13 days ago
Bruno Guimaraes's brilliant first ***** nal goal and David Raya's penalty save inspired the Gunners to a 2-0 victory at Sunderland on Saturday to extend a flawless start to their Premier League ***** le defence.
Mikel Arteta's men have conceded just once in five games in all competitions but Sunderland had the chance to breach ***** nal's imposing rearguard when Raya tipped Enzo Le Fee's spot-kick onto the post.
Just over two minutes later Guimaraes silenced the Stadium of Light as the Brazilian smashed into the top corner from outside the box.
Bukayo Saka's penalty sealed the victory with the final kick of the game after Sunderland defender Reinildo saw a second yellow card for taking down the England international.
Despite the victory Arteta was still seething after the game at the award of Sunderland's penalty for Ezri Konsa's pull on Dan Ballard.
#game #gunners #saturday
Mikel Arteta's men have conceded just once in five games in all competitions but Sunderland had the chance to breach ***** nal's imposing rearguard when Raya tipped Enzo Le Fee's spot-kick onto the post.
Just over two minutes later Guimaraes silenced the Stadium of Light as the Brazilian smashed into the top corner from outside the box.
Bukayo Saka's penalty sealed the victory with the final kick of the game after Sunderland defender Reinildo saw a second yellow card for taking down the England international.
Despite the victory Arteta was still seething after the game at the award of Sunderland's penalty for Ezri Konsa's pull on Dan Ballard.
#game #gunners #saturday
13 days ago
Arsenal made it four wins from four in the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats played a gritty, physical game, but the Gunners gave as good as they got, and battled to the win. With a massive ***** ist from David Raya saving a, uh, generously awarded penalty that would have made it 1-0 for the bad guys. Minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes put one top bins. Raya made another brilliant save later in the half. Deep in added time, Bruno put Bukayo Saka in on goal, earning a penalty and second yellow to Reinildo. Penalty converted. Game over.
The Sunderland crowd greeted Bruno with a chorus of boos when he replaced Myles Lewis-Skelly at halftime. They take their rivalry with Newcastle seriously. Unfortunately, it was very much a "keep booing, it only makes me stronger" moment. You could see from the little smile on Bruno's face that he was loving it and using it to fuel him. His "I can't hear you" celebration to the crowd after he'd put one on postage stamp was absolute perfection.
Great call from Mikel Arteta to pull Myles Lewis-Skelly at the break. Everything was off from him — poor touches, cheap fouls — it simply wasn't his night. The manager also had to swap Jurrien Timber for Ben White, who appeared to have tweaked his groin. Because when ***** nal get one right back healthy, the other gets injured. That's how it works. Timber was excellent, by the way.
The ***** nal subs that came on later in the second half, Eze, Merino, and Zubimendi, were mediocre to poor. The depth is tremendous but Mikel Arteta has his work cut out for him to keep everyone sharp so that when they are called into action they don't, say, give the ball away the only two times they get on it like Merino did today.
The Gunners could have and should have been ahead at halftime, but once again, they were profligate with scoring chances. Bukayo Saka was caught in two minds on a leaping volley and only managed glancing contact. Kai Havertz shot over the bar from in close. The German striker also forced a smart save with a brilliant control, turn, and volley move. Saka also flubbed two chances in the second half — he picked the wrong pass on a 4-on-2 break and he shot too close to the keeper. The side could do with a bit better finishing, but if you believe (as I generally do) that finishing ebbs and flows, as long as they keep generated the volume of chances, someone is in for a real hiding.
#second
The Sunderland crowd greeted Bruno with a chorus of boos when he replaced Myles Lewis-Skelly at halftime. They take their rivalry with Newcastle seriously. Unfortunately, it was very much a "keep booing, it only makes me stronger" moment. You could see from the little smile on Bruno's face that he was loving it and using it to fuel him. His "I can't hear you" celebration to the crowd after he'd put one on postage stamp was absolute perfection.
Great call from Mikel Arteta to pull Myles Lewis-Skelly at the break. Everything was off from him — poor touches, cheap fouls — it simply wasn't his night. The manager also had to swap Jurrien Timber for Ben White, who appeared to have tweaked his groin. Because when ***** nal get one right back healthy, the other gets injured. That's how it works. Timber was excellent, by the way.
The ***** nal subs that came on later in the second half, Eze, Merino, and Zubimendi, were mediocre to poor. The depth is tremendous but Mikel Arteta has his work cut out for him to keep everyone sharp so that when they are called into action they don't, say, give the ball away the only two times they get on it like Merino did today.
The Gunners could have and should have been ahead at halftime, but once again, they were profligate with scoring chances. Bukayo Saka was caught in two minds on a leaping volley and only managed glancing contact. Kai Havertz shot over the bar from in close. The German striker also forced a smart save with a brilliant control, turn, and volley move. Saka also flubbed two chances in the second half — he picked the wrong pass on a 4-on-2 break and he shot too close to the keeper. The side could do with a bit better finishing, but if you believe (as I generally do) that finishing ebbs and flows, as long as they keep generated the volume of chances, someone is in for a real hiding.
#second
14 days ago
Gabriel insists ******* nal are not satisfied with winning the Premier League last season, and they have their sights set on several more trophies as a team, with many people tipping them to dominate both domestic and European football.
The Gunners finished second in three consecutive seasons before finally winning the league, and in the same season, they reached the final of the Carabao Cup and the Champions League. It was one of the best periods in the club's history, as they continued to perform consistently well under their manager.
Arteta is keen to ensure ******* nal perform at a high level during this campaign as well. The manager recognises the importance of maintaining certain standards, but his players understand this too, and they have returned for the new season as hungry as possible.
Their start to this season has been impressive, and many expect them to add more ******* les to their cabinet when the campaign ends next summer. Gabriel will be an important part of that challenge, and the defender has made it clear that the players are determined to achieve more after winning the Premier League.
Arsenal's ambition is not limited to one competition, with the squad aiming to challenge for the major trophies available to them. Gabriel believes the desire to win must remain strong, particularly because the players themselves welcome the pressure that comes with representing the club.
