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Mikel Arteta admits Declan Rice played through illness ahead of Man City clash

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Arsenal hope to get Declan Rice match-fit soon after his recent back injury
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Mikel Arteta has revealed that Declan Rice played through illness and exhaustion in Arsenal’s Champions League draw with Sporting CP – just days before a potentially title-deciding Premier League clash against Manchester City.

Arteta: Rice was ‘shattered’ and shouldn’t have played – but he did anyway

The Gunners secured their place in the Champions League semi-final after a goalless stalemate at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. They will now face Atletico Madrid for a spot in the final.

But concern now surrounds Rice’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s huge league meeting with City at the Emirates.

Arteta admitted after the Sporting match that the England midfielder had “no chance” of playing due to illness earlier this week.

Rice did not train before the game, yet still wore the captain’s armband and completed the full 90 minutes against the Portuguese champions.

“Declan yesterday, he was shattered,” Arteta said.

“He had no chance to play today, he wasn’t feeling good at all today, he played 94 minutes at the level that he’s done.”

The Arsenal boss praised his squad’s resilience, adding: “That is the reason why we are the only English team in the competition. This league and this schedule takes the hell out of you.”

Arteta also revealed that he did not make the decision to hand Rice the captaincy – the players themselves chose him.

“They made a decision because Declan has earned the status and the role,” Arteta explained.

“The way he’s taken ownership in difficult moments. He’s a great leader, a top player for us.”

Arsenal now turn their attention back to the Premier League, where Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City will play a major role in deciding this season’s champions.

Whether Rice recovers in time to feature remains a serious doubt.

Mikel Arteta could be without a few big names against Sporting CP in the second leg

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Arsenal vs Sporting CP Head To Head Results & Records (H2H)
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As Arsenal approaches the most important week of his reign, Michael Arteta has instructed them to play with “pure fire.” On Tuesday night, the Gunners take on Sporting Lisbon in an attempt to win the team’s first-ever consecutive Champions League semifinal. On Sunday, Arteta leads his team to the Etihad Stadium to meet rivals Manchester City in a match that might decide the Premier League championship.

The pressure has increased since Arsenal’s mistake against Bournemouth on Saturday, but Arteta told the players and supporters, “No fear, pure fire.” That’s all. “I want the players, the people, and myself to be pure fire. It’s an incredible opportunity. Let’s face it head-on and give it everything we’ve got.

Arteta said, “Fire,” when asked whether there were any nerves. I’m ablaze. That’s all. Nothing more. I have a lot of drive. I’ve put in a lot of work to get here. I am aware of how this club operated. This is stunning.

Arteta expecting changes from Sporting for Arsenal 2nd leg

“There were no surprises last week; it’s clearly an awareness of their quality and the various ways they can harm you, and they are a really, really good side,” Arteta remarked. “We knew that, and they demonstrated it in the first leg, so we know that tomorrow’s game will be extremely difficult.”

“I believe they are constantly striving to be a side that is really dominating when using the ball in the press. They may approach and change that, as they have done in the league, the longer the game lasts in connection to the game’s environment.

They will change that [gameplan] in light of the [first-leg] outcome, and we are prepared for that as well. To win the game, we shall do what is required. It goes without saying that Arsenal just needs a draw in ninety minutes to advance to the semi-finals, but it would be beneficial if the club could “win the game” in addition to the tie.

The Gunners certainly don’t want to be going all out for 90 minutes, much less 120 if Sporting can force extra time in Sunday’s crucial game against Manchester City.

Real Madrid are circling young Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly

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Myles Lewis-Skelly red card vs Wolves
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Due to Real Madrid’s pursuit, Arsenal may lose one of their best youth players this summer. With a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League and a chance to win their first league championship since 2004, the Gunners are now focused on the current campaign.

Manchester City, their nearest rivals, defeated them in the Carabao Cup final and still have a match against the top team scheduled for later this month. However, some attendees of the Emirates Stadium will already be planning for the future, which includes both departures and arrivals.

The largest gain, according to current financial regulations, comes from selling Academy items; any money received is recorded as “pure profit” because there was no cost to bring them in.

In light of this, Fichajes claims that Real Madrid is considering young left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal. The 19-year-old battled for playing time this season against players like Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori, despite being a major asset under Arteta last season.

Real Madrid move for Myles Lewis-Skelly

They would thus be receptive to proposals this summer. The money collected from his departure will be recorded as pure profit because he is a homegrown talent. By selling Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri this summer, the Gunners want to raise €100 million.

