Arsenal news LIVE: Eddie Nketiah future LATEST, Chelsea WIN reaction, Man Utd build up – latest updates
ARSENAL beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge to ensure they kept in the Premier League top four race - and next up is Manchester United at the Emirates.
The Gunners will finish their season going head to head with rivals Tottenham for the final spot, and even dragged Chelsea back into the race with their decisive victory.
Mikel Arteta said: "It was a great night and the players deserve it. It has been a tough two weeks but you have to bounce back and show spirit.
"We have been criticised and rightly so, with the expectations we have. But me it is worth taking that for these players.”
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Lokonga calls of Arsenal to stick together
Albert Sambi Lokonga has called on Arsenal to stick together after losing their third league game in a row.
The Gunners lost 1-0 to Southampton at the weekend.
He said: "I think all the team is disappointed because of these few weeks, losing three games in a row.
"So we have to believe in each other, and we have to stay together.
“We have to stick together and we have to keep trusting each other. We have been through this at the start of the season, so we can do it again.
“We are all on the same page and we are in this together. We have to look game by game and bounce back.”
Saliba hints at Marseille STAY
Arsenal have been dealt a major blow after William Saliba once again reiterated his desire to stay at Marseille for another season.
The 21-year-old has hinted that he could keep on at Stade Velodrome until 2023 following his hugely impressive loan spell.
He told Le Parisien: "There is always a chance. I do not hide that I am very happy in Marseille.
"I have developed, I have passed a milestone.
"If I make it into France’s squad it’s thanks to Marseille, because there is a lot of visibility.
"They are a very big club with a lot of pressure, but when you’re good there are a lot of good things that happen to you.
"We will see in May or June depending on the discussions. Today, my future, I don’t know what it is."
Next five fixtures
The Gunners face Chelsea next in what will be one of their season defining matches.
A home match against Man Utd follows, as does a clash with West Ham.
Arsenal striker flirts with old club
Alexandre Lacazette has revealed he is "in talks with a lot of clubs" and has even flirted with a return to Lyon.
The French striker, 30, is out of contract at Arsenal this summer and is set to quit on a free transfer.
Ahead of what looks to be a busy summer, Lacazette told Canal+: “I am in discussions with a lot of clubs. I am open. I have never cut contact with Lyon since I left.
“I try to return to the club once or twice a year to see the medical staff because we are really close. Lyon know that I am free, they have to come with a proposal.
“I want to play in Europe, it’s been a long time since I played in the Champions League, I’m missing it.
“It’s a little more complicated, nothing is impossible in life, but it’s a little more complicated.”
Last time out vs Chelsea
Here's how the Gunners lined up during their 2-0 defeat against Chelsea back in August.
There have been many changes in North London since, with a number of these stars unlikely to play.
Pablo Mari has since left the club, while Bernd Leno, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Cedric Soares, Nicolas Pepe and even Emile Smith Rowe aren't first-choice starters.
Gabriel Martinelli rarely plays up top, while Kieran Tierney is out for the season with injury.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a better performance on Wednesday than this XI managed during August's 2-0 defeat.
Should Arsenal lose at Chelsea on Wednesday, it will be four defeats on the spin.
William Saliba in Arsenal warning
On loan centre-back William Saliba has warned he won't return just to sit on the bench.
He said: "I definitely can’t settle for being on the bench at Arsenal and being happy with it. I want to be a starter.
“I make no secret of the fact that I am very happy at Marseille and there is always a chance that I will stay here.
“I am playing a lot of matches and thanks to my performances I have become a full international.
“Arsenal are often in contact with my agent. They send me messages and they watch my matches.
“They tell me that I have to continue like this but today I don’t know what my future is and we will see what happens in discussions at the end of the season.”
Lacazette struggling in front of goal
Alexandre Lacazette says he wants to play in the Champions League next season.
But he's been struggling for goals this time around.
The Gunners' skipper has netted just four in 25 appearances in the Prem this term.
And he has just one in his last 11 outings.
Lacazette's Champions League night dreams
Alexandre Lacazette is eager to be back playing in the Champions League next season.
He told Canal Plus: "It’s a bit more complicated.
"I want to play in Europe, it’s been a long time since I played in the Champions League, I’m missing it.
"It’s a little more complicated, nothing is impossible in life, but it’s a little more complicated."
Lacazette in talks with clubs
Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has confirmed that he is in talks with a number of clubs regarding a potential summer free transfer.
He told Canal Plus: "I am in discussions with a lot of clubs. I am open.
"I have never cut contact with Lyon since I left. I try to return to the club once or twice a year to see the medical staff because we are really close.
