PIRES BACKS ARSENAL TO FINISH REAL MADRID JOB
Arsenal News

PIRES BACKS ARSENAL TO FINISH REAL MADRID JOB

Declan Rice’s sensational performance at the Emirates has put Arsenal in the driving seat and brought a wave of optimism to north London. With a 3-0 advantage over Real Madrid, Mikel Arteta’s side can almost see the Champions League semi-finals – though inside the dressing room, they know nothing is settled yet.

But outside the club, belief is soaring. Arsenal legends, fans, and pundits are daring to dream, including Robert Pires, who helped lead the club to the final in 2006. “If Arsenal manage to beat Real Madrid, anything can happen,” said the former winger, speaking to The Independent after taking part in the EA7 World Legends Padel Tour in Paris.

SAKA SET FOR TOP-EARNING DEAL
Arsenal News

SAKA SET FOR TOP-EARNING DEAL

Arsenal are set to hand Bukayo Saka the biggest contract in the club’s history—brilliant news for fans who will be delighted to see their homegrown hero commit his future to the red and white. The England international is in line for a new deal worth £300,000-a-week, a reward not only for his world-class performances but for the love and loyalty he’s shown to the club he’s called home since the age of six.

Saka’s recent return from injury was met with a deafening reception at the Emirates, and his influence has been immediately felt in both games he’s featured in since. Now, Arsenal are determined to ensure their No.7 remains at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s project—and this new deal is a huge step towards that.

SAKA SET FOR TOP-EARNING DEAL
Arsenal News

SAKA SHINES ON DREAM ARSENAL RETURN

The cheers for Bukayo Saka just kept getting louder. First, his name was read among the substitutes; then he started warming up; then he entered the fray with 24 minutes left; and finally, he marked his return with a goal just seven minutes later.

More than three months since his last Arsenal appearance, Saka’s comeback could hardly have gone any better. His hamstring injury and subsequent surgery had been carefully managed, but no one could have scripted such a perfect return. Arsenal were already in control against Fulham, but his goal sealed the result in a dominant display following the international break. Rodrigo Muniz’s injury-time strike gave the visitors a late consolation, but Arsenal’s 2-1 win was never in doubt.

ARSENAL EYE €80M STRIKER DUBBED ‘NEW THIERRY HENRY’
Arsenal News

ARSENAL EYE €80M STRIKER DUBBED ‘NEW THIERRY HENRY’

Arsenal could finally solve their centre-forward issues this summer, with a potential move for a striker drawing comparisons to club legend Thierry Henry. The Gunners’ need for a prolific goalscorer has been evident all season, and with a new sporting director now in place, change may be on the horizon.

Andrea Berta was announced as Arsenal’s sporting director on Sunday, taking charge of squad planning and recruitment. His first major challenge will be signing a top-class striker, with the likes of Alexander Isak and Victor Gyokeres linked to the club. However, a younger name is emerging as a serious option, with reports suggesting Hugo Ekitike could be on Arsenal’s radar. The Eintracht Frankfurt forward is reportedly 99 per cent certain to leave this summer, and his style of play has drawn comparisons to Henry, Arsenal’s greatest-ever Premier League player.

RICE HAILS ARSENAL’S NEXT GENERATION
Arsenal News

RICE HAILS ARSENAL’S NEXT GENERATION

Declan Rice believes Arsenal are “blessed” to have Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman in their ranks, hailing the trio as future stars. The England international has also revealed that he is mentoring the young talents as they navigate their early careers.

Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, both 18, have already made their mark this season, with Lewis-Skelly even scoring on his England U18 debut last week. Dowman, just 15, is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the country and has been training with Arsenal’s senior squad regularly, including joining their mid-season camp in Dubai. With all three players emerging from Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy, Rice believes the club has a bright future ahead.

ARTETA’S FUTURE AT ARSENAL IN QUESTION, SAYS PETIT
Arsenal News

ARTETA’S FUTURE AT ARSENAL IN QUESTION, SAYS PETIT

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has praised Mikel Arteta’s impact at the club but believes the Spaniard is now facing one of the toughest moments of his tenure. Despite transforming the Gunners into a title-contending force, the pressure of falling just short could be taking its toll.

Arteta arrived in December 2019 to take on his first managerial role, succeeding Unai Emery and bringing fresh energy to a club in transition. Over the past five years, he has reshaped Arsenal’s identity, re-establishing them as a serious Premier League contender and securing their return to the Champions League. His tenure has also delivered an FA Cup and two Community Shields, offering silverware in a period of steady progress.

BEN WHITE SET TO MAKE FIRST START SINCE NOVEMBER
Arsenal News

BEN WHITE SET TO MAKE FIRST START SINCE NOVEMBER

Ben White is ready to make his first start for Arsenal since November when they host PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. The 27-year-old right-back underwent knee surgery in November and returned to action on February 22 as a substitute against West Ham. Since then, he has made two further substitute appearances, totaling 18 minutes, and is now fully prepared to start.

Arsenal will face PSV in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, holding a commanding 7-1 lead on aggregate. Mikel Arteta has been cautious with White’s recovery to ensure there are no setbacks, but the manager is confident that White is now in a good position to start. “I think we have to manage him very well because he was still having some issues to manage in terms of the load,” Arteta explained. “We were very cautious of that to make sure that when he comes back, he can now maintain that level, and there’s no more setbacks. But I think he’s in a good position now to give him a start.”

SALIBA ADMITS TITLE CHALLENGE IS OVER
Arsenal News

SALIBA ADMITS TITLE CHALLENGE IS OVER

William Saliba has admitted that Arsenal don’t deserve to be at the top of the Premier League this season. With just 10 matches remaining, the Gunners sit 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, and Saliba believes the gap is a fair reflection of their campaign.

Injuries and inconsistent performances have derailed their title challenge, with key attackers such as Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka missing significant time, while Kai Havertz’s season-ending hamstring injury further depleted Mikel Arteta’s options. Arsenal have lost three league games and drawn 10, allowing rivals Liverpool and Manchester City to pull away in the title race. Despite the disappointment in the league, Saliba remains focused on Arsenal’s remaining goals. “If they are first, it’s because they did something we didn’t do,” Saliba said.

ARTETA URGES ARSENAL TO DREAM BIG IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Arsenal News

ARTETA URGES ARSENAL TO DREAM BIG IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta is confident Arsenal can compete for the Champions League title and has challenged his squad to embrace the decisive part of the season. With the Premier League title slipping away, Arsenal’s best shot at silverware lies in Europe, and Arteta believes his players must seize the opportunity.

Arsenal are on the brink of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, holding a commanding 7-1 aggregate lead over PSV Eindhoven ahead of their second-leg clash. If they advance, they could face either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid — a daunting prospect, but one Arteta relishes.

ARSENAL TARGET JOAN GARCÍA AS RAYA FUTURE UNCERTAIN
Arsenal News

ARSENAL TARGET JOAN GARCÍA AS RAYA FUTURE UNCERTAIN

Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García as doubts linger over David Raya’s long-term role at the club. Despite keeping 15 clean sheets this season, Raya has made a few high-profile mistakes that have fueled speculation about Arsenal’s plans for their goalkeeping department.

His misjudgment for Bruno Fernandes’ goal in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday was the latest talking point, with manager Mikel Arteta facing questions about whether Raya is the long-term solution. Raya, who joined from Brentford last year, has shown resilience after errors — but Arsenal may still be looking for an upgrade.