#players #arsenal #premier #trophies
The Gunners finished second in three consecutive seasons before finally winning the league, and in the same season, they reached the final of the Carabao Cup and the Champions League. It was one of the best periods in the club's history, as they continued to perform consistently well under their manager.
Arteta is keen to ensure ******* nal perform at a high level during this campaign as well. The manager recognises the importance of maintaining certain standards, but his players understand this too, and they have returned for the new season as hungry as possible.
Their start to this season has been impressive, and many expect them to add more ******* les to their cabinet when the campaign ends next summer. Gabriel will be an important part of that challenge, and the defender has made it clear that the players are determined to achieve more after winning the Premier League.
Arsenal's ambition is not limited to one competition, with the squad aiming to challenge for the major trophies available to them. Gabriel believes the desire to win must remain strong, particularly because the players themselves welcome the pressure that comes with representing the club.
#players #arsenal #premier #trophies
14 days ago
Arsenal have brought in outside consultants to evaluate the club's internal operations and identify areas for improvement.
Mikel Arteta's squad claimed the Premier League ****** le last season, setting off a wave of celebrations throughout North London, as per football.london.
The Gunners then came within a penalty shootout of lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy for the first time in their storied history, falling narrowly to Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
5 reasons to back Phil Parkinson when the going gets tough - a cut out and keep guide for fans
Bradley Barcola breaks silence after completing $166.6 million Liverpool transfer
#mikel
Mikel Arteta's squad claimed the Premier League ****** le last season, setting off a wave of celebrations throughout North London, as per football.london.
The Gunners then came within a penalty shootout of lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy for the first time in their storied history, falling narrowly to Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
5 reasons to back Phil Parkinson when the going gets tough - a cut out and keep guide for fans
Bradley Barcola breaks silence after completing $166.6 million Liverpool transfer
#mikel
15 days ago
Aston Villa v **** nal, August 2024. Morgan Rogers receives a pass facing his own goal and Declan Rice is immediately on his back, but the Villa midfielder takes the ball with the outside of his right foot and swivels into **** e, leaving Rice behind. The **** e is quickly filled by **** nal's midfield enforcer Thomas Partey, but Rogers knocks it past Partey and races around his back to regather the ball, leaving the Ghanaian splayed on the grass. Their tussle at least buys Rice some time to catch up, but as he lunges in to make the tackle, Rogers takes a clever touch and Rice concedes a clumsy foul.
Arsenal would go on to win but it was an afternoon full of moments like that one in which Rogers tormented his opponents. After the game, Mikel Arteta marvelled at his performance. On Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp compared Rogers to "Jonah Lomu in his prime", and when you saw the trail of **** nal bodies left on the floor, you understood exactly what he meant.
The Lomu comparison touched on what makes Rogers rare, even unique, in world football, and perhaps helps to explain why Chelsea FC were prepared to spend £117m to sign him this summer. Rogers is a blend of football genres, a walking oxymoron, powerful and graceful, hardy and agile, heavy and light all at once, like some contorted beast with the shoulders of a buffalo and the feet of a squirrel on an errand.
Morgan Rogers has made an impressive start to life at Chelsea (Getty)
There are other robust ball-carriers at the top of the game: Antoine **** yo and Jude Bellingham come to mind; Ryan Gravenberch, Manu Kone and Rice all perform similar functions from deep. But none have Rogers' package of strength and balance, quick feet and rapid acceleration, that creative eye and subtle movement between the lines. In an increasingly **** genized world of coaching and industrialised talent production, Rogers is something of a unicorn forward.
#villa #partey
Arsenal would go on to win but it was an afternoon full of moments like that one in which Rogers tormented his opponents. After the game, Mikel Arteta marvelled at his performance. On Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp compared Rogers to "Jonah Lomu in his prime", and when you saw the trail of **** nal bodies left on the floor, you understood exactly what he meant.
The Lomu comparison touched on what makes Rogers rare, even unique, in world football, and perhaps helps to explain why Chelsea FC were prepared to spend £117m to sign him this summer. Rogers is a blend of football genres, a walking oxymoron, powerful and graceful, hardy and agile, heavy and light all at once, like some contorted beast with the shoulders of a buffalo and the feet of a squirrel on an errand.
Morgan Rogers has made an impressive start to life at Chelsea (Getty)
There are other robust ball-carriers at the top of the game: Antoine **** yo and Jude Bellingham come to mind; Ryan Gravenberch, Manu Kone and Rice all perform similar functions from deep. But none have Rogers' package of strength and balance, quick feet and rapid acceleration, that creative eye and subtle movement between the lines. In an increasingly **** genized world of coaching and industrialised talent production, Rogers is something of a unicorn forward.
#villa #partey
18 days ago
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League
The Ballon d'Or's official website has been confirming some of their nominees for the 2026 award ceremony throughout Tuesday, with **** nal receiving nominations in a number of categories.
The first nomination was for Men's Club of the Year, and **** nal are up against Bayern Munich, Bodo/Glimt, Flamengo, and Paris Saint-Germain for the award. The Gunners' Premier League trophy and two final appearances, including the Champions League final, are behind the nomination.
Next came the Men's Coach of the Year nominations, with Mikel Arteta joining Spain's Luis de la Fuente, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, Bayern Munich's Vincent Kompany, and Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique on the shortlist.
Arsenal's successes are again the obvious motivating factor behind Arteta's nomination.
#league #arsenal #bayern
The Ballon d'Or's official website has been confirming some of their nominees for the 2026 award ceremony throughout Tuesday, with **** nal receiving nominations in a number of categories.
The first nomination was for Men's Club of the Year, and **** nal are up against Bayern Munich, Bodo/Glimt, Flamengo, and Paris Saint-Germain for the award. The Gunners' Premier League trophy and two final appearances, including the Champions League final, are behind the nomination.
Next came the Men's Coach of the Year nominations, with Mikel Arteta joining Spain's Luis de la Fuente, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, Bayern Munich's Vincent Kompany, and Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique on the shortlist.
Arsenal's successes are again the obvious motivating factor behind Arteta's nomination.
#league #arsenal #bayern
19 days ago
LONDON — **** nal and Chelsea put on a show in North London on Sunday, with the Premier League giants going toe-to-toe in a wonderful early-season spectacle.