Although the precise cost is yet unknown, it will undoubtedly be a significant amount for an adolescent. The 19-year-old’s possible destination has been identified as Real Madrid. Los Blancos have been keeping a careful watch on him and his circumstances.

With the anticipated sale of Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia, the Spanish powerhouses are preparing for a change on the left side. To help replace them and give Alvaro Carreras competition, they wish to recruit the Arsenal graduate.

They see him as someone who can strengthen their defense in the near and far future. He is outstanding moving forward and can offer defensive stability. Florentino Perez is really contemplating investing in him because he is only 19 years old.

Cristhian Mosquera ready to leave Arsenal on loan in Summer window

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Cristhian Mosquera: Tallest Arsenal players
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Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera wants to leave the club on loan when the summer transfer window opens, with Everton emerging as a leading contender for his signature.

Mosquera Wants Out: Arsenal Defender Eyes Regular Football Elsewhere

The 21-year-old Spanish centre-back joined Arsenal from Valencia in July 2025 for £13 million, signing a contract that runs until 2030 with an option for an additional year.

However, Mosquera has struggled to secure regular playing time at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite making 27 appearances across all competitions this season, the Spain international has started only six Premier League matches and four Champions League games for the Gunners in the 2025/26 campaign.

Mosquera finds himself behind established centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.

The young defender now believes a temporary move away from north London offers his best path to consistent first-team football.

Everton lead the race for his signature on a loan deal, according to Sports Boom.

The Toffees face competition from several European clubs, including Atalanta, Napoli, Benfica, Bournemouth, AS Monaco and Marseille, all monitoring the situation.

While Arsenal view Mosquera as a key player for the future and have no intention of selling him permanently, the Premier League leaders would demand between €45 million and €50 million (£43.5 million) if a club pushes for a full transfer.

Mosquera built a strong reputation at Valencia, where he made 90 appearances and established himself as one of LaLiga’s finest young centre-backs. His ability to play both as a central defender and at right-back adds to his value.

Upon signing Mosquera, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta called him “one of the strongest young defenders in European football.”

Manager Mikel Arteta praised the Spaniard’s intelligence, pace and versatility, noting he can operate centrally or on either flank.

For now, a loan move appears the most likely outcome as Mosquera seeks the regular minutes his development requires.

Arsenal prepares to replace Arteta with Fabregas if premier league slips away

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces an uncertain future at the Emirates. Reports from Mundo Deportivo and other outlets claim the club’s hierarchy has already lined up his ideal replacement.

Mikel Arteta Fights for His Job as Arsenal Lines Up Fàbregas for Next Season

If Arsenal surrender their Premier League title challenge and fail to win the Champions League, Arteta’s position will come under serious threat.

The Gunners have enjoyed a strong campaign on the whole, but silverware remains elusive. They lost the EFL Cup final 2–0 and suffered a shock FA Cup exit against Southampton.

Only two trophies now remain within reach: the Premier League and the Champions League.

Before Saturday’s home clash with Bournemouth, Arsenal held a nine-point lead over Manchester City, who had a game in hand. A win would have stretched that cushion to 12 points.

Instead, a 1–2 home defeat, combined with City’s 3–0 victory at Chelsea the following day, has blown the title race wide open. The two rivals meet at the Etihad on Sunday.

A home win would cut Arsenal’s lead to just three points, with City still holding that extra game.

Arsenal’s board watches these developments with growing unease. Arteta has spent seven seasons at the club and holds a contract until June 2027, with extension talks ongoing.

However, Mundo Deportivo writes that “the situation could change drastically if he ultimately misses out on the Premier League and Champions League titles.” In that case, Arteta will not remain for another season.

The club’s management already has an ideal candidate to take over: Cesc Fàbregas.

The former Arsenal captain enjoys a fantastic season at Como 1907, playing attractive football that keeps the Italian side in the race for European qualification.

For now, Arteta must deliver major silverware to secure his job.

Rio Ferdinand sends warning to Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal’s title showdown

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Rio Ferdinand feels sorry for Mikel Arteta
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Prior to the Gunners’ crucial title matchup with Manchester City, Rio Ferdinand has issued a strong warning to Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, telling him to sit back at his own risk. After Pep Guardiola’s team narrowed the lead at the top of the Premier League to six points, Arsenal and City will square off in what many are calling a title-deciding match on Sunday.

