Ornstein reacts to claims about Arsenal move for Victor Osimhen

15-10-2023

Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Victor Osimhen in the January transfer window, and journalist David Ornstein has revealed his opinion on the matter.

The Gunners have had an excellent start to the season as they sit second in the Premier League table following an impressive win over Manchester City last weekend. However, they have been urged to secure the services of a top striker in January after Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah’s underwhelming start to the campaign.

Osimhen is a proven goalscorer, who has been pivotal in Napoli’s scudetto win last season. He received the Golden Boot after scoring 26 goals in just 32 Serie A appearances.

Several reports over the last few weeks have claimed that the north Londoners are eyeing a move for the 24-year-old in January. While Ornstein believes the striker is on the club’s transfer list, his hefty price tag could be an obstacle.

According to the journalist, the Gunners may find it difficult to fulfill the Italian club’s asking price for the Nigerian, perhaps making the transfer unaffordable for them. When he was asked about Osimhen’s potential move to the English capital in a Q&A on the Athletic, he said:

“In terms of price and profile, Adnan, I don’t see Arsenal going for Osimhen. I suspect he is on their list as he will be for all the top sides. As things stand, I don’t think Arsenal is focusing on recruiting a striker in January; my sense is that is more likely to be on the agenda next summer. Things can change, of course, injury, bids for your existing players, and other factors.”

“However, right now, Arsenal have Jesus, Nketiah, and Havertz, as well as goalscoring contributors like Saka, Martinelli, Odegaard, and Trossard. They will hope that serves them well this season and then they can look at the situation subsequently.”

Arsenal Fever View:

Undoubtedly, the Napoli man would be a fantastic addition to the Gunners’ squad. With the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard around him, he could guarantee 20+ goals a season.

However, it is unlikely that Arsenal will break the bank to sign Osimhen in January. He is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe, with several clubs willing to splash the cash to secure his services. Mikel Arteta seems to be content with his current attacking options and will be looking to reinforce the striking department at the end of this season.

Merson unhappy with Arsenal boss over Bukayo Saka decision

Sarang Kuttykrishnan

07-10-2023

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta could regret his decision to play Bukayo Saka in their 2-1 defeat against Lens in the Champions League.

The 22-year-old has been a mainstay in Gunners frontline for the past three seasons. He has not missed a single Premier League game since May 2021 and has amassed over 140 appearances for the club in all competitions since making his debut in 2018.

It is clear that the England international is an irreplaceable player for Arteta as he has been an excellent source of goals and assists for the Spaniard over the years. His assist to Gabriel Jesus in midweek made him the first player to score five goals and register five assists in all competitions this season for a team in Europe’s top five leagues.

But with the forward limping off after only 30 minutes against Lens, there are worries that Arteta won’t have his talisman for their crucial game against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: “I didn’t expect Arsenal to beat Lens this week, and I’m not sure why Arteta chose to play Bukayo Saka. He’s got a big game coming up against Manchester City, and his decision could come back to bite them.”

Arsenal Fever View:

It would be an understatement to say that Saka’s loss would be a huge blow. He has developed into one of the most prolific wingers in the Premier League and is a dependable source of goals and assists for the north Londoners.

The academy graduate has played a lot of games and injuries are an inevitable consequence of such a heavy workload. By being more cautious, Arteta could have prevented the current predicament. He should have considered resting the youngster on some occasions.

Saka’s position on the right wing is the only area of the pitch where the Gunners do not have adequate backup. Although they have considerable options on the left wing and in the midfield, no one is technically suited to cover the Englishman’s position.

If Saka remains unfit to start the game on Sunday, we could see Jesus replacing him on the right wing and Eddie Nketiah starting as the Number 9. The Emirates club are just a point behind reigning champions Manchester City and will have an excellent opportunity to leapfrog them in the Premier League table.

Arsenal receive Declan Rice injury boost

Sarang Kuttykrishnan

27-09-2023

Medical tests have revealed that Declan Rice did not sustain a significant back injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, giving Arsenal a much-needed injury boost, according to reports in BBC.

After joining the Gunners for a club-record fee in the summer transfer window, Rice has been exceptional. He has started every game this season, also scoring a crucial goal against Manchester United.

The England international was forced to leave the pitch during the north London Derby due to a back injury at half-time. His replacement, Jorginho, made the error that led to Son Heung-min’s equalizer in the second half.

In response to concerns that the midfielder could spend considerable time on the sidelines, Mikel Arteta said the Englishman felt discomfort in his back and will be examined in the following days.

As per reports in the BBC, the medical tests have revealed that the former West Ham man did not suffer a serious injury and is set to return to action quickly.

