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‘Excellent’, ‘Back in form’, some Arsenal fans praise 29-year-old’s display vs Liverpool

By
Sri Aswin
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Alexandre Lacazette

A selection of Arsenal fans have heaped praise on the performance of Alexandre Lacazette during the club’s 2-1 Premier League win over Liverpool on Tuesday night.

The Gunners went 1-0 behind after just 20 minutes on the clock after Sadio Mane had an easy tap-in from a pass from Andrew Robertson.

However, they managed to make a comeback with two first-half goals which came on the back of errors committed by Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.

Reiss Nelson induced the mistake from Van Dijk which put Lacazette through on goal and the Frenchman delivered with the equaliser after rounding Alisson in the 32nd minute.

Prior to the half-time whistle, Lacazette showed impressive workrate to get on the end of a weak Alisson pass intended for Robertson and he thereafter laid the ball into Nelson’s path, who registered his first-ever Premier League goal.

The 29-year-old was handed the captain’s armband for the game with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang featuring on the bench, and he capped off a delightful performance with a goal and an assist.

The Frenchman was also impressive on the defensive front during his 57 minutes on the field and he managed four tackles -which was more than any other Arsenal player, as per whoscored.

This has definitely pleased some of the Gunners’ faithful and here are some of the reactions on Twitter following the hard-fought 2-1 win over the Reds.

Twitter Reactions:

Lacazette has picked up form since the season restart after the coronavirus shutdown and he has now registered three goals in the space of the previous four league matches.

He is definitely going through his best phase of the campaign and it will be interesting to see whether he can replicate the showing against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

‘Brilliant performance’, some Arsenal fans are delighted for one player after Thursday’s win

By
Sri Aswin
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A selection of Arsenal fans have expressed their delight over the performance of Rob Holding during the club’s 2-0 league win over Southampton yesterday.

Holding has struggled to find his consistency since the long-term knee injury suffered last season, but he came up with an assured display alongside Shkodran Mustafi and Kieran Tierney in the back three on Thursday.

The north London side were fortunate with both of their goals which resulted from goalkeeping mistakes from Alex McCarthy, but they still needed to defend a 1-0 lead for more than an hour before the second goal right at the end.

Holding stood out as the standout performer in the backline as he managed two successful tackles, one interception, eight clearances and won four aerial duels, as per whoscored.

It was definitely one of Holding’s best performances in a long time and he was named the supporters’ man of the match following the game. Some of the Gunners fans took to Twitter to appreciate his showing.

Twitter reactions:

https://twitter.com/HolyHolding/status/1276227738710552583

https://twitter.com/MaximusArsenal/status/1276206020314963968

https://twitter.com/classenalfc/status/1276227066392989697

With the victory at St Mary’s, the Gunners picked up only their third away win of the Premier League season and the first under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta.

Meanwhile, the club got their first points on the board since the season resumption and that sees them return to the top half of the table in ninth.

They are scheduled to face Sheffield United on the road in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday and Arteta will be hoping that the club can make further progress in the competition.

Chris Wilder’s side have looked a different outfit since the season restart with three winless games and the Gunners should fancy their chances of beating the Blades this weekend.

Xhaka and Tierney start, Predicted Arsenal lineup (4-3-3) vs Southampton

By
Sri Aswin
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Granit Xhaka

Arsenal will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Southampton on the road in tonight’s league encounter. The Gunners have succumbed to back-to-back losses since the season resumption and that has dropped them 11 points off the top-four places.

The north London side have had a tough time away from home for yet another campaign with just two wins from 15 outings. It remains to be seen whether they can pick up their first league victory on their travels since the 3-1 comeback win at West Ham United in December.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Lineup:

Emiliano Martinez is set to make his first Premier League start in three years following the injury setback for regular goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Leno has managed to avoid a serious knee injury but he is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season.

In the defence, there could be the solitary change from the previous game against Brighton with Kieran Tierney replacing Sead Kolasinac at left-back. Sokratis may have returned to full training after a groin problem, but we are fancying Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding to feature in the central defence, with Hector Bellerin operating on the right side of the backline.