Arsenal’s Saturday afternoon loss to Bournemouth, following their Carabao Cup final loss to City prior to the international break, opened the door for City to go six points ahead of their championship rivals. Given that they still had a game in hand and an upcoming match against Arsenal, they seized the chance and destroyed Chelsea 3-0 to go within striking distance.

All eyes will be on Sunday’s game at the Etihad. Arsenal will have a few days to prepare for their Champions League encounter against Sporting Lisbon, whereas City will have a week. Ferdinand, a legend of Manchester United, has tried to give Arsenal an advantage by cautioning them against playing from behind.

Arsenal team suffered major blow to title hopes

After Bournemouth’s “big punch in the face” damaged Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League, a dejected Mikel Arteta urged his “strange” squad to put up more resistance. Boos greeted the outcome at the end of the game, and there was a tense atmosphere throughout. This is a significant blow for the north London club’s title drive.

Although they have played two more games than Manchester City, who take on Chelsea on Sunday, the Gunners are still nine points ahead at the top. Next weekend, Arteta’s team will also visit the Etihad to play Pep Guardiola’s team. Arteta’s men also travel to the Etihad next weekend to take on Pep Guardiola’s side.

This season, Arsenal has gained recognition for their defensive prowess, but City is the league’s leading scorer and is also a ferocious attacker. Ferdinand believes that Guardiola and his team will have no trouble dissecting their opponents, unless they repeat what Bournemouth did to them.

Ferdinand said, “This is blatant, the way City set up to block all passing lanes, pressing high.” “I don’t think Bournemouth’s four-up move was as obvious in the same way.”

Martin Keown slams Arsenal players for ignoring teenager Max Dowman

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Max Dowman
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Martin Keown has criticised Arsenal’s players for refusing to pass the ball to teenager Max Dowman during their crushing 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.

“Give Him the Ball!” – Keown Blasts Gunners After Bournemouth Defeat

The defeat prevents Arsenal from moving 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League. A lacklustre display saw the Gunners suffer their third loss in four matches.

Junior Kroupi put Bournemouth ahead early before Viktor Gyokeres equalised after 35 minutes. But Alex Scott’s fine finish after 74 minutes sealed the victory for the visitors.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta grew frustrated with his side’s poor performance. He introduced three substitutes nine minutes into the second half, bringing on Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard and 16-year-old Dowman. The changes failed to spark any improvement.

Dowman only turned 16 in December but already looks comfortable in the first team. He played a key role off the bench in Arsenal’s previous league game, helping set up one goal and scoring another in a 2-0 win over Everton. However, he could not repeat that impact against Bournemouth.

Keown expressed his frustration while working as a pundit for TNT Sports. “Arsenal fixed the play and the picture never changed,” said the former Gunners defender.

“Even when Dowman came on, we were all screaming give him the ball. They didn’t have enough good control of the ball in the midfield.

That is all down to Bournemouth and Arsenal not mixing up their game enough.”

Manchester City face a tough trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

If City win that match, they can cut the gap at the top to just three points when they face Arsenal at the Emirates next weekend.

City will also have a game in hand on their title rivals.

Arsenal is reportedly monitoring Stade Rennais midfielder Djaoui Cissé

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Arsenal and City circling Newcastle United’s star midfielder Bruno Guimarães

When the summer transfer window reopens, Arsenal is probably going to look for a new midfield player. Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have been the Gunners’ main midfield dependents this season. Christian Norgaard and Mikel Merino, who is presently injured, have served as backups.

Since arriving last summer, Norgaard has not yet started a Premier League match. The team is still considering adding another centre midfielder despite the intense competition. The Gunners have “now entered the race” to acquire Rennes midfielder Djaoui Cisse, who has had a respectable debut season in the French top division this season, according to Media Foot.

His technical skill and style of play are highly appreciated by manager Mikel Arteta, who thinks the 22-year-old would be a valuable addition to the team for the 2026–2027 campaign and beyond. Under previous boss Habib Beye, the midfield player enjoyed a respectable start to the campaign. He was a member of the left side of a three-man midfield. Rennes formed a 3-5-2 lineup until Beye was sacked.

Arsenal have entered the race to sign 22yo French midfielder

Cissé’s development at Rennes has been consistent, and his growing participation in first-team play indicates that he will probably receive more attention soon. His growing notoriety has also been influenced by his performances at the young international level.

