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While they have yet to win anything, Arsenal now have arguably the best squad in the Premier League.

Whether it’s the outrageously stacked defence, the midfield or up top, Mikel Arteta has an abundance of talent to pick from every week, and his second-string side would probably give some teams a good game.

Yet, even with the embarrassment of riches at his disposal, most fans and pundits alike would agree that his best and most important player remains Bukayo Saka.

Yet, even so, the manager should be looking to take the Englishman out of the lineup for the Champions League game against Olympiacos.

Why Saka should be dropped

Now, there is, of course, a compelling argument that Arsenal should field their best players in a European game like this.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, even though that’s a totally valid point of view, and one that most might hold, there are a few reasons why Saka should be dropped.

First and foremost, Arteta needs to protect the Hale End superstar from being overplayed and picking up any more injuries.

After all, he missed almost four months of action due to hamstring surgery last season, and then missed a few weeks earlier this year due to an injury to his other hamstring.

Moreover, since returning from his recent setback, the 24-year-old “legend in the making,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has already made three appearances, including two starts in the last two games.

In other words, he’s already had the chance to regain a significant amount of match sharpness and therefore doesn’t need to start a third game in seven days.

Second, if the North Londoners were playing a title rival or one of the real big boys in Europe, then there would be an argument to risk another start given his importance to the team.

However, without being disrespectful, Olympiacos are one of the easier opponents the Gunners will face this season, with UEFA ranking them 37th in their coefficients, behind the likes of Bodo/Glimt, PSV Eindhoven and Club Brugge.

Finally, there is also no need to play Saka, as Arteta already has the perfect option to start in his stead, and no, it’s not Max Dowman.

The Arsenal star who should start ahead of Saka

There will be plenty of fans who want to see Dowman come in from the start against Olympiacos, and while there is undoubtedly an argument to throw him in the deep end, it might be a little too much too soon.

Especially when Arteta already has the perfect option to start in Saka and the 15-year-old’s place: Ethan Nwaneri.

Speaking about him during the early stages of Nwaneri’s development, Mikel Arteta noted that the teenager is “a little bit like Jack Wilshere,” and that may suggest why he’s been getting more game time in the middle of the park recently.

That looks likely to be his long-term position, but it would make perfect sense to start the Hale Ender off the right against the Greek outfit.

The most significant argument for doing so is that the 18-year-old dynamo already has a decent amount of experience playing out there and put up some good numbers when doing so last season.

For example, in 37 appearances, totalling just 1378 minutes, the dynamic gem scored nine goals and provided two assists, which comes out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or every 125.27 minutes.

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

In other words, the manager can rest assured that starting the “phenomenal” talent, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, would not be detrimental to the side’s attacking output.

Another reason the Spaniard should be playing academy product is that, now that he has been tied down to a long-term contract, he needs to be given ample opportunities to play first-team football and continue his impressive development.

So, while a start against Newcastle United, for example, might be too risky, the same cannot really be said about a European fixture in which the Gunners are big favourites.

Ultimately, Saka needs to be rested and protected to ensure he does not suffer another injury, and though Dowman should feature against Olympiacos, it should be Nwaneri who starts the game off the right.

Jamie Carragher admits he was wrong about Arsenal star who's "becoming a real leader"

The former Liverpool defender has made a U-turn.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 1, 2025

