ARSENAL kept their dreams of qualifying for next season's Champions League alive after beating Wolves 2-1 last night.
Alexandre Lacazette's late goal secured a crucial victory for Mikel Arteta's side in North London.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in signing Atletico Madrid sensation Joao Felix according to reports.
The Portuguese international became Los Colchoneros's record signing in 2019 for a whopping £106.19 and it has been rumoured that Mikel Arteta would like to bring Felix to the Emirates this summer.
On Arteta, the Gunners boss is in line for a bumper new £8.3million-a-year deal in North London after impressing bosses.
Aubameyang has sent a message to Arsenal target and "little brother" Osumane Dembele ahead of any potential move to North London in the summer.
The former Gunners captain said: "I don't know (if it possible for him to renew at Barcelona) but the only thing I can say is that everything is possible in life.
"We had an incredible year in Dortmund and he is an unbelievable player.
"To tell you the truth, I'm very happy that he's here and when I arrived I told him 'you have to stay here man'."
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- Sam Dymond
Celebs Rams-ed down Ruben's throat
If Ruben Neves thought Arsenal's celebrations at Molineux two weeks ago were excessive, then who knows how he'd describe the scenes at full time last night?
The Portuguese midfielder was critical of the Gunners after their 1-0 win earlier this month, likening their reactions to another three points as if they had actually won a trophy.
Neves previously said: "I didn't see Arsenal celebrating like this in the past ten years. It was like they won the league."
The comments certainly weren't lost on Aaron Ramsdale, who made a beeline straight for Neves at the end of last night's dramatic, late victory to celebrate another huge win.
Wolves manager Bruno Lage was much more diplomatic than his player though, admitting: "Football is about that, about celebrating goals. When you win in the last minute you need to celebrate in the best way you can because it's very hard to win games in the Premier League. For me, it's not a problem."
- Alex Terrell
Good morning Gunners fans
Arsenal left it late but BEAT Wolves 2-1 thanks to a late own goal at the Emirates.
Hwang Hee-Chan scored early in the game for Wolves before Nicolas Pepe equalised and a controversial Wolves own goal completed the comeback for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Alexandre Lacazatte was initially awarded the late strike, but replays revealed the striker's scuffed effort was diverted into the net by keeper Jose Sa.
And after missing out on the goal. Lacazette admitted that he was "saddened."
Arsenal move up to fifth in the table, a point behind Man Utd with two games in hand over their old rivals.
And the Gunners did it without the help of Emile Smith-Rowe who was out of the game after picking up a cold.
But thankfully the Gunners revealed the England international wasn’t suffering from covid.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are said to be locked in a battle with Liverpool to sign Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio.
The Spaniard’s contract with Los Blancos is up in 2023 and both the Prem giants are prepared to offer him 50 percent more than his current employers are willing to, reports suggest.
Meanwhile, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that hitman Alexandre Lacazette could stay at the club beyond the summer when his contract runs out.
Arteta told The Athletic: “There is a chance [Lacazette signs a new deal], but we have decisions to make on three or four players.
“Starting those conversations right now, I don’t think is the right way. We have spoken to all the players, what to expect, the freedom that they have because the contracts allow them to make any decisions.
“At the end of the season, we will sit down and decide what’s the best for all the parties.”
And finally, irrespective of if Lacazette stays or goes, Arsenal have reportedly made signing Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak a priority.
But they’ll have to fend off interest from Barcelona who are ostensibly eager to bring Isak in to spur their attack along with ex-Gunner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who’s hit the ground running in Spain.
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal storm to victory
Arsenal left it late but BEAT Wolves 2-1 thanks to Alexandre Lacazette's late goal at the Emirates.
Hwang Hee-Chan scored early in the game for Wolves before Nicolas Pepe equalised and Lacazette completed the comeback for Mikel Arteta's side.
Arsenal move up to fifth in the table, a point behind Man Utd with two games in hand over their old rivals.
- Justin Lawrence
Gift of the Gab
Arsenal fans were left fuming after being denied a 'clear' penalty after 20 seconds against Wolves.
