Mikel Arteta sent a late-night WhatsApp to unite his squad for the title-clinching moment, one star’s high transfer fee is reportedly blocking a move to Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal are still basking in the glory of being crowned Premier League champions. The Gunners’ 22-year drought came to an end on Tuesday, ensuring that the title race didn’t extend to the final day.
Mikel Arteta’s squad erupted in joy as Manchester City faltered against Bournemouth, ending their title pursuit. Although the manager wasn’t present with his team during their moment of triumph, he had arranged for them to celebrate their accomplishment collectively.
This means there will be no strain on the Gunners’ last league match against Crystal Palace. Arsenal will also be keeping a close watch on the forthcoming transfer window, with rumours of one star potentially open to exiting the club. Here, Daily Star Sport looks at the latest news.
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Mikel Arteta’s private message unveiled
The Arsenal gaffer reached out to his squad following their victory over Burnley on Monday. Arteta fired off a WhatsApp message at 11pm, urging his players to watch Manchester City’s encounter with Bournemouth together at their London Colney training base, reports the Mirror.
The Spanish gaffer held off on sharing his message until his team had bagged three points, not wanting his squad to overlook their Burnley match. Once the title was within reach on Tuesday, Arteta postponed training until later in the day so that the team could watch City’s game.
Upon clinching the championship, the Arsenal squad celebrated and were given the green light to go out. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Eberechi Eze were spotted outside the Emirates Stadium at 5am.
The boss opted to watch the crucial match at home and spend the moment with his family. However, he joined his players later that evening.
Arsenal star ‘open’ to move
Sky Sport Deutschland has reported that Borussia Dortmund are “making another attempt” to sign Ethan Nwaneri this summer.
The Arsenal youngster has spent the latter half of the season on loan at Marseille after finding playing time hard to come by with the Gunners.
The German outlet suggests that Dortmund have enquired about the 19-year-old’s situation. Nwaneri is reportedly “open” to a summer switch to the club, but a permanent transfer is considered unlikely due to the “high transfer fee” involved.
The midfielder is tied to the Gunners until 2030 and is said to have a price tag of around £50m. Finalising a loan deal is also said to be challenging for Dortmund, although the Bundesliga side remain keen on the Arsenal star.
Nwaneri has featured in nine league matches for Marseille, netting twice. Prior to his move to France, he had made six brief appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League this season.