Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Saka injury UPDATE, Gunners chase Guimaraes, Isak ‘price tag REVEALED’, Williams ‘talks’
ARSENAL are looking ahead to what is expected to be a MASSIVE summer transfer window for the club.
A new striker is top of the transfer shortlist, with the Gunners linked with numerous names.
RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko is said to be the top target but Arsenal are also linked with Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who has a whopping £105million price-tag, and Porto hitman Samu Aghehowa.
Elsewhere, the Gunners are reportedly chasing Toon skipper Bruno Guimaraes.
In other news, Arsenal are said to be plotting a summer move for Atheltic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
And Mikel Arteta has suggested that Bukayo Saka could return from a long injury layoff after the international break.
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Follow ALL of the latest news, rumours and transfer updates from the Emirates below...
Trialling youngsters
Arsenal named two trialists on the bench for Saturday's 4-3 Under-18s win over Leicester.
Brighton's Ronnie Gorman came on the young Gunners with ten minutes to go while Jaiden Owen of Norwich was an unused sub.
The North Londoners have also had left-backs Lennon Patterson and Marcell Washington on trial recently.
Patterson subsequently signed for Sheffield United while Washington remains on trial from Chelsea.
'You clown'
Simon Jordan labelled Martin Keown a "clown" in their latest talkSPORT bust-up.
The rivals clashed live on the airwaves as they discussed Liverpool's nightmare week - crashing out of the Champions League before losing the Carabao Cup final.
Keown said: "If this was Arsenal losing two major games like that, you'd say they bottled it.
"They [Liverpool] have just gone out of the Champions League and they've just lost 2-1. You'd be saying Arsenal have bottled it.
"You would because that would be the mischievous part to your personality."
In a lengthy back and forth, Jordan hit back: "So let's get it right, you've just asked the question, answered it yourself, created an added debate with yourself.
"I would not suggest, if Arsenal won bugger all, which is what they do do right now, I would say they bottled it. If Liverpool lose the league now, what do you think I'll say?"
Keown asked: "What is the difference between what Liverpool have done this week?"
And Jordan responded: "Because they’re going to win something unlike your lot you bloody clown. You need to put a bow tie on and a squirty flower. It makes no sense."
Credit: talkSPORT Countdown is on
It is the international break for the next two weeks before the action returns with the FA Cup next weekend.
With Arsenal already out, their next game is a London derby at home to Fulham.
They then travel to Goodison Park for the final time before hosting the first leg against Real Madrid on April 8.
Sak gonna be back
The noises come out of Arsenal are that Bukayo Saka is making good progress in his return from hamstring surgery.
The winger last played on December 21 but Arsenal fans may not have to wait long to see him back in action.
On returning immediately after the international break, Arteta said: "He’s got a good chance, yeah.
"He's getting closer, he’s stepping up and making very good progress I would say.”
Riccardo Calafiori added: “Everyone will be happy if he comes back (for the upcoming Real Madrid tie), he’s a top player and he will make the difference.
“You can see when he’s on the pitch that he makes a big difference. He’s an important player for us, he’s a top guy as well. He’s going to do everything to come back for Real Madrid.”
Rooney's Heavenly assessment
Wayne Rooney reckons Manchester United snatching Ayden Heaven from Arsenal was a "real coup" for the Red Devils.
Heaven came through the academy at Arsenal but joined United in January - and has already impressed in the first team.
Rooney said: "I think he is a real coup for Manchester United.
"He looks like he has been there for years – and that is the biggest compliment I can give him.
“He has come in from Arsenal so he knows what it is like to be at a big club. I think that will have helped him.
“He doesn’t look like he is playing with pressure, he looks calm, he’s composed, he gives them good balance with his left foot, he looks quick and he looks like he likes defending.”
Credit: Reuters Myles all smiles
Sticking with Lewis-Skelly, he has arrived at St George's Park for his maiden senior England camp.
And he received a warm welcome from his new manager and team-mates.
Credit: Getty 
Credit: Getty 
Credit: Getty Lewis-Skelly reveals England reaction
Myles Lewis-Skelly's reaction to his England call-up has been revealed.
The teenager said: "I’m buzzing. Honesty I was so elated, just shouting around my house!
