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

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.