Arsenal news LIVE: Gunners reignite Vlahovic interest, Fabregas warns Gunners over Europa perils, Mudryk transfer BLOW
ARSENAL have reportedly reignited their interest in Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic after the Serie A giants' struggling start in the league this season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have been warned about the perils of the Europa League by Emirates legend Cesc Fabregas, following their win over rivals Tottenham.
The Spanish midfielder said: "It’s tricky because you play every Thursday, the games can be very far away and you end up getting back at 4am and then you need to play again in the league on Sunday.
“That’s not easy at all, so it will be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta handles that situation. But I’m confident that they are in a good place to do it.”
Arsenal also have some bad news on the transfer front as reports suggest that Nice now lead the chase for their January target Mykhaylo Mudryk.
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North London Derby stats
- Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Spurs keeps up the strange recent trend of home advantage in the North London derby in the league. Tottenham haven't won at the Emirates since 2010, having visited 12 times in that period. The Gunners haven't won at Spurs since 2014. It means the away team have only won 1 of the last 25 NLDs.
- Mikel Arteta is only the third manager in Arsenal's history to win his first three home games against Tottenham after George Morrell (1909-11) and Terry Neill (1977-1979).
- Following this weekend's football, William Saliba has now recovered possession more times than other player in the league. He has recovered the ball 71 times, with Newcastle's Kieran Trippier (64) and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool (58) in second and third.
London clubs fight over Vlahovic
Chelsea have reportedly joined Arsenal in the battle over Juventus superstar Dusan Vlahovic.
The Gunners' interest in the hitman has been widely reported and, despite the Old Lady's dodgy form, he has struck five goals in seven Serie A games already this season.
But Chelsea could also look to the 6ft 3in Serbian striker as they look to add to their attack.
The Blues have already recruited ex-Arsenal frontman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but the 22-year-old could be a long-term option for what has frequently been a problem position at Stamford Bridge.
Saliba hints at new deal
Arsenal fan favourite William Saliba admitted that he loved every second of his first North London derby, and then told the club that he wants to play in other huge fixtures.
And the stylish centre-back suggested that he may soon be putting pen to paper on a new and lucrative long-term contract at the Emirates.
When asked directly about his future with the Gunners, and potential negotiations between the club and his representatives, the 21-year-old replied: "We will see. They talk a little bit. We will see.”
The French international impressed again as Arsenal got the better of Tottenham on Saturday, and afterwards admitted that he relished the occasion.
“I waited a long time for my first North London derby,” he beamed.
”I enjoyed it from the first minute to the end, and I am so happy. It’s a derby, a big game, where all the fans and the players want to win. I like to play big games like this.”
Thomas finally comes to Partey
Thomas Partey opened the scoring in Saturday's North London derby with a sensational strike - and, in doing so, finally brought his unsuccessful run to an end.
The Ghanian's goal was his 57th attempt from outside of the penalty area for Arsenal in the Premier League, but the first to end up in the back of the net.
Partey's effort also rounded off a fine 21-pass move from the Gunners.
Since Boxing Day 2019, only Manchester City and Liverpool have had more 20+ passing sequences that have ended in goals than the Gunners (6).
Arsenal Women draw reigning champions
Arsenal have been handed a tough task following the group stage draw of the Women's Champions League.
The Gunners will take on the current holders - and eight-times winners - Lyon in Group C.
Jonas Eidevall's team will also face Juventus and Zurich.
The first round of group games will be played on the week commencing October 17.
Gunners enjoy Art at home
With Saturday's 3-1 win in the North London derby, Mikel Arteta joined an elite group in Gunners history.
The Spaniard became just the third Arsenal manager in the club’s history to win each of his first three home games against Tottenham.
Arteta joins George Morrell (1909-1911) and Terry Neill (1977-1979) in achieving the feat.
Chelsea chasing Arsenal ace Martinelli
Arsenal are expected to begin negotiations with Gabriel Martinelli over a lucrative new deal after it emerged he was being targeted by other clubs.
that several sides have been tracking the young Brazilian including the Gunners' top-four rivals, Chelsea.
Martinelli has been one of the players central to the success of Mikel Arteta's team this season, contributing three goals and an assist in their eight games.
The 21-year-old's current deal at the Emirates runs until 2024, but the North London club are hopeful of pinning the player down to a longer contract.
Gunners back for Man who snubbed them
Arsenal are interested in another Juventus star that previously rejected them, according to weekend reports.
The Gunners are said to be back in for Manuel Locatelli, having first shown an interest in the midfielder prior to his Juve switch last year.
Officials at the Emirates now believe that they can convince the Italian to opt for the Londoners.
However, the 24-year-old has already snubbed the Premier League once this year - having rejected a move to Manchester United in the summer.
According to , Arsenal have sounded out Locatelli's representatives to see if he would now be open to the idea of moving to England.
They add that Juventus would be willing to let Locatelli go at the right price.
Gunners face competition for Dusan
Arsenal are expected to reignite their interest in Dusan Vlahovic when transfer window reopens in January.
But the Gunners will face stiff competition for the Serbian's signature, according to .