Nottinghamshire 241 for 5 (McCann 79, Haynes 70*) vs Hampshire Nottinghamshire batters Jack Haynes and Freddie McCann continued to score runs against Hampshire in the 2025 Rothesay County Championship on an even first day at Utilita Bowl.Haynes and McCann both collected centuries in the reverse fixture at Trent Bridge in May, before each picking up half-centuries on the south coast.Haynes ended the day unbeaten on 70, after McCann was dismissed for 79 – one of two scalps for Kyle Abbott, with Eddie Jack also picking up a couple of wickets.Nottinghamshire ended the day on 241 for five, with neither side able to complain too much about their position in the match.Haseeb Hameed called incorrectly at the toss and was inserted on a very green looking pitch, with plenty of threatening clouds overhead.The Nottinghamshire captain was the only victim in a truncated nine overs before rain came down – which lumped 30 overs off the day. The highly-talented Jack got Hameed chasing a wide delivery which seamed even further away to edge behind.Hampshire’s slip fielding which had blighted them at Trent Bridge returned for another two dollies put down in the cordon.Tilak Varma unsuccessfully juggled to spill Ben Slater, while Joe Weatherley gave McCann a life from first slip.While Slater didn’t make the most of the drop – he scored just two more runs before he was bowled by a Abbott beauty that kissed the top of off – McCann did.The 20-year-old’s season has been plagued by unfulfilled starts save for his 79 against Durham and the 138 against Hampshire.He weathered the early Kookaburra ball movement, which Kyle Abbott had on a string, and was backed up by Jack and Sonny Baker.McCann rebuilt from 31 for two with Joe Clarke and Haynes – putting on 74 and 43 – in a non-flashy, but effective manner.He dominated square of the wicket in a 65-ball half-century, his sixth in first-class cricket.Clarke and Haynes were happier to take risks with their shot-making in the partnerships as runs became easier as the day progressed and the ball softened.Hampshire bypassed that with a plan, which worked to see off Clarke and McCann.It revolved around slightly shorter pitch bowling and a fly gully – aiming to capitalise on the amount of balls being hit square on the offside.Clarke couldn’t keep down a cut shot to pick up the odd field placing, while McCann stuck his bat up like a periscope to unusually guide to the man.Kyle Verreynne returned for the first time since becoming a world champion, having helped South Africa to the ICC World Test Championship.He was punchy in his quick-fire 42 before Jack drew a false pull, which was wonderfully caught by the sprawling James Fuller at deep square. Jack picked up a deserved second to end his first home Championship day two for 57.Haynes passed his fifty in a blink and you’d miss it 54 balls before slowing towards the close, with Lyndon James now for company.Bad light prematurely knocked off another 23 balls from the day’s play.

Reactions to Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement from ODI cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2012″There was a doubt about whether he would play ODI cricket or not. But I am not surprised by his decision. He has done what he thought was right. I don’t think there was any pressure of selectors on him. It is his own decision. No one can drop him.”
“I have very fond memories of the century he made against Australia in Sharjah when I was at the non-striker’s end. He redefined the art of opening the innings in one-day cricket, and what was amazing was the consistency with which he continued to score over a period of 23 years and more than 460 matches.”
“Emotional moment to not see the person who inspired me to play for india not play one dayers anymore.hats off paaji.we all love you.respect”
“If you look at the statistics, his greatness becomes even more evident in the sheer volume of runs he has scored and the huge gap between him and the next batsman. To bat consistently at the top-order and the aggressive manner in which he did that is a staggering achievement.”
“He changed the way batting was approached in ODIs especially after he started opening. And he was good as a bowler, if a left-hander came in, he will bowl off-breaks, if a right-hander came in, he will bowl leg-spin, if there is dew then he will bowl seam-up and that’s Sachin for you.”
“He has figured greatly with runs in the longer version of cricket. I think he has played a little bit more in the longer version but when he feels that he is good enough to play in the Test side, I know, he feels he is good enough to play in the longer version in order to achieve the milestone of 200 Tests.”
“I am disappointed and unhappy that we did not get an opportunity to celebrate Sachin’s farewell ODI. He should have given time to the country to pay a tribute because legends such as him are born once in a century.”
“Against New Zealand in 1994 the team was looking for someone, and Tendulkar, still so young, offered to take up so much responsibility. The rest is history. The New Zealand attack was blown away by a rampant Tendulkar. His 49-ball 82 in Auckland remains one of the pivotal efforts of his ODI career.”
“I am lucky to have played cricket in Sachin Tendulkar’s era. We will never get a legend like him.”
“You can never beat the moment at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, that night when millions of fans cheered on as he took a victory lap sitting on the shoulders of his teammates with the World Cup in his hand.”
“Conclusion of a sterling ODI career from a wonderful batsman. Congrats Sachin Tendulkar.”
“Masters.423 matches, 23 yrs, 18426 runs !!!! These numbers no body else will be able to come close to.salute salute salute to Sachin.”
“He is the best man to decide when to retire from other formats because he knows his body well. All this time people were asking when is he retiring? Now that he has announced his retirement from ODIs, people are asking why has he retired? I don’t understand the Indian people.”
“He was the one who infused aggression into the game and you can say that he was a game-changer. It was a privilege to share the dressing room with him. The good thing is that he will still play Tests.”
“Emotional time ! Letting sachin go from one dayers ! 18 thousand plus runs ur jaw drops when u c those records ,master u will always live.”
“The reason for playing cricket. The reason for watching cricket. Sachin Tendulkar….. No words.. Love you Paji”
“Statistics NEVER lie! They tell a very true story.. Well done Sachin! What an incredible ODI career.. #thebest”
”When you’ve played 23 years of international cricket, a time comes when ODIs don’t excite you anymore as you have achieved everything that you possibly could have. Sachin has also won the World Cup, therefore his decision is understandable.”
“If cricket was a religion then Sachin would have been the God. I’d have loved to play against him. I played in the 2010 Asia Cup but he wasn’t there. I wish he was there in this series. I wish him all the best for the rest of his life.”
“Sachin is a cricketing God. Unbelievable what he’s done for Indian cricket.”
“Waqar Younis was on a hat-trick having dismissed Sehwag and Ganguly at Centurion in 2003. As I walked in, he said to me ‘be calm and stay focussed.’ There was a lot of chatting from the Pakistanis but I survived the hat-trick ball.”
“Greatest batsman of all time & my good friend Sachin Tendulkar retires from One day cricket. Thank you for making India so proud.”
“I think he has obliged Indian cricket by retiring. The god has ultimately decided. Everybody is talking that he should retire. I suppose if I am playing cricket whether I am playing good or bad, the call has to be taken by the selectors.”
“Actually I am surprised. If he is continuing with international cricket (Tests) then he should have continued with ODI also. We play almost 25 ODIs in a season. It is very important to keep playing international cricket.”

