Arsenal news LIVE: Rapinha transfer wanted, Morata deal still on, Tierney to Barcelona – latest updates
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ARSENAL are still reported to be keen on signing Juventus' Alvaro Morata.
And the Gunners are also said to be keen on Leeds star Raphinha.
But they will have work to do to convince Kieran Tierney to stay with Barcelona said to be waiting in the wings.
Meanwhile Jack Wilshere has found a new club and is set to make his debut this week.
Keep up to date with all the latest Arsenal transfer news here at SunSport
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Turner to fight for No1 spot
Arsenal’s latest recruit Matt Turner has told Aaron Ramsdale to prepare for a fight to remain the Gunners’ number one stopper.
The American keeper will arrive at the Emirates in the summer after signing a contract with the North London club, and already has plans on becoming Mikel Arteta’s first choice in goal.
The Daily Mirror report the United States international as saying, “When I got my first chance with the national team, it was only as a number three.
“No-one ever really took me seriously, so I’m not going over there just to collect a cheque and ride off into the sunset.
“I’m going to push myself, I’m going to push Aaron and continue to help him get better and help myself get better.“
Arsenal train through the storm
Arsenal were training away today despite Storm Eunice.
The Gunners are preparing for a big game at home to Brentford tomorrow afternoon.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm.
Arteta on Brentford defeat
Mikel Arteta is preparing to face Brentford this weekend - the newly-promoted side who the Gunners lost 2-0 to on the opening day of the season.
Reflecting on that game, the Gunners boss said: "We knew the difficulties that we were going to have on the opening game in the league, which is always difficult but with the amount of players out that we had, with the team that we played on the day and with a newly-promoted team who had done exceptionally well, I wasn’t shocked because I knew it was going to be very difficult.
"That has been proven because they have made life really, really difficult for any team that has been playing there regardless of the level of that team.
"We haven’t been the only ones that has suffered against them, that’s for sure."
Storm Eunice causing mayhem
Storm Eunice is wreaking havoc in the Premier League.
It has forced Newcastle to travel to London for tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off against West Ham by coach after their flight was cancelled.
The Magpies were hoping to travel by plane today but Howe said this morning that contingency plans were in place.
And after their flight was aborted, the Magpies set off this afternoon on the 280-mile trek to east London by bus.
In far from ideal preparation, Newcastle’s players face around seven hours on the roads before their 12:30pm start at the London stadium tomorrow.
Speaking earlier, Howe said: “The only disruption we've had this week is our training ground has been disrupted by heavy winds.
“Our training ground is exposed to heavy winds anyway so it has been slightly difficult this week. But nothing else has affected us so we are all good.”
Form vs top clubs needs improving
Mikel Arteta has insisted Arsenal need to improve defensively when they come up against clubs challenging them for a top four finish, particularly on the road.
When quizzed on his side’s need to shore things up, he said that for “the best teams that win and play in the Champions League, that’s a non-negotiable.”
In reference to the other end of the pitch, Arteta added: “Our creative attacking play has improved, but more has to improve. Our efficiency in front of goal must improve.”
Tierney braves cold weather in training
Kieran Tierney has again mocked the fiercest weather Britain can offer.
The left-back donned his traditional extreme-weather outfit of T-shirt and shorts as Storm Eunice whipped up 100mph winds during Arsenal training.
Team-mates layered up, some in gloves and hats, ahead of Saturday's home Premier League clash with Brentford.
But Tierney showed no fear of the freeze ahead of the Bees, having previously worn similar gear in snow and the bitter cold.
Team-mates layered up, some in gloves and hats, ahead of Saturday's home Premier League clash with Brentford.
But Tierney showed no fear of the freeze ahead of the Bees, having previously worn similar gear in snow and the bitter cold.
Arsenal next five games
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday as they host Brentford at the Emirates.
They have a favourable set of fixtures coming up and will be confident they can be up ahead of steam in their race to make the top four.
Don't blame the refs
Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal stars not to blame referees over their shocking disciplinary record.
He said: “I don’t want to think like that [when asked whether they were the result of poor officiating].
“There have been various reasons, very different ones the way we picked up those red cards but somehow we have to stop it because it’s going to affect your performance and results for sure and that has to be our aim and our focus.
“Don’t try to blame the refs. We have to believe the refs are going to do what they have to do and we have to do what we have to do and that’s it.”
More on top four race
Here is more reaction from Arteta' press conference as he analyses their current position in the race for the top four.