Arsenal has now joined Leeds United in keeping an eye on the midfield player’s circumstances, according to Mediafoot. According to reports, Leeds has been interested in Cissé for a long time and has been thinking about making a deal before the summer transfer window.

Leeds United is reportedly preparing for a potential summer strategy, albeit their circumstances may get more problematic based on their league standing. Their prospects of acquiring the player may be diminished if they were demoted from the Premier League, especially in light of Arsenal’s level of interest.

Although it’s still unknown how serious or advanced their interest is at this point, Arsenal’s presence adds more competitors to the contest. Before reaching a firm decision on a possible transfer, the Gunners are anticipated to keep scouting the player.

Former Ballon d’Or winner names Timber as one of the best players in the league

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Jurrien Timber unlikely to return before Euro 2024
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Former Ballon d’Or winner Ruud Gullit has singled out an Arsenal defender for special praise, claiming the Dutchman ranks among the Premier League’s very best.

‘He doesn’t moan, he just delivers’ – Gullit heaps praise on Arsenal star Timber

The Gunners currently sit nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, though they have played one match more than their closest rivals. Arsenal remain on course to win their first league title since 2004.

A major factor behind their success this season has been a rock-solid defence. Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded only 22 goals in 31 matches.

Right-back Jurrien Timber has played a key role in that backline, and his fellow Dutchman Gullit cannot speak highly enough of him.

“One player I really like at Arsenal is Jurrien Timber,” Gullit told Gambling Insider.

“He is very strong and looks convincing in everything he does.

“He is a fantastic player and one of the finest in the division. You have to be that good to start regularly in Arsenal’s defence right now.”

Gullit watched Timber develop through the Ajax youth system and has followed his progress closely.

“I saw him in the youth teams at Ajax and he was always a good, strong player,” Gullit added.

“He doesn’t moan, he gets on with his job and is a real team player. He is so clever tactically and talented technically.”

Arsenal paid nearly £40m to sign Timber from Ajax in 2023. A serious long-term injury shortly after his arrival set him back, but Gullit admires how he has recovered.

“He had a real setback with that injury, but he has bounced back and adapted to the Premier League so well,” said Gullit.

The Dutch legend also praised Arsenal’s summer signing Noni Madueke.

The £50m arrival from Chelsea has impressed Gullit, who believes the winger works tirelessly for the team despite often playing second fiddle to Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal return to action on Saturday when they host Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal is actively monitoring to hijack Atalanta’s world-class midfielder Ederson

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Arsenal keen to push transfer swoop for Barcelona loanee Joao Cancelo
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According to reports, Arsenal is preparing a last-ditch effort to thwart Atletico Madrid’s attempt to recruit Atalanta star Ederson this summer. In light of the Brazilian’s expected exit from Serie A, the north London team has identified him as a possible target for their post-season midfield acquisition.

Ederson is anticipated to end his tenure in Bergamo this summer with just over a year remaining on his contract, and Atalanta sees a last chance to sell the midfield player for a fair price. The Italian team is anticipated to want roughly £44 million, which would make Ederson one of Atalanta’s most costly sells to date.

After apparently agreeing to a four-year contract with the Brazilian, Atletico Madrid are presently seen as the front-runners to sign Ederson, according to TEAMtalk. According to reports, the Spanish team is getting ready to make their first formal offer for the midfield player, which is said to be about £33 million. However, this is less than Atalanta’s £44 million value, allowing other teams a chance.

Arsenal Tipped to Join Ederson Pursuit

Ederson would be open to moving to the Premier League after spending the previous four years in Italy, and Arsenal has been predicted to make a “sensational” approach for him. Ederson left Salernitana, another Serie A team, to join Atalanta in the summer of 2022. Since then, he has made 173 appearances for the team, contributing five assists and 15 goals.

The “world-class” Brazilian midfielder assisted Atalanta in winning the Europa League in 2023–2024 and qualifying for the Champions League in consecutive seasons. Atalanta, who are now eighth in Serie A with seven games left, are far from guaranteeing a spot in the Champions League for the upcoming campaign.

After Mikel Merino suffered a catastrophic injury in January, Arsenal considered acquiring a new midfield player. After the season, they may renew their preparations to strengthen the middle of the pitch.

Sandro Tonali, a star player for Newcastle United, has been linked to the Gunners in an unexpected move, and the Italian might be targeted once the transfer market reopens. Last summer, Mikel Arteta’s team spent more than £250 million on new players, including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Eberechi Eze.