Tag: Arsenal

Premier League club plot record bid for Cunha if they make Champions League

Nottingham Forest are plotting a club record move for Matheus Cunha if they qualify for the Champions League, talkSPORT understands.

Forest made enquiries for Cunha in January but Wolves were adamant they were not prepared to sell.

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Cunha has scored 13 goals in 26 Premier League games for Wolves this seasonCredit: Getty

The Brazilian has since signed a new contract at Molineux with a £62million release clause that kicks in this summer.

Elliott Anderson is currently Forest’s most expensive player ever at £35m.

Nuno Espirito Santo has sensationally guided the Tricky Trees to third place in the Premier League with nine matches remaining.

They are seven points clear of sixth-place Newcastle, with England’s top five clubs set to qualify for next season’s Champions League in the current UEFA co-efficient rankings.

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Wolves, meanwhile, are still looking over their shoulders in 17th place, with nine points separating them from the drop zone.

Their next two matches – against West Ham and relegation rivals Ipswich – could all-but seal survival.

However, star man Cunha will play no part in either fixture after being given an extended four-match ban and a £50,000 fine for violent conduct during the FA Cup defeat at Bournemouth.

The 25-year-old was also banned for two matches and fined £80,000 earlier this season after clashing with Ipswich security staff during their game at Molineux.

Arsenal have expressed an interest in Cunha – with a striker being the Gunners’ top priority this summer amid long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

However, talkSPORT understands manager Mikel Arteta has reservations about the forward’s hot-headed character.

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Cunha has been a revelation for Wolves this season despite his disciplinary issues

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Nottingham Forest and Wolves are competing at opposite ends of the table

In front of goal, Cunha has been crucial to Wolves’ survival bid, scoring 13 times in 26 games and grabbing four assists.

Since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023, the Brazil international has 27 goals in the top-flight.

Forest, meanwhile, have been inspired by the outstanding form of striker Chris Wood – who is fourth in this season’s Golden Boot race behind Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.

The 33-year-old has played every match for Forest in the Premier League this campaign, netting 18 times.

Speaking after the most recent 4-2 win over Ipswich, Espirito Santo insisted there is still a long way to go before Forest secure a most unlikely Champions League spot.

“You know what I think about the table,” Nuno said.

“What we have to do is focus on ourselves. Work as much as we can because there is a lot of football to be played yet.”

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March 22, 2025
Riccardo Calafiori’s return ‘revealed’ ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Real Madrid

Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly given Arsenal a major boost with his knee injury not claimed to be serious.

The Gunners star picked up a knock on Thursday night having landed awkwardly in Italy’s Nations League quarter-final first leg defeat to Germany.

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Arsenal fans would have been fearing the worst after Calafiori went downCredit: Getty

Luciano Spalletti’s side were beaten 2-1 at the San Siro, with Calafiori’s injury adding to their woe.

Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for the hosts before goals from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka turned the match around.

And in the final minutes of the clash, Calafiori picked up an issue which would have had fans fearing the worst.

As Germany came forward, the defender stepped forward in an attempt to intercept a pass.

However, his right leg slipped from underneath him, causing Calafiori to heavily fall to the floor and land on his knee.

The 22-year-old immediately appeared in some discomfort as he stayed down on the pitch.

After receiving treatment, though, he was able to continue and went on to play the full 90 minutes.

Calafiori has already two spells out this season with knee injuries, and having ruptured his ligaments as a 16-year-old at Roma, supporters took to social media to express fear he could miss the rest of the season ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final meeting with Real Madrid.

But in a boost, Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has insisted that the youngster faces just two to three weeks on the sidelines.

It has been said that Calafiori has suffered a first-to-second-degree collateral injury.

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Calafiori suffered a painful-looking fall against Germany

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The defender linked up with the Gunners last summer from Bologna in a deal rising to £38million

As a result, he will now be heading back to Arsenal for further treatment and will play no part in Italy’s second leg in Germany.

With Arsenal to welcome Los Blancos to the Emirates for their first leg on April 8, it remains to be seen whether he will be available for that clash.

It means that Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly could start at left-back, where he will be tasked with keeping right winger Rodrgyo quiet.

Speaking immediately on Calafiori following the defeat to Germany, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti said: “We don’t know about Calafiori, his knee feels strange.

“But he can’t answer the question of what he feels. I can’t quite figure it out at the moment.

