Midfielder's agent traveled to London to meet Andrea Berta

 By 1970s Gooner 

It seems that Arsenal and Andrea Berta in particular are not only looking to bring players in that would be starters but they are also looking to sign very promising younger players that will be ready to challenge for first team places.

One such player is 18 year old Christos Mouzakitis who in his breakthrough season has been a first team regular putting in performances of high quality in the Greek league for Olympiakos.

It is reported in the Greek press that his agent has already had talks in London with Andrea Berta

Villareal from Spain have reportedly offered 18m euro and Girona who belongs to Man City's Group of companies is also interested. 

Two stumbling blocks: Man City may encourage Girona to buy the player and will probably have first choice if he proves his worth with them in the Spanish league.

The second block is that Olympiacos' owner is Marinakis who may prefer to sell the player to, a club he also owns, Nottingham Forest instead.

Transfermarkt values the 18 year old at 12m euro.

Arsenal in discusions with RB Leipzig over payment structure re Sesco transfer

 By 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal have been in discussions with RB Leipzig's executive Marcel Schäfer with Andrea Berta in London a few days ago.

It has been reported today by journalist Florian Plettenburg of Sky Sports in Germany that negotiations have already began and that a payment structure is under discussion. 

Apparently it is not clear if Arsenal are able to afford the full package of meeting the 80m euro release clause. 

Let's hope everything is sorted out and we get our man.

Is this the lineup that ensures Arsenal end the season in the only way they know—winning?

By Danong 

For the last time in the 2024-25 season, Arsenal take to the field, facing Southampton at Saint Mary’s Stadium.  

The Gunners are expected to dispatch Southampton and close their campaign in style, but they must approach this game with seriousness.  

Southampton have caused Arsenal problems in the past. In their last five meetings, the Gunners have won twice, drawn twice, and suffered one defeat.  

Despite their relegation, Southampton recently held Manchester City to a goalless draw, proving they are capable of spoiling Arsenal’s party.  

Even so, they will find it difficult—especially if Mikel Arteta fields a strong lineup.  

The Arsenal boss will have to approach this fixture without his strongest defensive trio. Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, and William Saliba are all out injured, joining Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the treatment table.  

Other than Jesus, it is Arsenal’s backline that has suffered the most from injuries.  

However, the defensive partnership of Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior proved highly effective against a tough Newcastle side.  

The duo injected pace into Arsenal’s build-up play, with Kiwior looking sharp and Calafiori roaming confidently in possession, ensuring the team remained in control.

The pair can be trusted to handle Southampton, with Ben White at right back and Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left.

In midfield, Thomas Partey—who Mikel Arteta recently confirmed is set to be offered a new deal—will start as the number six.  

Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, last match’s goal-scoring hero, are expected to provide creativity for Arsenal’s attacking trio of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka.  

Havertz could finally make his first start since winter, offering a chance to showcase what Arsenal have been missing.  

 Arsenal’s strongest lineup against Southampton  

Raya

White, Kiwior, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly  

Partey, Rice, Ødegaard  

Saka, Havertz, Martinelli  

If this lineup does not secure a convincing win against Southampton, it’s hard to imagine what would.  

What do you think?

Big return for crucial clash: is this the Arsenal lineup to beat Newcastle and secure second place?

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner

The battle for second place in the Premier League unfolds today as Arsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.

Winless in their last four games, Arsenal need to shake off their poor form. But can they do so against a side they haven't beaten in their last three encounters? Can they overcome a Newcastle team desperate to keep their place in the top four?

Paul Merson, sharing his predictions for Arsenal versus Newcastle, can't see how Arsenal fail to win this game. 

He believes their hunger to secure second place—fuelled by their spirited comeback against Liverpool and the disappointment of their Champions League exit—has them fully focused on the task at hand. In his view, Gooners can look forward to a 3-1 victory.

Gooners will be hoping the team can step up and finally deliver something to smile about after weeks of frustration.

For that to happen, Mikel Arteta needs to get his tactics right especially on how to counteract the aggressive Newcastle press in the middle of the park.

He must of course nail his selection, ensuring Arsenal field their strongest available eleven. With no other obligations and the season drawing to a close, there's nothing to lose.

