ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta is being lined-up by Real Madrid, according to Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: “I heard [Carlo] Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid."
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has urged his former side to sign West Ham skipper Declan Rice.
“If Arsenal want to stay at the top next season, Rice would be an important signing. But they need more players as well.”
Elsewhere, Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Arsenal academy graduate Emile Smith-Rowe.
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- Ian Tuckey
Gunners 'need 4-5 new players'
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit reckons the table-toppers "need four or five new players".
The Gunners will go seven points clear if they beat Southampton tonight, although Man City would have two games in hand.
Petit told Legal Sportsbooks: "In midfield I think they need to add at least two players.
"Someone who can play in [Martin] Odegaard’s position. We’ve got [Emile] Smith-Rowe but he hasn’t had much playing time in the last few months.
"A central defender as well. When you look at the big teams in Europe they’ve got four strong defenders to choose from. You need to have some competition for players to earn their place.
"They’ve got two right backs but [Takehiro] Tomiyasu has been injured for such a long time. Ben White has been tremendous but you cannot expect players not to be injured during the season.
"[Gabriel] Martinelli has been tremendous and [Bukayo] Saka as well, but you can feel, especially with Saka, that he’s been tired recently.
"[Leandro] Trossard can play as a right winger or as a left winger but you probably need one more player that can play on the wings."
- Ian Tuckey
Zinchenko back but Xhaka out
O;eksandr Zinchenko returns at left-back and Fabio Vieira has to come on for injured anchorman Granit Xhaka as the Gunners host Southampton in the Prem at 8pm tonight.
Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal with Ben White, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes and Zinchenko in defence.
Vieira, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard are in midfield, behind front three Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
Go to our MATCH BLOG for build-up, action and reaction.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners tipped to sell Balogun
Emmanuel Petit is expecting Arsenal to cash in on Folarin Balogun this summer.
The striker has excelled on loan at French outfit Stade de Reims this season which has seen his stock rise.
Balogun, 21, has enjoyed a remarkable campaign and is among the top scorers in Ligue 1.
The young striker has netted 19 goals and provided three assists in 32 games, helping Reims to 8th place in the table.
His rise to prominence was not expected to happen so quickly as he had only scored five goals in his 30 senior appearances before this season.
But despite this scintillating form, Arsenal legend Petit thinks he will be sold this summer.
He told Legal Sportsbooks: "I don’t know if they will continue with the strikers they have. They’ve got Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus.
"Folarin Balogun I think will be put on the market to be sold.
"There are so many clubs in France, and not just in France, who are very interested in him."
- Ian Tuckey
Fans fear Xhaka will miss out
Arsenal fans are fearing the worst following rumours Granit Xhaka is missing from the squad for tonight's clash against Southampton.
The Gunners hosts the struggling Saints after consecutive 2-2 draws with Liverpool and West Ham.
Mikel Arteta's side squandered a 2-0 lead in both games – hampering their chances of a first Premier League title since 2004.
Those results mean Friday's clash against Southampton is a huge tests of the Gunners' character.
But ahead of the game, rumours emerged on Twitter in the build up to the Southampton clash that key midfielder Xhaka, 30, was not with the squad.
And Arsenal supporters were left fearing the worst after the rumours broke.
One wrote on Twitter: "Not good news." Another said: "Why is this all happening now?" And a third added: "Of all days!"
Xhaka has been crucial in helping Arteta and Co to the top of the Prem table this season.
- Ian Tuckey
Guendouzifacing Marseille exit
Marseille have decided to sell ex-Arsenal ace Matteo Guendouzi and have lined up a Chelsea star as his replacement.
According to Foot Mercato, L’OM want the Blues’ loanee Denis Zakaria to replace Guendouzi.
Zakaria joined the West Londoners from Juventus in the summer on a temporary deal with an option to buy.
But Chelsea look unlikely to trigger the purchase option with big-spending owner Todd Boehly in desperate need of a major clearout.
Now Marseille, who have a good relationship with Juve, have put the midfielder top of their own shopping list.
