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“Majestic, Absolute class”, Many Arsenal fans impressed with midfielder’s performance

By
Nithyanand
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Dani Ceballos

A lot of Arsenal fans took to Twitter to express their admiration for Dani Ceballos after his impressive display against Liverpool on Monday.

The North London club took the lead courtesy of Alexandre Lacazette but ultimately went on to lose the game 3-1. Goals from Sadio Mane, Andrew Robertson and Diogo Jota gave the defending champions a comfortable victory.

The Spaniard didn’t start the game with Mohamed Elneny taking up his slot. But Ceballos was brought in around the hour mark as a substitute for Granit Xhaka. After his introduction, the Emirates club seemed to play with more energy.

His ability ensured that Arteta’s side were able to hold the ball better. Along with Elneny, the Spaniard kept things ticking and created some good opportunities in attack. This was noticed by fans who were quick to express their praise for the on-loan midfielder. Here are some of the best reactions:

https://twitter.com/_sakalinho/status/1310683574555742209

One of the hallmarks of this Liverpool side is the intensity with which they press. So, to beat them, you have to beat the press, and this is one aspect where the midfielder excels at. His close control and balance gives him the ability to go past players with ease.

The North London club created some good goal-scoring opportunities in the second and that was all down to Ceballos’ passing game. The Spaniard’s desire to make something happen was enough to worry the opposition defense and with better finishing, the score could have been different.

It is intriguing to think how the match would have gone if the midfielder started the game. His partnership with Xhaka has been an important factor in Gunners successful run over the past couple of months, so it was surprising to see him start on the bench.

Mikel Arteta might have had his reasons to bench Ceballos but it did cost the team a win. A win over the Premier League champions would have been a morale booster but they will have to put this match behind them and focus on the Carabao Cup where they will once again take on Liverpool.

Houssem Aouar confirms transfer talks as Arsenal prepare new offer for midfielder

By
Nithyanand
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Houssem Aouar

Houssem Aouar has confirmed that transfer talks are underway between Lyon and other clubs, according to reports in Canal+(via Express).

The 22-year-old played his 100th league game for the French club yesterday. He has become one of the first names on the team sheet for OL in the past few years and has already made more than 130 appearances, scoring 24 goals.

The report in Express states that the North London club have made a £32m bid which was rejected by Lyon. They are expected to return with another bid closer to the £54m that the French team are demanding. The midfielder is believed to have agreed personal terms with the Emirates club.

After the game against Lorient, Aouar was giving an interview to Canal+ where he was asked about his future. The French star claimed that he will not discuss on his future out of respect for the club but did mention talks are ongoing. He said:

“I will give you an interview after the match but I will not talk about my future

“There are contact with clubs, I don’t know yet. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

The Frenchman is also thought to be the priority for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta this summer. His creativity is one aspect that will lift the squad and being able to split the defense with his accurate and imaginative passing is another great facet of the midfielder’s game.

The Frenchman is the type of player who can act as a swift link between attack and defense. This has been a problem for the North Londoners against teams that like to defend deep.

The transfer window closes on the 5th of October so the Emirates side will have to get a move on. Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas is known to be a tough negotiator that will not let go of his players on the cheap and the Emirates hierarchy will be aware of this after negotiating the transfer of Lacazette a couple of years back.

It is a mouth-watering prospect to see a player of Aouar’s quality play at the Emirates. He is still young and looks to be on course to become one of the world’s finest midfielders in the near future. Fans will be excited to see the midfielder in Arsenal’s colors but with transfer deadline fast approaching, the club need to hurry up.

Willian and Kieran Tierney to start, Predicted Arsenal lineup(3-4-3) against Liverpool FC

By
Nithyanand
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Arsenal Predicted Lineup

Arsenal will travel to Anfield to take on Premier League defending champions Liverpool on Monday night. Let’s take a look at the latest teams news and predicted starting line-up?

The North London club overcame Leicester City in the third-round of the Carabao Cup in midweek and have been in fine form since the start of the season. They are unbeaten in so far and will look to continue the same momentum against the Reds.

The biggest positive in terms of team news is the return of Kieran Tierney. Arsenal confirmed that the left-back is back in full training. This will be a big boost for Mikel Arteta as the defender has consistently featured in his plans.

In goal, it will be Bernd Leno as usual. With the Gunners likely to set up in 3-4-3, we will see three center-back’s. One of them would be David Luiz who started the game in midweek. He will be paired up with Rob Holding and Gabriel on either side. The new signing has adapted to the Premier League pretty quickly.

