Hello and welcome to football.london's blog, covering all the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.
The Gunners don't have long to recharge their batteries before they're back in action. After storming past Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday afternoon, Mikel Arteta's side must now begin preparations for their next clash against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal will take on the Eagles at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night (8pm). While the north Londoners will want to narrow Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League, they'll have one eye on next week's clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
On Tuesday, April 29, the Gunners will host PSG in the first leg of the semi-final. It's a massive tie, which could have a significant bearing on what players Andrea Berta can attract to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
So, with that being said, stay with us at football.london as we bring you all the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.
'Isak has been the best striker in Europe this year'
Speaking to talkSPORT over the weekend, Ally McCoist claimed Alexander Isak has been the best striker in Europe this year. The Scotsman said: "He could play anywhere, at any level.
"He’s probably been the best centre-forward in Europe this year - absolutely terrific. Newcastle fans will be building a wall around St James’ Park as we speak! I don’t think the club would even consider letting him go - unless a ridiculous offer came in.
"Eddie Howe’s building something there. I get that money talks, but selling Isak would send the wrong message. Newcastle are on the verge of a phenomenal season - first domestic trophy in 70 years, possibly a return to the Champions League.
"That’s massive. So while top clubs will come calling, I don’t see him going anywhere."
Arteta drops starting XI hint
Mikel Arteta has suggested that Leandro Trossard could start when Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final next week.
Speaking to reporters after the Ipsiwch Town clash, the Gunners boss was asked about Trossard's new role and whether he's ready to start against the Parisians.
"Yeah, he's certainly ready to play in any position," said the Arsenal boss. "We have to make certain adjustments, not because of PSG but because of the situation we had with Thomas [Partey] and a few other players.
"But that's good because the team shows adaptability, versatility for certain players to play in different positions and that's very much needed, especially when we have the numbers that we have at the moment."
Arsenal almost signed Sesko last summer...
football.london understands that Arsenal were interested in signing Benjamin Sesko last summer, but talks never reached an advanced stage. The 21-year-old striker wanted to resolve his future before Euro 2024, but the Gunners couldn't commit to a deal with Eddie Nketiah still at the club.
The Hale End graduate eventually left, by which time Sesko had penned a contract extension at the Red Bull Arena. Despite missing out, football.london understands that the north Londoners have continued to monitor his progress – and they remain keen on securing his signature.
Saliba names 'childhood dream' club
William Saliba has named the club he supported as a child, sending Real Madrid a clear message ahead of the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old defender has been linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu on numerous occasions in the past few months.
Speaking recently on the AminematueLive YouTube channel, Saliba revealed what club he supported as a child. He said: "Before I was for Arsenal."
He was then asked: "You have always been for Arsenal?"
To which, Saliba replied: "I have a photo where I was six years old, I have my Arsenal jersey on."
He was asked: "That means you’re living you’re childhood dream?"
Saliba said: "Yeah, my childhood dream, yeah, I love it!"
Arteta provides Saka injury update
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Bukayo Saka, who was on the receiving end of a horror tackle during Arsenal's clash against Ipswich Town.
Speaking to reporters after the game, he said: "The referee made a decision, that is clear. He was a bit sore but it's nothing serious, so that’s good."
Arteta added: "Especially with the numbers we have right now and especially when [tackles] are with your back to goal because normally it's the moment when the foot is planted, your weight is there and you cannot really react to it, but he's fine."
Williams drops transfer hint
Nico Williams has dropped a hint about his future ahead of the summer transfer window. Speaking to Spanish publication AS ahead of Athletic Bilbao's Europa League semi-final against United, he said: "Every kid wants to play at Old Trafford.
"We have the goal of winning the Europa League and, next year, to crush the Champions League. Little by little. I think our motto of going ‘on the down low’ is the best.
"We’re doing very well, and we need to continue like this to reach the final to continue this streak to help the team. The team is extraordinary. We’re going to celebrate this victory.
"San Mamés deserves it more than anyone. We’re doing very well to reach the semifinal we want. One more step before the final, and hopefully we can get there."
More on Watkins...
Arsenal submitted a £40m bid for Ollie Watkins towards the end of the January transfer window, football.london understands. Unsurprisingly, Aston Villa rejected the offer, demanding £60m for his signature.
It's understood that Watkins was keen on the idea of a move to the Emirates Stadium and, had the two Premier League clubs agreed on a fee, he would've made the switch. Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, who was eager to strengthen his frontline, the north Londoners fell short.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery wrapped up a deal for Marcus Rashford, signing the 27-year-old forward on loan from Manchester United...
Gyokeres quizzed on Arsenal switch
Viktor Gyokeres remained tight-lipped when asked about a potential move to Arsenal. The 26-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for a while as he continues to impress for Sporting CP.
Speaking to reporters after a 3-1 win over Moreirense on Friday, he was asked if he liked London. Gyokeres, who sees his contract at the José Alvalade Stadium expire in June 2028, replied: "I like Lisbon."
Then, on his 'gentleman's agreement' to leave the club in the summer, the Sweden international added: "I can’t say anything about that. No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment..."
Watkins puts Arsenal on red alert
Ollie Watkins has expressed his frustration at a recent spell on the bench for Aston Villa. The 29-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal at the start of the year, but a switch failed to materialise.
Watkins was dropped from the starting lineup for each of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal legs against Paris Saint-Germain, and he's started just two of Aston Villa's last four Premier League games.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the weekend, the England international said: "Obviously, being out of the team, no one's happy to sit on the bench when you're a professional player and you always want to play in the starting lineup.
"Obviously, I found myself out of the team for a few games, so today I was raring to go and I wasn't going to let that opportunity slip being in the starting lineup again."
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to football.london's blog, covering all the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip...
Mikel Arteta will be putting his players through their paces at the Sobha Realty Training Centre as the Gunners gear up to face Crystal Palace. Arsenal will face Oliver Glasner's side at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
While the north Londoners will be eager to narrow Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League, they'll have one eye on the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain next week – it's a huge game!