- Ian Tuckey
Arteta keen to welcome back legends
Mikel Arteta is throwing open Arsenal’s doors for club legends to inspire his young title chasers.
The Gunners boss needs all the help he can get to see his team over the line as they try to hold off the charge of serial champions Manchester City.
And he wants as many of the club’s past winners as possible to lend a hand for their final seven games of the season.
Former Invincible Sol Campbell was invited to the club’s London Colney headquarters this week to observe training ahead of Friday night’s crucial home match against struggling Southampton.
And Arteta believes the experience of the two-time Premier League winner can play a key role in calming nerves for the run-in.
He said: "It’s great to have the club legends back. We need those players with their history of what they have achieved for Arsenal to be closer to the team.
"Sol said to me that it was ten years since he was last here and that’s not right.
"We want people like Sol to share their experiences and to be around the players and create a different atmosphere.
"The players were looking up to him. They were having conversations and some of them wanted to ask him some questions.
"And I think that is extremely helpful."
- Ian Tuckey
United and Gunners linked to Neves
Arsenal transfer target Ruben Neves is set to leave Wolves this summer as his contract approaches its final year.
The Molineux outfit appear ready to let Neves leave, though will demand £40million for his services, according to The Telegraph.
United and the Gunners are set to be put on high alert by the midfielder’s situation.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both believed to be monitoring the Portugal international with interest.
- Kostas Lianos
Nuno 'annoying' Marseille staff
Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares is “annoying staff” at Marseille due to his “inability to follow instructions”, reports suggest.
According to L’Equipe, right-back Issa Kabore – on loan from Manchester City – “better understands” what is wanted from manager Igor Tudor.
And this could see Jonathan Clauss move to the left side as Tavares comes out of the squad.
The report adds that the Arsenal loanee “still annoys the staff with his efforts” and his inability to consistently follow instructions.
- Kostas Lianos
Real Madrid eyeing Arteta
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand claims Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is being lined up as Real Madrid manager this summer.
Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: “I heard something. I heard that Real Madrid and when they come knocking your players will be coachless.
“I heard [Carlo] Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid.
“That’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking. I hope he stays.”
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal must sign Rice
Arsenal have been told by club legend Emmanuel Petit they must sign West Ham star Declan Rice if they want to continue dining at the top table.
Petit told Legal Sportsbook: “Of course, definitely. Rice would be important to Arsenal.
“If he wants to play at the top level, with all due respect to West Ham, I think it’s time for him to leave the club.
"He has been linked with different clubs in England but if I was Rice I would go and play for Arsenal.
“If Arsenal want to stay at the top next season, Rice would be an important signing. But they need more players as well.”
- Kostas Lianos
Off you Gue
Marseille have decided to sell ex-Arsenal ace Matteo Guendouzi and havelined up a Chelsea star as his replacement.
According to Foot Mercato, L'OM want the Blues' loanee Denis Zakaria to replace Guendouzi.
Zakaria joined the West Londoners from Juventus in the summer on a temporary deal with an option to buy.
But Chelsea look unlikely to trigger the purchase option with big-spending owner Todd Boehly in desperate need of a major clearout.
Now Marseille, who have a good relationship with Juve, have put the midfielder top of their own shopping list.
Credit: AFP - Kostas Lianos
Smith Rowe's re-Un-ion
Aston Villa are plotting a fresh swoop for Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe.
Villa are targeting a move that would see Smith Rowe reunite with manager Unai Emery, who handed him his Gunners debut.
The Villans tried to sign the playmaker in 2021, having a £30million bid rejected by the North Londoners.
According to talkSPORT, changing circumstances could see the Midlands club try their luck for the England international once again.
During their previous pursuit, the 22-year-old had emerged as a key man at the Emirates.
But that is no longer the case, with the injury-plagued starlet having fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.
- Kostas Lianos
Call of duty
Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus has revealed the reason behind his phone-call celebration.
Jesus said: "It was a joke with my friends, a ‘Hello, mother’.