MORE — **** nal v Chelsea recap | Player ratings
So many intriguing tactical tweaks took place as Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea an early lead but **** nal roared back with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard to take the lead.
The Gunners are now 10 games unbeaten against Chelsea in the Premier League, but this win was up in the air until the end.
MORE — Xabi Alonso reaction | Mikel Arteta reaction
#arsenal #premier #sunday
MORE — **** nal v Chelsea recap | Player ratings
So many intriguing tactical tweaks took place as Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea an early lead but **** nal roared back with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard to take the lead.
The Gunners are now 10 games unbeaten against Chelsea in the Premier League, but this win was up in the air until the end.
MORE — Xabi Alonso reaction | Mikel Arteta reaction
#arsenal #premier #sunday
19 days ago
Mikel Arteta hailed a "beautiful" win after **** nal came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League champions required a response after conceding for the first time this season, Morgan Rogers stunning home fans into silence with a volleyed goal after 77 seconds before the hosts hit back against a Chelsea side still finding its feet under Xabi Alonso.
Kai Havertz netted for the third time against his old club to equalise midway through the first half – a near-post effort that perhaps ought to have been kept out by Emiliano Martinez – then produced a sumptuous dummy to clear Martin Odegaard's path to goal, with the captain lashing home the winner in the 50th minute.
"I think it was an exceptional performance," said Arteta. "I enjoyed every minute of it, from the beginning to the end. The beginning was tough but I enjoyed it because the team reacted in a spectacular way. The determination, the quality. It was beautiful. It was a fascinating game for the spectator.
"I think it's an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season. We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer."
#season #minute
The Premier League champions required a response after conceding for the first time this season, Morgan Rogers stunning home fans into silence with a volleyed goal after 77 seconds before the hosts hit back against a Chelsea side still finding its feet under Xabi Alonso.
Kai Havertz netted for the third time against his old club to equalise midway through the first half – a near-post effort that perhaps ought to have been kept out by Emiliano Martinez – then produced a sumptuous dummy to clear Martin Odegaard's path to goal, with the captain lashing home the winner in the 50th minute.
"I think it was an exceptional performance," said Arteta. "I enjoyed every minute of it, from the beginning to the end. The beginning was tough but I enjoyed it because the team reacted in a spectacular way. The determination, the quality. It was beautiful. It was a fascinating game for the spectator.
"I think it's an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season. We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer."
#season #minute
20 days ago
If the previous campaign wasn't special enough for Martin Ødegaard, as he captained ***** nal to a Premier League ***** le, this season could potentially top it.
The Gunners are, understandably, among the favourites for the ***** le, and they've already won their opening two games against Coventry City and Aston Villa.
Despite trailing London rivals Chelsea inside the opening two minutes of Sunday's clash at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta's men have come from behind to lead 2-1 after the hour.
Ødegaard has been central to the comeback with the strike that put them ahead in the second half.
The goal marks the Norway international's second goal of the campaign, and he has now doubled his goal tally from last season (1) in just three matches.
#goal #title #second
The Gunners are, understandably, among the favourites for the ***** le, and they've already won their opening two games against Coventry City and Aston Villa.
Despite trailing London rivals Chelsea inside the opening two minutes of Sunday's clash at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta's men have come from behind to lead 2-1 after the hour.
Ødegaard has been central to the comeback with the strike that put them ahead in the second half.
The goal marks the Norway international's second goal of the campaign, and he has now doubled his goal tally from last season (1) in just three matches.
#goal #title #second
20 days ago
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates in the first clash between traditional big four (or five, or six, however you want to phrase it) clubs of the Premier League season. In life, you're either a red or a blue. **** nal vs. Chelsea is about as red vs. blue as they come. This will be the first meeting between Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso, notable because the pair are lifelong friends. They played on teams growing up together in Spain.
Both clubs have two wins from two to start the season. **** nal have done it with organization and defense, as you'd expect. They've not conceded a goal from either match (Hull City haven't conceded from three). Chelsea's attack has started the season quickly with seven goals scored from their opening two matches. They've also conceded five over those games, looking particularly vulnerable to crosses and set pieces.
Many expected new manager Xabi Alonso to setup his side to have plenty of the ball, as he did in previous coaching stops. In last weekend's 4-3 win over Brighton, Chelsea had 25% possession and completed just over 200 passes to Brighton's 590. The Blues attack quickly and directly. I'll be interested to see how they match up against **** nal's more robust defense and organization.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 straight matches in all competitions against Chelsea (8-3-0). The Blues last win against the Gunners came in August 2022. There will be just two players starting for their same teams from the starting lineups that day — Reece James and Bukayo Saka. Kai Havertz is also likely to start but, as we know, switched sides in the interim. The **** nal lineup from that match, woo boy — Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Xhaka, Lokonga, Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Martinelli.
I'll be keeping a close watch on Bukayo Saka, who has scored in both matches this season for **** nal but has a pretty dismal record against Chelsea. He'll no longer be running at Marc Cucurella, who like him or not, rate him or not, always did well keeping Saka quiet. Chelsea's defense has looked unorganized way more often than Xabi Alonso would like, so if there ever was a time for Bukayo to improve his output against the Blues, it'd be today.
#season
Both clubs have two wins from two to start the season. **** nal have done it with organization and defense, as you'd expect. They've not conceded a goal from either match (Hull City haven't conceded from three). Chelsea's attack has started the season quickly with seven goals scored from their opening two matches. They've also conceded five over those games, looking particularly vulnerable to crosses and set pieces.
Many expected new manager Xabi Alonso to setup his side to have plenty of the ball, as he did in previous coaching stops. In last weekend's 4-3 win over Brighton, Chelsea had 25% possession and completed just over 200 passes to Brighton's 590. The Blues attack quickly and directly. I'll be interested to see how they match up against **** nal's more robust defense and organization.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 straight matches in all competitions against Chelsea (8-3-0). The Blues last win against the Gunners came in August 2022. There will be just two players starting for their same teams from the starting lineups that day — Reece James and Bukayo Saka. Kai Havertz is also likely to start but, as we know, switched sides in the interim. The **** nal lineup from that match, woo boy — Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Xhaka, Lokonga, Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Martinelli.
