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.”

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.