“Unfortunately his stud came off while he was trying to get back on the pass.”

No Bottling Here! Danny Murphy FIRES BACK at Martin Keown’s ‘ridiculous’ Arsenal vs Liverpool comparison

Calafiori has become a firm fan favourite amongst Gooners since linking up from Serie A side Bologna last summer in a deal rising to £38million.

But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the player, who has had four spells on the sidelines due to knee, calf and muscle issues.

He has missed 14 games due to injuries – limiting him to just Premier League appearances.

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March 21, 2025
‘Something strange’ – Calafiori sparks Arsenal injury fears with awkward fall

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has provided an update on Riccardo Calafiori’s fitness after the defender suffered an awkward fall.

The Arsenal star appeared to land painfully during Italy’s defeat to Germany on Thursday night.

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Arsenal will be nervously awaiting an update on CalafioriCredit: Getty

Spalletti’s side were beaten 2-1 at the San Siro as the visitors came from behind to win their Nations League quarter-final first leg.

Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for the hosts before goals from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka turned the match around.

In another potential blow to Italy, Calafiori appeared to pick up an issue during the match.

As Germany came forward, the defender stepped forward in an attempt to intercept a pass.

However, his right leg slipped from underneath him, causing Calafiori to heavily fall to the floor and land on his knee.

The 22-year-old immediately appeared in some discomfort as he stayed down on the pitch.

After receiving treatment, though, he was able to continue and went on to play the full 90 minutes.

Following the defeat, Spalletti provided an update on Calafiori’s fitness.

He confirmed that Italy’s medical staff will assess the versatile defender.

The Azzurri boss told reporters: “We still don’t know if he’s injured. Ricky feels something strange at his knee but we still don’t know.”

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Calafiori suffered a painful-looking fall against Germany

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Spalletti has confirmed the defender will be assessed by medical staffCredit: Getty

Italy are back in action for the second leg on Sunday, facing Germany in Dortmund for a place in June’s semi-finals.

There will be concerns surrounding Calafiori, with the potential injury sustained to the same knee he badly damaged as a 16-year-old at Roma.

He reflected on the severity of that injury back in January, telling the Gunners website: “To be honest, I was lucky that I was so young, because I was 16.

“My only thoughts were coming back from the injury and just playing again, because, as you mentioned before, they said I would probably stop my career before it’s even started.

“So I just want to play again and that’s it.”

Calafiori ultimately missed nine months due to the injury, causing him to be sidelined for almost an entire season.

No Bottling Here! Danny Murphy FIRES BACK at Martin Keown’s ‘ridiculous’ Arsenal vs Liverpool comparison

Since moving to the Emirates Stadium last summer, he has so far avoided any serious injuries.

However, Calafiori did miss eight matches for club and country from October to November due to a knee problem.

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March 21, 2025
Sol Campbell reveals the five clubs that tried to sign him before Arsenal

One of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history, Sol Campbell actually could’ve gone anywhere.

The 73-time England international shocked the footballing world in 2001 when he swapped Tottenham for their fiercest rivals Arsenal.

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Campbell joined Arsenal in 2001 and landed some huge trophiesCredit: Getty

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Spurs fans never forgave him and he’s now admitted he could’ve gone elsewhereCredit: Getty

The move came out of nowhere with journalists not even seeing it coming, and Spurs didn’t get a fee as the centre-back’s contract had expired.

Judas shirts were displayed at White Hart Lane in response and Spurs fans even got in trouble for death threats and disgraceful chants.

He couldn’t have picked a worst move in regards to Spurs, but as it turns out, Arsenal weren’t the only ones interested.

While speaking to Stick to Football, he was asked by Gary Neville about Manchester United trying to sign him and replied: “You bloody called me!

“I remember, I was having an afternoon nap, and the phone call came through and Gary asked me if I fancied United, I must have been about 21 then.”

Campbell explained that the move could’ve been reality too, adding: “It did go further, but he blocked it, [Alan] Sugar blocked it.

“He must’ve, it didn’t go further [after that]. I think a lot of players have had difficult times with him.”

The now 50-year-old went on to discuss other interest from a number of European giants.

“Bayern [Munich] came in earlier, but you don’t know – is it a newspaper phoning you up? Back in those days, you didn’t know,” he said..

