Arsenal information: Mikel Arteta calls for Gunners signal £80m Prem star as switch ‘talks begin’

Arsenal are preparing for the biggest game in the club’s history as Mikel Arteta’s side look to land their first-ever Champions League title against PSG on Saturday

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The Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain will consume all of Arsenal’s attention this week. Following successfully winning their first Premier League title in 22 years, the countdown is nearly complete to discover whether the Gunners will write their names further into history by securing their first European crown.

Mikel Arteta’s squad will forever be recognised as the team that ended Arsenal’s title barren spell more than two decades after the Invincibles. Yet his players could propel themselves to even greater heights with a continental double.

There are additional matters unfolding away from the Puskas Arena, though, as one star has spoken out regarding speculation surrounding his future in north London. The Daily Star Sport looks at the latest developments from around the Emirates Stadium this week.

Jesus addresses exit rumours

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Having seized his opportunity during a rare start in Sunday’s victory over Crystal Palace, Gabriel Jesus’ future at Arsenal has become an even more pressing topic of discussion. The Brazil international has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal and may not be a prime contender for fresh terms after reaching 29 in April.

The former Manchester City forward is also the third-highest earner at Arsenal on £265,000-per-week (after Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka) despite having started just 11 times across all competitions this season. Jesus’ fitness problems have been a major factor in this as he was absent for nearly the entire opening half of the campaign while rehabilitating from a ruptured ACL.

And it appears the São Paulo-born star is equally uncertain about his prospects as everyone else. However, he appeared optimistic about staying at the Emirates when discussing his plans following his goal in the 2-1 triumph at Selhurst Park.

“The future belongs to God. I still have one year left on my Arsenal contract,” he told ESPN Brazil. “I want to play and prove to myself that I can still play at a high level.”

It’s telling that Arteta handed Jesus the captain’s armband for Sunday’s finale against Palace. A predominantly reserve team took to the field in south London before the journey to Budapest, where Jesus will be hoping for some participation.

Viktor Gyökeres’ signing by Arsenal last summer immediately pushed Jesus down the striker hierarchy under Arteta. Yet that doesn’t necessarily mean both Jesus and Arsenal will be against the option of at least another campaign together before his contract runs out, although Arsenal might be open to allowing the player to depart if a buyer is prepared to contribute towards his salary. He further commented: “A lot is said about my future and I’m very honest. It’s not easy for a player who always wants to evolve and help on the pitch with what’s been happening.”

Zubimendi ‘ready’ for UCL final after drop

Another individual who’s found himself on the Arsenal bench recently, Martin Zubimendi made his first start in a month against Palace. In response, the Euro 2024-winner has declared he’s “ready to go” and reclaim his place in the starting line-up for Saturday’s clash with PSG.

Zubimendi has been a substitute for three Premier League matches, as well as being omitted from the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Myles Lewis-Skelly has consequently worked his way back into Arteta’s plans as a defensive midfielder and may be ranked above Zubimendi in the current pecking order.

When Marca asked whether the Spaniard envisioned himself returning to the starting XI against PSG, Zubimendi replied: “I always see myself playing, but what actually happens is another matter.

“Lately, I haven’t been getting much playing time, but I’m ready to go out and play. My overall performance in the Premier League has been very good, and I’m not going to dwell on these benchings.

“It’s been a very demanding, long season, in which I’ve made efforts I haven’t made in my career, and that’s surely taken its toll. But I think I’m back to normal now.”

Arteta will be the one to decide as the Gunners face their ultimate test. Declan Rice is guaranteed a place in the heart of midfield, potentially partnered by Martin Odegaard, with Eberechi Eze the other major contender vying for a starting berth in the middle of the park come Saturday.

Arteta wants Rogers

Mikel Arteta has reportedly told the Arsenal board to go and sign Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers this summer.

The 23-year-old is fresh off celebrating winning the Europa League and qualifying for next season’s Champions League with Villa having been named in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. But the attacking midfielder could be on the move.

According to talkSPORT, Arteta has told the club to enter the race to sign the in-demand star and it’s said preliminary talks with the players’ camp have started. Villa want at least £80million for Rogers but a bidding war between the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United could drive his price up to £100m.