As Bukayo Saka let the ball run across him in the box, it fell to Gabriel Martinelli.
But the Brazilian appeared to be taken out by full-back Nelson Semedo, Arsenal players and fans alike called for a spot-kick.
Only for their calls to be ignored, leaving supporters on Twitter fuming.
- Justin Lawrence
Rowe sits out
Emile Smith-Rowe will sit out of Arsenal's game with Wolves after picking up an illness.
Arsenal have confirmed that the midfielder has a cold but revealed that he hasn't got covid.
The Gunners will call upon Gabriel Martinelli to replace the 21-year-old in the Prem clash.
- Justin Lawrence
Ramsdale and Seaman bond
Aaron Ramsdale could not stop cracking up with laughter as he shot a TV advert with Arsenal legend David Seaman.
Current Gunners goalie Ramsdale, 23, joined forces with the iconic Highbury stopper to promote a chip shop close to the Emirates stadium.
The pair both put on their best acting impressions for the Chip Inn Fish Bar on Holloway Road.
And the advert sees Ramsdale ordering a bag of chips before being cheerfully jeered by both Seaman and customers.
Arsenal also released a video of the bloopers from the take.
And Ramsdale can be seen breaking out in laughter several times.
- Justin Lawrence
Smith-Rowe on top four race
Emile Smith-Rowe has refused to get carried away with Arsenal's top four hopes.
The Gunners can strengthen their hold on the fourth Champions League spot if they beat Wolves tonight.
But Smith-Rowe has warned his team-mates that there's still a long way to go until the season ends.
He said: "It’s looking good at the moment, but there are a lot of games to go.
“We are just going to keep focused on that. We are not too worried about the end of the season right now.”
- Justin Lawrence
Mourinho keen on Xhaka
Roma boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly intent on signing Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, reports suggest.
Mourinho's initial bid for the Swiss midfielder was unsuccessful – but the Portuguese tactician hasn't thrown in the towel just yet.
Instead, the former Chelsea boss will swoop again on Xhaka when the season ends, according to calciomercato.
- Justin Lawrence
Race against time
Arsenal flop Andre Santos was ARRESTED the day before he was set to make his Gunners debut in 2011.
The Brazilian was due to make his first Arsenal appearance after joining the North London outfit from Fenerbahce that summer.
But Santos, who arrived for £6.2million, ended up having to wait an extra month to make his debut after being arrested by police for driving at 125mph on the motorway.
- Justin Lawrence
Clichy’s managerial ambitions
Gael Clichy has hinted he will return to the Premier League as a manager after saying he has been inspired by Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger.
Clichy said: “My aim is to become a manager. I have been lucky enough to play alongside great footballers who have gone on to management.
“They include Patrick Vieira, Vincent Kompany, Kolo Toure and Thierry Henry. I don’t know whether I will be as good as them, but I’m learning from their experiences.
“I’d like to be a blend of all my previous coaches. Guardiola for sure – he changed my perspective on football inside 10 months.”
- Justin Lawrence
Prem giants chase Asensio
Liverpool and Arsenal are locked in a battle to prise Marco Asensio away from Real Madrid.
Real are keen to hold onto the versatile midfielder whose contract runs out in 2023.
And Los Blancos have offered him the same amount of cash that the Prem giants have in the hopes of convincing the Spaniard to stay put.
But both the Gunners and Reds are willing to bump up their contract offers by 50 percent in a bid to lure Asensio away from the Bernabeu, according to journalist Eduardo Inda, reported by Super Deporte.
And this may give the English clubs an edge in any possible proceedings as Inda claims Real are not willing to do the same to keep hold of Asensio.
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal vs Wolves news
Arsenal welcome Wolves to the Emirates in TONIGHT'S only Premier League fixture as they continue to hunt down a Champions League spot.
Despite being down to ten men courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli's bizzare sending off, the Gunners beat Wolves 1-0 thanks to a scrappy Gabriel goal earlier this month.
Wolves are going into this game following a crucial 2-1 win over midlands rivals Leicester, courtesy of goals from Ruben Neves and Daniel Podence on the weekend.