"Lyon knows that I am free, they have come to the information."
Martin Keown on first Vieira impression
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has revealed that Patrick Vieira grabbed a Gunners star by the THROAT before even making his debut for the club.
He told the Mail: "One day a senior player was complaining about Patrick in the changing room. All in English — under the assumption Patrick wouldn’t understand.
“Well, he did. Patrick stood up, flew across the room, grabbed him by the throat and said in perfect English: ‘Why are you f talking about me behind my back?
“Here was this kid, new to the club, yet to make his debut for Arsenal, physically confronting one of the squad’s most senior members who shall remain nameless. I found it hilarious, I was clapping!
“I knew then and there that we had signed a strong character. That was the personality — it wasn’t until the following month that I saw the player.”
Sambi Lokonga discusses Saints defeat
Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has discussed his side's 1-0 loss at Southampton with the club's media team.
He said: "It's a big disappointment.
"I think everybody in the dressing room knows that it's not enough for the moment but we need to stick together and get back to winning ways."
He added: "We need to believe, I think that's the first thing. We need to stick together. We've been through this so we can do it again."
Arteta on improving goal-shy Gunners
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted that his side have a "problem" in front of goal.
He said: "Well something clicks and instead of the ball hitting the post - like it did twice last week and hit the goalkeeper and gets deflected and goes outside - [instead] it goes in.
"This is very difficult to predict, because to create more - I can’t remember a game where Arsenal has played with this team, where they have created and dominated in a game more and better.
"But the result is what at the end we need to be where we have to be, and if we are not able to do that we aren’t not going to be there - it’s as simple as that.
"Because you don’t have enough quality to be there, because we have to win football matches and we have to score more goals, and that’s a problem we have at the moment."
Arteta on disappointing Southampton defeat
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta found it " difficult" to fathom his side's disappointing defeat to Southampton on Saturday.
He said: "Difficult to explain because this is football and it is not basketball. With any other sport you win the games very comfortably and you are talking about different things.
"Difficult to explain considering [the performance], to lose that football match.
"At the end of the day it is decided in the boxes, they scored one goal, and for the amount of time that we spent around the box, and the shots that we had and the situations and the clear-cut chances that we had - we didn’t put them in the goal.
"Because they had an exceptional goalkeeper today, and as well we didn’t have enough quality and enough capacity to break them down when we had the numbers and the situations to do so."
Gunners ace in Marseille disappointment
Young Arsenal defender William Saliba experienced disappointment as his Marseille side lost 2-1 to PSG last night.
The Frenchman played the full 90 minutes as his side fell 15 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain in the capital.
Duje Caleta-Car had cancelled out Neymar's opener, but Kylian Mbappe's penalty was enough to take home the three points.
Matteo Guendouzi also played the full 90 minutes.
William Saliba marshals Kylian MbappeCredit: AFP Arsenal loanee bags big winner
Midfielder Lucas Torreira bagged an important goal for loan side Fiorentina over the weekend.
The Uruguayan, on a season-long deal with La Viola from Arsenal, netted in the 30th minute against Venezia.
His effort went on to be the winner, with his side staying just one point behind fifth-placed Roma.
Lucas Torreira celebrates his important goalCredit: Rex
Fabregas leads Steve Rowley tributes
Cesc Fabregas led the tributes as Arsenal announced the death of legendary former chief scout Steve Rowley.
The 63-year-old passed away after a short illness, it was revealed.
Former Gunners ace Fabregas led the tributes to Rowley with a touching message alongside two pictures of the pair together.
The Spanish midfielder tweeted: "What a sad day it is. A great man has left us, a true Arsenal legend.
"I don’t know where I would be today if you didn’t manage to convince Arsene to sign me as a 16-year-old.
"I will never forget your advices and the confidence you gave me everyday. You will be greatly missed."
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits the team's top-four pursuit is losing impetus after the 1-0 loss to Southampton at St Mary’s.
Arteta told Sky Sports: "It is difficult to explain because this is football, not basketball. In any other sport you win the game very comfortably.
"At the end of the day it's decided in the boxes, they scored one goal, we didn't for that amount of time we spent around the box, the clear-cut chances we had, we didn't put them in the goal because they have an exceptional goal [and] have an exceptional goalkeeper today, and because we didn't have enough quality to break them down.
"It certainly has [lost impetus] and we need to find a way to win football matches. What we can do is play as good as possible to get the team as close as possible to win football matches - today we've done that again. The stats will say, 'How the hell have we lost that game?' but the reality is we lost it."
Arteta also praised Granit Xhaka for the way he dealt with his fractured relationship with a section of the fans.
