Arsenal remain linked with transfer targets as Mikel Arteta is eying two highly rated young stars on the continent, one of whom is said to have a £10.5m release clause
Arsenal remain connected with numerous transfers as Mikel Arteta’s squad are fighting on all four fronts this campaign, staying alive in every competition come March.
The Gunners now hold a seven-point advantage at the top of the Premier League table over Manchester City, who have a game in hand, after the North London giants secured a 1-0 win away at Brighton and Pep Guardiola’s side could only draw 2-2 against Nottingham Forest at home.
The two title rivals also meet in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium later this month. While Arteta will be eager to secure that victory and capture his first silverware since 2020, the two trophies Arsenal truly crave are the Premier League and the Champions League. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates.
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Lewis-Skelly’s ‘disappointment’
Ray Parlour reckons Myles Lewis-Skelly will be frustrated with his reduced involvement this season, reports the Mirror.
The 19-year-old savoured a breakthrough spell in the second half of last campaign, being utilised as a makeshift left-back due to other injuries. He featured in vital matches such as the victories over Real Madrid and even secured his maiden England call-up last year.
Nevertheless, he has managed just 312 minutes in the Premier League this campaign, having dropped to third-choice left-back. And Arsenal legend Parlour has now offered him guidance on forcing his way back into the side.
Speaking to The Metro, Parlour said: “Ethan Nwaneri may understand things as he got his loan move to Marseille but Lewis-Skelly will be disappointed. A lot has happened in his career very quickly.
“He got into the Arsenal team, played for England and scored for England all at a very young age and suddenly he’s been left out. I don’t know what his attitude is like in training every day.
“As a youngster, you just have to get your head down. Sometimes you can get too big for your boots when it’s all going well for you. I’ve seen it happen quite a few times with players.
“When you get left out you have to make sure you work hard in training and show the manager what you are about. I’m on the outside looking in, I don’t know what they do in training or what the attitudes with players who are left is like.
“But what I would say is when you are left out, you are still in the manager’s plans but you have to work that bit harder. Make sure the manager sees you and that you are ready to do anything to get into that side.”
Inter Milan chief shuts down rumours
Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta has refuted Arsenal’s interest in Pio Esposito. The 20-year-old forward has had a standout season at Inter, returning to his childhood club after two seasons on loan with Serie B team Spezia.
He has contributed to 13 goals this season and made a notable appearance against the Gunners in the Champions League group stage in January. That remarkable performance reportedly piqued Arteta’s interest, with La Gazzetta dello Sport suggesting sporting director Andrea Berta swiftly contacted Inter post-match to discuss a potential agreement for the player.
Inter were reported to have promptly dismissed the approach, though Arsenal’s interest has now been denied by the Inter boss. Earlier this week, Marotta stated: “Arsenal haven’t asked us about him. Inter do not want to sell him and we are not a club that makes player trading its main business.
“He’s a product that grew up in the youth academy and we’re guarding him like a treasure. We’ll talk about his transfer again in the future but it’ll be a very distant future.”
Arsenal eye German wonderkid
The Gunners are aiming to bolster their midfield in the summer. One player they reportedly have their sights set on is 16-year-old Hertha Berlin sensation Kennet Eichhorn.
That’s according to CFBayern, who suggest Arsenal view the teenager as a future prospect in midfield. The Gunners’ central partnership this campaign has primarily featured Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, with Christian Norgaard unable to oust either of the duo.
Eichhorn has featured 15 times this season for the German second-division outfit. Arsenal are anticipated to encounter rivalry from Manchester United and Bayern Munich should they opt to chase a move.
He is said to have a £10.5m release clause becoming active in the summer.