The returning Tierney will find his spot as a wing-back rather than in the center of defense. Having Luiz in the team allows the manager to push the Scottish defender further forward. On the opposite flank, it will be Hector Bellerin running up and down the right-hand side.

As for the midfield duo, Mikel Arteta is likely to stick with his preferred duo of Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka. They have been playing very well together and would be looking to help the Emirates club impose themselves in this game.

In attack, we will witness the same front three that took on West Ham. Willian will come in place of Nicolas Pepe despite the latter impressing in the Carabao Cup. On the left wing, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will take up his usual position and finally, in the middle, it will be Alexandre Lacazette leading the attack.

We will get to see a strong Arsenal side take to the field and fans will be hoping that Arteta’s side can repeat their Community Shield heroics to take all three points.

Predicted Arsenal Starting Lineup vs Liverpool 3-4-3: 

Bernd Leno, Kieran Tierney, David Luiz, Gabriel, Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin, Dani Ceballos, Granit Xhaka, Willian, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette

Lyon president provides update on Arsenal bid for Houssem Aouar and agreement claims

By
Nithyanand
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Houssem Aouar

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that Arsenal have made a bid for Houssem Aouar but it was rejected, as per the Mirror.

The Frenchman has been one of the best players for the French club in the last couple of years. He made 41 appearances last season and notched up nine goals in all competitions. The 22-year-old also played an important role in taking his team to the semi-finals of the 2019/20 Champions League.

Earlier, it was being reported by ESPN that the North London club had lodged a bid to secure the midfielder. The report also states that the French side were willing to reduce their asking price from £55m to somewhere in the region of £36-41m.

There was another report in L’Equipe that claimed that the Emirates club had agreed personal terms with Aouar. The president rubbished the reports and revealed that he expects the midfielder to lead the club next season.

The OL chief further added that Arsenal have made an offer but it was too low to be considered. He tweeted(translated from French):

“For Houssem Arsenal is too far from his value: we are counting on him to play a great match in Lorient and lead OL in CL next year.”

Jean-Michel Aulas is known to be a tough negotiator, so his comments might be intended to put pressure on the Gunners and extract maximum value for his midfielder. Going by the other reports, it seems the club are still interested in a move for Aouar.

If the North London club can agree a deal, it would be some signing and one that instantly improves the quality of the squad. The Frenchman is the type of player who can act as a swift link between attack and defense. This has been a problem for the North Londoners against teams that like to defend deep.

However Lyon are not going to let their star leave without a fight. So, the Gunners will have to dig deep to get their man and we will know more about this deal in the next few days. If it all goes to plan, the Emirates will witness a player who has the potential to become world class.

Sky Sports journalist claims Arsenal are working hard to sign 27-year-old midfielder

By
Nithyanand
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Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are working hard on bringing in Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

The Ghanaian has become one of Atletico’s best players in the past few years. His importance to the team was underlined by the fact that the midfielder played 46 games last season, scoring four goals.

The North London club have reportedly earmarked the 27-year-old midfielder as one of the priority signings this summer, but the Emirates club have been reluctant to pay-up the release clause in his contract.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Show, Sheth revealed that Lucas Torreira could be the key factor in this deal. The Spanish side are reportedly interested in signing the Uruguayan but only on a loan deal.

The Sky Sports reporter further added that the Emirates club want guaranteed money for Torreira which is where the deal is hanging at the moment. Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer show, he said:

“Arsenal want Partey, Atletico want Torreira. But there is one issue, Atletico want Torreira on loan, while Arsenal want to sell or at the very least ensure that there is obligation attached to any loan move”

“Arsenal are well aware that if they can do business with Atletico (for Torreira) that could then smooth the path to sign Thomas Partey.

“Edu, Arteta and the rest of the recruitment team are working very hard on making it ‘Partey Time’ at the Emirates.”

It is encouraging that the club are continuing their pursuit of a supremely talented player. His signing will instantly improve the Arsenal midfield. The Ghanaian has a unique set of skills that allow him to contribute effectively on either side of the pitch.

To make this transfer a reality, the Gunners will have to trigger his release clause which stands at £45m. If they can pull it off, it would be quite a coup for the North Londoners.

Arsenal will get a shot of quality with a player as good as Partey and fans will be hoping that this deal does go through. There is still over a week left in the transfer window and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds.