da bet nacional： After exiting the Champions League in shock fashion at the hands of Kairat, one Celtic player is now reportedly in advanced talks to leave the club in a last-ditch move.

Rodgers: Celtic manufactured "own stress"

da esport bet： Not only did Celtic qualify for the league phase of the Champions League last season, but they managed to find a route out of it into the last 16 for just the first time since 2013.

The Bhoys showed their best progress in over a decade and only exited at that stage thanks to Alphonso Davies’ late winner to send Bayern Munich through. Yet, one season later, Brendan Rodgers’ side won’t even be in the league phase and have been knocked out by a Kairat side who had never advanced beyond this stage in their entire history before the Scottish Premiership champions came to town.

Related Worse than Idah: Rodgers must drop Celtic star who lost the ball 20 times

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers must drop this flop who was even worse than Adam Idah against Kairat.

Posts 3 ByDan Emery Aug 27, 2025

It was the ultimate evening to forget for Celtic, who could not find a breakthrough across two legs – drawing 0-0 twice – before heading out on penalties in the most frustrating fashion possible. The makers of their own downfall, according to Rodgers, the Bhoys must now settle for a Europa League place.

It could be argued that not one Celtic player had a particularly good game across the two legs, but one substitute particularly had an evening to forget in midweek and is now heading for the exit door.

Idah now in advanced talks to leave Celtic

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Adam Idah is now in advanced talks to leave Celtic just days after coming from the bench and enduring quite the horror show in the Champions League. The forward, who only arrived in a deal worth £9.5m last summer, now looks set to join Championship side Swansea City in a return to English football.

Playing 50 minutes in the second leg against Kairat, Idah failed to register a single shot as Celtic pushed for a goal and completed just one pass in the final third before missing his penalty in the shootout. Nothing went right for the former Norwich City man in a performance that sums up what has been a slow start to his season, having so far failed to score once across four games.

With a matter of days remaining until the transfer window slams shut, Celtic have seemingly shown the 24-year-old the door in ruthless fashion with his Champions League display likely to be his last for the Scottish champions.

Leeds United are “in the race” to sign a brand new striker who has loved playing at Elland Road in the past, according to a new update.

Leeds want new striker despite positive Piroe pre-season form

The Whites are on the search to sign another striker this summer after bringing in Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg. Daniel Farke has made Patrick Bamford surplus to requirements, whereas Mateo Joseph is looking to force a move away from Yorkshire before the deadline.

One positive in pre-season though has been the form of Joel Piroe, who could be set to lead the line for Leeds against Everton on the opening weekend.

The Dutchman, who won the Championship Golden Boot award last season, has found the back of the net on four occasions in pre-season, including against Villarreal on Saturday. Talking about the impact Piroe could have in the Premier League, Farke said:

“It’s up to him to prove that he’s capable to have a big impact on this level. He has not played so far on this level. It would be a lie if I could give you some guarantees, it’s always up to the player. So he came back – this was important – in a good fitness shape, really good endurance and he has worked hard during the summer break.

“He’s had a really good pre-season so far and has already proved in the games against Man United and Villarreal, two opponents on a top level, that he is competitive.