I'll be keeping a close watch on Bukayo Saka, who has scored in both matches this season for **** nal but has a pretty dismal record against Chelsea. He'll no longer be running at Marc Cucurella, who like him or not, rate him or not, always did well keeping Saka quiet. Chelsea's defense has looked unorganized way more often than Xabi Alonso would like, so if there ever was a time for Bukayo to improve his output against the Blues, it'd be today.
#season
21 days ago
Arsenal will welcome Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday afternoon as they look to secure a good result at home in the Premier League. The Gunners managed to earn a narrow 1-0 win away at Aston Villa recently, which should keep them in good spirits going into this game.
Mikel Arteta will set his men up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a couple of changes to his first XI for this clash. Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa could both play from the start of this game.
David Raya will operate in between the sticks for the Gunners after keeping a clean sheet in his last outing. Ezri Konsa will play alongside Gabriel at the centre of Arteta's defence as they look to keep a good shape when defending inside his half.
Ben White will try to put in a good performance as the right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori hopes to prove his value on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.
Piero Hincapie will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
#game #play
Mikel Arteta will set his men up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a couple of changes to his first XI for this clash. Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa could both play from the start of this game.
David Raya will operate in between the sticks for the Gunners after keeping a clean sheet in his last outing. Ezri Konsa will play alongside Gabriel at the centre of Arteta's defence as they look to keep a good shape when defending inside his half.
Ben White will try to put in a good performance as the right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori hopes to prove his value on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.
Piero Hincapie will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
#game #play
22 days ago
Mikel Arteta has reacted to ****** nal's failure to sign a top-class forward during the summer transfer window by insisting he is happy with the squad he has at the Emirates Stadium.
Premier League champions ****** nal missed out on targets Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, while only bringing in Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli all left the north London club to reduce the Gunners' options up front.
But ****** nal manager Arteta, speaking to reporters on Friday, said: "I love the players that we have, that is for sure. It is what it is, this is what we have and we already have some very, very good players.
"Let's trust them and let's make sure we are right behind them, and I will do everything we can to help the incredible talent that we have."
#arsenal #players #emirates #premier
Premier League champions ****** nal missed out on targets Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, while only bringing in Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli all left the north London club to reduce the Gunners' options up front.
But ****** nal manager Arteta, speaking to reporters on Friday, said: "I love the players that we have, that is for sure. It is what it is, this is what we have and we already have some very, very good players.
"Let's trust them and let's make sure we are right behind them, and I will do everything we can to help the incredible talent that we have."
#arsenal #players #emirates #premier
22 days ago
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (16:30pm BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Speaking about not signing another forward during the transfer window, Arteta said: "I love the players that we have, that is for sure. It is what it is, this is what we have and we already have some very, very good players. Let's trust them and let's make sure we are right behind them, and I will do everything we can to help the incredible talent that we have."
In May, Arteta called on ***** nal to be "very ambitious, very fast and very smart" this summer and when asked if he thinks that has happened, he replied: "One hundred per cent ticked. The outcome after can be different to what you expect, but the intention was certainly there which is what I value most."
Bruno Guimaraes is being ***** sed after picking up a knock against Aston Villa, but Arteta expects him to be "ok for training" on Saturday.
#arteta #league
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Speaking about not signing another forward during the transfer window, Arteta said: "I love the players that we have, that is for sure. It is what it is, this is what we have and we already have some very, very good players. Let's trust them and let's make sure we are right behind them, and I will do everything we can to help the incredible talent that we have."
In May, Arteta called on ***** nal to be "very ambitious, very fast and very smart" this summer and when asked if he thinks that has happened, he replied: "One hundred per cent ticked. The outcome after can be different to what you expect, but the intention was certainly there which is what I value most."
Bruno Guimaraes is being ***** sed after picking up a knock against Aston Villa, but Arteta expects him to be "ok for training" on Saturday.
#arteta #league
22 days ago
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The Premier League have announced their nominees for the Manager of the Month and Player of the Month awards for August, with ****** nal receiving nominations in both categories.
Mikel Arteta has been nominated for Manager of the Month, having led ****** nal to two wins and a goal difference of +4 in the Gunners' opening two games of the new campaign.
No other manager can better that, but Enzo Maresca can match it with Manchester City. Though City have conceded twice more than ****** nal, they've also scored twice more.
It's not hard to guess the other two nominees, as they're the managers of the other two clubs to win two from two – Hull City's Sergej Jakirovic and Chelsea's Xabi Alonso. Voting is open here until Monday, September 7th at 12:00 BST.
#nominees
The Premier League have announced their nominees for the Manager of the Month and Player of the Month awards for August, with ****** nal receiving nominations in both categories.
Mikel Arteta has been nominated for Manager of the Month, having led ****** nal to two wins and a goal difference of +4 in the Gunners' opening two games of the new campaign.
No other manager can better that, but Enzo Maresca can match it with Manchester City. Though City have conceded twice more than ****** nal, they've also scored twice more.
It's not hard to guess the other two nominees, as they're the managers of the other two clubs to win two from two – Hull City's Sergej Jakirovic and Chelsea's Xabi Alonso. Voting is open here until Monday, September 7th at 12:00 BST.
#nominees
22 days ago
Gabriel Martinelli says he felt like "an adopted Hale End boy" during his seven years at ******* nal.
Martinelli has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for a fee of £60m after being told by manager Mikel Arteta he was not part of his plans for this season.
The 25-year-old joined the Gunners from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 as an 18-year-old and made 278 appearances for the club, scoring 62 goals and providing 36 ******* ists.
He made 53 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals, as the Gunners won the top-flight ******* le for the first time since 2004.
"When I arrived here, seven years ago, I was just a boy who had only recently turned 18," Martinelli wrote in his farewell message posted on social media.
#martinelli #season
Martinelli has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for a fee of £60m after being told by manager Mikel Arteta he was not part of his plans for this season.
The 25-year-old joined the Gunners from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 as an 18-year-old and made 278 appearances for the club, scoring 62 goals and providing 36 ******* ists.