“Plays like Mikel Arteta”, Many Arsenal fans impressed with midfielder’s performance

By
Nithyanand
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Elneny

Arsenal beat Leicester City 2-0 in the third round of the Carabao Cup and Mohamed Elneny’s composed performance in midfield caught the eye of many Gunners fans.

The North London club had to work hard to get past the Foxes. An own goal from Christian Fuchs gave Arteta’s side the lead and Eddie Nketiah made it 2-1 in the final minutes of the game.

The Spanish boss made plenty of changes to the squad and one among them was the inclusion of the Egyptian midfielder and based on the reaction from Twitter, it is safe to say the fans loved the way he played.

Elneny was partnered with Joe Willock and controlled the tempo of the game. His defensive discipline allowed Willock to venture forward and support the attack. The Egyptian sat back and protected the defense and was always available for a pass which helped the Gunners play out from the back.

One fan compared his game to the way manager Mikel Arteta played saying that he did the simple things well. There were others too who were full of praise for him. Here are some of the best reactions:

https://twitter.com/Aj_Toba/status/1308892155847610369

 

https://twitter.com/grizeldamus/status/1308848337953619970

https://twitter.com/_Watchmann/status/1308851803174449161

The midfielder will be particularly happy that he is being appreciated after coming back from a loan spell. He spent the 2019/20 season in Turkey playing for Besiktas. But since coming back, he has looked very lively.

His calmness on the ball makes him an ideal to find under pressure.He has a simple game and focuses on keeping things moving and is a very handy player to have. This was exemplified perfectly in the Community Shield against Liverpool.

The Premier League champions are one of the best teams in the world when it comes to pressing. But the ease with which the Egyptian and Granit Xhaka were passing around the press, was a sight to behold. It helped cope with the immense pressure and gave the attack a foundation to build on.

Based on what we have seen so far this season, it looks like Elneny does have a role to play. Arsenal will benefit from having such players who can set the tempo and protect the defense. Though he may not start every match, Arteta will be happy in knowing he has a talented player.

 

William Saliba and Eddie Nketiah to start, Predicted Arsenal lineup (3-4-3) vs Leicester City

By
Nithyanand
-
Predicted Arsenal Line-up

Arsenal will travel to King Power stadium for their Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leicester City. Let’s take a look at the team news and probable starting line-up?

The North London club made it two wins in a row in the Premier League as they got past a spirited West Ham side on Saturday. The Hammers provided a stern challenge and the Emirates club needed a late Eddie Nketiah goal to seal a 2-1 win.

As for injuries, the good news is that Kieran Tierney is available. Mikel Arteta confirmed after Saturday’s game that the defender is fine. Another boost is the return of David Luiz who came on as a late substitute over the weekend after suffering a neck injury during the Community Shield.

In goal, we could see a debut for new signing Alex Runarsson who joined the London club from Dijon. The Emirates club are expected to continue with the 3-4-3 formation which has been the norm recently.

The defense will see some changes with Gabriel making way for his countryman David Luiz. William Saliba is in line to make his competitive debut and is likely to be paired up with Kieran Tierney.

In midfield, there could be further rotation as Mohamed Elneny will replace Dani Ceballos with Granit Xhaka taking up the other spot. As for the wing backs, Hector Bellerin and Bukayo Saka are likely to be rested with Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles replacing them.

We will also see plenty of changes in the attack. Willian will make way for Nicolas Pepe who will be itching for a start and on the other flank, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will certainly be rested. His spot will be taken by Reiss Nelson.

And to complete this youthful trio, Eddie Nketiah will start as the sole striker upfront. The Englishman got the winner on Saturday and with Lacazette rested, he will get another chance.

If he can keep up his goal scoring touch, the youngster will give Mikel Arteta a selection headache going forward. Leicester have a strong team so the Gunners will have their task cut out.

Predicted Arsenal Starting Lineup vs Leicester City 3-4-3: 

Alex Runarsson, David Luiz, Kieran Tierney, William Saliba, Cedric Soares, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Reiss Nelson, Nicolas Pepe, Eddie Nketiah

Sky Sports claim that Arsenal will complete signing of 25-year-old star in next 24 hours

By
Nithyanand
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Runar Alex Runarsson

Arsenal are expected to complete the signing of goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson imminently, according to reports in Sky Sports.

The 25-year-old keeper plays for French side Dijon and has gone on to make 36 appearances for them in Ligue 1. He is also a member of the Iceland national team having made his debut in 2017.