“Liverpool came down, but the manager didn’t come for the meeting. I went to Inter, had a chat with them.

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Campbell could only laugh while reminding Neville of their phone callCredit: Stick to Football

“Barcelona came in at the end, but you just don’t know, it’s all propaganda. Arsenal obviously came in at the end.”

Having won a League Cup at Tottenham, Campbell would go on to claim two Premier League titles and three FA Cups at Arsenal before adding another cup with Portsmouth.

The results showed that the move was a wise one, although Campbell also admitted he didn’t have any affection for Spurs, or any other side for that matter.

When asked which team he supported as a child, he replied: “England!

“My local team was West Ham, but I never really connected with them.”

Jamie O’Hara in stitches at Jason Cundy’s claim that he played in midfield during Sol Campbell’s debut for Tottenham

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March 20, 2025
Gravenberch injury scare, Palmer latest, Tuchel prepares for England bow
talkSPORT has you covered for all the latest football news as we head into the international break.

Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the first time with World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are waiting to hear back the latest from Cole Palmer‘s scan, while Ryan Gravenberch has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad.
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March 20, 2025
The new-look Liverpool XI to rival strengthened Arsenal and Man City next term

Liverpool could be set for a summer of upheaval as three of their key players’ futures remain up in the air.

The Reds are in pole position to lift the Premier League title, but they may well have to start planning for life without Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold heading into next season.

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Liverpool could be without their three most influential players next termCredit: Getty

There have been growing fears that all three stars could leave Anfield in the summer, when their current contracts set to expire.

As yet, little progress appears to have been made on new deals for the trio, and club legend Robbie Fowler believes it is highly unlikely that each of the iconic figures will stay at Liverpool.

Appearing on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan the day after the Reds’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle, the former striker hinted at a busy summer ahead on Merseyside.

“From a Liverpool fan point of view, you’re mega disappointed if any of them don’t sign,” Fowler said.

“I don’t think the three of them will, if I’m being totally honest. But it’s going to be one of those things with Liverpool now.

“Certainly after the performance yesterday from some of the players when they’d see him, I think Arne Slot knows that he’s maybe going to have a big summer planned because he’ll probably want to bring his own players in.

“So regardless of those players staying or going, you know that there’s going to be a few incomings anyway. So if it’s those players, so be it.”

With some huge departures potentially on the cards in the coming months, here is how Liverpool could line up next campaign without Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.

Goalkeeper Alisson is almost certain to remain first choice between the sticks, having established himself as one of the world’s best in his position.

This is despite the imminent arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, with a deal already agreed for the Georgian keeper to join the Reds from Valencia in the summer.

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Milos Kerkez has started all of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this seasonCredit: Getty

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Marc Guehi’s form at Crystal Palace has seen him become a regular in the England squadCredit: Getty

Left-back is the first position where fans could see movement, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez heavily linked with a move to Anfield.

talkSPORT previously confirmed the Hungarian is on Liverpool’s radar, with a transfer meaning that mainstay full-back Andy Robertson would have to make way for him.

With captain Van Dijk’s future hanging in the balance, having admitted he has ‘no idea‘ if he will be staying or leaving, discussions will surely be taking place over who will partner Ibrahima Konate at centre-back next term.

One player who could fill the Dutchman’s shoes is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

According to the Mirror, the Reds are leading the race to sign the England international, who would prefer a move to the north west ahead of other potential suitors Newcastle and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, should Alexander-Arnold decide on pastures new, with Real Madrid the likely destination, head coach Slot will have to plan for life without the playmaking right-back.

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Alexander-Arnold may have played his last game for Liverpool, with injury potentially ruling him out until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty

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Conor Bradley has made 50 appearances in all competitions for LiverpoolCredit: Getty

But he may already have a ready-made successor here, with Conor Bradley previously proving himself a more than capable replacement.

The Northern Irishman has established himself as an important squad player since his emergence under Jurgen Klopp, including starting in last year’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.

The midfield will likely look familiar, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai all set to retain their spots.

But the league leaders may have to bolster their engine room back-up options, with Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo both being highlighted as players who could move on in the summer.

Moving into the front line, the potential departure of talisman Salah will have a huge impact on how the league leaders shape up.

While the ‘Egyptian King’ has starred from the right hand side, the Reds have no shortage of attacking firepower out wide, namely in the shape of regular starters Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.

