A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Bayern Munich ace Harry Kane messages a Gunners star and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak opens up about a transfer.
Harry Kane messages Declan Rice after captaining England
England captain Kane has sent Declan Rice a classy message after the Arsenal midfielder adopted the armband for the Three Lions’ draw with Belgium. Boss Gareth Southgate opted to name Rice as the skipper after Kane returned to Bayern Munich owing to his ankle injury.
Kane is already well on his road to recovery ahead of Bayern Munich visiting Arsenal for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. But his absence from England duty let Rice lead his country out for the first time on the 25-year-old’s 50th cap with the Three Lions yet.
Rice put in a solid display and rarely put a foot wrong from the base of England’s midfield at home to Belgium. John Stones’ early departure through injury forced Southgate to play Rice in a deeper role. But Rice captaining England sparked a classy message from Kane, as well.
“Great fighting spirit from the lads to keep pushing until the end,” Kane declared on X. “Congrats on the first England goal Ivan Toney and to Declan Rice on your 50th cap and leading the team out.”
Read more about what Bayern Munich ace Kane has messaged Arsenal star Rice, here.
Bukayo Saka faces a late injury test for Arsenal’s trip to Man City
Hale End hero Bukayo Saka faces a late fitness test for Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City after his muscular injury. That is according to Charles Watts, who reports that the Gunners believe the 22-year-old only has a slight issue. But they will make a late decision on his involvement.
Arsenal are not alarmed that Saka had to withdraw from England’s March internationals due to his injury. The expectation at London Colney is that he will be fit to play at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Saka is trending in the right direction to feature, having had the break to recover.
Saka is a pivotal part of manager Mikel Arteta’s plans, so any absence would be devastating for Arsenal at Manchester City. He has so far started in 27 of the Emirates Stadium club’s 28 Premier League matches this season. The winger also has 13 goals and eight assists to date.
Read more about what Watts has had to say about Arsenal star Saka’s injury, here.
Alexander Isak admits ‘things can happen’ as Arsenal eye a transfer
Newcastle United star Alexander Isak admits that ‘things can happen’ in the transfer market amid Arsenal targeting a move. Dean Jones reports that the Gunners are the most likely club to sign the 24-year-old. But the Express notes that the Toon will demand £80m for his move.
St James’ Park chiefs are loath to lose Isak but may face difficulties avoiding a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). So, they are keen to hold a lofty asking price given the Sweden star has scored 16 goals in 30 games so far this season, starting 26.
Isak has also scored 12 times through 20 Premier League games, having missed seven top-flight fixtures through injury. So, Arsenal are considering Isak’s transfer as Gabriel Jesus has just four goals in 19 Premier League games this term and Eddie Nketiah has five goals in 24.
Arsenal boss Arteta may also take encouragement in Isak now admitting he cannot rule out a summer transfer from Newcastle. But the Solna native is not yet thinking about his future and will not let speculation cloud the striker’s mind, having grown accustomed to rumours.
“It doesn’t affect me that much,” Isak stated, via talkSPORT. “It has been talked about many times, in many windows. I see it as just such a thing. Everyone knows that summer is coming and, if things show up, things can happen. But I actually haven’t even thought about it.”
Read more about what Newcastle striker Isak has had to say about a transfer, here.