The North Londoners were desperate to land the forward earlier this year, but Vlahovic opted for Juventus at the last moment.
However, despite a dream start, the 22-year-old's time in Turin has not gone according to plan.
And the Old Lady may be willing to cash in after Christmas.
If so, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also expected to make an approach for Vlahovic.
Reims want loan star permanently
Reims are hoping to secure the permanent signing of young Arsenal star Folarin Balogun.
The 21-year-old striker is currently on loan at the French club, and has already made quite the impression.
Balogun has netted six times in his first nine Ligue 1 games, including the opener in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Troyes.
broke the news that Reims are now exploring the possibility of securing his signature on a long-term basis.
However, the North Londoners are unlikely to let their young Gunner go without a fight.
Balogun is currently contracted to the Emirates club until 2025.
Good morning, Arsenal fans
Arsenal are chasing 18-year-old Andreas Schjelderup – who has been called the ‘new Haaland’, according to reports.
CalcioMercatoWeb claim the Gunners have shown an interest in the talent who has been a regular for Danish outfit Nordsjaelland.
In fact, despite his tender years the forward has appeared 49 times for the club since signing as a 16-year-old in 2020.
This campaign he has found his shooting boots – scoring five times in 10 outings in the Danish league.
Liverpool are also said to be monitoring the situation.
Arsenal told Marseille they had no interest in selling William Saliba to the Ligue 1 club, after talks this summer.
“Olympique Marseille had a direct meeting with Saliba’s agent in August,” Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano told CaughtOffside.
“But then it was impossible to negotiate on the fee with Arsenal as they considered William untouchable. It was not even a direct talk.”
David Dein is being snubbed by old club Arsenal — who refuse to stock his new book in their shop.
The former Gunners supremo was one of the main reasons for their successful era under Arsene Wenger and has just published his life story.
Dein confirmed that the popular book was banned from the Emirates store.
He revealed: “I’m sad to say it’s not in the Arsenal shop and that disappoints me terribly. It’s very delicate to answer why.
“The publishers tried to put it in and I heard that the media department wanted to protect the owners, which was unfortunate.”
Dean was vice-chairman of Arsenal between 1983 and 2007.
Arsene Wenger claims Arsenal are the second favourites to win the Premier League title behind Manchester City.
Wenger told beIN SPORTS: “Personally I would put them just behind City.
“The second best team to have a good chance to win the Premiership [sic].
“Man City at some stage will focus highly on the Champions League.”
Wenger tips City over Arsenal
Arsene Wenger claims Arsenal are the second favourites to win the Premier League title behind Manchester City.
Wenger told beIN SPORTS: "Personally I would put them just behind City.
"The second best team to have a good chance to win the Premiership [sic].
"Man City at some stage will focus highly on the Champions League."
Sister act
Djed Spence's sister had a sly dig at Antonio Conte after Arsenal defeated Spurs 3-1 in the North London derby.
The defender has only played one minute since signing for Tottenham from Middlesbrough, with Emerson Royal preferred.
Royal was sent off for a serious foul after catching Gabriel Martinelli high on the ankle.
And Spence's sister revealed things "could've been different" if her brother was involved.
Partey strike was planned
Martin Odegaard has revealed Thomas Partey's brilliant strike against Spurs was a routine straight from the training ground.
The midfielder revealed: “It was a great goal. We knew before the game he was going to be free in those areas and we practised that a lot, to find him in those areas, and he made a great shot.
"I think he played a great game as well so a lot of credit to him, and of course the team.”
Wright note
Ian Wright joked Arsenal stars are "playing like they have Infinity Stones" after their memorable North London derby win.
Speaking on Match of the Day, the former England striker said: "It’s a great day. It’s a phenomenal performance.
"You see Granit Xhaka, it’s like he has a new lease of life.
"Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba are playing like they have Infinity Stones.
"When you look at the way Arsenal have improved – more shots, higher turnovers, possession won in the final third… the one player that epitomised that for me today was Ben White.
"He was magnificent. Tottenham gave him a lot of space.
"That was a fantastic performance – the most touches anyone had today was Ben White. So pleased for him."
Arsenal eye-up 'New Haaland'
Arsenal are chasing 18-year-old Andreas Schjelderup - who has been called the 'new Haaland', according to reports.
CalcioMercatoWeb claim the Gunners have shown an interest in the talent who has been a regular for Danish outfit Nordsjaelland.
In fact, despite his tender years the forward has appeared 49 times for the club since signing as a 16-year-old in 2020.
This campaign he has found his shooting boots - scoring five times i 10 outings in the Danish league.
Liverpool are also said to be monitoring the situation.
Xhaka love-in
Granit Xhaka is revelling in his new role as Arsenal fans' favourite.
"I never ever thought one day this would happen, if I am being honest," he revealed in an interview after the game.
"To be in front of them, to have them singing my name is very, very special and emotional. I always wanted that. I always wanted to give them something back after what happened.
"We were working a lot to try and change their minds of what they had for me and I am happy for what has happened. There is more to come from myself."