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Alexander Isak’s goal against Liverpool sealed Newcastle’s recent League Cup winCredit: Getty

This could prompt the Reds to deploy the pair on either wing, and instead look to replace the loss of Salah’s huge goalscoring threat by signing a new striker.

Darwin Nunez has been inconsistent leading the line, while injuries have prevented Diogo Jota from a consistent run in the role.

And Fowler has urged his old club to fill this gap by making a sensational move for Newcastle goal machine Alexander Isak.

The Swede has ranked among the Premier League’s top scorers since his move to England in 2022, and currently sits third in the goalscoring charts this term, behind Erling Haaland and Salah.

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Here is how Liverpool could line-up at the beginning of next season

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March 18, 2025
Mikel Arteta has reporter in stitches for post-match interview gesture

Mikel Arteta has walked out of another post-match interview, but this time he was only joking.

The Arsenal boss returned to his media duties following his side’s 1-0 win against London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

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Arteta appeared a lot happier after an Arsenal match this weekendCredit: AFP

Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game with a first-half header to keep their slim hopes of Premier League glory alive.

It was yet another afternoon in which Bukayo Saka was missed whilst he still recovers from the hamstring injury he sustained in December.

Arsenal have been patiently waiting for his return to the starting XI, and Arteta has offered hope of this happening soon in jokey fashion.

“You mentioned the international break, Bukayo Saka, after the break, you talked positively about him,” said a Sky Sports reporter.

Arteta then pretended to run away, which sparked laughter from the interviewer, before swiftly returning with a slight grin.

“Has he got a chance?” the reporter asked him on Saka’s hopes of a return to action, with Arteta replying: “Yes, he’s got a good chance.”

Arteta was clearly much more upbeat this weekend compared to last.

He made a swift exit from his post-match interview after the 1-1 draw at Manchester United when asked about their title chances.

“I have to ask you about the title race because it’s 15 points now, is it too much?” Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison asked him.

But Arteta wasn’t one to stick around any longer and before leaving, he said: “Alright, thank you.”

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Arteta jokingly walked out of his post-match interview for a split secondCredit: @SkySportsPL X

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He returned with a grin before offering a positive update on SakaCredit: @SkySportsPL X

Arsenal simply got the job done against Chelsea to win for a 16th time in the Premier League this season.

Merino’s goal was enough to separate the two sides, although David Raya nearly handed the Blues an equaliser.

He failed to hold onto a volley from Marc Cucurella and allowed the ball to go through before watching it sneak past the post.

Luckily for him and Arsenal, that was about as close Chelsea were to scoring on the afternoon.

The Gunners are 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool with nine games left to play this season.

It would take a dramatic dip in form from the Reds to swing the title race in Arsenal’s favour during the final weeks though.

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Saka could be back in action for Arsenal against Fulham next monthCredit: Getty

However, the return of Saka could inspire what would be an unlikely comeback for the north London outfit.

He could make his return to the side when they host Fulham on April 1 in their first game back from the international break.

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March 16, 2025
Palmer isn’t Chelsea’s most vital player – his poor form is down to injured star

Cole Palmer needs Nicolas Jackson to function at Chelsea – he gives him the space to shine.

That’s the opinion of Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who believes Jackson’s absence in the Blues side has contributed to Palmer’s poor form of late.

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Palmer and Jackson share a great relationship on the pitch – something that has been missing in recent weeksCredit: Getty

Palmer is currently enduring his worst spell as a Chelsea player, having failed to be directly involved in any goals during his last nine games in all competitions.

And that run could stretch to ten with the west London outfit to face rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday – a team they have lost seven out of their last 11 games to.

England international Palmer has scored twice from his three fixtures against the Gunners, and Chelsea fans will be desperate to see him end his barren spell in north London.

Nothing seems to be going right for the ex-Manchester City playmaker, with Palmer hitting an unwanted career first in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend.

Prior to Marc Cucurella’s second half winner, the 22-year-old missed the first penalty of his career having previously scored each of his 12 spot-kicks for the Blues.

And while he has unarguably been a massive hit since his £42.5million arrival in 2023, there is undoubtedly concern over his drop-off.

But Keown believes Jackson‘s hamstring injury has played its part, with the Senegalese striker stretching defences to give Palmer the space to attack.

Sadly for Chelsea supporters, Jackson, who has missed his side’s last five matches, will not be in action against Arsenal as he targets a comeback after the March international break.

Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Keown was asked whether supporters should be worried over Palmer’s drop-off in 2025.

To which he said: “I think it’s linked to Jackson being fit.

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Palmer is struggling for form having gone nine games in a row without a goal or assistCredit: Getty

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But Palmer still leads his Blues teammates for goals and assists in the Premier League

“I think he’s really underrated and I looked at his statistics – he’s making more high-intensity runs than any other player.

“Almost 100 more runs into channels, he’s freeing up space for Palmer.

“OK, it [Palmer’s form] started to drop a little bit before Jackson gets his injury.

“But they need him back really quickly.

“And of course, again, recruitment, it’s an area Chelsea will want to strengthen despite the fact they’ve spent £1.5billion on players.”

Despite Palmer’s form, Chelsea have returned to winning ways – beating relegation-threatened Southampton and Leicester in their last two matches.

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Jackson may have his critics, but Chelsea are a better team with the striker leading the line

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The Senegal international has missed Chelsea’s last four top-flight matches with a hamstring issue

Their victories have lifted them back into fourth spot having previously won just two from their ten previous top-flight matches.

But Keown isn’t getting carried away by their positive results, as he stated that their current stars may be feeling the pressure of Chelsea’s history under ex-owner Roman Abramovich’s stewardship.

He also insisted that comments made by boss Enzo Maresca where he insisted his side were not in a title race may have done more harm than good.

Pressed as to whether Chelsea have turned a corner, Keown remarked: “Well, they were two useful home games.

“You play Southampton and then you play Leicester, it was on the brink a little bit with the fans, [there is] high expectations with the last regime of ownership.

“They won 21 trophies in 19 years and they’re looking at the [current] team and thinking, ‘Are they really at the level anymore?’

Danny Murphy defends Cole Palmer and insists he’s still one of England’s best players!

“So it’s a hard club to play for from that point of view with their history.

“It seems to be weighing heavy a little bit on the players.

“Cole Palmer, no goals in seven [Premier League games]. But six points on the board and you’re back in the top four.

“So that’s a launching pad really now for the rest of the season, it’s important what they do and what he [Maresca] says.

“Because I do feel that where he kind of lowered the bar a little bit around the Christmas period when he was saying they weren’t in the race to win it, it seemed to have put the brakes on their success.”

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March 15, 2025
Gallas laughs at Arteta question and insists he won’t end Arsenal’s title wait

William Gallas has given a brutal assessment of Mikel Arteta’s attempts to end Arsenal’s league title drought.

The Gunners have not won the Premier League since their Invincible 2003/04 season – 21 years ago.

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Former Arsenal skipper Gallas laughed when he was asked for his view on ArtetaCredit: talksport

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Arteta and Arsenal look set to miss out on the Premier League title once againCredit: Getty

However, Arteta has guided the club to back-to-back second place finishes in the last two seasons.

And his side look set to suffer the same fate once again this term, sitting 15 points behind leaders Liverpool with ten matches remaining.

Former skipper Gallas has now shared his thoughts on the Spaniard, and it’s safe to say he’s not been impressed by him this season.

Gallas, who spent four years at the Emirates between 2006 and 2010, appeared on talkSPORT Drive on Friday where he was asked what he makes of Arteta.

The 47-year-old simply proceeded to laugh, leading co-host Darren Bent to quip, ‘What a start’.

After composing himself, Gallas said: “I’m a little bit disappointed to be honest about what Arsenal is doing this season, because for me, I think they didn’t improve from last season.

“And this season, I think it was a great opportunity to win the Premier League.

“Mikel Arteta, I think, made some mistakes. Not only him, I think players make a lot of mistakes when they draw some games in December.

“And for me, I don’t think only for me, but I think as well for the fans, it was very difficult to accept some games they drew.

“Especially against, for example, Everton at home, they lost at West Ham, they drew at Fulham and if you want to be champion, you can’t make that mistake.

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Gallas doubts whether Arteta is the man to end Arsenal’s title droughtCredit: getty images

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The Gunners have finished second in each of the last two campaigns under ArtetaCredit: Getty

“It’s not the first time with Arsenal, it’s every season they make that mistake. And for Arteta, some people were talking about this, about that striker they didn’t buy. And they should buy that striker maybe at least one year ago. And they didn’t do it.