However, Rice will not be included in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup game against Brentford on Wednesday. He is expected to be back for the visit to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

Arsenal Fever View:

Injuries have plagued the squad in recent weeks. Jurrien Timber is set to be sidelined for a major chunk of this season due to an ACL injury while Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Thomas Partey also missed the Tottenham game due to injuries.

Rice’s injury update would come as a huge relief to Arteta. He has been excellentso far this campaign, proving to be a key player. He will now have the opportunity to build on his impressive start to the season since arriving from West Ham.

Important first-team players are likely to be rested for the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brentford. Sunday’s draw against Tottenham means Arsenal now sit fifth in the Premier League table, four points behind the leaders Manchester City. Rice will play a pivotal role in the Gunners’ pursuit to reduce that gap in the coming weeks.

Sherwood feels Declan Rice will become an Arsenal legend

Sarang Kuttykrishnan

23-09-2023

Former Tottenham Hotspur player Tim Sherwood claims Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is a massive upgrade to Granit Xhaka.

The midfielder had an excellent season last year, having captained West Ham United to UEFA Europa Conference League glory. He scored five goals and registered four assists in over 50 games across all competitions, also earning 43 caps with the England national team.

The Gunners broke the bank to secure the services of the Englishman. Since arriving at the Emirates, the midfielder has not put a foot wrong. He has hit the ground running right from his first game and also won Arsenal’s Player of the Month award for August. His first goal for the club was a late winner against Manchester United earlier this month, helping the Gunners remain unbeaten in the Premier League.

Sherwood feels the former West Ham man is an outstanding addition to the midfield. He also claims Rice will become an Arsenal legend when he leaves the club. While speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, he said:

“He’s a massive upgrade on Xhaka who was there for Arsenal last season. It is a big improvement to the midfield and he has taken to it like a duck to water.”

“Declan is one of the players who everyone loves, fans love him, teammates love him and ultimately the manager always loves him. He was a legend when he left Arsenal and he will be a legend when he leaves Arsenal.”

Arsenal Fever View:

When the north Londoners signed the midfielder for a club-record £105 million, fans were concerned about the hefty price tag. But, after just seven games in an Arsenal shirt, he seems to be worth every penny.

Rice is an imposing figure in Arsenal’s midfield. He provides cover to the backline by breaking up the opposition’s attack seamlessly. He has transformed the Gunners’ midfield into one of the best in the Premier League.

Although the 24-year-old is a proven match-winner, not many expected him to have such a great start to life in north London. He has fitted into Mikel Arteta’s system perfectly and brings the best out of the players around him.

Meanwhile, Arsenal marked their return to the Champions League with an emphatic 4-0 win over PSV. They will hope to carry the same form into the weekend, as they host their North London neighbors Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Pundit unimpressed with Arsenal star Kai Havertz

Sarang Kuttykrishnan

05-09-2023

Craig Burley has slammed Arsenal star Kai Havertz after the midfielder’s poor performance against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Gunners signed the 24-year-old for a whopping £65million from Chelsea this summer. He has started each of Arsenal’s five matches this campaign but has struggled to showcase his abilities on the pitch.

The hosts started the game with a great chance falling at the feet of Havertz. He had the goal at his mercy but missed his kick from eight yards out. To make matters worse, a sloppy pass from him was intercepted by Christian Eriksen which led to Manchester United’s goal.

It seemed like the midfielder had made amends for his mistakes when he won a penalty in the second half. However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review. The north Londoners did manage to turn the game on its head with last-minute goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus.

Craig Burley feels Havertz is afraid to express himself and almost appears to be hiding on the pitch. While speaking to ESPN, he said:

“I think he’s looking like a bad player right now because it’s been for so long. And I think he’s putting himself in positions on the pitch where – and I think it was Shaka who said to me before we came on – you could suggest he’s hiding a little bit. And that’s just not a good scenario to be in. Look, you’ve got to ask yourself a question. Is City going to come back to the pack? That’s highly unlikely. Now, the gap’s only two points I know. It’s very early in the season.”

“When you’re chasing that kind of quality, can you afford to continue to say we’ve got a passenger, I paid a lot of money for him, we keep giving him time? It’s not just the results. Other players start to ask questions.”

Arsenal Fever View:

Arsenal fans had reservations about splashing such an amount on Havertz who did not have a great time at Chelsea. He won the Champions League with the Blues but scored just 19 goals in 91 appearances for them as a striker.

However, Mikel Arteta plans to deploy him in the midfield. He flourished as a midfielder while he played for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring over 50 goals.

The German brings plenty of Premier League and Champions League experience with him. He only recently turned 24 and will continue to develop as time progresses. Therefore, it is too early to judge his time at Arsenal based on just four Premier league appearances.