He made 53 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals, as the Gunners won the top-flight ******* le for the first time since 2004.
"When I arrived here, seven years ago, I was just a boy who had only recently turned 18," Martinelli wrote in his farewell message posted on social media.
#martinelli #season
24 days ago
Arsenal have started the new Premier League season with two wins as the transfer window closes, looking in ominous shape to retain the crown they won for the first time in 22 years last season.
The Gunners had a quiet final day to the window having concluded their business before the traditional late rush – but those hoping to unseat the reigning champions have all been busy expensively re-shaping their squads to mount a challenge.
So how do **** nal look? And have their main rivals done enough to prevent Mikel Arteta's side winning a second successive **** le?
And what are the other big issues as the Premier League's transfer business was concluded until January?
Arsenal's interest in Atletico Madrid's Argentina forward Julian Alvarez did not bear fruit, despite their attempts to persuade him away from his preferred destination of Barcelona.
#arsenal #season
The Gunners had a quiet final day to the window having concluded their business before the traditional late rush – but those hoping to unseat the reigning champions have all been busy expensively re-shaping their squads to mount a challenge.
So how do **** nal look? And have their main rivals done enough to prevent Mikel Arteta's side winning a second successive **** le?
And what are the other big issues as the Premier League's transfer business was concluded until January?
Arsenal's interest in Atletico Madrid's Argentina forward Julian Alvarez did not bear fruit, despite their attempts to persuade him away from his preferred destination of Barcelona.
#arsenal #season
24 days ago
Former Barcelona star Sergio Agüero has revealed his take that new Blaugrana signing Gabriel Jesus will ultimately go on to prove himself a success in Catalunya's capital.
This of course comes fresh off the Brazilian sealing a Camp Nou switch on transfer deadline day.
After Deco and the Barcelona transfer team were forced to give up on their dream of landing priority striker target Julián Alvarez, experienced **** nal man Jesus was over recent days sought out as a cut-price backup option.
Out of the plans of Mikel Arteta in North London, the **** nal brass, in turn, quickly gave the green light for the 29-year-old to move on.
The signing has since been met with something of a mixed reception amongst those of a Blaugrana persuasion, many of whom have been quick to point to Jesus' alarming recent injury record.
#Barcelona #transfer
This of course comes fresh off the Brazilian sealing a Camp Nou switch on transfer deadline day.
After Deco and the Barcelona transfer team were forced to give up on their dream of landing priority striker target Julián Alvarez, experienced **** nal man Jesus was over recent days sought out as a cut-price backup option.
Out of the plans of Mikel Arteta in North London, the **** nal brass, in turn, quickly gave the green light for the 29-year-old to move on.
The signing has since been met with something of a mixed reception amongst those of a Blaugrana persuasion, many of whom have been quick to point to Jesus' alarming recent injury record.
#Barcelona #transfer
25 days ago
Mikel Arteta has hailed his ******* nal side after the Premier League champions secured a hard-fought win at Aston Villa.
Bukayo Saka's second-half goal secured a 1-0 win at Villa Park, as the England winger tapped home from Riccardo Calafiori's cross.
Saka's strike secured a second straight win for ******* nal, who avenged last season's loss at Villa Park. ******* nal conceded a devastating 95th-minute winner during last season's defeat at Aston Villa and Arteta admitted that feeling was on his mind pre-game.
"Well that was the state in my tummy and I spoke to the players about it. That image when the players were on the floor totally gutted," he said at hispost-match press conference.
"It was a really difficult one to take and we used that to bring energy, to bring more conviction and belief to understand the difficulty of the challenge that we had ahead, especially against a team that was so successful last year and then they lost a few days ago in a really big way. You expect a reaction and this stadium is a really difficult one, one for the big matches and they make those moments count.
#secured #park #players
Bukayo Saka's second-half goal secured a 1-0 win at Villa Park, as the England winger tapped home from Riccardo Calafiori's cross.
Saka's strike secured a second straight win for ******* nal, who avenged last season's loss at Villa Park. ******* nal conceded a devastating 95th-minute winner during last season's defeat at Aston Villa and Arteta admitted that feeling was on his mind pre-game.
"Well that was the state in my tummy and I spoke to the players about it. That image when the players were on the floor totally gutted," he said at hispost-match press conference.
"It was a really difficult one to take and we used that to bring energy, to bring more conviction and belief to understand the difficulty of the challenge that we had ahead, especially against a team that was so successful last year and then they lost a few days ago in a really big way. You expect a reaction and this stadium is a really difficult one, one for the big matches and they make those moments count.
#secured #park #players
25 days ago
Mikel Arteta has said **** nal will try to improve their squad right up until the transfer deadline this evening.
The summer transfer window shuts at 11pm this evening forPremier League clubs, who are racing to get deals done before the deadline.
Arsenal have made five senior signings so far this summer, adding Bruno Guimaraes, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Ezri Konsa to their **** le-winning squad. Piero Hincapie has also signed for the Gunners permanently after joining on an initial loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
The North Londoners remain keen to add further options to their squad and have held talks with Lyon over winger Malick Fofana. The French side value the 21-year-old at around €40m. **** nal have also monitored Julian Alvarez's ongoing situation at Atletico Madrid.
Speaking at hispress conference after the Premier League champions secured a hard-fought 1-0 win at Aston Villa, Arteta said **** nal are actively trying to make signings in the final hours of the window.
#squad
The summer transfer window shuts at 11pm this evening forPremier League clubs, who are racing to get deals done before the deadline.
Arsenal have made five senior signings so far this summer, adding Bruno Guimaraes, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Ezri Konsa to their **** le-winning squad. Piero Hincapie has also signed for the Gunners permanently after joining on an initial loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
The North Londoners remain keen to add further options to their squad and have held talks with Lyon over winger Malick Fofana. The French side value the 21-year-old at around €40m. **** nal have also monitored Julian Alvarez's ongoing situation at Atletico Madrid.
Speaking at hispress conference after the Premier League champions secured a hard-fought 1-0 win at Aston Villa, Arteta said **** nal are actively trying to make signings in the final hours of the window.
