A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta looks to buy a player Arsene Wenger sold and another transfer target is ‘frustrated’ at his Premier League team.
Arsenal target Alexander Isak is ‘frustrated’ at Newcastle
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is ‘frustrated’ by the Magpies’ sluggish season amid Arsenal considering a transfer. That is according to HITC Football, which reports that scouts for the Emirates Stadium team have checked the 24-year-old out this year in view of a move.
Isak could also boost Arteta’s hopes for Arsenal sealing a transfer if Newcastle fail to qualify for a European competition. The threat of failing to feature in a UEFA tournament next term could become a serious issue for the Sweden star, with the Toon currently not in contention.
Newcastle exit the international break desperate to improve their 10th-place position in the Premier League table. Eddie Howe’s squad are 16 points away from the Champions League spots after featuring in the tournament this term. Fifth place is even 13 points up the table.
Read more about Arsenal transfer target Isak’s frustration at Newcastle, here.
Ian Wright sends Arsenal a rallying call before facing Man City
Highbury hero Ian Wright has sent Arsenal a rallying call for their trip to Premier League title rivals Manchester City. Arteta takes the Gunners to Etihad Stadium this Sunday chasing their first win away to the Citizens since January 2015. Arsenal won their meeting 1-0 in October.
Gabriel Martinelli sealed Arsenal their first win over Manchester City in the Premier League since December 2015. The Brazilian’s late shot took a huge deflection off Nathan Ake’s face to settle the match. Arsenal had lost their previous 12 top-flight games against the Citizens.
Now, Wright believes Arsenal must carry a united front to Manchester City as they enter the crucial period of the title race. The Gunners currently sit atop the table on goal difference to Liverpool with the Citizens a point behind. But Arsenal have not won the title since 2003/04.
“We used to go into these games hoping we didn’t get hammered or hope for a draw,” said Wright on X. “Complete performance and culture change under Mikel (plus Edu) can never be underestimated.
“Everyone needs to be together for this next run because we know Liverpool and City have been here before and done it!”
Read more about what Wright said ahead of Arsenal facing Manchester City, here.
Arsenal are interested in a return transfer for Ismael Bennacer
Arsenal are interested in a return to the club for former academy prospect Ismael Bennacer, now of AC Milan. That is according to Calciomercato.it, which reports that Arteta has set his sights on offering the Algerian a second chance at Emirates Stadium in the summer window.
Bennacer is no longer a non-transferable asset at San Siro following his injury-hit season. AC Milan will listen to offers of €50m (£43m) for the 26-year-old, having only started in eight of his 12 Serie A appearances so far. Wenger let Bennacer leave Arsenal for only £900k in 2017.
Arsenal earned a further £4.5m from Empoli when they sold Bennacer to AC Milan for £14m in 2019 thanks to a sell-on clause. Now, Arteta can give the midfielder his chance to shine in north London, having only enjoyed one senior appearance lasting 71 minutes under Wenger.
Read more about Arsenal’s interest in the transfer of AC Milan star Bennacer, here.