ARSENAL talisman Bukayo Saka missed out on this year's Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Paris.
The talented youngster came in 8th place while Barcelona wonderkid Gavi took the prize home.
Meanwhile, Albert Sambi Lokonga has revealed that he 'nearly snapped' under Mikel Arteta due to his lack of playing time last season.
Lokonga, 22, said: "Honestly, it's difficult. I'm at one of the best clubs in England. I could have played somewhere else every weekend but that wouldn't have been the right choice for me."
And the Belgian international could find him self further down the pecking order if the Gunners complete the signing of Manuel Locatelli who Arsenal are reportedly targeting for January.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
- Dylan Terry
Good morning Arsenal fans
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio stated that Arsenal are among potential teams PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo could join.
Di Marzio told Wettfreunde: "I know him very well. He's a very, very good player.
"Of course, when you play in Eredivisie, in PSV, in Ajax, you learn intensity, you learn quality. So, the Premier League is the right step for players like him.
"I think Man Utd, or Arsenal, or Tottenham. Tottenham, I think, needs to have other players like him to have a richer team and more choices for the coach.
"One of these teams. It depends on what PSV wants for him. I think that Man Utd or Arsenal, or Tottenham too, they're right projects for a quality and intense player like him."
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have entered the transfer war to sign Brighton star Leandro Trossard.
Trossard has gathered plenty of admirers in the Premier League with Arsenal and London rivals Chelsea thought to be at the front of the queue for his signature.
But the Gunners might now face some signficiant competition from Atletico.
The 27-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Atleti are looking into taking him on a free transfer at the end of the season, according to the Mirror.
It looks like there is a good chance the winger will leave the Amex after he admitted he would move to the right club.
And Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been tapping up England rugby manager Eddie Jones and big hitters from American sport for advice.
Arteta has kept up his regular discussions with a group including Jones and Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers.
Jones said: “He’s a super bright young coach. It’s like Alcoholics Anonymous. We all go in and share our problems and everyone tells you what they think. It’s fantastic.
“We’ve got Mikel, Matt LaFleur the Green Bay Packers head coach, George Karl who’s an NBA hall of famer, Mike Dunlap who was Michael Jordan’s head coach when he bought the Hornets. We’ve got all these guys in the same room.
“We just share stories and each other’s problems and try and come up with ideas of how we can take coaching forward. He [Arteta] is a brilliant young guy.”
Finally, Manchester United legend Gary Neville predicted Arsenal will tumble down the table after the 2022 World Cup and their title hopes will go up in flames.
Neville told Sky Sports: “I still think [Manchester City] will [run away with it].
“I don’t think today [loss to Liverpool] changes it, this is a freak game playing at Anfield and I think for City it’s the most difficult game they have.
“I still think City will run away with it. I think Arsenal will come back towards Tottenham, Chelsea, Man United, Newcastle, and I think City will sort of go away.
“This season’s a very different season as well, post World Cup it could be completely different to what it is now.”
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal targeting two new signings
Arsenal hope to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window by bringing in players in two specific positions.
According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are still invested in finding both a new midfielder and a winger.
Romano said: "They will keep going step by step, game by game with the aim to improve the whole project with new contracts, new players in the future and more".
However, Romano added that the North Londoners will only make moves for those that they consider to be the right kind of players for the club.
The reporter believes that Leicester star Youri Tielemans remains a midfielder that they are strongly considering
- Kostas Lianos
Ballon d’Or results
Barcelona youngster Gavi has won the Kopa Trophy with England international Jude Bellingham missing out on the top three.
Barca star Robert Lewandowski leaves with the Gerd Muller Trophy after amassing a staggering 50 goals and seven assists in 46 appearances last season with Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois has won the Yashin Trophy, while Manchester City have been crowned Club of the Year ahead of Liverpool and Real.
Real star Karim Benzema leaves with the Men’s Ballon d’Or award, while Barcelona ace Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or
- Kostas Lianos
Club of the Year
Manchester City have been crowned as the 2022 Club of the Year in the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony.
City won the Premier League title in an amazing campaign and made it to the Champions League semi-finals.
The Citizens appear to be on their way to another title triumph with Erling Haaland leading the way.
Pep Guardiola continues to add in to his collection of trophies and recognition this year
- Kostas Lianos
New Ballon d'Or winner
Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema has been crowned the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner.