“He has to show this in this league. Friendlies are friendlies, he has to show this when the real competitive games start. But he has all the chances, all the backing from us, and we hope of course that he has a similar impact to last season. I could do with 20 goals. Not that I will predict this but the sky’s the limit for every one of my players.”

The new Rutter: Leeds submit bid to sign "fascinating" £22.5m star

Leeds United have reportedly submitted a bid to sign a star who could be their new Georginio Rutter.

ByDan Emery Aug 4, 2025

It has been no secret that Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz has been Leeds’ top striker target this summer, however, the Whites are yet to agree a deal with those at Craven Cottage.

Now, they are looking at a former Fulham star as a potential alternative.

Leeds “in the race” to sign £26m Aleksandar Mitrovic

According to reporter Sebastien Vidal, Leeds are well and truly “in the race” to sign £26m Aleksandar Mitrovic from Al-Hilal before the deadline.

The Saudi Pro League side are looking to receive £26m for the powerful striker, who picks up a whopping £22m a season with his current employers.

Leeds fans will know all about Mitrovic during his time in England, finding the back of the net regularly in the Championship and Premier League. In fact, the Serbian has scored five goals against Leeds in his career, three of which have come at Elland Road in the top flight.

Games

129

Goals

38

Assists

11

As can be seen, Mitrovic is an experienced striker in the Premier League, however, the finances involved for the 30-year-old could prove extremely tricky.

Karim Benzema and coach Laurent Blanc admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr were just too "strong" for Al-Ittihad. Saudi football’s early-season blockbuster lived up to the hype, but it ended in utter domination from the Riyadh giants as Ronaldo and Sadio Mane got on the scoresheet to beat the reigning champions in their own backyard.

Al-Nassr consolidate at the top

Ronaldo reached his fourth league goal of the season, while Mane opened the scoring and provided the assist for the Portuguese legend. With this victory, Al-Nassr remain unbeaten and sit top of the table with a perfect 12 points from four matches. After the final whistle, the message was clear: at the moment, no one in Saudi Arabia can match their firepower.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBlanc & Benzema admit Al-Nassr were better

Al-Ittihad’s camp was blunt in their post-match analysis as Blanc and Benzema conceded that Al-Nassr were simply on another level.

Blanc didn’t sugarcoat it: “Al-Nassr is much stronger than Al-Ittihad. This is the truth you don’t want to hear.”

Benzema echoed his manager’s sentiment, adding, “We faced a stronger team than Al-Ittihad. That’s the truth.”

Al-Ittihad look to regroup after Saudi Pro League loss

With Ronaldo in top form and Mane driving the attack, the Riyadh outfit look unstoppable. Blanc and Benzema will hope to regroup quickly to prevent the early-season momentum of their rivals from spiralling out of control. However, they have a tough task ahead. The loss exposed weaknesses that will need addressing before their upcoming AFC Champions League Elite clash against UAE side Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.

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Getty Images SportAFC Champions League up next for Ronaldo & Co

For Al-Nassr, the victory isn’t just about domestic dominance; it’s also a springboard for their continental ambitions. The squad now turns their focus to the AFC Champions League Two, where they will face Iraqi giants Al Zawraa in a key early test of their continental credentials.

Celtic will once again have to worry about whether or not they will be able to keep hold of their top performers during the summer transfer window.

The Scottish giants have cashed in on many of their key players over the years; including the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Victor Wanyama, Odsonne Edouard, Moussa Dembele, and Kieran Tierney, among others.

Last year, Brendan Rodgers lost electric forward Jota to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad and central defender Carl Starfelt to Spanish side Celta Vigo.

The Northern Irish head coach is now at risk of seeing another Hoops sensation move on from Parkhead with speculation over the future of his star midfielder.

Celtic place new price tag on midfield magician

According to Spanish outlet AS, Celtic value Danish wizard Matt O'Riley at an eye-catching fee of €40m (£33.7m) amid interest from Atletico Madrid.

The report claims that Diego Simeone is looking to bolster his midfield options and the former MK Dons ace has emerged as an option for the LaLiga giants.

It states that Atletico would be prepared to offer €20m (£16.9m) to sign the left-footed talent, which is only half of what the Scottish side are asking for.

AS also relays a report from Danish publication Tipsbladet during the previous transfer window that claimed the Bhoys wanted €29m (£24.5m) for the exciting gem at the time.

This shows that Celtic's valuation of O'Riley has rocketed up by £9.2m over the last few months, which could make it difficult for Atletico to get a deal done – particularly if they are only willing to go as high as £16.9m.

