ARSENAL could be without Thomas Partey for their game against Leeds at the weekend as he 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 to North London 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, former Premier League defender Philippe Senderos has his say on Arsenal's player of the season so far.
Senderos told Ladbrokes' Fanzone: "Saka is their player of the season. He's just been so impressive, pretty much in every game, and his progression is just continuing and going from strength to strength.
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- Alex Smith
'So wholesome'
Arsenal star Matt Turner revealed that he and his wife are having a girl with a cute gender reveal on the pitch.
The goalkeeper helped guide the United States to a 1-0 win over El Salvador and at the end of the game, all his team-mates gathered around him.
The 28-year-old was handed a football by the squad and fans begun a countdown for him to kick it.
Turner booted the ball and pink smoke came out, meaning he and his wife are due a girl.
The stopper was congratulated by his team-mates before going across to his wife Ashley Herron and his first child.
Credit: Twitter - Alex Smith
Xhaka nearly joined Stoke
Granit Xhaka almost joined Stoke City on loan before eventually landing a lucrative gig at Arsenal.
Max Eberl, director of sport at Xhaka’s former club Borussia Monchengladbach, claims the Swiss midfielder was close to a Potters loan move after a disastrous start to life at the German club.
Xhaka struggled to adapt to the speed of the Bundesliga and was wanted by Stoke in 2014.
However, Eberl claims he talked Xhaka out of linking up with Mark Hughes, warning the midfielder that he would never secure a move to a big club should he go to the bet365 Stadium.
- Alex Smith
Xhaka thought he would leave
Granit Xhaka thought he was going to leave Arsenal before his incredible rejuvenation in form, according to Philippe Senderos.
Senderos exclusively told Ladbrokes’ Fanzone: "Granit is a good friend of mine.
"I think everyone – including him – thought he was going to leave the club a couple of years ago.
"But he's had this massive turnaround, and that's down to his character; he's a leader both on and off the pitch. He's someone you want to follow, because he's going to put his heart and soul into everything he does."
- Alex Smith
White a perfect fit
Ex-Gunner Philippe Senderos has praised Mikel Arteta for moving Ben White from centre-back to right-back.
The more defensive Englishman offers cover for when Oleksandr Zinchenko on the opposite side drifts forward or central.
Senderos exclusively told Ladbrokes’ Fanzone: "In terms of Ben White, he's made that right-back position his own, he's spent a lot of time playing out of his natural position, but he's done a fantastic job this season.
"That role is best occupied by someone who is naturally a centre-back, because it gives you much more balance. That's something Mikel Arteta can take a lot of credit for, because he's identified how to get the best out of both of his full-backs and exploit their strengths."
- Alex Smith
Saka is "player of the season"
Ex-Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos believes that Bukayo Saka has been the key man in Arsenal's rise to the top of the Premier League table.
Senderos exclusively told Ladbrokes' Fanzone: "Saka is their player of the season. He's just been so impressive, pretty much in every game, and his progression is just continuing and going from strength to strength.
"Teams have started doubling up on him, but he still manages to do his job, scoring and creating goals. He's the main guy this year.
People forget how much experience he has, seeing him week-in, week-out, playing for club and country.
"But he's still young; he's in his early twenties, which means there's still so much learning, developing and progressing to be done. The team is getting better around him, they know how best to use him, and he's picking up new traits with every game.
"He's so, so dangerous, so smart, and he's been the real difference for Arsenal this season."
- Alex Smith
Arteta demanded better from Saka
Arsenal fans have dug up old quotes from Mikel Arteta when he demanded that Bukayo Saka improve in front of goal.
The winger is set to be rewarded with a huge new contract after the 21-year-old has certainly got better since his manager's comments.
Arteta said back in August 2022: "He has to be a ruthless winner. That’s it. Simple. That’s his mentality, that’s what he needs to do. He has this ability, now he’s going through a place in his career and he needs to go to the next level right now.”
Credit: PA - Alex Smith
Partey could feature vs Leeds
Arsenal remain hopeful that Thomas Partey could play on Saturday versus Leeds amid injury concerns.
The club are reportedly expecting the player back in training today after he missed out on Ghana's match with Angola through injury.
Yet the injury is thought to not be serious and the medical team are expected to make a late decision on his fitness.
- Alex Smith
Iwobi hails Nelson
Ex-Arsenal star Alex Iwobi has praised Reiss Nelson's mentality and ability.
The due played together in the Hale End academy and the Everton star has congratulated his pal on his impact on games off the bench.
Iwobi said to The Beautiful Game podcast: "He’s another Arsenal product.
"With him like, he just has that raw ability. I have to give it to him because he’s had to be patient. But every time he’s come on to play, he’s delivered.
"I think he’s been the most impactful sub at Arsenal this season. For someone to be able to do that and not play regularly and still have that elite mindset, I have to rate it."
- Alex Smith
Iwobi cheering on the Gunners
Alex Iwobi has revealed that he is hopeful his former club will win the Premier League this season.
And the Everton star believes they will just pip Man City to lift the trophy.
Iwobi was on the books of Arsenal between 2004 and 2019.
The 26-year-old still has the ability to help the Gunners as his side play against Man City on May 13th, just two weeks before the end of the season.
- Alex Smith
Keown claims Arsenal impacted Conte sacking
Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes that Arsenal's success has played a part in Tottenham sacking Antonio Conte.
The Italian was dismissed on Sunday night, a week after a furious rant where he slammed both the club and his players.
Keown told talkSPORT that Spurs should have kept him until the end of the season.
He continued: "I think Arsenal have played a part.
"The fact that Arsenal are 20 points clear of Spurs and this time last year they were both in the run-in for the top-four places puts Spurs under enormous pressure.
"But it’s what happened in March. Going out of the FA Cup, what happened against AC Milan, the 3-3 game against Southampton… March was miserable for them.
"[Conte] knew he was going. He wanted to say, and needed to say, what was wrong at that football club and they need to take stock of that."
- Alex Smith
Saka set for new deal
Bukayo Saka will become Arsenal’s top earner when he signs a new five-year contract worth up to £300,000-a-week.
The 21-year-old England international has been in talks with the club for more than a year and is now ready to put pen to paper.
And the agreement will more than quadruple his current £70,000-a-week salary to make him the club’s highest paid player.
He will overtake Gabriel Jesus in the Emirates pecking order after the Brazilian striker agreed a £250,000-a-week deal when he signed from Manchester City for £45million last summer.
Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu were both keen to reward Saka's efforts with a deal which reflects his status as the team’s most valuable player.
Credit: AP - 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
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