But Mikel Arteta's men are in good form at home and will want to gain points on their Champions League qualification competition.
- Justin Lawrence
Newcastle and Arsenal's transfer battle
Newcastle have joined the race to sign Lille striker Jonathan David in the summer, according to reports.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the Brooklyn-born forward – particularly since they missed out on Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus.
And the Gunners' London rivals Chelsea are also in the hat as potential suitors for David.
However, according to Calciomercato, Newcastle have now thrown their hat in the ring.
- Justin Lawrence
Tiern the page
Arsenal star Kieran Tierney has thanked Arsenal's fans for helping him get settled in at the club despite being injured when he arrived.
He told Arsenal's media: "The Arsenal fans, ever since I came here, have been amazing.
"I was injured when I came so for them to show love to an injured player, who they probably didn't know much about, speaks volumes for how good a set of fans that is."
- Sam Dymond
Keepers key to crunch game
This evening not only pits two of the Premier League's most in-form clubs against each other, but also two of the season's most impressive goalkeepers.
Aaron Ramsdale and Jose Sa have 20 Premier League clean sheets between them this season, and will once again be crucial to their team's fortunes at the Emirates.
- Sam Dymond
New Lacazette deal on hold
Alexandre Lacazette could yet stay at Arsenal beyond this summer, but a new contract will not be discussed until the end of the season.
The Frenchman's current deal runs out at the end of June, and recent speculation suggested that the 30-year-old would depart the club.
However, manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that the Gunners captain may be offered the opportunity to extend his stay in north London.
Arteta told The Athletic: “There is a chance [Lacazette signs a new deal], but we have decisions to make on three or four players.
“Starting those conversations right now, I don’t think is the right way. We have spoken to all the players, what to expect, the freedom that they have because the contracts allow them to make any decisions.
“At the end of the season, we will sit down and decide what’s the best for all the parties.”
- Sam Dymond
League's best to do battle
Two of the Premier League's most in-form sides will meet at the Emirates Stadium this evening.
Over the past eight games, no side has taken more points than the 19 claimed by both Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In that period, the pair have won six games, drawn one and lost one. Both defences have done their bit too, conceding a paltry four goals.
The only sides able to match those records are Liverpool and Manchester, who are, of course, battling it out for the title.
- Sam Dymond
Arsenal face competition for Isak
Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak remains the name at the top of Arsenal's summer shopping list, but the Londoners now face further competition for the Swede's signature.
Barcelona have joined the list of clubs rivalling the Gunners for the player that shot to attention last season with 17 La Liga goals.
Mikel Arteta had made a move for the forward in the winter transfer window as he looked to bolster his attacking options, but found Sociedad unwilling to do business.
And Arsenal now fear history repeating itself if they miss out on the forward to a European giant, having been gazumped by Juventus last month for Dusan Vlahovic.
- Sam Dymond
In-form Saka key for Gunners
Arsenal will once again turn to young Bukayo Saka for attacking inspiration when they host Wolves this evening.
The 20-year-old been in stunning form of late, and has been involved in seven goals in his last eight Premier League games, scoring five and providing two assists.
No Arsenal player has more goal involvements than Saka's 11 this season (7 goals, 4 assists).
- Sam Dymond
Gab back to boost Gunners
Gabriel Martinelli is available again for Mikel Arteta this evening, but may have to settle for a place on the Arsenal bench.
The Brazilian has completed his one-match suspension following his bizarre red card at Wolves two weeks ago.
Martinelli was sent off for two bookable offences that took place within a matter of seconds of each other, and were part of the same period of play.
Arteta remains a huge fan of the forward, and will have to make a call whether to recall him straight into his line-up for tonight's home match, ironically against Wolves.
Emile Smith Rowe took Martinelli's place for Saturday's win over Brentford, and opened the scoring with an excellent solo goal.
- Sam Dymond
Ruben ready for frosty reception
Ruben Neves is set to receive a hostile welcome from Arsenal fans this evening following comments he made in the aftermath of the Gunners' 1-0 win at Molineux a fortnight ago.