#squad
25 days ago
When thinking of the greatest managers of the Premier League era, ******* ne Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola are names that belong high on the list.
They are three of the rare breed to have managed 250 games with a single Premier League club, and Mikel Arteta is now the 10th member of that elite group.
Monday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa was the 250th top-flight game in charge for Arteta with the Gunners, and his champions delivered a trademark performance.
At full-time at Villa Park, the travelling supporters sang about how they are going to win the league again with Arteta in charge.
With ******* nal coming into this season as trophy holders, and with transition affecting rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, it is hard to see how the fans' partisan prediction is going to be proved wrong.
#premier #manchester #charge
They are three of the rare breed to have managed 250 games with a single Premier League club, and Mikel Arteta is now the 10th member of that elite group.
Monday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa was the 250th top-flight game in charge for Arteta with the Gunners, and his champions delivered a trademark performance.
At full-time at Villa Park, the travelling supporters sang about how they are going to win the league again with Arteta in charge.
With ******* nal coming into this season as trophy holders, and with transition affecting rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, it is hard to see how the fans' partisan prediction is going to be proved wrong.
#premier #manchester #charge
25 days ago
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will turn his attention back to the transfer market after seeing his side make it two wins out of two with a 1-0 Premier League success at Aston Villa.
Bukayo Saka's second-half strike was enough for the defending champions to shade a tight contest at Villa Park.
But with the transfer window shutting at 11 pm (2200 GMT) on Tuesday, Arteta is keen to add some attacking depth, with the Gunners linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Arteta said: "I said, we are trying to improve the squad, and until tomorrow night we're going to try to do that.
"I've been disconnected from the world for 24 hours because I think my energy and focus has to be on the match."
#arteta #league #bukayo
Bukayo Saka's second-half strike was enough for the defending champions to shade a tight contest at Villa Park.
But with the transfer window shutting at 11 pm (2200 GMT) on Tuesday, Arteta is keen to add some attacking depth, with the Gunners linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Arteta said: "I said, we are trying to improve the squad, and until tomorrow night we're going to try to do that.
"I've been disconnected from the world for 24 hours because I think my energy and focus has to be on the match."
#arteta #league #bukayo
25 days ago
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saw his team squeak out a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday to keep an unblemished Premier League ******* le defense.
The Gunners took a second-half lead on Bukayo Saka's second goal of the Premier League season and rode that through stoppage time to all three points.
MORE — Aston Villa v ******* nal recap, highlights
Old boss Unai Emery flustered the Gunners for much of the game but the flip side was ******* nal showed very few openings to the Villans attack.
There was some bad news from the win, as Cristhian Mosquera had to exit with an apparently leg injury late in the contest.
#second
The Gunners took a second-half lead on Bukayo Saka's second goal of the Premier League season and rode that through stoppage time to all three points.
MORE — Aston Villa v ******* nal recap, highlights
Old boss Unai Emery flustered the Gunners for much of the game but the flip side was ******* nal showed very few openings to the Villans attack.
There was some bad news from the win, as Cristhian Mosquera had to exit with an apparently leg injury late in the contest.
#second
25 days ago
Mikel Arteta has revealed that he wants the Premier League to allow teams to name more players in their matchday squads, admitting that he has been begging for the change to be made.
At present, teams can name only 20 players in a matchday squad, meaning there are nine substitutes available in addition to the starting XI. Although this number can appear sufficient because clubs are permitted to make five substitutions, Arteta believes the demands placed on players require greater squad flexibility.
Teams can have up to 30 players, and allowing more of them to be named on the bench would give managers additional options during matches. It could also help them respond to how games develop while ensuring they have more players available to make an impact.
However, the Premier League has refused to expand matchday squads and expects clubs to plan around the 20 players they are currently permitted to name for matches.
Arteta has been one of the voices among managers calling for a change to the rules and has once again spoken about the subject. The ***** nal boss revealed that he has spent considerable time asking the Premier League to expand the number of players that can be included.
#premier #league #teams #revealed
At present, teams can name only 20 players in a matchday squad, meaning there are nine substitutes available in addition to the starting XI. Although this number can appear sufficient because clubs are permitted to make five substitutions, Arteta believes the demands placed on players require greater squad flexibility.
Teams can have up to 30 players, and allowing more of them to be named on the bench would give managers additional options during matches. It could also help them respond to how games develop while ensuring they have more players available to make an impact.
However, the Premier League has refused to expand matchday squads and expects clubs to plan around the 20 players they are currently permitted to name for matches.
Arteta has been one of the voices among managers calling for a change to the rules and has once again spoken about the subject. The ***** nal boss revealed that he has spent considerable time asking the Premier League to expand the number of players that can be included.
#premier #league #teams #revealed
26 days ago
Arsenal travel to Villa Park on Monday looking to continue a perfect start to the season, having won the Community Shield and beaten Coventry City 3-0 in their Premier League opener without conceding.
Mikel Arteta's side could become the first in the club's 140-year history to win five consecutive opening away fixtures of a Premier League season.
Jurrien Timber remains out with a groin issue, and William Saliba is a long-term absentee with a back problem. Bruno Guimaraes has a minor groin issue of his own but Arteta has not ruled him out of contention. New signing Ezri Konsa, who joined this summer from Villa, is available to face his former club but is expected to start on the bench given ******* nal's settled defensive pairing.
David Raya is set to continue in goal behind a back four of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are expected to anchor midfield, with Martín Zubimendi the likely third member of the trio ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis, both of whom Arteta has used in wide areas that double as auxiliary full-back cover, are set to support Kai Havertz in attack, with both players having scored or contributed directly to goals in the win over Coventry.
#premier
Mikel Arteta's side could become the first in the club's 140-year history to win five consecutive opening away fixtures of a Premier League season.
Jurrien Timber remains out with a groin issue, and William Saliba is a long-term absentee with a back problem. Bruno Guimaraes has a minor groin issue of his own but Arteta has not ruled him out of contention. New signing Ezri Konsa, who joined this summer from Villa, is available to face his former club but is expected to start on the bench given ******* nal's settled defensive pairing.