Benzema led Real to the LaLiga title and Champions League trophy last season.
The star striker did so with a staggering 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances last season.
The France international leaves Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane, Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in second, third, fourth and fifth place respectively
- Kostas Lianos
Arteta tried with Aubameyang
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tried to "support" Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in his final few months at the Emirates, according to Rafa Benitez.
Benitez said: “I will tell you something, because I know something a little bit from inside.
"I think he was trying to support the player, as much as he could.
"Then after he couldn’t, so he had to make a decision and that’s it”
- Kostas Lianos
Zaniolo transfer wish
Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo was targeted by Arsenal but only had "one real request" and that was from Tottenham.
Di Marzio told wettfreunde: “Nicolo Zaniolo had only one real request in the summer and that was Tottenham.
"Tottenham tried to get him but with a swap deal with other players or loan with option and AS Roma didn’t want to sell the player with these conditions.
“Now the point is like for [Rafael] Leao and [Milan] Skriniar is the contract of Zaniolo. Whether Roma will renew the contract of Zaniolo or not because his contract will end in a year and a half."
Di Marzio added: "They have to renew his contract if they want to have contractual power in some request that the player may have. Arsenal or other clubs? No.”
“Only Tottenham can come back because the sporting director of Tottenham. Fabio Paratici is one of the managers that has wanted Zaniolo for a long time. Even when he was at Juventus”
- Kostas Lianos
Ray of light
Arsenal hero Ray Parlour left Invincibles team-mate Martin Keown sweating over whether he'd get a Premier League medal in a cruel prank, according to Rami Shaaban.
Shaaban told SunSport: "I was on the bench. You know you have to play ten games to get a medal. Obviously, the Invincible season we won it maybe three or four games before the end.
"I was on the bench with Ray Parlour and Martin Keown. Ray Parlour is a funny guy… funny dude. We had made two substitutions. He [Arsene Wenger] always put on [Nwankwo] Kanu and Keown so they can get the 10 games, they needed these games to get the medal.
"Ray Parlour comes to me and says 'Rami, Rami, go and warm up'. I said 'No I can't', I'm a shy Swedish guy. I couldn't do it.
"So Ray warmed up and took off his jersey and you should've seen Martin's face. He hugged the boss, because he then played, but he was so scared he wouldn't get a medal. Bergkamp was in on it as well. He said 'Rami, come on go up'"
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal linked with Gakpo
Transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio stated that Arsenal are among potential teams PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo could join.
Di Marzio told Wettfreunde: "I know him very well. He's a very, very good player.
"Of course, when you play in Eredivisie, in PSV, in Ajax, you learn intensity, you learn quality. So, the Premier League is the right step for players like him.
"I think Man Utd, or Arsenal, or Tottenham. Tottenham, I think, needs to have other players like him to have a richer team and more choices for the coach.
"One of these teams. It depends on what PSV wants for him. I think that Man Utd or Arsenal, or Tottenham too, they're right projects for a quality and intense player like him"
- Kostas Lianos
Mi time to shine
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been tapping up England rugby manager Eddie Jones and big hitters from American sport for advice.
Arteta has kept up his regular discussions with a group with Jones and Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers.
Jones said: “He’s a super bright young coach. It’s like Alcoholics Anonymous. We all go in and share our problems and everyone tells you what they think. It’s fantastic.
“We’ve got Mikel, Matt LaFleur the Green Bay Packers head coach, George Karl who’s an NBA hall of famer, Mike Dunlap who was Michael Jordan’s head coach when he bought the Hornets. We’ve got all these guys in the same room.
“We just share stories and each other’s problems and try and come up with ideas of how we can take coaching forward. He [Arteta] is a brilliant young guy”
- Kostas Lianos
Lokonga almost snapped
Arsenal ace Albert Sambi Lokonga has admitted he "nearly snapped", towards the end of last season as he was frustrated with his lack of playing time under manager Mikel Arteta.
Arteta told The Metro: "Honestly, it’s difficult. I’m at one of the best clubs in England. I could have played somewhere else every weekend, but that wouldn’t have been the right solution for me," said Lokonga.
"I develop better with 20 minutes of playing time at Arsenal than always playing elsewhere but always winning with 3-0 or 4-0.
"It’s a personal decision [to stay at Arsenal]. I wanted to give myself another year to stay at Arsenal and then see what happens. I think I have the qualities to succeed here. Last season, I didn’t perform at my best level. I still have things to prove.
