appointed a relatively inexperienced manager.

The former midfielder has demonstrated his coaching prowess, and he recently reflected on his early days at the club, which were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arteta disclosed an unlikely source of inspiration for him during the challenging period of the pandemic.

Former Chelsea and France star, Frank Leboeuf, has bestowed the title of “world-class player” upon William Saliba. The defender has been in outstanding form since making his debut for the Gunners after spending several seasons out on loan.

Initially, when Mikel Arteta assumed the role of Arsenal’s manager, he did not seem overly impressed with the Frenchman, leading to Saliba being sent out on loan at least twice. However, this decision has proven to be remarkable, as Saliba returned to London as a vastly improved player.

Having represented France at the World Cup and played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s return to the Champions League, Saliba has established himself as one of the key contributors to the team’s success. His consistent performances have earned him a spot as one of the first names on the team sheet at the Emirates, solidifying his status as a major asset for Arsenal.

Leboeuf said, as quoted by Express Sports:

“I think William Saliba is already one of the world’s best centre-backs, if not the best. When he got injured last season Arsenal lost the title, not much more needs to be said about him than that. He has made some mistakes this season, but who doesn’t?