David Raya is set to continue in goal behind a back four of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are expected to anchor midfield, with Martín Zubimendi the likely third member of the trio ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis, both of whom Arteta has used in wide areas that double as auxiliary full-back cover, are set to support Kai Havertz in attack, with both players having scored or contributed directly to goals in the win over Coventry.
#premier
27 days ago
With the summer transfer window set to close within the next two days, some significant news for ****** nal has emerged on Sunday as the exits of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Fabio Vieira have all been reported. Jesus will be joining Barcelona, while Martinelli is set to become ****** nal's record transfer with a move to Saudi side Al Hilal. Vieira will return to Hamburg on a permanent move after a successful loan spell last season.
The Fabio Vieira move is one that has been in the making for the last few seasons. He came into the ****** nal side from Porto in the 2022 summer window as an under-the-radar move with a high ceiling. While he displayed his technical quality at times, he just never seemed to adapt to the more physical nature of the Premier League, and he was soon in the window shop for the Gunners. A loan back to Porto in 24/25 was followed by his spell with Hamburg in 25/26 where he shone for the Bundesliga side.
The one drawback of the Hamburg loan was that any fee for a permanent move was never going to majorly move the needle. Considering their record fee for an incoming player was €14m for Filip Kostic, the expectation was that they would not come close to meeting ****** nal's original valuation of €20m. After negotiations this week, the Gunners brought their asking price down and reached an agreement of €9m for the midfielder.
Gabriel Jesus' also saw his role in the side lessen over the past two seasons due in large part to injuries. His addition in the summer of 2022 after joining from Manchester City was a landmark one in the Mikel Arteta era. His arrival took ****** nal from a being simply a competitive side to one that consistent challenged for the ****** le. The first 6 months of his first season were sublime as he immediately elevated the attack with his exceptional ability to receive the ball in tight ****** es and link up with the front line.
Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury in the 2022 World Cup that began a series of ongoing issues he never seemed to overcome. The cycle that followed was as predictable as it was frustrating. After recovering from an injury, he would show flashes of his brilliance before encountering another setback. The signing of Viktor Gyökeres last summer was a major indicator that the club was preparing for him to take a more diminished role in the attack, and a move seemed inevitable.
#summer
The Fabio Vieira move is one that has been in the making for the last few seasons. He came into the ****** nal side from Porto in the 2022 summer window as an under-the-radar move with a high ceiling. While he displayed his technical quality at times, he just never seemed to adapt to the more physical nature of the Premier League, and he was soon in the window shop for the Gunners. A loan back to Porto in 24/25 was followed by his spell with Hamburg in 25/26 where he shone for the Bundesliga side.
The one drawback of the Hamburg loan was that any fee for a permanent move was never going to majorly move the needle. Considering their record fee for an incoming player was €14m for Filip Kostic, the expectation was that they would not come close to meeting ****** nal's original valuation of €20m. After negotiations this week, the Gunners brought their asking price down and reached an agreement of €9m for the midfielder.
Gabriel Jesus' also saw his role in the side lessen over the past two seasons due in large part to injuries. His addition in the summer of 2022 after joining from Manchester City was a landmark one in the Mikel Arteta era. His arrival took ****** nal from a being simply a competitive side to one that consistent challenged for the ****** le. The first 6 months of his first season were sublime as he immediately elevated the attack with his exceptional ability to receive the ball in tight ****** es and link up with the front line.
Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury in the 2022 World Cup that began a series of ongoing issues he never seemed to overcome. The cycle that followed was as predictable as it was frustrating. After recovering from an injury, he would show flashes of his brilliance before encountering another setback. The signing of Viktor Gyökeres last summer was a major indicator that the club was preparing for him to take a more diminished role in the attack, and a move seemed inevitable.
#summer
27 days ago
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Monday night when they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa, with Mikel Arteta's side looking to maintain their perfect start to the new campaign.
The Gunners have had an unusual 10-day break since their last game, but plenty has happened during that time, including significant transfer activity involving both clubs.
Perhaps the most intriguing move of all ahead of Monday's meeting is Ezri Konsa swapping Villa Park for ****** nal, meaning the defender could make his Gunners debut against the club he has just left.
Arsenal head to the Midlands having started the season positively, while Aston Villa will be desperate to respond after suffering a heavy defeat in their Premier League opener.
Unai Emery's side lost 4-0 away to Brighton, with all four goals arriving before half-time.
#gunners #side
The Gunners have had an unusual 10-day break since their last game, but plenty has happened during that time, including significant transfer activity involving both clubs.
Perhaps the most intriguing move of all ahead of Monday's meeting is Ezri Konsa swapping Villa Park for ****** nal, meaning the defender could make his Gunners debut against the club he has just left.
Arsenal head to the Midlands having started the season positively, while Aston Villa will be desperate to respond after suffering a heavy defeat in their Premier League opener.
Unai Emery's side lost 4-0 away to Brighton, with all four goals arriving before half-time.
#gunners #side
28 days ago
Kai Havertz has laid down the gauntlet to **** nal's rivals by insisting the Premier League champions want "to win everything".
The Gunners ended their 22-year wait for the league **** le last season and started their defence with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Coventry, a week after they saw off Manchester City to take the Community Shield.
Mikel Arteta's side were a penalty shootout away from claiming their first Champions League trophy – succumbing to Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest – but Havertz believes the Gunners have all the ingredients in place to launch an **** ault on the biggest prizes.
"When you have that taste of winning one **** le then you want to do it again, and we have a team that can compete for every **** le possible," said the Germany international in an interview with Sky Sports.
"Last year there was only one, but this year there is a lot more to come and we want to win everything.
#gunners #premier
The Gunners ended their 22-year wait for the league **** le last season and started their defence with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Coventry, a week after they saw off Manchester City to take the Community Shield.
Mikel Arteta's side were a penalty shootout away from claiming their first Champions League trophy – succumbing to Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest – but Havertz believes the Gunners have all the ingredients in place to launch an **** ault on the biggest prizes.
"When you have that taste of winning one **** le then you want to do it again, and we have a team that can compete for every **** le possible," said the Germany international in an interview with Sky Sports.
"Last year there was only one, but this year there is a lot more to come and we want to win everything.