“Obviously I'm excited for what's coming up, but you’ve always got to stay locked in on the present and not get too attached to the feeling that’s coming later down the line."
Body language expert says Arteta is 'feeling pressure' as Arsenal boss
Body language expert Richard Stanton believes Mikel Arteta is feeling the pressure as Arsenal boss, and is giving hints away through his gestures.
Speaking to , Stanton said: "If you look back at what we’ve seen from Arteta, he doesn’t make these sorts of gestures very often, so I think this is quite a significant moment in his career.
"This looks to be one of the most emotional times that he’s been through.
“That sort of humming gesture and the shame, he’s thinking about how this impacts on him, his persona, his reputation and whatever values and beliefs he holds. I think what’s happened is now going against all that.
“We’re looking at shame and anger that results like this one are making him look bad, not in a selfish way necessarily but because the buck stops with him.
"When you want the ground to open up and swallow you, that’s the impression Arteta was giving off in that moment.
“And it is significant because I don’t think he has experienced too many moments like this in his management career, and that’s why we look at baseline behaviours and any deviations from them, because he hasn’t made too many of these gestures in the past.”
Thomas Tuchel strongest XI includes two Arsenal stars
Thomas Tuchel's highest-rated starting XI includes two Arsenal stars, according to statistical analysis by .
The formation is set out in a 3-4-3 shape, which then sees Declan Rice playing in midfield while teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly lines up at left wing-back.
Rice has a rating of 7.05 out of 10 compared to Lewis-Skelly's 6.49.
Arsenal ratings v Chelsea
Arsenal collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.
Mikel Merino broke the deadlock with a gorgeous looping header that nestled into the net at the unmarked Chelsea back-post.
The Spaniard’s goal, however, wasn’t enough to cover up a poor performance in front of goal for the Gunners.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard missed chances and should have sent Arsenal into the half-time interval at least two goals up.
Marc Cucurella nearly equalised for the Blues after a David Raya howler as the keeper spilled his volley and the ball nearly rolled in at the back post.
Two ugly fouls from Wesley Fofana could have both seen red, but somehow, the Chelsea defender went unpunished.
The first, a clear stamp on Declan Rice’s hamstring after bundling him over. And the second, a reckless lunge that caught Trossard late on the shin.
After sailing through to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven, the Gunners reduced the gap to 12 points at the top of the table but still lacked the attacking instinct a true number nine brings.
Click below to see how SunSport's Conor Jones rated Arsenal's performances in North London.
How 11th place in the Premier League could get into Europe
Premier League could have as many as 11 teams competing in Europe next season.
Newcastle secured a place in the Europa Conference League on Sunday after winning the Carabao Cup at Wembley.
The Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 to end their 70-year trophy drought and take home the first piece of silverware on offer this season.
Although Conference League qualification is already in the bag, Eddie Howe and Co will be hoping to go one better come the end of the Premier League campaign.
Newcastle currently sit sixth in the Prem table, just one point behind fifth-placed Manchester City.
As things stand, five clubs are set to earn Champions League football due to the performance of English teams in Europe this term.
Arsenal loan watch: Vieira shines
Fabio Vieira is shining on loan at FC Porto after scoring in the team's latest 2-0 win.
It is the 24-year-old's third goal in five games, while he has also grabbed two assists in that period.
Arsenal urged to sign ex-Chelsea star
Joe Cole has urged Arsenal to sign ex-Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Cole said on The Dressing Room podcast: “I’ve been so happy for him. He had a really bad injury and it took him while to get back to where he is now.
“He feels like he can drive past players again. You know what my advice to him would be? There might be some big clubs sniffing around for him but he’s playing football and is happy and enjoying himself.
“There might be big clubs in stature like Arsenal or Man City having a look. But look at what you’ve got right now.
“There’s something special happening at Forest and when you’re playing and you’re happy it’s massive.”
Arsenal have been looking for a capable deputy to Saka for many years before stumbling on Ethan Nwaneri, though his future may lay more centrally.
Hudson-Odoi is also able to play on either wing which would make him an ideal addition.
Chelsea fans fuming after spotting Maresca’s gesture to Timber
Chelsea fans were not impressed with Enzo Maresca after he was "disrespected" by Arsenal's Jurrien Timber.