It, therefore, remains to be seen whether or not any team will be prepared to splash out £33.7m to land the English-born playmaker this summer.

Celtic could hit the jackpot with Matt O'Riley

If the 23-year-old maestro is sold for a fee in that region then it would represent the Scottish giants hitting the jackpot on the former League One talent.

Celtic swooped to sign the attacking midfielder from MK Dons, called "immense" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, in January 2022 for a reported fee of £1.5m, which is significantly lower than the kind of price he could go for this summer.

Selling the Denmark international, who was not selected for a place in his country's Euros squad, for £33.7m would be a staggering profit of 2,146% on that initial £1.5m outlay, illustrating how much of a blinder the club played by bringing him to Parkhead in the first place.

Sofascore rating

7.91

1st

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Big chances created

14

1st

Key passes per game

2.5

1st

As you can see in the table above, O'Riley was exceptional in the Scottish Premiership for the Bhoys during the 2023/24 campaign with his ability to make a big impact in the final third.

Kelleher signs, £8m star bought: What Rodgers' dream Celtic XI could be

A look at what the Hoops team could be next season if they have a successful summer transfer window.

ByDan Emery Jun 15, 2024

He showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals as the Atletico target led the way for the club in a host of key attacking metrics, which has led to the Hoops placing a new, stunning, valuation on his head.

Nottingham Forest are "confident" of avoiding further FFP issues this summer even without selling their very best players, thanks to a £25m injection of cash through an imminent transfer, it has been reported.

Forest walking financial tightrope

Having spent liberally since promotion to the Premier League was achieved back in 2022, Forest felt the full force of the Premier League's financial fair play rules this season.

Nuno Espírito Santo's side were docked four points for breaching the regulations, after "an independent commission found Forest's losses to 2022-23 breached the threshold of £61m by £34.5m". Though Forest contested the decision, their appeal was dismissed.

Nottingham Forest eyeing Nuno upgrade who'd take Wood to the next level

The current Forest boss may still depart the City Ground despite maintaining the club’s Premier League status.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 9, 2024

It left them fighting for their Premier League lives, and they only clinched survival on the final day of the season ahead of Luton Town and Burnley. But this summer threatened to be equally difficult, with early reports suggesting that more sacrifices would have to be made to keep them afloat and the Premier League lawmakers from the door of the City Ground.

There were fears that the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White or Murillo, both of whom starred for the Reds last season, may be forced to leave as a result of financial fair play issues. Now though, they and their fans have been handed a boost in that regard.

Forest confident of compliance

That is because reliable Forest correspondent John Percy has revealed that Forest will not have to sell either of their star men for financial fair play reasons.

Though the Midlands club still need to raise around £20m, the "amount required is understood to be lower than first estimated" in order to be compliant, and the club "are aiming to meet the £20 million figure before June 30 with the sales of fringe players".

The sale of midfielder Orel Mangala will help and provide a much needed cash injection, with his £25m departure to Lyon set to become the club's second-highest sale ever after a successful loan spell with the French side.

Nottingham Forest record sales

Player

Fee

Year left

Brennan Johnson

£45m

2023

Orel Mangala

£25m

2024*

Britt Assombalonga

£15m

2017

Matty Cash

£13m

2021

Oliver Burke

£13m

2017

Meanwhile, it is added that "former captain Joe Worrall, goalkeepers Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lewis O’Brien, Emmanuel Dennis and Josh Bowler are available and could bring in further profit", with Ipswich Town rumoured to be eyeing a move for O'Brien.

Despite this, it is claimed that "one sale may be required this summer to guarantee financial stability over future seasons" when it comes to their key men, even if it makes little difference to this summer.

Meanwhile, "significant offers for their players would have to be assessed", it is added, despite the club not necessarily needing to sell for immediate safety, but rather to allow them to keep spending this summer and beyond.

Rangers have been dealt a big blow with the news that a key player will miss the Scottish Cup final clash with Celtic, according to an injury expert.

Rangers gearing up for final showdown

The Gers' Scottish Premiership title hopes received a hammer blow over the weekend, with Saturday's 2-1 defeat away to Celtic leaving them six points adrift of their rivals and needing a genuine miracle to scoop the top prize from here.

A nightmare afternoon for John Lundstram saw him score an own goal and also receive a red card, with their chances of title glory now looking extremely slim thanks to a moment of madness from the soon to be free agent.