"At the end of last season, I almost snapped. I called my agent to ask him if staying at Arsenal was a good idea. He comforted me in my choice, even though I know I need to start more often to develop"
- Kostas Lianos
Gabriel's 'best period'
Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes stated he is experiencing "one of the best periods" of his life.
Gabriel told the club's official website: "I think it's one of the best periods of my life at the moment.
"I'm learning more about life every day with everything that's happening to me. When you become a father, you change in many ways and I'm delighted.
"I think the first season was tough, the second went better and the third is just starting now. My ambition is to play in every match.
"We know how hard it is to go through a season playing in every game but I'll try to keep taking good care of myself to help Arsenal at all times"
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Wojciech Szczesny reminder
Newcastle are considering a move for ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Reports from Italy claim the Magpies are one of a number of clubs ready to make an offer if Juventus decide to cash in on Szczesny.
The 32-year-old has 18 months left to run on his current contract in Turin, and Juve would prefer to bring in a transfer fee next summer rather than lose him for free the following year,
The Poland international has been with the Bianconeri for five years following his exit from the Gunners
- Kostas Lianos
PSV injury news
PSV Eindhoven manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy has declared his stars are ready to take on Arsenal, with one of them set to rekindle a personal feud.
The Gunners take on PSV in the Europa League after the game was re-arranged following the passing of the Queen.
And fresh off the back of a 6-1 win at the weekend, Manchester United legend Van Nistelrooy has declared his players can outgun their opponents when the two sides finally meet on Thursday.
PSV are set to be bolstered by the returning veteran striker Luuk de Jong and full-back Mauro Júnior.
Former Tottenham youth ace Noni Madueke will also return to action
- Kostas Lianos
Ard to get
Atletico Madrid have entered the transfer war to sign Brighton star Leandro Trossard.
Trossard has gathered plenty of admirers in the Premier League with Arsenal and London rivals Chelsea thought to be at the front of the queue to sign him.
But the Gunners might now face some major competition from Atletico.
The 27-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Atleti are looking into taking him on a free transfer, according to the Mirror.
It looks like there is a good chance the winger will leave the Amex at the end of the season after he admitted he would move to the right club
- Kostas Lianos
Jesse Marsch reacts
Leeds manager Jesse Marsch did not draw on the decisions made by VAR and the officials after the 1-0 loss to Arsenal at Elland Road.
Marsch told Sky Sports: "Disappointed and frustrated a bit – however also proud of the way we played.
"We've had a number of games where we've been on top of things and been the better team and we don't find ways to get goals we deserve.
"And then it keeps the opponent around and it gives them the chance to have a goal or the lead which makes the sport feel very cruel. We need to get better in the final third"
Credit: PA - Kostas Lianos
Mikel Arteta reacts
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted VAR was "important" for his team's victory in a match that caused a 40-minute stoppage after just 60 seconds due to a power cut.
The match was dominated by VAR drama and was nearly played without the video technology.
Arteta told Sky Sports: "If you go to the MLS, it's common. When we go there for pre-season, the game can be delayed for thunderstorms, waiting for three or five hours.
"We are not used to that and have to adapt and it was important because VAR was really important and if we played without it, it would have been a different game"
- Kostas Lianos
Neville slams title hopes
Manchester United legend Gary Neville predicted Arsenal will tumble down the table after the 2022 World Cup and their title hopes will go up in flames.
Neville told Sky Sports: “I still think [Manchester City] will [run away with it].
“I don’t think today [loss to Liverpool] changes it, this is a freak game playing at Anfield and I think for City it’s the most difficult game they have.
“I still think City will run away with it. I think Arsenal will come back towards Tottenham, Chelsea, Man United, Newcastle, and I think City will sort of go away.
“This season’s a very different season as well, post World Cup it could be completely different to what it is now”
- Kostas Lianos
Drake curse strikes again
Drake's famous curse struck again after the rapper lost over £500,000 pounds on a bet involving Arsenal and Barcelona.
On Sunday the Canadian artist bet £535,000 but all of that went down the pan when Barcelona were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Earlier in the day, the 35-year-old posted a picture of his incredible bet slip with online casino Stake to his Instagram account.
Drake captioned the bet, which was staked in Canadian Dollars: "This morning should be fun… #OVOBarca #COYG @stake."