In the centre of the park, a solitary change could be made. Granit Xhaka, who has recovered from a knee sprain sustained against Manchester City could replace Matteo Guendouzi in the holding midfield role. Daniel Ceballos and Bukayo Saka should keep their places.

Further forward, Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will most certainly feature from the starting lineup. Alexandre Lacazette may, however, drop to the bench for the young Eddie Nketiah to get another chance to impress upfront for the Gunners.

Predicted Arsenal lineup (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez, Hector Bellerin, Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Daniel Ceballos, Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Eddie Nketiah

Arsenal offered transfer boost as Barcelona lower Philippe Coutinho demands

By
Nithyanand
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Coutinho Arsenal

Arsenal could renew their interest in Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho with Barcelona reducing their loan demands, according to reports in the Telegraph.

The 27-year-old made his move from Liverpool to the Catalan giants in January of 2018 in one of the most expensive transfers of all time. But since then, he has not been able to find a stable place in the Barca first team.

The midfielder then joined Bayern Munich on a loan deal where he has done reasonably well with 8 goals from 22 league games. The German club had an option to make the loan deal permanent but they did not pick up that option.

The report in the Telegraph claims that Barcelona were initially asking for £10million loan fee and the player’s £250,000-per-week to be paid in full by potential suitors which led to clubs cooling off their interest.

It further claims that with finances going for a toss due to the pandemic Barcelona chiefs are willing to lower their demands in order to get a new loan move for Coutinho. The Spanish club are now willing to pay a part of the Brazilian’s wages to make a move more appealing. Though the report did not specify how much, it is thought that this would reignite the interest of many clubs including Arsenal.

Coutinho spent around five seasons in England where he emerged as one of the best-attacking players in the league. He is capable of scoring from anywhere and can create an opportunity from nowhere. Having a player of his quality will certainly make their attack more potent and dangerous.

Another advantage of having Coutinho is that he can play in a variety of positions which will give Arteta many options and with him already being familiar with the league, he will not need any time to adapt.

The midfielder can hit the ground running immediately which will definitely appeal to the North Londoners.

Despite not impressing at Barcelona, Coutinho remains a fantastic talent and at the age of 28, he still has a lot to offer.

Arsenal to hold contract talks with Alexandre Lacazette amid Atletico Madrid transfer interest

By
Nithyanand
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Alexandre Lacazette

Arsenal are set to hold contract talks with striker Alexandre Lacazette in the coming weeks amidst strong interest from Atletico Madrid, according to reports in ESPN.

The 29-year-old joined the Emirates club in the summer of 2017 from French club Lyon in a then club-record deal. While the forward has not been as prolific as his strike partner and good friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, he still scored 45 goals so far.

This season the Frenchman hasn’t been among the goals as much as the fans would’ve liked with only 9 in 26 appearances.

The report in ESPN states that the North London club will hold talks with Lacazette whose contract expires in 2022, with the striker wanting assurances from Mikel Arteta over his role. Arsenal are adamant to be in a position where they end up losing both Lacazette and Aubameyang with the latter’s contract is up next year.

There have been reports of a swap deal involving Atletico’s Thomas Partey and Lacazette, but ESPN claim that the Emirates club have not explored that option yet as they are reluctant to take a call on the Frenchman with Aubameyang’s future still up in the air.

Spanish publication AS(via Daily Mail) are reporting that Atletico are considering to use winger Thomas Lemar as a makeweight to lure the North London club into selling Lacazette. Lemar was previously linked with a move to the Emirates but he ended up going to Spain.

This season has been a little difficult for Lacazette as he has suffered from injury concerns. This has resulted in him being in and out of the team. Apart from this, he also had to contend with the emergence of other options such as Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah both of whom are promising young talents.

It will be damaging for the club to let the attacking duo leave given the fact that it will be difficult to replace their contributions in front of the goal. Even if one of them were to leave, the club has to ensure that the other feels their future is secure at the club.

Arsenal have a little more time to negotiate with Lacazette and they should use that time to make the right decision. Lacazette remains a quality option that can come up with the goods at important moments.

Arsenal in talks with agent to complete transfer deal for £17.5m forward

By
Nithyanand
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Arsenal Stadium

Arsenal have already initiated preliminary talks with the agent of Canadian striker Jonathan David, according to reports in HLN.