“That’s why they are in that situation. And about the rotation as well because when you got the squad, 24 players, good players, some players didn’t play for some reason, I don’t know why.

“So that’s why he used always the same players, but when you play the Premier League with another competition, the Premier League is very tough, you have to do rotation. And he didn’t do it.”

The Gunners are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League once again this term, where they will face Real Madrid next month.

But it’s the Premier League title that fans are dreaming of, however Gallas believes Arteta isn’t the man to bring glory back to the red half of north London.

Pressed as to whether Arsenal will win the top-flight under Arteta’s tutelage, Gallas stated: “Good question.

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The Gunners boast the Premier League’s meanest defence, but scoring goals has been their problem of late

Martin Keown believes Arsenal don’t have a mentality problem and thinks they just need a striker in mould of Thierry Henry or Ian Wright

“What he did with Arsenal is great because Arsenal, maybe five years ago, they were in a difficult position and he built something with that squad and he did very well.

“Now the question is, can he win the Premier League? And at the moment, my answer is no. Because now he’s almost, yeah, he’s three times, he’s going to finish second.

“This season, Manchester City was hard for some reason. I think they were tired, mentally it was very difficult for the players.

“And this season it was the best opportunity to win the league. And when you see Liverpool were in front, OK, they did well.

“But they had the new manager and how, as we know, sometimes it’s very difficult for the new manager to arrive in the new club and to try to do his best for his players to be on the top.

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Arteta has guided Arsenal into the Champions League quarter-finals for a second timeCredit: Getty

“Sometimes you need some time. But with that manager straight away they got a good result. But Arsenal was not there.”

Arteta penned a new deal with Arsenal in September to keep him at the club until 2027.

The extension will take him through to the end of a seventh full season in charge in north London.

However, he has not won a major trophy since lifting the FA Cup eight months into his tenure.

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March 14, 2025
Isak issues update on future amid Arsenal and Liverpool transfer links

Alexander Isak insists he isn’t thinking about his future at Newcastle ahead of a potential transfer battle this summer.

The Magpies striker is one of the Premier League’s most impressive talents and has scored 22 goals across all competitions this season.

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Isak isn’t thinking about the summer just yetCredit: Getty

Despite his contract at St. James’ Park running until 2028, Isak has been regularly linked with moves to Newcastle’s rivals.

Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the Sweden international and Liverpool’s interest has also been reported.

Newcastle put a £150million price tag on him in January, but Isak isn’t too concerned about his potential whereabouts beyond the summer.

Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday, which is live on talkSPORT, he said that his future isn’t on his mind.

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“I think I’ve said I’m not really thinking about the summer but yeah, that’ll probably be a talking point once the season is finished,” Isak said via The Times.

“We will really see because no talks have been held yet. About my future, it’s nothing really I think about.

“I’ve said many times during a season, just focus on the job and now is probably the worst time to think about anything else, so all of our focus is just on Sunday.

“As I have said many times, I don’t really look too much or think too much about my future.

“I have said I am happy here and we are contenders for titles, which is what you want to win as a football player. We have been to one final and now we are in another one, so the chances are there.

“This club can achieve great things. I think we should really look at it one season at a time and this season we can achieve winning a trophy which would be amazing for everyone.”

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Isak has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, but is happy at NewcastleCredit: Getty

Isak signed for Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a reported club record fee of £63m.

He has scored 57 goals for the Magpies over three seasons and will make his 100th appearance on Sunday should he feature at Wembley.

The Toon Army feared they could be without their talisman goalscorer for the final against Liverpool due to a groin injury, but those fears were eased when he played 79 minutes of Monday’s 1-0 victory over West Ham.

The 25-year-old is third in the Premier League Golden Boot race on 19 goals and could help seal Champions League football for Newcastle.

Eddie Howe’s side are sixth and just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with ten league fixtures left to play.

However, the Premier League look set to be given a fifth qualification spot for the Champions League next season.

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Isak could win his first trophy with Newcastle this weekendCredit: Getty

England are currently top of UEFA’s coefficient rankings with a score of 24.250 for the 2024/25 campaign, with Spain second on 21.678.

Two of Europe’s leagues will be rewarded with an extra Champions League spot based on their clubs’ performances this season.

England and Spain, so the Premier League and LaLiga respectively, are set to be the recipients as things stand.

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March 14, 2025