The North London club are looking to replace Argentine Emiliano Martinez who left London to join Aston Villa. The report in Sky Sports states that the Emirates club are closing in on a deal for Runarsson which could be completed within the next 24 hours. Another option that was considered was David Raya but Brentford were not willing to let go of their keeper.

Goal are further reporting that the deal will be worth a little more than £1 million. They also mention that the Icelandic stopper could make his debut against Leicester City on Wednesday.

After the departure of Martinez, it was important for the Gunners to find a replacement. They needed someone to act as a backup for Bernd Leno and the Dijon keeper presents a good option especially with the fee that is being mentioned.

Runarsson has a connection with the London club, having already worked with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana. They worked together during their time at Danish club FC Nordsjælland.

Wednesday’s Carabao Cup game presents a good opportunity for the youngster to showcase his skills. Leicester have a very strong attack and they will surely be a test for him.

As Goal have mentioned, the keeper is already in London having traveled there on Friday. He also spent the weekend training, so should be ready for the midweek game.

Given how many matches Arsenal will be playing this season, Runarsson will be getting plenty of opportunities to prove his mettle. His familiarity with Inaki Cana will help him to quickly adapt to the new surroundings.

Arsenal have won both their Premier League games this season and will want to continue their winning run going. The game might as well give the fans an opportunity to witness their new keeper in action.

Mikel Arteta reveals latest update on contract situation of Alexandre Lacazette

By
Nithyanand
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Alexandre Lacazette

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that no talks have taken place with Alexandre Lacazette over a new contract, as per Metro.

The Frenchman has been among the goals in both of Arsenal’s Premier League games so far. His goal against West Ham United on Saturday helped him reach the 50-goal mark for the North London club.

Earlier in the transfer window, Atletico Madrid were linked with a move for the striker but the forward reiterated his commitment to stay in London. With his contract set to expire in 2022, Arteta was asked about his future.

The Spanish boss reiterated that he is happy with the striker but confirmed that negotiations between the club and player haven’t started yet. According to Metro, he said:

“He’s a player I’m really happy with. I think we’ve shown him a lot of faith since I arrived here. But we cannot start any speculation.

“We know that any player who is under two years of their contract is always going to be talked about. ‘At the moment, we haven’t started any negotiations. We have a lot of things still to do in this market and at the moment we are focusing on those things.”

The 29-year-old was in disappointing form last season managing only 12 goals in all competitions. But since the arrival of Arteta, his form has taken a turn for the better.

In the system that the manager has laid out, the striker has become a reference point for the midfielders and that has been showcased a lot in the last couple of months.

A good example of this was the FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City where he played a crucial role in the opening goal. He has started the campaign off in fine form and getting among the goals early in the season will give him a lot of confidence going forward.

The Frenchman will also have to deal with the emergence of Eddie Nketiah who has become a viable option for the manager. The Englishman got the winner on Saturday and could be set to start Tuesday’s Carabao Cup game at Leicester.

But if Lacazette can play the way he has been doing over the past few months, it will only benefit the club. Having two strikers who are capable of finding the back of the net on regular basis will be a huge bonus.

“Frighteningly good, incredible” – Many Arsenal fans full of praise for Bukayo Saka

By
Nithyanand
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Bukayo Saka

Arsenal fans took to Twitter to shower their praise on Bukayo Saka, whose late goal helped the Gunners get past West Ham.

Goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah ensured three points for the North London club. Mikel Arteta made a single change from last week’s win against Fulham with Bukayo Saka coming in for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The Englishman had a hand in both the goals as it was his passes that split the Hammers defense and led to goal-scoring opportunities. He was the only player on the pitch who was making constant inroads in the second half and his energy is second to none in this team.

His performance caught the eye of many fans with one of them even claiming that the youngster can play in goal and can do even better than Chelsea’s keeper Kepa.

Here are some of the other reactions:

https://twitter.com/_sakalinho/status/1307421636283346944

The biggest benefit of having a player like Saka is the versatility that he offers. He can play in multiple positions as a full back, a wing-back and further forward on both wings.

And if the display on Saturday was anything to go by, he can even slot into the center of midfield. Though he started as the left wing-back, he was taking up a lot of central positions and that had a hand to play in both the goals.

It is a dream for the manager to have a player who can do all of this. It allows the team to play different combinations and still make it work.

Saka is a special talent who at the age of 19 has managed to become a regular for the Gunners. Arsenal will be happy that they were able to extend his contract and if the youngster can keep up this level of play, he might turn out to be one of Premier League’s best players.

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