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EDU: ARTETA’S NEW DEAL BRINGS STABILITY TO ARSENAL

Arsenal sporting director Edu believes Mikel Arteta’s new contract will bring much-needed stability as the club looks to achieve new heights. Arteta signed a contract extension on Thursday, committing his future to the Gunners until 2027. His previous deal was set to expire at the end of the current season, but both sides were confident of reaching an agreement.

Since taking charge of Arsenal in 2019, Arteta has had a transformative impact on the club, winning the FA Cup in his first season and leading the team to consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League over the past two campaigns. Arsenal now has its sights set on winning the league title for the first time since 2004, and Arteta is seen as the man to lead them to that goal.

Arsenal News

JORGINHO BACKS STERLING TO SHINE AT ARSENAL

Jorginho has expressed confidence that Raheem Sterling will quickly adapt and make an impact at Arsenal, ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham. Sterling joined the Gunners on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day and could make his debut this weekend with Arsenal facing a shortage of midfield options. Declan Rice is suspended, and both Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are out injured, opening the door for Sterling to feature as a No. 10 or winger.

Jorginho, who played with Sterling at Chelsea, believes the 29-year-old is well-equipped to thrive under Mikel Arteta. Sterling also has familiarity with several Arsenal players, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, which should ease his transition.

Transfer News

VIEIRA OPENS UP ON ARSENAL STRUGGLES

Fabio Vieira has spoken candidly about the challenges he faced during his time at Arsenal after completing a season-long loan move back to Porto. The Portuguese midfielder joined Arsenal in 2022 for £34 million with high expectations, but injuries and limited opportunities left him struggling to make an impact in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Vieira made just 16 appearances for Arsenal last season, and in an interview with *O Jogo*, he revealed that returning to Porto was a decision he initiated. “The idea of returning came from me. I love this club and I’m going to give everything on the pitch,” said the 24-year-old. “I’m happy, obviously, it’s my home. I’m looking forward to being at the stadium, playing in front of these fans and doing the best I can for this club this season.”

Arsenal News

ARSENAL FACE INJURY CONCERNS AHEAD OF DERBY

Arsenal are grappling with multiple injuries as they approach the season’s first international break. Currently fourth in the Premier League, the Gunners’ momentum has been slowed by a 1-1 draw with Brighton, a game in which Declan Rice received a red card. The midfielder will now miss the north London derby against Tottenham, adding to the club’s injury woes.

One of the biggest concerns for Mikel Arteta’s squad is new signing Mikel Merino, who has yet to make his Arsenal debut. Merino, who joined the Gunners for a fee that could rise to £32 million, suffered a shoulder injury during his first training session. Arteta confirmed that the midfielder’s injury could keep him out for several weeks, with reports suggesting he could be sidelined for up to two months. The incident occurred during a collision with teammate Gabriel Magalhaes, which resulted in a possible small fracture. No definitive return date has been given for Merino, as further medical tests are required to assess the extent of the injury. It’s a frustrating setback for the 27-year-old, who had been eager to make an immediate impact.

Arsenal News

STERLING TAKES NUMBER 30

Arsenal have confirmed that Raheem Sterling will wear the No30 shirt following his move from Chelsea. The 29-year-old England winger joined on loan during transfer deadline day after being sidelined by Chelsea and will now aim to strengthen Arsenal’s Premier League title charge.

Sterling was in the stands watching Arsenal’s recent draw with Brighton and is expected to begin training with his new team immediately. With no international call-up, he has time to familiarize himself with Mikel Arteta’s tactical style. Arsenal fans could see him make his debut in two weeks against rivals Tottenham, a match where his skills and experience will be crucial.

Read More “STERLING TAKES NUMBER 30”

Arsenal News

ARSENAL BLOCK SAUDI MOVE FOR TROSSARD

Arsenal have firmly rejected an approach from Saudi club Al Ittihad for Leandro Trossard, making it clear that the versatile forward is not for sale. Despite a lucrative offer that included an initial loan with an obligation to buy, potentially worth up to £25 million, the Gunners are determined to keep Trossard in their squad.

With the English transfer window closed, Arsenal would be unable to replace the 29-year-old until January, adding to their reluctance to entertain any offers. The Saudi transfer window remains open until Monday, but Arsenal’s stance leaves little room for negotiation. This decision underscores Trossard’s importance to the team, especially after a summer where the club let go of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson, only reinforcing their attacking options by bringing in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea.

Transfer News

ARSENAL’S LATE MOVES IN TRANSFER WINDOW

Arsenal wrapped up their summer transfer business in the early hours of Saturday morning, with the final touches being made as the cleaning crew was already at work at the club’s London Colney training ground. Staff worked late into the night to finalize a crucial loan deal for Raheem Sterling, marking the end of a busy transfer window.

Despite the last-minute nature of the deal, Arsenal are pleased with the overall business they’ve conducted. Sporting director Edu expressed pride in the club’s accomplishments, highlighting key signings like Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino as important additions that align with their strategic goals. The club aimed to enhance squad depth, allowing manager Mikel Arteta the flexibility to rotate players throughout a demanding season.

Arsenal News

SZCZESNY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT 34

Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34, just days after the expiration of his contract with Juventus. Despite feeling physically capable of continuing, Szczesny revealed on Instagram that his heart was no longer in the game, leading him to step away from the sport to focus on his family. “Today, though my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore. I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family,” he wrote.

Szczesny enjoyed a distinguished career, earning 84 international caps for Poland, with his final appearance coming at Euro 2024. He was Poland’s first-choice goalkeeper in the tournament, but after losing their first two group games, he was rested for their final match against France.

Arsenal News

PATINO SAYS GOODBYE TO ARSENAL FANS

Charlie Patino has bid an emotional farewell to Arsenal fans as he embarks on a new chapter in his career. The 20-year-old midfielder, who joined Arsenal’s academy in 2015 at just 11 years old, has signed a four-year contract with Spanish side Deportivo La Coruña, leaving the club that nurtured his talents. Patino made only two senior appearances for the Gunners but impressed during loan spells at Blackpool and Swansea, paving the way for his permanent move to Spain.

The deal with Deportivo includes a significant sell-on clause, ensuring Arsenal will benefit financially if Patino is sold in the future. Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, Patino took to Instagram to express his gratitude and love for the club and its supporters. “Dear Arsenal fans,” he began, “Firstly, I just want to say thank you for all the amazing memories that I have had at this historic club. It has been an honour to represent Arsenal on and off the pitch.”

Transfer News

ARSENAL AGREE DEAL FOR MERINO

Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Real Sociedad for the signing of midfielder Mikel Merino. The Gunners are set to pay €33.5 million (£28.4 million) upfront, with an additional €5 million (£4.2 million) in potential add-ons.

Merino, 28, is expected to undergo a medical soon before finalizing the move by signing a long-term contract. Personal terms between the player and Arsenal have already been agreed, making the transfer close to completion. The Spanish international, who was instrumental in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, where he played in all seven matches, is set to bolster Arsenal’s midfield options, slotting in as a No. 8.