Arsenal snubbed Marseille's Saliba offer
Arsenal told Marseille they had no interest in selling William Saliba to the Ligue 1 club, after talks this summer.
“Olympique Marseille had a direct meeting with Saliba’s agent in August,” Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano told CaughtOffside.
“But then it was impossible to negotiate on the fee with Arsenal as they considered William untouchable. It was not even a direct talk.”
Fabregas questions Gunners title credentials
Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas raised an important "question mark" regarding his former club's Premier League title challenge after their victory over rivals Tottenham.
The legendary midfielder fears the schedule could take a toll on the players' fitness.
Fabregas told BT Sport: "It will be tough, it’s a big challenge but I’m very confident.
“The only question mark for me is the Europa League. It’s tricky because you play every Thursday, the games can be very far away and you end up getting back at 4am and then you need to play again in the league on Sunday.
“That’s not easy at all, so it will be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta handles that situation. But I’m confident that they are in a good place to do it.”
Conte slams refereeing after North London Derby
The Spurs boss complained: “Sometimes you are lucky with the referee’s decisions and sometimes you are not, but for sure the red card killed this game.
“It’s very difficult in England because sometimes you see a situation that could be a red card and instead there is nothing, and sometimes you see a situation that is a yellow card and you get a red.
“They have to work a lot about this because in Italy the referees meet on Thursdays and stay together for three days to work together, to look at videos and try to improve.
“I don’t know if they do that in this country but it would be a good idea because the level is really high in the Premier League and we need the referee and the VAR to be the same.
“Every part of the situation in this country has to be at the top. I don't ant to comment in the referee's decisions, but everyone can see the images of what happened today.
“It was very difficult for us after the red card because we had three strikers in our team and the balance of the team was affected when we lost Royal.
“When you go down to ten and you are already 2-1 down, it’s not simple because you have to cut the number of strikers and try to find the best balance.
“Then you have to try to counter-attack or win set-pieces that can help you to achieve a draw.
“We were trying to make some substitutions but before we could get them onto the pitch Arsenal scored a third goal and after that it was very difficult for us.
“But if I have to make any complaints about the game, it was more about the first-half because we felt we had the possibility to win the game and needed to exploit the situation better.
“Every time we overcame Arsenal’s pressure, we had a lot of spaces but we always made a mistake with the final pass and that was why the game was still in the balance at half-time.
“Then we started the second-half by conceding a goal straight away and then the red card finished us.”
Arsenal snub club legend
David Dein is being snubbed by old club Arsenal — who refuse to stock his new book in their shop.
The former Gunners supremo was one of the main reasons for their successful era under Arsene Wenger and has just published his life story.
Dein confirmed that the popular book was banned from the Emirates store.
He revealed: “I’m sad to say it’s not in the Arsenal shop and that disappoints me terribly. It’s very delicate to answer why.
"The publishers tried to put it in and I heard that the media department wanted to protect the owners, which was unfortunate.”
Dean was vice-chairman of Arsenal between 1983 and 2007.
Got it Wright
Ian Wright joked Arsenal stars are "playing like they have Infinity Stones" after their memorable North London derby win.
The Gunners ended Tottenham's unbeaten run with an emphatic 3-1 victory at the Emirates.
And Highbury hero Wright was unsurprisingly quick to heap praise on Mikel Arteta's impressive men, highlighting four individuals in particular - and referenced the powerful Marvel gems.
Speaking on Match of the Day, the former England striker said: "It’s a great day. It’s a phenomenal performance.
"You see Granit Xhaka, it’s like he has a new lease of life.
"Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba are playing like they have Infinity Stones.
"When you look at the way Arsenal have improved – more shots, higher turnovers, possession won in the final third… the one player that epitomised that for me today was Ben White.
"He was magnificent. Tottenham gave him a lot of space.
"That was a fantastic performance – the most touches anyone had today was Ben White. So pleased for him."
Arsenal pay tribute after Kanjuruhan Stadium tragedy
Arsenal have issued a message of support to those affected by the tragic riot in Indonesia, which has resulted in the death of at least 174 people.
It read: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the events in Malang at the Kanjuruhan Stadium Indonesia today.
"Along with everyone who finds a connection through football, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy."
'Real captain'
Granit Xhaka has been hailed as Arsenal's "real captain" for his leadership mentality during the North London derby.
Arsenal supporters absolutely loved his reaction to the opening goal in yesterday's crucial 3-1 victory over Tottenham.
Thomas Partey opened the scoring with a thunderbolt from outside the box to send the Emirates wild.
Xhaka though was quick to make sure his team-mates didn't get carried away with their celebrations.
The Swiss midfield gathered the team in a huddle and barked instructions to them in apparent order for them not to celebrate too hard.
And fans on social media couldn't get enough of it.
One giddy Arsenal fan wrote: "Loved how Xhaka regrouped everyone during that celebration - leader."
Another said: "Xhaka cutting celebrations short to chat game plan that’s so real."
A third gushed: "He might not have the armband, but Xhaka is the real captain of that Arsenal team."
And a fourth said: "You saw that Xhaka team talk when the team was celebrating during the goal! My CAPTAIN!"