The Portuguese midfielder was critical of the over-the-top manner in which the Arsenal players celebrated at the full time whistle, despite playing the final 21 minutes with ten men.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Neves quipped: “I didn’t see Arsenal celebrating like this in the past 10 years – it was like they had won the league.”
One Wolves player who will receive a great reception from the home fans is Raul Jimenez.
The Mexican returns to the Emirates for the first time, 15 months on from the horrendous head injury he suffered in this fixture.
- Sam Dymond
Roma return for Arsenal's Xhaka
Serie A side Roma will revisit their interest in Arsenal's Granit Xhaka this summer, according to reports in Italy.
The Switzerland midfielder was the subject of prolonged negotiations with the Italians last year, but a deal failed to materialise when the two clubs couldn't agree upon a fee.
However, the Gunners are now expected to drop their asking price of £15million with just one year remaining on Xhaka's contract.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho is understood to be an admirer of the 29-year-old, who first moved to the Emirates back in 2016.
- Sam Dymond
Gunners back in Thursday action
Arsenal return to Premier League action at the Emirates this evening when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers, and have the chance to move within one point of Manchester United in fourth place.
The Gunners currently sit in sixth behind West Ham but will leapfrog the Hammers by avoiding defeat in the first of their three games in hand.
The rearranged clash comes just 14 days after Mikel Arteta's team won the reverse game 1-0 at Molineux.
In doing so, Arsenal against Wolves this season will become the first ever Premier League fixture to have both meetings in a campaign played on a Thursday.
The last fixture to have this happen in the top-flight was Bury versus Tottenham Hotspur in 1924-25.
- Kostas Lianos
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal are eyeing a stunning deal for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to El Chiringuito, however, Atletico want a whopping €120million (£100m) fee for Felix, who scored against Manchester United last night in the Champions League Last 16.
Journalist Eduardo Inda said: “Joao Felix is a very good player. Arsenal want him.
“Simeone, if he continues, wants to bring [Goncalo] Guedes. His objective is to change Felix for Guedes.
“The problem that Atletico has is that he cost €120m and recovering it is something that can only be done if he is sold to the Premier League.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to hand manager Mikel Arteta a pay rise with a new £8.3million-a-year deal this summer, reports SunSport‘s Mark Irwin.
Arteta has 16 months left in his contract and the Gunners are eager to secure his long-term future with them at the Emirates.
Club owner Stan Kroenke is keen to emphasise his confidence in the Spanish head coach by sanctioning a three-year agreement, which will be worth £25m.
The 39-year-old’s current salary of £5m per year does not even compare with his former Manchester City mentor Pep Guardiola, who is on £20m per year.
The north Londoners are ready to hand a 60 per cent pay hike to Arteta, who will be on the same money legendary tactician Arsene Wenger was earning when he left the club in 2018.
And Barcelona are keeping tabs on Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Cule Mania, Barca are keen to sign a replacement for Jordi Alba at left-back.
The report claims the Gunners’ full-back is joined by AC Milan's Theo Hernandez and Benfica's Alex Grimaldo on the Blaugrana's shortlist.
LaLiga rivals Real Madrid have also been previously linked with the highly-rated Scotland international.
Finally, Arsenal are interested in Napoli duo Victor Osimhen and Fabian Ruiz this summer in a £90million swoop.
According to Napoli Piu, Osimhen has been identified as a potential target for the Gunners, who will need a centre-forward after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are also set to become free agents in June.
The Nigeria international could be joined by current team-mate Ruiz, who is fast approaching the final year of his contract with the Partenopei
- Kostas Lianos
Djed high warrior
Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli rates Nottingham Forest loanee and Gunners' transfer target Djed Spence his toughest ever opponent.
Martinelli told The Athletic: “Actually the guy from Nottingham Forest, Djed Spence, who I played against in the FA Cup.
“He is very strong, good on the ball, calm and quick. I was surprised – he is a really good player!”
Spence plays on loan at Forest from fellow Championship side Middlesbrough
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