Kai Havertz has returned to training this week, putting himself in contention for a start on Sunday. 

His availability is a massive boost, though it's doubtful that Arteta will throw him straight into the starting lineup. Meanwhile, there are lingering fitness concerns over Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.

As important as Havertz is, it’s unlikely he’ll be risked from the outset. Arteta could still opt for Leandro Trossard up front, with Havertz introduced as an impact substitute. 

He could of course start Martinelli in the number 9 position considering how well he played there at Anfield.

Additionally if Rice is fit then he should start considering the importance of this match in getting into the Champions League as well as finishing in second second place.

However if he is not fit then with Merino serving his one match ban, Arteta may need to consider MLS starting as a midfielder with either Tierney or Zinchenko at left back.

MLS would be more adept at countering the physicality that the Newcastle midfield will offer.

If this scenario materialises then this would be the line up:

Raya
Timber (White), Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney
Ødegaard, Partey, MLS
Saka, Martinelli, Trossard

Otherwise with Rice as an 8 and the team below, Arsenal will prove to be too strong for Newcastle. 

Raya
Timber (White), Saliba, Kiwior, MLS
Ødegaard, Partey, Rice
Saka, Martinelli, Trossard

Prediction: 3-1

Praise and even stats can't help but portray this Gunner as an 'absolute find

 By Danong

With no silverware to crown their season, Gooners don’t have much to smile about. However, beyond this rather disappointing campaign, there are still one or two positives to take away.  

One such source of joy is the rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly.  

Ahead of this season, few would have predicted that Lewis-Skelly would be the breakout star from Hale End.  

All odds were on Ethan Nwaneri to take that mantle, but as impressive as he has been, Lewis-Skelly has outshone him.  

Though naturally a central midfielder, Lewis-Skelly has been introduced into the senior team as a left-back, and he has taken to the role seamlessly.

He has delivered standout performances as a full-back and has even gone on to revive the inverted full-back role—something few Gunners, aside from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu, have managed to master.  

On The Overlap, when asked about his Young Player of the Season, Gary Neville said:  

"I’ll go for Lewis-Skelly. When you watch him play, it looks like he has been there forever—just the way in which he has slotted in there.  

"I think he is an absolute find, an unbelievable talent, and his temperament is fantastic.  

"On the ball, the way he dribbles past people mesmerises me. It shouldn’t be happening, really, at any age, let alone that age."

As good as Lewis-Skelly has been, his statistics truly put into perspective what an incredible footballer he is.  

Despite this being his first season in the top flight, Lewis-Skelly has managed to top several Premier League charts.  
Among all outfield players who have played at least 1,000 minutes this term, he is one of only two who have not been dribbled past.

He also boasts the highest ground duel win rate among full-backs this season. His 73.3 percent success rate puts him a full 10 percent clear of Joško Gvardiol and Patrik Dorgu, who are both tied at 63 percent.  

When has Myles Lewis-Skelly not impressed in his 38 appearances for Arsenal this season? When has he not been up for a fight?  

Aside from his poor outing at Parc des Princes against Paris Saint-Germain and perhaps his sending off against West Ham United, he has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season.  

The 18-year-old has truly made the left-back position his own. However, given that he is originally a midfielder, it will be intriguing to see if he transitions back to his natural role.  

That said, I wouldn’t worry about it. Given how effortlessly he has settled into this Arsenal team, whether he plays at left-back or in midfield, I trust he can deliver.

Can This Arsenal Team Finally Conquer Anfield?

By Danong 

Another Arsenal matchday has arrived, featuring a high-stakes clash against Liverpool at Anfield. This could have been a battle for the Premier League title, but the race already decided, Liverpool are PL champions.

Last time out, the Gunners fell 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, crashing out of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with a 3-1 aggregate defeat.  

Now, with a trip to Merseyside, the only guaranteed positive for Liverpool will be the guard of honour Arsenal will give them as 2024-25 Premier League champions. 

Beyond that, Gooners will hope their team can rise to the occasion and deliver a statement victory on the Reds’ home turf but more importantly secure a champions league spot as sixth placed Aston Villa will be 7 points behind with two games left.