"My friends know why.
"My mother knows too. It was a celebration for them.”
- Kostas Lianos
Well I Nev-er
Arsenal transfer target Ruben Neves is set to leave Wolves this summer as his contract approaches its final year.
The Molineux outfit appear ready to let Neves leave, though will demand £40million for his services, according to The Telegraph.
United and the Gunners are set to be put on high alert by the midfielder's situation.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both believed to be monitoring the Portugal international with interest.
- Kostas Lianos
Reiss Nelson contract
Arsenal have offered a new contract to Reiss Nelson, whose deal runs out in June.
But the Gunners fear he will reject it and leave on a free transfer over a lack of minutes.
According to the Daily Mail, West Ham, Fulham, Aston Villa and Brighton are all keen on signing the winger this summer.
The 23-year-old loves playing for the North Londoners but is concerned over his lack of action and could quit to become a star elsewhere.
Credit: Getty
- Kostas Lianos
Rice and Caicedo blow
Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow in their bid to sign West Ham star Declan Rice and Brighton ace Moises Caicedo.
That is because Newcastle are set to abandon their cautious approach to the summer transfer market by signing four "elite" stars, including Rice and Caicedo.
According to The Telegraph, manager Eddie Howe and director of football Dan Ashworth put an argument to the owners that now is the time to be bold.
Therefore, the Magpies have turned their attention on Arsenal's two top targets as well as Leicester's James Maddison and Caicedo's team-mate Karou Mitoma.
- Kostas Lianos
Saliba injury blow
Arsenal's Premier League title hopes have suffered a major blow with fears William Saliba may not play again this season.
The Gunners hoped Saliba would recover from a back injury in time for next Wednesday’s Prem showdown at Manchester City.
But manager Mikel Arteta admitted: “He is not progressing as quick as we hoped — it’s a bit delicate.
“There is some improvement but he is not at the level needed to throw him onto the pitch to compete in this league.”
Asked if the injury could sideline Saliba until next season, Arteta added: “I don’t know. Probably next week we are going to have more certainty.”
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, Arsenal fans
The Gunners fear William Saliba could be out for the season and Mikel Arteta is unsure if Oleksandr Zinchenko will return against Southampton tonight.
Those defensive issues could turn out to be a major factor in the title race as the Gunners attempt to go seven points clear of Manchester City this evening.
Rob Holding again seems sure to deputise, including at City next Wednesday, when Pep Guardiola's men will have two games in hand.
Arteta said of left-back Zinchenko: “It’s not certain. It’s a muscular injury and it needs some time to heal."
And he was far more pessimistic over Saliba.
The Spaniard said: “He is not progressing as quick as we hoped — it’s a bit delicate.
“There is some improvement but he is not at the level needed to throw him onto the pitch to compete in this league.”
Meanwhile, claims Real Madrid could lure Arteta have been shot down.
Ally McCoist reckons there’s “no chance” the rumours shared by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand will come true.
- Ian Tuckey
Sali-barred
Arsenal's title hopes have suffered a major blow with fears star centre-back William Saliba may not play again this season.
The Prem leaders hoped the France defender would recover from a back injury in time for next Wednesday’s showdown at Manchester City.
But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted: “He is not progressing as quick as we hoped — it’s a bit delicate.
“There is some improvement but he is not at the level needed to throw him onto the pitch to compete in this league.”
Asked if the injury could sideline Saliba until next season, Arteta added: “I don’t know. Probably next week we are going to have more certainty.”
Saliba, 22, has been a defensive rock alongside Gabriel as Arsenal chase a first title since 2004.
- Ian Tuckey
Arteta hits back over 'mascot snub' claims
Mikel Arteta has hit back at accusations that his Arsenal players snubbed a young mascot before last week’s 2-2 draw at West Ham, writes MARK IRWIN.
The club have been battered since a video was posted online of Arteta and his players all ignoring the eight-year-old girl as they signed a replica shirt ahead of the game.
