It’s been a week to remember for Arsenal as they booked their place in the Champions League final four.
The Gunners overcame Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate after a 2-1 away win at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli means that Arsenal remain unbeaten against the Spanish giants.
Next for Arsenal in the competition is Paris Saint-Germain who overcame fellow Premier League side Aston Villa in their quarter-final clash on Wednesday.
But before concentration can go onto that game, Arsenal are back in Premier League action this weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Portman Road to take on relegation-threatened Ipswich Town.
A loss would give Liverpool the chance to seal the Premier League title when they play Leicester City just a couple of hours later.
While there is still action on the pitch, Arsenal will also be planning for next season. That means making plans for the transfer window.
Here’s a look at a couple of the latest stories from the last 24 hours, we’ve also added our thoughts on the situation.
Nico Williams boost
Arsenal have been handed a potentially big boost in their hopes of signing Nico Williams this summer, with Barcelona dropping out of the race to sign the Athletic Club man.
Marca claim that the Spanish giants won’t have too much room to maneuver in the upcoming transfer window, meaning that they are having to plan carefully ahead of the summer. The club have therefore already ruled out making a move for Williams.
Barcelona were one of the clubs providing competition to Arsenal in the transfer race for the winger last summer. But despite intense speculation over his future he remained with Athletic Club.
FL says : There’s no doubt that Arsenal need to bolster their attack in the upcoming window, with Williams a long-term target. Barcelona dropping out of the race would be a massive boost and could give Arsenal a free run.
Williams has 10 goals and seven assists so far this season. However a central striker may be the priority for Arsenal, with William more comfortable on the left where Arsenal already have Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Midfielder transfer stance
A midfield transfer ma not be a priority for Arsenal this season, with the club seemingly missing out on a move for Sverre Halseth Nypan. The midfielder looks to be heading to Aston Villa.
He was linked with a move to Arsenal, but the Athletic claimed that an alternative target may not be identified. It is added that the youngster was seen as more of a ‘market opportunity’.
Midfielder Martin Zubimendi looks to be heading towards the Emirates Stadium in the summer, but it is said that the club may not prioritise looking for another midfielder.
FL says : As previously mentioned, priority this summer should be on signing a striker. However, once that is done, the uncertainty over the futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho means that an extra midfielder may be needed.
If both leave, it would leave Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino as central midfield options. Therefore any injuries could cause a problem later in the season, similar to what the club have had up front this season.
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