Injuries have hampered Arsenal’s campaign, but Mikel Arteta must still field a competitive line up to outwit Arne Slot’s side.  

On a positive note, Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho returned from injury to feature in the matchday squad against PSG, providing a much-needed boost.  

If Arteta deploys his best available players, Arsenal’s lineup could look like this:  

- Raya  
- Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly  
- Partey, Rice, Ødegaard  
- Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Martinelli

A win at Anfield would do more than secure second place—it would end a 12-year winless run at the stadium. Arsenal last won there in 2012, managing just four draws and seven defeats in subsequent visits.  

Arteta’s team enters this match on a run of three consecutive losses and has gone four matches without a win. A victory would be the perfect response to restore pride and close the season on a high.

With a Massive Squad Boost Arsenal’s Lineup for a Remontada at Parc des Princes

 By Danong

With just weeks remaining in the 2024-25 season, Arsenal’s hopes of silverware hinge on a pivotal UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.

The Gunners trail 1-0 from the first leg, making this a do-or-die moment to keep their campaign alive.

Securing a spot in the final is no small feat. Arsenal must reverse the one-goal deficit against a formidable PSG side, who dominated parts of the first leg.

Mikel Arteta’s squad will need to deliver a near-perfect performance to advance.

The first leg exposed Arsenal’s vulnerabilities, particularly in midfield. Without Thomas Partey’s defensive presence, PSG exploited open spaces, especially in the opening minutes. Arsenal eventually regrouped but failed to level the score.

Fortunately, Partey is fit to feature on Wednesday, providing a significant boost. His return strengthens Arsenal’s midfield, offering cover and stability against PSG’s dynamic attackers.

Another concern was Jurrien Timber’s availability. The 23-year-old defender, was doubtful after missing Arsenal vs Bournemouth. However the Dutchman and Riccardo Calafiori have resumed full first-team training and traveled to Paris.
  
Kai Havertz, however, remains sidelined, limiting Arteta’s attacking options. Despite this, Timber’s return allows Arteta to field a robust lineup.
Based on the latest updates, Arsenal’s strongest possible starting eleven could be:

David Raya

Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly

Partey, Rice, Ødegaard

Saka, Merino, Martinelli

Arteta’s tactical adjustments will be critical to outmaneuvering the French side.

PSG, meanwhile, received their own injury boost. Ousmane Dembélé, who troubled Arsenal’s defense in the first leg before exiting with a hamstring issue, is confirmed fit.

Arsenal must neutralize the 27-year-old to avoid a repeat of the first leg’s early struggles.

For Arsenal fans, defeating a full strength Paris Saint-Germain will be a statement victory. A win that will make Arsenal favourites to lift the trophy.

Arsenal’s Night in Paris? Here’s why a famous UCL Win is on the cards

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Arsenal Football Club are gearing up for a pivotal night in Paris, where they must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg.

With the 2024-25 season offering no domestic silverware, European success is Arsenal’s last hope for a trophy.

The Gunners’ campaign has been a rollercoaster. A commanding quarter-final victory over Real Madrid showcased their potential. However, the first leg against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium ended in disappointment.

Now, the focus shifts to the Parc des Princes. A place in the final—against either Barcelona or Inter Milan—awaits the victors. Here are five key factors that could propel Arsenal to a memorable night in Paris.

1.Tactical adjustments by Arteta

Arteta had a problem figuring out in the first 25 minutes of the first leg how to stop PSG from beating our press. By the time we managed to correct it they had already scored.

Arteta will have better understood the various tactics employed by Enrique during the game and will now be more aware and ready to counter act quickly. He will also employ his own surprises in how he may tactically set up for the game.

Considering the game was more evenly balanced after the initial 25 minutes bodes well for the return leg and increases the chances of inflicting damage ourselves.

2.Thomas Partey’s return not only boosts our midfield control but has a positive chain effect.

Thomas Partey’s absence in the first leg forced coach Mikel Arteta to rejig his midfield. Mikel Merino shifted from an attacking role to a deeper position, while Declan Rice was anchored defensively.