#gunners #premier
29 days ago
Arsenal are continuing to monitor the Julian Alvarez situation closely, with events in Madrid gathering pace and potentially creating one of the biggest late twists of the transfer window. Credit to the Daily Mail, which first detailed the latest developments, the picture emerging around Atletico Madrid's forward is becoming increasingly combustible.
Alvarez missed training for a second consecutive day because of what has been described as an illness, and while there is no suggestion from Atletico that the absence is transfer-related, the timing has naturally sharpened attention. **** nal have held a long-term interest in the Argentina international, and people close to the process are understood to have done extensive groundwork on whether he would be the right fit for Mikel Arteta's squad.
That piece of internal work appears to have been substantial. According to the report, **** nal staff had already been tasked with gathering data on Alvarez, including his injury history, physical metrics and on-pitch output. The conclusion was said to be decisive, he matches the profile **** nal want and Arteta is keen.
This is why the latest developments matter. **** nal are not chasing a random market opportunity. They have already done the evaluation, they know the player, and they know the cost would be enormous. If a genuine opening appears, they are in a position to move with conviction.
Atletico's stance has been hard-line for much of the summer, yet the situation has become harder to contain. Alvarez, who joined from Manchester City in 2024 for £81 million, has scored 49 goals in 107 matches for the Spanish club, a return that underlines why Atletico have tried to shut down the noise around his future.
#transfer #latest #done
Alvarez missed training for a second consecutive day because of what has been described as an illness, and while there is no suggestion from Atletico that the absence is transfer-related, the timing has naturally sharpened attention. **** nal have held a long-term interest in the Argentina international, and people close to the process are understood to have done extensive groundwork on whether he would be the right fit for Mikel Arteta's squad.
That piece of internal work appears to have been substantial. According to the report, **** nal staff had already been tasked with gathering data on Alvarez, including his injury history, physical metrics and on-pitch output. The conclusion was said to be decisive, he matches the profile **** nal want and Arteta is keen.
This is why the latest developments matter. **** nal are not chasing a random market opportunity. They have already done the evaluation, they know the player, and they know the cost would be enormous. If a genuine opening appears, they are in a position to move with conviction.
Atletico's stance has been hard-line for much of the summer, yet the situation has become harder to contain. Alvarez, who joined from Manchester City in 2024 for £81 million, has scored 49 goals in 107 matches for the Spanish club, a return that underlines why Atletico have tried to shut down the noise around his future.
#transfer #latest #done
29 days ago
Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes have yet to play for ******* nal in the Premier League, with the defender joining them just a few days ago, while Guimaraes was injured before their season opener against Coventry City.
Arsenal have started the season strongly and did not miss the Brazilian in their last game, but he is expected to be a starter for the team when he is fit. Konsa has joined as one of the top defenders in England, and the former Aston Villa man will play while William Saliba remains out with an injury.
Arsenal continue to prepare for the games ahead, and their next match will be against Aston Villa on Monday, a fixture the Gunners would love to win. They have one of the best squads in the league, and most people expect them to win the game, but they will still have to earn the result on the pitch, as any other team would.
The fans will hope to see both players in action during the game, with Mikel Arteta providing an encouraging update on Konsa's condition. The defender has been training well since joining the club and could now be in contention for his ******* nal debut.
Arteta's comments suggest that Konsa has settled quickly into the squad and is ready to contribute if selected. His availability is particularly important while Saliba remains injured.
#game #defender
Arsenal have started the season strongly and did not miss the Brazilian in their last game, but he is expected to be a starter for the team when he is fit. Konsa has joined as one of the top defenders in England, and the former Aston Villa man will play while William Saliba remains out with an injury.
Arsenal continue to prepare for the games ahead, and their next match will be against Aston Villa on Monday, a fixture the Gunners would love to win. They have one of the best squads in the league, and most people expect them to win the game, but they will still have to earn the result on the pitch, as any other team would.
The fans will hope to see both players in action during the game, with Mikel Arteta providing an encouraging update on Konsa's condition. The defender has been training well since joining the club and could now be in contention for his ******* nal debut.
Arteta's comments suggest that Konsa has settled quickly into the squad and is ready to contribute if selected. His availability is particularly important while Saliba remains injured.
#game #defender
29 days ago
Amid 48 hours when the Julian Alvarez saga brought a media storm in Spain, **** nal are continuing to work away in the background. The hope is that a big calculation may yet pay off.
Mikel Arteta has long been aware that Alvarez's first choice was Barcelona, and respects that, but his club were also aware that their Catalan rivals would struggle to do the deal. Even as far back as May, it was known that Barca had a lot to do to make the finances work, and that was before a deteriorating relationship with Atletico Madrid reached this dismal nadir.
On Thursday, it was finally communicated that Atletico's official position is that they will "never , ever" sell Alvarez to Barcelona. This was as key representatives of both clubs - as well as **** nal - were at the Champions League draw in Monaco. That naturally fostered a lot of intrigue, as well as some mirth, for those present.
Atletico are refusing to negotiate with Barcelona, opening the door to **** nal to make a late move (Getty)
There was also some seriousness, as Atletico's Gil Marin spoke about how Alvarez was enduring "a difficult situation on both a personal and professional level", from "people who have taken it upon themselves to deceive him, to confuse him".
#julian
Mikel Arteta has long been aware that Alvarez's first choice was Barcelona, and respects that, but his club were also aware that their Catalan rivals would struggle to do the deal. Even as far back as May, it was known that Barca had a lot to do to make the finances work, and that was before a deteriorating relationship with Atletico Madrid reached this dismal nadir.
On Thursday, it was finally communicated that Atletico's official position is that they will "never , ever" sell Alvarez to Barcelona. This was as key representatives of both clubs - as well as **** nal - were at the Champions League draw in Monaco. That naturally fostered a lot of intrigue, as well as some mirth, for those present.
Atletico are refusing to negotiate with Barcelona, opening the door to **** nal to make a late move (Getty)
There was also some seriousness, as Atletico's Gil Marin spoke about how Alvarez was enduring "a difficult situation on both a personal and professional level", from "people who have taken it upon themselves to deceive him, to confuse him".
#julian
