ARSENAL will be sweating over the fitness of Thomas Partey who missed Ghana's match against Angola due to injury.
The club sent physiotherapist Simon Murphy to Africa to keep tabs on the Ghanaian and they'll be hoping that he returns with some positive news.
Meanwhile, Gunners star Bukayo Saka is reportedly ready to sign a new £300,000-a-week deal at the Emirates.
Elsewhere, Victor Osihmen revealed that he could have signed with Arsenal at the age of 18 after holding talks with Arsene Wenger.
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- Alex Smith
Gabriel struggles with Saka
Arsenal defender Gabriel has admitted that he finds coming up against Bukayo Saka in training tough.
The Brazilian was asked by Premier League Uncut what player is the trickiest to deal with in training and the centre-back swiftly responded with the England star's name.
Gabriel said: "For me, he’s [Saka] had the best moment. He’s so good. If I’m the defender who plays against him, my head is in trouble. Because he’s so hard, too strong 1v1.
"He helps the team a lot and you see this season and last season, he’s so good.
- Alex Smith
Partey injury update
Thomas Partey was left out of the Ghana side yesterday as a precaution, claims manager Chris Hughton.
The Black Stars drew with Angola 1-1 and the Arsenal man did not feature.
Hughton said: "Thomas has some small issues. We felt it was too big of a risk to start him."
- Dylan Terry
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal have received a major boost in their pursuit to sign Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve are currently “preparing for life without” Vlahovic.
And it also states that the Bianconeri have identified potential replacements for their striker.
Juventus are believed to be plotting moves for either West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca, who has struggled in the Premier league, and Galatasaray ace Nicolo Zaniolo.
Meanwhile, Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun has fuelled speculation he could leave as he would be open to returning to Reims.
When asked about his future, Balogun said: “Contractually I have to go back because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement. I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future.
"A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.
“I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course, I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don’t know what the future will bring.”
And Napoli star Victor Osimhen has revealed he could have joined Arsenal at the age of 18.
Osimhen has bagged 53 goals in 91 games for the Serie A table-toppers, including 25 in 29 games this season.
The centre-forward has now confirmed he held talks with then Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about joining the club, only to go elsewhere.
Osimhen told CentreGoals: "I spoke with Arsene Wenger and he wanted me to come to Arsenal but it was not the best option at the time."
Finally, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Defensa Central, Real president Fiorentino Perez considers Jesus as the perfect target for June.
This comes as the ageing Karim Benzema's contract comes to an end in three months.
Jesus only joined the Gunners last summer from Manchester City and has shone bright despite his recent knee injury.
- Kostas Lianos
Zinchenko hails Saka
Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko praised team-mate and England ace Bukayo Saka after the Three Lions' 2-0 victory over Ukraine.
Zinchenko said: "[Saka] is an amazing player. We knew that. He is on fire at the moment. There are no friends on the pitch. Unfortunately he beat me today.
"Definitely he is one of them [the best in the Premier League], that’s for sure.
“I hope we will be on this form until the end of the season because he’s such an important player for us. Everyone knows this.”
- Kostas Lianos
Ozil still backs Gunners
Arsenal legend Mezut Ozil admitted he would love to see the Gunners lift the Premier League trophy at the end of the season.
Ozil told Marca: "Now I am relaxed and I wish the best to the Arsenal fans, who have always been very supportive of me.
"I would be happy for them if they could celebrate winning the Premier League title.
"They deserve it."
- Kostas Lianos
Ozil issues Arsenal message
Arsenal legend Mesut Ozil has insisted that there is no bad blood between him and the Gunners despite his controversial dismissal from the club.
Ozil told Marca: "The first years [at Arsenal] were very good.
"We played in the Champions League, we had a great team with great players and an incredible coach like Arsene Wenger. After he left the club, many things changed for me.
"But I have no interest in adding fuel to the fire again."
Credit: AFP or licensors - Kostas Lianos
Arsenal's tough Lav
Arsenal are keen on Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia ahead of the summer transfer window.
But the Gunners face competition for Lavia's signature from two Premier League rivals, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The North Londoners added to their midfield in January by signing Jorginho, but could look to strengthen further in the summer.
The Prem leaders remain interested in Brighton star Moises Caicedo after having two bids rejected by the Seagulls in the summer, but are also keen on the Belgium Under-21 international.
- Kostas Lianos
Missed a Vic
Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen has revealed he could have joined Arsenal at the age of 18.
Osimhen has bagged 53 goals in 91 games for the Serie A table-toppers, including 25 in 29 games this term.
