Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly asked for information on a transfer target for the Gunners who are still in contention for an unprecedented trophy quadruple
What a season it’s been for Arsenal so far. Just as their Premier League title charge appeared to be faltering, they responded with vital wins in consecutive London derbies.
The Gunners demolished Tottenham 4-1 to halt a sequence of two league matches without victory, before securing a tight 2-1 success over Chelsea on Sunday. Once more, it was their set-piece mastery that proved decisive, with both of Arsenal’s strikes against the Blues originating from corners.
Consequently, the Gunners have re-established their five-point lead at the summit of the table. While Manchester City can reduce the gap to two points by claiming their match in hand, Arsenal once more appear solidly in command of this title battle. Next up is a journey to Brighton on Wednesday evening before an FA Cup fixture with Mansfield Town at the weekend. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Arsenal ace departs London on jet
One player Arsenal will sorely miss during the final stretch is Mikel Merino, who has proved a surprisingly dependable goalscoring threat since arriving at the Emirates Stadium in 2024.
The midfielder, who has been deployed by manager Mikel Arteta as an improvised No.9 on occasions, appears destined to sit out the remainder of the campaign after breaking his foot against Manchester United in January, reports the Mirror.
The Spaniard went under the knife and has now returned to his hometown of Pamplona to concentrate on his recovery and continue his rehabilitation close to his family and friends.
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Merino is hopeful of returning in time for the 2026 World Cup this summer, having featured prominently in Spain’s qualification drive.
Nevertheless, Arsenal reportedly don’t anticipate the 29-year-old featuring for them again this term, with the target being to have him back in first-team training before the Premier League concludes in May.
It’s also believed that Merino presently “cannot put weight on his foot” and is confronting an extended journey back to complete fitness.
Arteta requests transfer intelligence
Arteta has allegedly instructed Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta to compile details on Inter Milan forward Pio Esposito.
The 20-year-old captured Arteta’s attention during Arsenal’s 3-1 Champions League triumph over the La Liga outfit in January, potentially paving the way for a future move.
According to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, Esposito both “frightened and fascinated” the Arsenal boss, who has maintained him “in his eyes and thoughts” ever since.
The youngster, who has netted three times in five matches for Italy, entered as a second-half replacement against the Gunners and, despite failing to find the net, caught numerous eyes during his short appearance.
Last summer, Arsenal splashed £63.5million on marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres, who has spearheaded the attack for most of the campaign.
But his alleged interest in Esposito indicates Arteta is looking ahead to future prospects – with a price tag of around £87m said to be required for Inter to consider selling the young talent.