Arsenal legend David Seaman not happy with Thomas Partey role

Sarang Kuttykrishnan

31-08-2023

Arsenal icon David Seaman has said that he does not understand Mikel Arteta’s decision to play Thomas Partey at right-back.

The Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Fulham over the weekend saw them drop points for the first time this season after conceding an equalizer in the dying minutes of the game. Having finished second in the Premier League last campaign, Mikel Arteta’s team haven’t exactly gotten off to an ideal start.

Arteta seems to be experimenting with the squad, having named a different backline in the first three games. An interesting change this season involves Partey being deployed at right-back. Although he has spent most of his career as a defensive midfielder, the Spaniard seems to trust him more than the conventional full-backs at his disposal.

David Seaman is not convinced with the new strategy as he believes the Ghanaian should return to midfield. He has also questioned the treatment of Gabriel Magalhaes, who did not miss a single game in the Premier League last season. While speaking on his podcast, the legendary goalkeeper said:

“It just feels awkward for me. For me, he’s a better player in midfield. I don’t know what’s happened with Gabriel [Magalhaes] because he played nearly all the games last season when he was fit or when he hadn’t been sent off and now he’s changing it. It is a strange one and I’m still trying to work out why.”

Arsenal Fever View:

Partey’s midfield position has been in doubt since the arrival of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz this season. However, the 30-year-old was impressive when he started alongside Rice in the Gunners’ win over Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Ben White was exceptional last season in the right-back role, and with Gabriel on the bench, the decision to use Partey as full back does not seem sensible.

Arteta also made an other controversial change when he started Leandro Trossard in the centre-forward position ahead of the in-form Eddie Nketiah. The average performances so far this season has been a reflection of these changes.

Arteta and his men will travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to take on Manchester United. A positive result against the Red Devils will boost the morale of the players as well as the fans.

Arsenal defender Rob Holding in talks over exit, reports Romano

Sarang Kuttykrishnan

29-08-2023

Rob Holding is set to part ways with Arsenal in the closing stages of the transfer window, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 27-year-old has made over 150 appearances for the north London club since making the switch from Bolton Wanderers in 2016, scoring five goals during these seven years. However, his appearances have dwindled in recent seasons, having started just six Premier League matches during the previous campaign.

Holding appears to be surplus to requirements as he is yet to be included in the matchday squad so far this season, although he was an unused substitute in the Gunners’ win over Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Fabrizio Romano posted on social media that the Englishman is expected to leave Arsenal before the end of this summer transfer window, with several Spanish clubs eyeing a move for him. There are talks taking place between the club and the player. The journalist tweeted:

“Rob Holding is still expected to leave Arsenal in the final days of the transfer window. There are discussions now ongoing to make it happen. Understand there are also Spanish clubs asking for conditions of Holding deal.”

Rob Holding, still expected to leave Arsenal in the final days of the transfer window. There are discussions now ongoing to make it happen 🔴⚪️ #AFC

Understand there are also Spanish clubs asking for conditions of Holding deal. pic.twitter.com/GC37IkBX7I

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2023

Arsenal Fever View:

Holding has been a squad player for the past couple of seasons, but the addition of Jurien Timber has pushed him further down the pecking order. Even with Timber’s unforeseen injury, the versatility of other defender’s would keep the 27-year-old out of the team.

Arsenal fans only have respect for Holding, who has delivered several match-winning performances over the years. But, it is unlikely that he would get a peek into the team any time soon, therefore, this transfer window seems to be the right time for him to part ways with the club.

The Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Fulham last weekend has seen them drop to fifth place in the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta made several changes to the starting lineup, but ultimately they backfired. Established connections between players from last season seem to have been disrupted by these changes. The Spaniard should consider reverting to the tried and tested system to witness an improvement in performance.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Fulham: Martinelli, Havertz

Nithyanand

26-08-2023

Arsenal return to the Emirates for another London derby as they get ready to host Fulham and look to continue their good start, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners had to grind hard to get important three points against Crystal Palace after going down to 10 men. But they showed impressive character to hold off the Palace attack and emerge from Selhurst Park with the three points.

Aaron Ramsdale should continue in goal despite the arrival of David Raya and the Englishman would like to get another clean sheet. As for the fullbacks, we could see a change with the inclusion of Alex Zinchenko and Ben White moving to be the right back.

That should result in a first start this season for Gabriel who has come off the bench in the last two games. The Brazilian will be with his usual partner William Saliba as they look to take on a team that is not as strong in attack as some of the others.