The striker has now confirmed he held talks with then Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about joining the club, only to go elsewhere.
Osimhen told CentreGoals: "I spoke with Arsene Wenger and he wanted me to come to Arsenal but it was not the best option at the time."
- Kostas Lianos
Real target Jesus
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Arsenal superstar Gabriel Jesus ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Defensa Central, Real president Fiorentino Perez considers Jesus as the perfect target.
This comes as the ageing Karim Benzema's contract comes to an end in June.
Jesus only joined the Gunners last summer from Manchester City and has stood out despite his recent knee injury.
- Kostas Lianos
Chilwell praises Saka
Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell "can't believe" England team-mate and Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
Chilwell said: "I can’t believe he played at left-back when he can do that.
"Bukayo is such a great talent. I think everyone can see what he gives on the pitch but he’s one of the best people I have met in football as well.
"We see him on a daily basis around the camp and he just brings happiness to everyone.
"He is always smiling and a good guy to be around, and then he comes out on the pitch and delivers like that for us.
"An assist and a goal and it ultimately wins us the game. I am delighted for him."
Credit: Rex - Kostas Lianos
Smith Rowe on Balogun
Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe insists Folarin Balogun has to do "what's best for him" regarding his international future as the striker can join either England, Nigeria or USA.
Smith Rowe said: "Of course [I would prefer he choose England], but obviously it's his decision.
"That's down to him to do what he wants to do. It would be nice if he could be with us in the summer [for the European Under-21 Championship].
"But like I said, that's down to him and he's got to do what's best for him."
- Kostas Lianos
Rice must go
Danny Murphy has urged West Ham superstar Declan Rice to leave – with Arsenal leading the race to sign him in the summer.
Murphy told the Daily Mail: “Declan Rice has to leave West Ham. Ideally he would have gone last summer because it’s been hard for him to maintain his best form in a team that doesn’t keep the ball or boss games as well as others.
“He’s 100 per cent ready to move to the next level and at 24 won’t want to wait any longer for Champions League football.
“Arsenal would be a great option and I think he’d be an automatic starter. The lure of Chelsea is also strong, having grown up supporting the club and playing in their academy.”
- Kostas Lianos
Keane's Tottenham prediction
Arsenal's rivals Tottenham can still finish in the Premier League's top four, claims Robbie Keane.
Keane told Betway: “I still think Tottenham have a chance in the race for fourth as well.
"They had a bad result just before the international break, being two goals ahead against Southampton and slipping up.
"That should have been three points. But I still think they can get there. Yes, they are inconsistent but the teams below them are also inconsistent.”
- Kostas Lianos
Folarin Balogun twist
Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun has fuelled speculation he could leave as he would be open to returning to Reims.
When asked about his future, Balogun said: “Contractually I have to go back because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement. I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future.
"A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.
“I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don’t know what the future will bring.”
Credit: AFP - Kostas Lianos
Dusan Vlahovic boost
Arsenal have received a huge boost in their pursuit to sign Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve are “preparing for life without” Vlahovic.
And it also states that the Bianconeri have identified potential replacements for the striker.
Juventus are believed to be plotting moves for either West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca, who has struggled in the Premier league, and Galatasaray’s Nicolo Zaniolo.
- Alex Smith
Ex-Arsenal star to leave Liverpool
Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has offers from three Premier League clubs as he eyes a summer transfer, according to reports.
The midfielder's deal at Anfield expires at the end of this season and he is set to leave for free.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has many suitors with Brighton, Aston Villa and Newcastle all registering their interest in him, claim the Mirror.
- Alex Smith
Arteta shaped Ramsey
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is now captain of Wales and has cited Mikel Arteta as someone he has learnt from when it comes to leadership.
The Spaniard captained the Gunners while the Nice star was a youngster at Arsenal.
Ramsey said: "You could see his leadership qualities and the way he handled himself was second to none.
"What he's doing now you could see back then. You could see back then he was going to be a manager one day in the way he thought and saw the game, and how intense he was as well.
"It's unbelievable what he's done there, and what they're doing at the moment."
Credit: AFP - Alex Smith
Merson confident England can win Euro 2024
Arsenal legend Paul Merson is confident that England will win the European Championships next year.
He told Sky Sports: "England are a big threat. I don't get why people keep saying this could be it for Gareth Southgate. I never expected us to win a tournament in my lifetime.
"Now, I expect us to win every tournament we go to, so Southgate is doing something right."
He highlighted Bukayo Saka as a key man and praised his improvement when it comes to end product.