PSG exploited the resulting gaps. With Partey back, Rice can press higher, and Merino can return to a forward role, offering Arsenal a more balanced and dynamic midfield and a more physical presence in attack.

3.Ousmane Dembélé’s injury doubt

Ousmane Dembélé tormented Arsenal’s defence in the first leg. His fluid movement, drifting wide and deep, created space for his teammates.

However, the forward was substituted after 20 minutes due to an injury. PSG manager Luis Enrique confirmed Dembélé is a doubt for the second leg, stating, “He’ll undergo tests. It’s not serious, but he’s probably a doubt.” Without Dembélé, PSG’s attack could lose its edge.

Although it is now reported that Dembele has returned to training it is still uncertain whether he will be able to start the game.

4.Set-Piece opportunities

Arsenal thought they had equalised in the first leg via a set-piece, only for Merino’s goal to be ruled offside. PSG’s vulnerability to set-pieces is well-documented—38% of their conceded goals this season have come from dead-ball situations. Arsenal’s set-piece expertise could prove decisive in Paris.

We need at the same time to improve our defending of set pieces. Our record has left a lot to be desired.

5.Exploiting Achraf Hakimi’s positioning

PSG's right-back, Achraf Hakimi, often pushes forward, leaving his defensive duties exposed. Arsenal can capitalise on this through quick transitions, with Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly driving the ball forward. Targeting Hakimi’s flank could unlock the French side's defence.

We expect that all the above factors will result in a very healthy improvement in  Arsenal's performance. And in such games where small margins count for quite a lot, our chances of winning the game or taking it to extra time are expected to have improved significantly.

For Mikel Arteta and his players, this is a chance to etch their names into Arsenal Football Club’s history.

A victory in Paris would secure Arsenal’s first UEFA Champions League final appearance since 2006, marking a defining moment in Arteta's Arsenal project.

Early hints dropped for Arteta's starting team vs Bournemouth

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Arsenal face a crucial Premier League encounter against Bournemouth this evening, aiming to rebound from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg.

With Liverpool already crowned Premier League champions, the Gunners are focused on securing Champions League qualification for next season and exacting revenge on Bournemouth, who ended Arsenal’s seven-game unbeaten run last October with a 2-0 victory.

That defeat at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium was marred by a controversial red card to Arsenal’s William Saliba, leaving the Gunners feeling hard done by.

Mikel Arteta, will be eager to ensure his side delivers a commanding performance this time.

However, with a critical second leg against Paris Saint-Germain looming next Wednesday, Arteta faces a delicate balancing act.

Resting key players could be a sensible move to keep them fresh for the Paris trip. Yet, the Spaniard must field a competitive lineup to avoid another slip-up against Andoni Iraola’s resilient Bournemouth side.

And Arsenal have given a few tips as to who is likely to start today. Yesterday in Arsenal's pre match graphic Ben White was featured.

And today Ethan Nwaneri featured!

Strong hints certainly. 

A rotated line up could feature:

Raya
White, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney
Partey, Odegaard, Merino
Trossard, Martinelli, Nwaneri

Trossard and Merino showed excellent chemistry in the match against Ipswich Town last weekend. Their fluid movement unsettled defenders.

The 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has earned minutes with his promising displays. Arteta may see this game as an opportunity to give the youngster valuable Premier League experience.

Meanwhile, Partey’s inclusion is strategic, as he did not feature in the first leg against Paris Saint-Germain and needs match sharpness.

Arteta is likely to rest key players like Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka. Their energy and ball-carrying ability will be vital for Arsenal’s hopes of overturning the 1-0 deficit in Paris.

A comeback at Parc des Princes would propel Arsenal to the Champions League final, a tantalizing prospect for fans.

Bournemouth, under Iraola’s guidance, have proven capable of upsetting top teams. Their disciplined structure and counter-attacking threat make them a formidable opponent.

The Gunners’ rotated squad must maintain focus to secure three points and build momentum ahead of their European challenge.

As Arsenal prepare for a pivotal week, this match offers a chance to restore confidence and showcase their depth. A convincing win could set the tone for a memorable Champions League comeback.