Thomas Partey should see himself playing in midfield. The Ghana international along with Declan Rice will form the midfield two and look to stamp their authority on the game. Rice will be given the freedom to move forward with a lot more intensity as Partey can mop up behind him.

Further ahead of them, we will see the three magicians in Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. Only the Brazilian is yet to score a goal among the three and Saturday would be a great opportunity to do so. If the wingers can get into good positions, it is going to be a long day for the visitors.

Though Gabriel Jesus will be back in the squad, it is likely to be Kai Havertz who takes up the central striking role ahead of Eddie Nketiah. This will give the north Londoners more control in the midfield and the German’s height is another advantage.

Arsenal will be confident of getting their third win in three matches but need to ensure that there are no lapses in concentration. If they can do that, it greatly improves their chances of putting on a strong performance.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Fulham (4-2-3-1):

Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Alex Zinchenko, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz

Arsenal Team News against Fulham: Jesus, Zinchenko

Nithyanand

26-08-2023

Arsenal will come up against another London rival this weekend when Fulham come to the Emirates as the hosts look for their third win in a row, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

Though the Gunners had to dig hard against Crystal Palace, they showed enough character and composure to ensure the win. Boosted by that and the return of some key players, Mikel Arteta would want his team to go out there and exert their authority.

The big injury related news is that Gabriel Jesus is back in training, with Arteta confirming that the forward is ready to go this weekend. Having the forward back is such a huge boost for the north Londoners who look so much better when he plays.

With Alex Zinchenko getting some minutes against Palace, there is a good chance that he gets to start this game. Jurrien Timber is the long-term absentee and Arteta will have to be creative in finding solutions for the injured Dutchman.

Arsenal Fever View:

The Gunners have a great chance to notch another win as the visitors are not in the best possible shape. Having lost their talisman in attack, Fulham stumbled to a 3-0 loss to Brentford last week and that would have sent some alarm bells ringing.

Arteta will know this and would want his wingers in particular to be direct and look to get past the visiting defence. What they need to ensure is that they do not have a drop off in intensity when they are leading. If they do that, it can lead to mistakes and can result in points being dropped.

Though the absence of Timber has altered the way the north Londoners might line up, there are still plenty of great options in the squad. This level of depth is what the Gunners have wanted for a long time, and they can put it to good use. The attack should prove to be too much to handle for Fulham.

Arsenal know that points are not easy to come by in the Premier League and every game is tough in its own way. Despite that, they will be quite confident of pulling off another win this Saturday and get ready for the big test that lies for them next week in Manchester United.

Arsenal star Kieran Tierney to join Real Sociedad, claims Romano

Sarang Kuttykrishnan

25-08-2023

Real Sociedad have reached a verbal agreement to sign Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney on a season-long loan deal, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 26-year-old joined the Gunners from Celtic in 2019 and has gone on to represent the club on more than 120 occasions in all competitions. However, he played second fiddle to Oleksandr Zinchenko last season, having managed just six starts during the campaign.

The Scotland international was also down the pecking order during pre-season friendlies. With the addition of versatile defender Jurrien Timber to the squad, it is unlikely that Tierney would start games week in and week out.

Fabrizio Romano broke the news regarding Tierney’s move to Spain with his iconic ‘Here we go’ tweet. He will join the La Liga side on a season-long loan deal, with the Spanish side covering his entire £110,000-a-week wages until June. There is no obligation to buy included in the deal, but the Gunners will receive a loan fee. The journalist tweeted:

“Kieran Tierney to Real Sociedad, here we go! Verbal agreement in place with Arsenal on a loan deal — no buy option clause. Tierney has accepted, and medical being scheduled after clubs exchange all documents. Salary will be covered until June.”

Kieran Tierney to Real Sociedad, here we go! Verbal agreement in place with Arsenal on loan deal — no buy option clause 🚨⚪️🔵 #AFC

Tierney has accepted, medical being scheduled after clubs exchange all documents.

Salary will be covered until June. pic.twitter.com/PhLceN4Sk2

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 25, 2023

Arsenal Fever View:

The former Celtic man has been a popular figure among the fans since his arrival. He cemented his place in Arsenal’s backline with some impressive displays, but injuries hindered his development.

This transfer move seems sensible for both the club and the player. Tierney would have the opportunity to start every week and experience Champions League football at Sociedad. He will be determined to establish himself as a key figure at the Spanish club.

It is clear that Mikel Arteta does not consider Tierney in his future plans. Therefore, if he performs well during his loan stint, the club can offload him next summer for a reasonable fee.

Arteta and his men will look to maintain their perfect start to the season with a win against Fulham on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium. Brighton and Manchester City are the only other teams to remain unbeaten after two matches.

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