He said: "It’s where we are. We have earned the right to be where we are right now, credit to the players, credit to the club and everybody, especially our supporters, because we talk about the club needing support, but I think it’s very important how our fans reacted and how they understood the necessity to stand behind these young players.
"The mentality has been incredible and that’s what we need, that every time we play in front of them and when we play away that we feel their support because we become a much better team.
"Now we have earned the right to be there and now we need to go game by game to maximise the position that we’re in, and that’s what we’re going to be trying to do."
Arteta on top four chances
We go game by game," said Mikel Arteta when asked about Arsenal's top four chances.
"We have to win tomorrow and then we will be closer to that objective.
"It’s true that we have some games in hand and there’s still a long way to go and a lot of things are going to happen, a lot of turnarounds and we have to be ready to play within the context that this is going to happen because there are a lot of teams involved there."
Arsenal vs Liverpool date set
Arsenal's postponed clash with Liverpool will now take place in mid-March as the Premier League confirmed its revised fixture list.
The Gunners’ blockbuster encounter with the high-flying Reds had been due to take place on Saturday 26th February.
But the match has now been pushed back to Wednesday 16th March after Liverpool made it through to the final of the Carabao Cup.
They are now set to face Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday 27th February, with their trip to the Emirates pushed back 17 days.
That game will be shown live on Sky Sports with an unusual kick-off time of 8.15pm.
Toney update ahead of Arsenal clash
Thomas Frank is hopeful Ivan Toney will be fit for their clash against Arsenal this weekend.
He said "Ivan has done some light sessions so we will assess him in the morning and see how close he is.
"He's a player that we would really like in our team or at least the squad."
Predicted Brentford XI: Raya, Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock; Janelt, Norgaard, Jensen, Henry, Canos; Mbeumo, Wissa.
Arsenal clash too early for Eriksen
Thomas Frank says today’s trip to Arsenal is “one step too early” for Christian Eriksen as he edges closer to an epic comeback.
Frank said: “Christian looked good in the 60 minutes he played in the friendly last week, and in training.
“He's been out for seven months. Normally you need a proper pre-season to get going. He came to us with a good foundation and so he doesn't need those six weeks.
“But this game is just one step too early. We have another good opponent for a friendly on Monday, so that'll be really beneficial for him.
“We are aiming for the Newcastle game, that's the aim but everything from the Manchester City and Crystal Palace games have been open.”
Arsenal's impressive trophy cabinet
Arsenal will not be adding to their illustrious trophy cabinet this season.
Their best opportunity of securing a successful campaign is to finish in the top four.
But how much silverware have they accumulated throughout their history? Here is the extensive cabinet.
Arteta on Leno's Covid recovery
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on keeper Bernd Leno after he contracted coronavirus.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Brentford, the Gunners boss said: "He’s fine. He’s recovered well, he didn’t have too many symptoms.
"He’s trained the last few days and he felt good so he will be available."
Hutchinson promoted to first team
Arsenal starlet Omari Hutchinson has reportedly been training with the first-team ahead of a possible call up to the squad to face Brentford on Saturday.
The 18-year-old winger could be an option from the bench for Mikel Arteta this weekend with Gabriel Martinelli suspended.
Martinelli picked up a red card in the 1-0 win against Wolves at Molineux after being shown two yellow cards in the same phase of play.
Emile Smith Rowe is expected to take the Brazilian's place in the starting XI, while Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe is also in consideration for selection.
But teenage forward Hutchinson - whose style of play has been likened to Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling - could be handed a Premier League debut should he make the matchday squad.
According to Arsenal youth blogger Jeorge Bird, the England youth international has been training with the senior side this week.
Tomiyasu set for Arsenal return
Takehiro Tomiyasu could give Mikel Arteta a huge boost and start for Arsenal against Brentford at the Emirates on Saturday.
The Japanese right-back, 23, has missed the last two Premier League games with a calf injury.
But he has stepped up his recovery after returning to full training this week to put himself in contention to feature against the Bees.
Arsenal know anything but three points will put a dent in their top four hopes.
They currently sit in sixth place - four points behind Manchester United in fourth - though they do have three games in hand over the Red Devils.
And they will be looking to get back to winning ways in North London having failed to win at home in their last three matches in all competitions.
Tomiyasu back to boost Gunners
Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of tomorrow's London derby against Brentford with the news that right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in contention.
The Japanese international hasn't featured since the second leg of last month's League Cup semi-final with Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta today confirmed his return to training following a persistent calf problem.