All hope is not lost for Philippe Clement and his players this season, however, and if they do just fall short in the league, there is still another trophy on offer to add to their Scottish League Cup from earlier in the campaign.

On May 25th, Rangers take on the Hoops at Hampden Park on another massive occasion, in what could end up being a revenge mission for them. In order for them to have the possible chance of glory, however, they need as many key players available as possible, and one important individual now definitely won't be taking part.

Rangers handed injury blow before cup final

Speaking to Ibrox News, injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar said that Danilo will miss Rangers' cup final showdown with Celtic, after hopes had risen following images of him returning to the training pitches. Brar insists that given he is still away from the full team sessions in the images, a return this season is virtually impossible.

"Considering how long he’s been out and the fact he just got back to the field and is only doing straight line running, there could still be a bit of time before he’s back in first team training.

"I would expect him to be back at the start of pre-season and he may do some individual work ahead of time in order to get back his mobility. He does seem a month away from training with the same intensity as the rest of the team."

While not necessarily the biggest shock, having confirmation that Danilo will play no part against Celtic certainly has an adverse effect on their chances of beating their biggest adversaries.

Sadly, injuries have robbed the 25-year-old of making a genuine impact this season, but he has still scored four goals in five Scottish Premiership starts – 12 appearances in the competition in total – showing that he has been fairly prolific when available. Clement is a big admirer, too, saying of him earlier in the campaign: "He has killer capacities in the box, he’s a goalscorer.

"I want to make him a striker who works hard not only thinking about scoring goals because that’s a part we need, he has the individual actions to make a difference."

James Tavernier

20

Cyriel Dessers

17

Abdallah Sima

15

Danilo

6

Todd Cantwell

6

Rabbi Matondo

5

The aim for Danilo, who is one of the club's highest earners, will be to get back to full fitness during the summer, before returning to the Rangers side next season and enjoying an injury-free campaign. Eleven goal contributions (six goals and five assists) in 21 appearances has been a promising start, but there is hopefully so much more to come.

Arsenal have now made a "formal" bid to sign a £52 million player, and he's even been called "perfect" for manager Mikel Arteta.

Edu planning Arsenal signing spree

Sporting director Edu is planning to make four key signings for the north Londoners this summer, and they're spread across a variety of areas in the squad.

Arsenal hold internal talks over signing trophy-laden £199,000-a-week ace

The Gunners are looking to shore up a key department.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2024

From the defence to attack, it is believed that Edu wants to bring in a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward at Arsenal (Simon Collings), as they continue to build after what has been an impressive campaign – regardless of whether they win the Premier League or not.

There is a very serious case to be made that this current Man City team under Pep Guardiola are potentially the best footballing side England has ever seen, so even pushing them this far is an achievement in itself.

Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea

Sheffield United 0-6 Arsenal

Burnley 0-5 Arsenal

West Ham 0-6 Arsenal

Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace

Provided they beat Everton on the final day, Arsenal could finish the season on 89 points, which would've been enough to lift the title in 20 out of the last 31 seasons since the Premier League's inception (GiveMeSport).

The Gunners could be just one or two star additions away from near-invincibility, as some of their performances across 2023/2024 would highly suggest. Trimming and upgrading the squad is necessary, with this looming summer window set to be a crucial one at the Emirates Stadium.

Their midfield could look very different by next season. Arsenal are open to offers for Thomas Partey as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, while Mohamed Elneny appears set to leave north London as a free agent.

Arsenal have been linked with a host of potential replacements for the former, and one who's been regularly mentioned is Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal now table formal bid to sign Martin Zubimendi

The Spaniard's contract includes a £52 million release clause, but it is believed Arsenal have attempted a low-ball proposal prior to the summer window's opening.

Indeed, according to Tutto Juve this week, Arsenal have tabled a "formal" £43 million offer for Zubimendi as they look to test Sociedad's resolve. This could apparently trigger an early bidding war between interested sides, but unfortunately for Juventus, they've already been priced out.

The 25-year-old has been in exceptional form for Sociedad, making 31 La Liga appearances as a mainstay under head coach Imanol Alguacil, and reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano believes he is the "perfect" midfielder for Arsenal.

“My personal feeling is that Zubimendi would be fantastic, even if [Amadou] Onana and Douglas [Luiz] have the advantage of both already knowing the Premier League," said Romano in an interview with CaughtOffside three months ago.

"Zubimendi is [a] fantastic player, he can help with his vision, quality and intelligence on the ball – he’s the perfect midfielder."