The footage was actually posted by Arsenal’s social media team and has led to claims that Arteta and his players were rude in failing to react with the young fan.
But the Arsenal boss pointed out: “First of all this video comes from Arsenal TV and shows just a fragment of the picture.
“Nobody has seen what happened before and afterwards and I think it is not fair.
“When you speak about the connection we have built with our supporters, this is what we do every single day.
“If you talk to the parents of the young mascots they will tell you that they had that most amazing day.
“So when you ask about the perception of my players, I don’t think they’re regarded in a negative way at all.”
- Ian Tuckey
Zinchenko 'not certain' for Saints clash
Mikel Arteta is unsure if Olesandr Zinchenko will make tomorrow's Prem home game with Southampton.
And fellow defender William Saliba is definitely out – despite hopes earlier this week he might make an unlikely return.
Boss Arteta said of left-back Zinchenko: “We will see with that one. It’s not certain.
“It’s a muscular injury and it needs some time to heal, and we are not there yet.”
- Ian Tuckey
Wenger on Boehly
Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger has hit out at Chelsea owner Todd Boehly after his dressing room visit.
Asked if he would put up with Boehly’s antics, Wenger told beIN Sports: “No, I wouldn’t, that was always clear in my mind. I always put that in my contract.
“The advice I give to young coaches when they make contracts, I say make what is important for you, put that clearly in your contract that you are the only one.
“Nobody can buy a player without your agreement, nobody can interfere with the team, and you are solely responsible for managing the team.
“After that you stand in a different way because usually when a club wants you, you are in a strong position.
“Once you’ve lost three games and you want to put that in a contract it’s already more difficult.”
- Ian Tuckey
Gab enjoys call of beauty
Gabriel Jesus has revealed the reason behind his phone-call celebration – which has been ringing off the hook as of late.
The £45million Arsenal man has been in fine form since returning from a knee injury in March – scoring four goals in his last five appearances.
The Brazilian has whipped out his answering-the-phone celebration for each of those goals – prompting fans to wonder why he picks up his imaginary mobile.
And he's revealed it's in homage to a pre-match call he received from his mum ahead of his appearance in the Selecao's 2016 World Cup qualifier with Venezuela.
The 26-year-old recalled: “It was a joke with my friends, a ‘Hello, mother’. My friends know why. My mother knows too. It was a celebration for them.”
Jesus doesn't just pick up the phone when he scores a goal as a nod to that pre-match call from his mum. It's also of a tribute to the struggles they overcame as a family.
He continued: “When we were kids, my mom would be calling me all the time to find out where I was. And if I didn’t pick up, she’d start calling all my friends.
“When I pick up the phone, it is in honour of my mother and our struggle. But it is also in honour of my friends and family and Coach Mamede and everyone in Brazil who helped me get here.”
- Ian Tuckey
Saka and Martinelli are Prem's 'breakout stars'
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have been rated the "breakout stars of the Prem this season.
The Arsenal wingers are both expected to start tomorrow's home clash with Southampton.
And Liverpool legend John Barnes told Bonuscodebets: “Mitoma has obviously impressed me a lot. Brighton does very well when it comes to integrating players, like MacAllister, Caicedo, Ferguson and so on.”
“Bukayo Saka has been very good and like Martinelli, he is a young player that performed quite inconsistently last season.”
“Saka and Martinelli have been the breakout players for me this season."
- Ian Tuckey
'No chance' Mikel will quit for Real
Claims Real Madrid could lure Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta have been shot down.
Ally McCoist reckons there's "no chance" such rumours shared by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand will come true.
Many think Carlo Ancelotti's successful reign at Real will end in the summer.
And Ferdinand says he's heard the Spanish giants will "come knocking" for Arteta, leaving the Gunners "coach-less".
But fellow pundit McCoist told talkSPORT he believes the Emirates chief will stay to develop his Prem leaders' youthful squad.
Ex-Aston Villa skipper Gabby Agbonlahor agreed, adding: "I think he will stay for a few more seasons at least."
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