The musician had Arsenal to win at Leeds, which they did 1-0 in a pulsating encounter but his other selection let him down as he bet on Barca to win at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday
- Sam Dymond
Four PL games before Christmas
The decision to postpone this week's Premier League encounter with Manchester City means Arsenal have just four games before the World Cup to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
The Gunners go to Southampton this coming weekend before hosting Nottingham Forest the following Sunday.
However, it gets tricker in November with away trips to Chelsea and Wolves on the schedule.
Following the World Cup, the season reconvenes on Boxing Day with a London derby against West Ham at the Emirates.
- Sam Dymond
Top two not in action
The hectic Premier League schedule continues tomorrow with the start of what is – almost – a full card of midweek fixtures.
Eighteen of the 20 top-flight clubs are in league action between Tuesday and Thursday, but the games do not include the current top two.
Leaders Arsenal were due to be hosting second-placed Manchester City at the Emirates, but the fixture has been postponed due to the urgent rearranging of the Gunners' Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven.
The tie with the Dutch outfit should have been played last month, but was postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Arsenal will now host PSV on Thursday with the match set to kick-off at 6pm.
With neither Mikel Arteta or Pep Guardiola's teams in Premier League action, Tottenham have the opportunity to move second and a point behind their rivals by winning at Manchester United.
- Sam Dymond
Ramsdale relished battle with Bamford
Aaron Ramsdale was the Arsenal hero after a string of fine saves ensured their exit from Elland Road with all three points.
And the England goalkeeper was also afforded some help from the officials, and some luck when Patrick Bamford missed a penalty.
Ramsdale admitted afterwards that he was delighted to come out on top in his battle with the Leeds striker, but not before welcoming him back after his long lay-off.
“Firstly, it’s great to see Pat back out there after a long time. You play against these people, and you have competition, but after the game, you have the mutual respect to say hello," Ramsdale told football.london.
“It’s good that you have that feeling that you’re getting one up on him at the time. He could quite easily have scored that penalty, and it turns in his favour.
"It’s a great little battle we’ve got, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t just me. We had some big blocks and moments from our defenders, midfielders and attackers. It’s a great day all-round, really.”
- Sam Dymond
Transformed Xhaka leads by example
Arsenal fans have praised Granit Xhaka's leadership qualities after he calmed down defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the closing stages of a dramatic 1-0 win over Leeds.
The Gunners thought they were on the verge of throwing away their slim lead right at the death when Gabriel appeared to kick out at Patrick Bamford inside the penalty area.
Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot and showed the Brazilian centre-back a straight red card – only for VAR to intervene, leading to the reversal of the two decisions.
Despite the major reprieve, Gabriel remained furious and pumped up,leading to former skipper Xhaka – who was stripped of the captaincy back in 2019 – to forcefully calm the centre-back down.
One Arsenal supporter said: "Loved how Xhaka told Gabriel to wake up. My captain."
Another added: "Xhaka is the real captain of this team. Odegaard just has the armband."
A third said: "Loving the love for Xhaka these days, he's earned it 👍."
And a fourth added: "Again Xhaka showing his experience calming Gabriel down after the sending off was overturned.
- Sam Dymond
Arsenal targeting two new signings
Premier League leaders Arsenal hope to strengthen their squad in January by bringing in players in two specific positions.
According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are still invested in finding both a new central midfielder and a winger.
"They will keep going step by step, game by game with the aim to improve the whole project with new contracts, new players in the future and more," he told subscribers.
However, he added that the North London club will only make moves for those that they consider to be the right kind of players for the club.
Romano believes that Leicester's Youri Tielemans remains a midfielder that they are strongly considering.
- Sam Dymond
Arteta grateful as VAR stars
It's not often that the use of VAR technology is praised by managers, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was grateful for its implementation as the league leaders chalked up another win at Leeds on Sunday.
In an eventful Premier League fixture, the video officials were required to intervene on several occasions – most notably in stoppage time when they stepped in to overrule the award of a Leeds penalty and the decision to send off Gabriel.
And the game almost went ahead without VAR in place after a power cut meant that the on-field officials were unable to communicate with those at Stockley Park.
However, referee Chris Kavanagh instead delayed he kick-off while the issue was fixed – much to the Gunners' relief.
“Thank god we made the system work before the game because without VAR I don’t know what would have happened," Arteta said afterwards.
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