The 20-year-old who plays for Gent in the Belgian League has been in fine form this season scoring 23 goals in 40 games.

The forward has been one of the best players in the Belgian League this season with his pace and skills proving to be too much for the opposition. He has made his mark in the Europa League as well this season.

The report states that Arsenal have opened exploratory talks with David’s agent Nick Mavromaras. The North London club have been scouting the forward for a while now.

It further claims that the Belgian side aren’t willing to let their prized asset leave on the cheap but a fee of around £17.5million could convince them. Manchester United are also interested but don’t need the forward as much as their Premier League rivals due to the presence of Odion Ighalo.

The Gunners on the other hand could really do with a talented forward if one of their experienced strikers leaves. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has less than 12 months left in his contract and as a result of that, he has been linked with a move away from the Emirates. Alexandre Lacazette on the other hand has been in and out of the team and there were reports that he could be on his way to Spain and join Atletico Madrid.

At the age of 20, David is a player that is yet to reach his full potential and this will surely be an exciting factor for the Gunners. Of course, a transfer also depends on what happens to the more senior forwards so we will have to wait and watch in that regard.

Apart from a striking role, David can play in a deeper position which will give Mikel Arteta more options to play around with.

David along with Alphonso Davies are thought to be the future of Canadian football so it would be quite a coup for the Gunners to land such a major talent.

 

28-year-old defender’s future in doubt with no contract extension agreed

By
Nithyanand
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Mikel Arteta

Arsenal have a little less than two weeks to decide on a contract extension for Portuguese full-back Cedric Soares, according to reports in Daily Star.

The 28-year-old joined Southampton in the summer of 2015 and has since become a dependable full-back. Having made over 100 Premier League appearances for the Saints he joined Inter Milan on loan last January.

The full-back joined the North London club this January on a loan deal but has not yet played for the club due to injury concerns.

The report in Daily Star claims that Arsenal expected that Cedric will spend around 3 weeks on the sidelines. However, the defender has not recovered as quickly as the club would have liked and is still sidelined.

He will become a free agent when his loan deal ends as his current contract with Southampton will also expire on the 30th of June. As per a FIFA approved rule, Arsenal have till the 23rd of June to agree on a short-term deal for Cedric which will allow those players who are out of a contract to continue playing until the season ends.

That gives Mikel Arteta and the club less than two weeks to choose what they want to do with their full-back. With the Premier League suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been given a chance to work his way to full fitness. Now, the Gunners need to make a decision on extending his contract.

If the Emirates club does go ahead with the short-term deal, it will help them navigate a tricky fixture list. They will play as many as 6 games in 17 days which will take a toll on the squad. So, it will be really useful to have a player of Cedric’s ability and experience.

The Portuguese full-back might be mostly used as a back up for the first choice right-back Hector Bellerin. Having spent so many seasons in the Premier League, he will know what it takes to do well in England.

There is still time for Cedric to make his Gunners debut and if the club goes and signs him on a short-term deal, fans can finally see him in an Arsenal shirt.

Former Arsenal midfielder makes decision on return after Mikel Arteta’s offer

By
Nithyanand
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Santi Cazorla

Former Arsenal player Santi Cazorla has revealed that he has arrived at a decision on his future after being offered a chance to return to the club by Mikel Arteta, according to reports in Metro.

The Spaniard joined the Emirates club back in the summer of 2012 and went on to become an integral member of the team. He played in a variety of positions and his dribbling as well as passing endeared him to the fans.

The 38-year-old helped the club end its 9-year trophy drought but injuries hampered his career at the North London club. He has been in fine form this season scoring 8 times in 24 appearances for Villarreal in the Spanish league.

His contract is set to expire in the summer and as per reports in Metro he has been offered a role to coach alongside his former Arsenal teammate and current manager Mikel Arteta.

Speaking on his future, Cazorla told Cadena SER:

“I have already made my decision, but right now is not the time to say anything. I have an idea of what I want, but in due course I will reveal what I’ve decided. Now is not the time because we have to be focused on competing.”

When further queried on whether he would consider being part of Arteta’s team at the Emirates, he added:

“I want to remain linked to football. I could be a coach, but I see myself more in a sporting director role.”