“The only doubt was [Tomiyasu] which is still not perfect," revealed the Gunners boss.
“But he’s trained the last few days so he’s in contention and we can use him so that’s good. [Gabreil Martinelli] is out because of the red card [against Wolves] but the rest of the players are okay.”
Improvement needed against top clubs
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal have to improve defensively when they come up against clubs challenging them for a top four finish, especially away from home.
So far this season, the Gunners have shipped three at Manchester United, four at Liverpool, and five at Manchester City.
When quizzed on his side's need to tighten up, the Spaniard admitted that for "the best teams that win and play in the Champions League, that’s a non-negotiable."
In reference to the other end of the pitch, Arteta added: “Our creative attacking play has improved, but more has to improve. Our efficiency in front of goal must improve.”
Gunners on road to recovery
For many Gooners, tomorrow's match with Brentford is sure to bring back unwanted memories of their Friday night horror show on the opening weekend of the season, when they went down 2-0 to their newly promoted hosts.
A weak Arsenal side were well beaten at the Brentford Community Stadium that evening, and it set the tone for the next two matches that Mikel Arteta's team lost 2-0 to Chelsea and 5-0 at Manchester City, leaving themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.
However, since then, there has been a resurgence among the Arsenal ranks.
From that point onwards, only the top two sides - Manchester City (18) and Liverpool (14) - have won more Premier League games than the Gunners' 12.
Milan unworried by Arsenal attention
AC Milan officials are not unduly worried by Arsenal's interest in their young Portuguese star Rafael Leao, and instead expect the 22-year-old to sign a new deal at the San Siro.
The Gunners are among a number of Premier League clubs that have been keeping track of the forward, who can play on the left or through the middle.
Rafael Leao's current deal with the Rossoneri runs until 2024, but the Serie A leaders are confident that the player will pen an extension in the coming weeks, .
Should Rafael Leao decide to remain at Milan, it will be the latest blow to the Gunners' recruitment drive when it comes to bringing in attackers.
No north London return for Eriksen
Brentford travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal this weekend, but they will once again be without Christian Eriksen.
The former Tottenham star signed a six-month deal with the Bees in January as he continues his recovery from the cardiac arrest he suffered at last year's European Championships.
The Danish international is yet to feature for his new club in the Premier League, but did play in a behind closed doors friendly on Monday.
Eriksen would surely have received a warm reception from Arsenal fans had he appeared despite his status as a former Spurs player who scored on his last visit to the Emirates back in 2019.
Aaron enjoying life at Arsenal
While Mikel Arteta may have concerns about his side's ability to regularly find the back of the net, he has no such issue when it comes to the other end of the pitch.
Aaron Ramsdale has proved himself to be a revelation since arriving at the club from Sheffield United, and has made the number one spot his own at the Emirates.
Only Ederson (14) and Alisson (12) have kept more clean sheets in the Premier League this season than the 23-year-old stopper.
Another clean sheet against Brentford on Saturday, and Ramsdale will become the first Gunners goalkeeper to record 12 clean sheets in a single campaign since Petr Cech in 2016-17.
Scoring goals not an issue
Arsenal will have no problem scoring goals between now and the end of a season despite the club's shortage of centre-forwards.
The Gunners have been left with just Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as recognised strikers following their transfer activity - or lack of it - in January.
Yet midfielder Martin Odegaard believes there is enough attacking talent throughout the team to ensure the responsibility is shared.
The Norwegian told : "I think it is the team’s job to make sure we score goals. It is not up to one or two players.
“I think everyone needs to help each other and create chances for each other, and help each other in front of the goal.
“I am sure we have the qualities in this team to score many goals. Of course, it’s an area we want to improve and we have to do a little bit better, but I am sure we have the quality in the team and the way we play. I am sure we will create chances so I don’t see it as a problem.”
Giroud replacement fits the bill
Arsenal are desperately missing a striker in the mould of Olivier Giroud, according to their former defender Bacary Sagna.
The ex-Gunners right-back believes a classic number nine like his former club and international teammate would be the missing piece to Mikel Arteta's project.
In , Sagna revealed: "I would rather [Arsenal] signed a pure number nine. Someone who stayed in the box, a bit like what Oliver Giroud was.
“They need that focal point. If I had to take a player, I would take someone like Giroud.
“But Mikel [Arteta] is in charge and I think he already knows what he is doing. He is doing it great and I'm happy for him.”
Olivier Giroud and Bacary Sagna together at Arsenal.Credit: Getty Images