Blues head coach Maresca, 45, watched his side fall to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the Emirates.
Maresca and Timber were involved in an incident during the closing stages of the match in North London.
The Arsenal full-back was caught on camera leaning in and telling Maresca on the sideline to: "Try harder, try harder."
Maresca responded with his mouth covered, before Timber cheekily held out his own hand.
The Chelsea boss shook it, with play resuming deep into stoppage time on the field.
Dominance over Chelsea continues
After yesterday's 1-0 win, Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Chelsea.
They have won five of those clashes at an aggregate score of 17-6.
Saka has "good chance" of returning after the international break
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the potential return of winger Bukayo Saka.
The 23-year-old required surgery on his hamstring after he sustained a major injury during the Gunners' 5-1 win over Crystal Palace in December.
Speaking after Arsenal's 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday, Mikel Arteta said that Saka has a "good chance" of featuring in April.
Credit: GETTY Williams contact
Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Nico Williams' representatives over a potential move this summer.
According to reports, the Athletic Bilbao forward is one of Mikel Arteta's top targets.
Williams reportedly has a released clause in his contract, which is said to be somewhere between £48million and £67m.
Credit: AFP Arteta on Merino's striker role
“And we know that, that was the emergency situation that we are in at the moment, but the way he’s approaching it is incredible.
“He wants to understand everything, he wants to learn from it, he’s very critical of himself all the time and at the end, the reality is that he’s winning football matches for us, which is incredible. He’s never played in that position before in his life.”
Odegaard's Saka notes
Martin Odegaard has revealed more about Bukayo Saka's progress from injury in his programme notes for the Chelsea game.
He wrote: "He’s around us every day at Sobha, and he’s so determined to come back as soon as he can.
"I know what it’s like when you feel you are so close to being able to play, but not quite there, you feel you are ready.
"But he just has to make sure he takes his time and is fully sharp when he does get back out on the pitch. He’s getting closer, and we want to see him back as well of course because losing his qualities is a big miss for any team."
Stadium plans
ARSENAL are exploring ways to expand the Emirates' capacity after being approached by an architect, reports claim.
It comes as Premier League rivals are moving quickly to expand their grounds or building new ones to supercharge financial revenue.
Arsenal are now mulling over their options as they attempt to keep up, according to The Mail.
Talks are reportedly at an early stage, with a number of potential options being considered.
The cost and the length of the project are the main factors being discussed by Arsenal chiefs, while the impact on the surrounding area is also a major factor.
Hilarious Arteta
Mikel Arteta kept a Sky Sports reporter on his toes by pretending to walk out of his post-match interview.
The Spaniard was feeling in a comical mood following his side's 1-0 win over Chelsea.
See the hilarious video in our story below.
Ozil's return
Mesut Ozil returned to the Emirates to cheer Arsenal on against Chelsea.
The German World Cup winner showed a picture of his seat, while captioning the snap with his trademark: "YaGunnersYa."
Ozil was famously frozen out by Mikel Arteta, before he was forced to leave the club.
However, clearly there are no hard feelings.
Sane link
ARSENAL are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements.
The club's recent injury crisis has highlighted the lack of squad depth at the Emirates, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and on-loan winger Raheem Sterling the only available options in attack.
Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad when the summer transfer window opens.
And German outlet Bild has claimed that Sane could be a top pick.
The 29-year-old's Bayern Munich contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
Williams talks
ARSENAL have contacted Nico Williams' representatives about a bargain summer transfer, according to reports.
The Gunners are hoping to significantly bolster their attack ahead of next season.
Williams, 22, has excelled in LaLiga with Athletic Bilbao and was among Spain's star players as they won Euro 2024 last year.
According to Bild reporter Christian Falk, Arsenal have opened dialogue with Williams' management team over a potential summer move.
The winger has a release clause in his contract, understood to stand somewhere between £48million and £67m.
Williams on his love for Bilbao
Nico Williams, a target for Arsenal and Man Utd, has spoken of his love for his current club, Athletic Bilbao.
Williams told France Football: “This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible. Everyone respects everyone else, which is incredible.
"This atmosphere, I’ll never have it anywhere else. I decided to stay because of that. I took the decision I thought was the right one. I’m happy, and I’m trying to do my best."