The Spanish tactician said: "I think what he has done is just express his feelings and say, 'This is how I feel about the situation'.
"He has done it in a way to the outside world that I probably haven't seen before.
"He has had a lot of support from everybody here internally and I think the fans have also given a lot of support.
"In the last year, the situation has changed a lot. They have been exceptional with the team and they have been very good with him individually as well, and what I have sensed in the atmosphere and support to him is very positive.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are in pole position in the race to land Napoli star Victor Osimhen in the summer.
Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move away from the Serie A following another productive season.
The Gunners are reportedly battling Manchester United for the centre-forward’s signature, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani all facing uncertain futures.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, however, the North Londoners are leading the race to land the Nigeria international.
Finally, Arsenal are facing competition from Newcastle and five other European clubs in the bidding war for Torino ace Gleison Bremer.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, "everyone wants to sign" Bremer ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners and the Magpies are both keen on securing the centre-back's signature for next season.
But Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli are also determined to nab the highly-rated Brazilian
The Ron & only
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is "exactly what Arsenal need", according to Gunners legend Ian Wright.
Wright told Premier League Productions: "He’s got 13 points alone from winning goals that he’s scored for them.
"That’s what you get at Man Utd.
"That’s exactly what Arsenal need, because if he wasn’t playing for United they’d be nowhere near where they are.
"That’s what you pay for and that’s what he’s delivered, he’s amazing"
Wizard of Os
Arsenal are in pole position in the race to land Napoli star Victor Osimhen in the summer.
Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move away from Italy following another productive season in front of goal.
The Gunners are reportedly battling Manchester United for the striker's signature, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani all facing uncertain futures.
According to , the North Londoners are leading the race to sign the Nigeria international
Nunez transfer race heats up
Newcastle are desperate to win the race to sign Benfica star and Arsenal target Darwin Nunez having reportedly tabled a £50million bid.
Manchester United are known to be interested in Nunez, with the striker himself revealing Edinson Cavani is his “idol”.
The Gunners are also an option for the Uruguay international, with manager Mikel Arteta determined to bolster his attack in the upcoming transfer window.
According to , however, Newcastle are looking to jump to the front of the queue by making a £50m offer
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Why Lacazette didn't play
Arsenal ace Alexandre Lacazette wasn't in manager Mikel Arteta's matchday squad to face Southampton on Saturday.
That was because Lacazette tested positive for Covid-19, something the club confirmed.
And thus, Eddie Nketiah started up front in the France international's absence.
Martin Odegaard was handed the captain's armband with the usual skipper out of action
Ian Wright warning
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Manchester United will get “absolutely hammered” by Liverpool on Tuesday at Anfield if they don’t improve.
Wright told Premier League productions: “If he [Cristiano Ronaldo] wasn’t at Manchester United they would be nowhere near where they are now.
“That’s what you pay for and he’s delivered. He’s amazing, amazing.
“We’re talking about a team at the bottom of the league [Norwich] who gave United two goals today, literally. And they’re still able to open United up.
“If United play like that against Liverpool they’re going to get absolutely hammered”
Don't mess with Vi
Arsenal legend Martin Keown revealed Patrick Vieira grabbed one of his team-mates by the throat at the age of just 20.
Keown told : "One day a senior player was complaining about Patrick in the changing room. All in English — under the assumption Patrick wouldn’t understand.
"Well, he did. Patrick stood up, flew across the room, grabbed him by the throat and said in perfect English: ‘Why are you f*****g talking about me behind my back?’
"Here was this kid, new to the club, yet to make his debut for Arsenal, physically confronting one of the squad’s most senior members who shall remain nameless. I found it hilarious, I was clapping!
"I knew then and there that we had signed a strong character. That was the personality — it wasn’t until the following month that I saw the player.
"Patrick was brought on against Sheffield Wednesday and almost immediately played a 30-yard diagonal pass out to the wing.
"Highbury was in awe. There was applause, a chorus of ‘oohs’ and I knew we’d signed a special player"
'North London is ours'
Brighton's social media team couldn't help but poke fun at the expense of both Arsenal and Tottenham, after beating both in the space of a week.
Last weekend, the Seagulls dented the Gunners' hopes of a top-four finish by winning 2-1 at the Emirates.
Then, they returned to North London to beat an in-form Spurs side 1-0.
Brighton tweeted:
More on Rowley
Arsenal's statement added: "During four decades with the club, Steve and his network of scouts were responsible for identifying and securing many players instrumental in on-pitch success for the club.
“Our thoughts are with Steve’s family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Steve”
Credit: Rex