- Alex Smith
Well I Nev-er
Arsenal fans have mocked Gary Neville for predicting that Antonio Conte would deliver Tottenham a trophy.
Spurs parted ways with the Italian coach, 53, on Sunday evening as his 16-month stint in North London came to an end.
Conte helped the Lilywhites qualify for the Champions League last season as they pipped the Gunners to fourth spot.
But things have unravelled in recent months with Tottenham being dumped out of the FA Cup and Champions League.
Gary Neville previously said he thought Conte would never leave without winning something.
Gooners have poked fun at him, saying: "His predictions always turn against him. He said Arsenal had no plan with their recruitment. Look at him now. Still believes Man Utd will finish above Arsenal."
- Alex Smith
'Do a Sol Campbell'
Arsenal fans are begging Harry Kane "to do a Sol Campbell" and quit Tottenham in favour of a move to the Gunners.
The striker linked up with Bukayo Saka brilliantly during England's 2-0 win over Ukraine yesterday, converting his cross to put the Three Lions ahead.
And it led to some cheeky supporters dreaming about Kane moving across North London.
Sol Campbell made the controversial switch from Tottenham to Arsenal in 2001 and went on to win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups at the club.
Kane has been encouraged to follow in his footsteps, as one fan said: "Kane x Saka is a broken combo. Kane feel free to do a Sol Campbell."
- Alex Smith
Wilshere wants Rice at Arsenal
Jack Wilshere has praised West Ham star Declan Rice and encouraged Arsenal to sign him this summer as he is the "perfect fit".
The ex-Gunner said: "He's a midfielder who can do anything. Anyone who supports any club would want Dec to join.
"Mikel Arteta would develop him, bring him on even more and he would be massive for the team as well.
"I have had conversations with Dec and told him what he is doing in unbelievable, he is captain of a big club and is always learning
You have to be respectful to West Ham, that is his club, but his future is in his hands and it's very exciting for him because he's got everything with him now and he's picking up more and more, he's growing into this man who could play anywhere.
"I'm looking forward to wherever he goes. I hope it is Arsenal, it would be a massive signing and a perfect fit.”
- Alex Smith
Balogun encouraged to choose England
Folarin Balogun has been urged to commit to England and team up with Emile Smith Rowe for the Under-21s.
The striker on loan at Reims is believed to have held talks with the United States about changing his nationality to represent them.
Smith Rowe believes him and Balogun can combine for the Three Lions, saying: "Of course (I would prefer he choose England), but obviously it's his decision. That's down to him to do what he wants to do.
"t would be nice if he could be with us in the in the summer (for the European U21 championship) but like I said, that's down to him and he's got to do what's best for him."
Credit: Getty - Alex Smith
Rolling back the years
Luis Boa Mote was one of Arsene Wenger's first Arsenal signings all the way back in 1997.
Now 45, the former midfielder rolled back the years with a wondergoal in a legends' game over the weekend
Jermain Defoe played and scored twice for Rangers in a 4-3 win over a World XI squad that includes the likes of Boa Morte, Jack Wilshere, Robin van Persie, Kanu, Yakubu and Jaap Stam.
You can watch Boa Morte's long range goal HERE.
- Alex Smith
Chilwell shocked by Saka
Chelsea star Ben Chilwell has expressed his shock that Bukayo Saka once played at left-back when he has such attacking talent.
Chilwell hailed the Arsenal man's performance after England beat Ukraine 2-0 yesterday.
He said: "I can’t believe he played at left-back when he can do that. Such a great talent. I think everyone can see what he gives on the pitch.
“He is one of the best people I have met in football as well. We see him on a daily basis around camp and he just brings happiness to everyone else.
“He is always smiling and a good guy to be around, and then he comes out on the pitch and delivers like that for us. An assist and a goal and it ultimately wins us the game. I am delighted for him.”
- Alex Smith
Arsenal missed out on Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has revealed he could have joined Arsenal at the age of 18.
The Nigerian striker, 24, has established himself as one of the best forwards in Europe over recent seasons.
He has bagged 53 goals in 91 games for Napoli, including 25 in 29 games this term.
But Osimhen's career could have gone down a completely different path before he joined Wolfsburg in 2017.
Speaking to CentreGoals, he said: "I spoke with Arsene Wenger and he wanted me to come to Arsenal but it was not the best option at the time."
Wenger missed out on a number of high-profile names during his 22-year stint in charge of Arsenal.
They included Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Tottenham legend Gareth Bale.
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