Both Arteta and Cazorla have bonded big time during their time in North London. So, it’s likely that the Gunners boss will cherish having a close friend in his coaching team. But it is up to Cazorla to make that decision.

He does remain a beloved figure among Arsenal fans and they will surely be overjoyed to see him back at the Emirates. We do not have to wait that much longer given that he will reveal the decision once the season ends.

The Spaniard has earlier spoken of how he would like to return to the Emirates and this could be the perfect opportunity to get his wish. It remains to be seen whether his future will be in England or elsewhere but he would be welcomed with open arms if he decides to return.

Arsenal have new hope that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will sign new contract

By
Nithyanand
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Aubameyang

Arsenal are hopeful that the club’s relationship with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s father will be helpful in extending the striker’s contract, according to reports in Daily Telegraph.

The 30-year-old is the North London club’s leading goal scorer notching up 20 goals in 32 appearances this season. He has been a consistent source of goals ever since he arrived in England from Germany.

According to the Telegraph, the strong relationship that Arsenal have with Aubameyang’s father Pierre-Francois will be useful in contract negotiations. He is also the agent of the star striker and played a key role in bring him to the Emirates.

The Gabon international’s contract expires next summer and Express further claim that the North London club want to extend his deal instead of cashing in on him. It further claims that the club are prioritising his contract talks over anything else.

If they do not extend the current deal, Arsenal run the risk of losing their star player for free next year. The importance of Aubameyang cannot be overstated as he has become the team’s primary source of goals.

Even when playing in an unfamiliar left-wing position under Mikel Arteta, he has still managed to chip in with the goals. The Gunners do have a chance of making it back into the Champions League as they are currently in 9th place five points behind 5th placed Manchester United.

If the North Londoners win their game in hand against Manchester City that will be cut to two points. And if City’s Champions League ban is upheld that will mean finishing 5th would be enough to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Regardless of what decision the club take on Aubameyang’s future, they should move quickly else it will end up hurting the club. For now, the focus will be on finishing the season on a strong note that will help the team qualify for the Champions League again.

Aubameyang is an extremely crucial player and hopefully, the relationship with his father/agent will be enough to secure an extension.

26-year-old Arsenal transfer target urged to join the Gunners by his teammate

By
Nithyanand
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Predicted Arsenal Line-up

Joseph  Larweh who plays alongside Thomas Partey for Ghana has urged the Atletico midfielder to move to the Premier League and prove a point with Arsenal, according to reports in Express.

Having made his debut in 2015, Partey has slowly grown into becoming an influential midfielder for Diego Simeone’s team. Now he is one of the first names on the team sheet as his pace, power and skill on the ball make him the complete package in the center of the pitch.

The 26-year-old has a £43million release clause in his contract, with Atletico keen on extending his contract but the midfielder is stalling over putting pen to paper. Lawreh feels his teammate has achieved a lot at Atletico and should depart for a new challenge. Speaking to Ghanaian publication Citi Sports, he said:

“I will be happy if he goes to Arsenal. He has done everything at Atletico and is recognised as one of his best players.

“He also has to go to a different league to prove himself. He needs people to know that he is capable of succeeding in other places and not only in Spain.”

The Express also claim that Partey is one of the top transfer targets for Mikel Arteta and the Emirates club have been following him for a long time.

His importance to this Atletico side can be underlined by the fact that he has played 24 of the 27 La Liga games for the Spanish club this season. And the links to the Gunners gained more traction when FootballGhana editor Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah recently told The Transfer Exchange Show:

“As per a close source to Thomas Partey, the player wants to play for Arsenal. Expect Partey to play in Arsenal next season, expect him to be in England, I can assure you of that.”

Partey would be a fantastic addition to the Arsenal side and if the North Londoners are able to make it back into the Champions League, they will have more funds which would allow deals such as this one to be completed.

And at the age of 26, the Ghanaian will be entering the prime of his career and that would be perfect for Arteta. A midfield pivot of him and Granit Xhaka would certainly make fans very excited.

If Arsenal can pull this deal off, it would be a real coup for the club and one that would improve their chances of attaining silverware.

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