After seeing Raheem Sterling at Arsenal’s training, and I have already noticed a significant change ahead of the North London derby…

Having watched Raheem Sterling in training with Arsenal, I can identify one major change that stands out.

Raheem Sterling has been diligently participating in Arsenal training during the international break and is poised to potentially make his debut in the upcoming north London derby following his transfer from Chelsea.

The environment at Arsenal is believed to be more conducive for Sterling’s success compared to his time at Chelsea.

Sterling executed a surprising late loan transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal on transfer deadline day after being overlooked by Enzo Maresca.

Although the 29-year-old forward has yet to play for the Gunners, he may take the field in the Premier League match against Tottenham this Sunday.

 

As reported exclusively by Mirror Football, Sterling turned down a lucrative £650,000-a-week offer from Saudi Arabia to join Arsenal.

 

He has previously established a strong rapport with Mikel Arteta during their time together at Manchester City and is thrilled to reunite with the Arsenal manager.

 

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas expressed optimism about the transfer’s potential benefits for all involved.

 

“I believe this can be a very advantageous move for Raheem Sterling,” he stated to Prime Casino.

 

“It appears to be a positive transition for Arsenal, and it’s evident that Sterling is genuinely pleased to have joined the club.

 

“I’ve seen images of him in training; he appears happy and at ease. His body language is much improved compared to his time at Chelsea.

 

“While I cannot confirm this, I observe his demeanor and listen to his comments about Arsenal since his arrival, suggesting he may have always aspired to play for the club.

 

“Being a London native, perhaps this is the jersey he has always desired to wear.”

 

My assertion that his departure from Chelsea wouldn’t be detrimental was justified. He failed to demonstrate his potential at the club.

 

It’s straightforward. Now, he has a chance to showcase his skills as a player, and collaborating with a manager familiar with him may facilitate that process.

 

Arsenal possesses a wealth of wingers, and his addition would enhance that lineup. However, they are in need of a striker, which they did not acquire.

 

If Sterling can find the back of the net, it would be a significant boost for both the club and Mikel Arteta. I have a strong inclination that he might excel in that role at Arsenal.

 

Sterling previously played alongside Jorginho at Chelsea, and the Italian midfielder believes he will seamlessly integrate into Arsenal.

 

“You understand the club dynamics—especially with Mikel and Edu’s vision—so the players they are bringing in are undoubtedly the right fit, ensuring positive outcomes,” Jorginho remarked.

 

“When you recognize a player you’ve shared the field with and are aware of their strengths, you instinctively know how they can contribute.

 

You already have an understanding of how to deliver the ball to them, eliminating the need for adjustment.

 

He continued, “Once we learned he was joining us, it became clear he would be a tremendous asset with his skill set.

 

“Having already achieved success, I believe this is a wise acquisition, and he can significantly enhance the team.”

Martin Odegaard out of North London Derby as Arsenal get fresh injury timeline amid Man City fear

Arsenal have been handed a fresh Martin Odegaard injury timeline after the midfielder suffered a nasty-looking ankle injury while playing for Norway against Austria

Martin Odegaard of Arsenal boards the team flight to the USA at Stansted Airport on July 21, 2024
Martin Odegaard is set to miss the North London Derby on Sunday (Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is set to be ruled out for at least three weeks after injuring his ankle on Monday, according to Norway manager Stale Solbakken and national team doctor Ola Sand.

The 25-year-old went down midway through the second half during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria after being on the receiving end of a challenge from Christoph Baumgartner. Odegaard appeared to be in some pain as he limped off before being replaced by Kristian Thorstvedt.

On Tuesday, Odegaard was pictured boarding an aeroplane on crutches and no shoe on his left foot. Upon his return to London, it’s reported Odegaard was assessed further and had an MRI.

Now, Sand and Solbakken expect Odegaard to be out for the next couple of weeks and miss Sunday’s North London Derby. “Both Stale and I know that that collection hangs in the balance. It is not excluded. But we have to wait and see both what the MRI images show and how quickly he responds to treatment,” Sand told VG.

“Ankle injuries are very painful right away. With Martin, it was extremely painful. He became very worried. They are studying the MR images now, and have sent them on. No violation is suspected. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus.

“What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle. Martin now writes that Arsenal wants to take over all communications after they have taken an MRI and are doing the further investigations.”

As well as the game against Tottenham, Odegaard could miss the Premier League trip to Manchester City as well as their opening Champions League fixture against Atalanta. Mikel Arteta’s side face seven matches before the next international break in October.

“It is difficult for us if we are going to play without Martin, considering that it is Slovenia at home and Austria away. He is probably the one who has been the least injured of those who are completely bombproof in the eleven under me,” Solbakken said.

“Martin has been present the whole time. Now we get into a new situation, if that happens. But I don’t know anything more. It can take longer and it can go faster. It is individual, too. It’s not quite overnight with three weeks. Then it’s not the worst ankle injury on earth. Then there is hope.”

 

Two big contract decisions Edu still needs to make after Mikel Arteta extends Arsenal deal

Mikel Arteta has committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new contract – with two senior players in Jorginho and Thomas Partey now into the final 12 months of their deals.

Jorginho shakes hands with his Arsenal teammate Thomas Partey.
Jorginho shakes hands with his Arsenal teammate Thomas Partey. (Image: AFP)

After extending his contract with Arsenal, Mikel Arteta may be wondering which of his players will follow suit by prolonging their stays in North London. The Gunners have enjoyed a rapid rise under Arteta’s stewardship and are, once again, expected to be in Premier League title contention this season.

News of Arteta’s extended deal will serve as a major plus for the club when attempting to convince prospective signings to head for Emirates Stadium – and could have played a part this summer – with the Spaniard now set to stay for the long haul in a bid to secure trophies.

It could also work to Arsenal’s advantage when the north Londoners are trying to renew deals of existing players, who might have pursued opportunities elsewhere had Arteta not stayed put in their dugout.

Two players thought to be approaching the end of their contracts are Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who the club will soon have to start negotiations with to have any chance of keeping them on the books. Jorginho put pen-to-paper on a new contract back in May, although it’s understood it was only for an extra 12 months. Both players will be able to negotiate with clubs abroad over a free transfer once the January transfer window opens.

Looking further ahead to summer 2026, four players will be leaving unless talks can be held to retain their services. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are the individuals in question, there, while there’s one obvious name who the club would be foolish to let leave.

 

Trossard has been a standout performer for the Gunners since joining from Brighton and sporting director Edu will probably want to start addressing the Belgian’s future sooner rather than later. Things then start to get even more serious in 2027 – with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus tied down until then.

Below is a reminder of when every Arsenal player will reach the end of their respective contracts;

2025

Jorginho

Thomas Partey

2026

Kieran Tierney

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Leandro Trossard

Oleksandr Zinchenko

2027

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel Martinelli

Bukayo Saka

William Saliba

2028

Riccardo Calafiori

Kai Havertz

Jakub Kiwior

Mikel Merino

Martin Odegaard

Declan Rice

Jurrien Timber

Edu has three Arsenal deals to negotiate after new Mikel Arteta contract amid Real Madrid fear

Edu Gaspar has negotiated yet another Arsenal deal but this time it is the continuation of Mikel Arteta’s managerial tenure with the club. He signed a two-year extension to take his current deal through to 2027.

The Brazilian has been busy bringing in five players in the summer, more than both Manchester City and Liverpool combined, and yet has still faced some scrutiny from corners of the fan base for not having done enough. What he cannot be criticised for however is the consistent nature in which new deals for players and the manager are agreed.

Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal – stats, team news, line-ups

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium forms the backdrop for Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League showdown as Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal in a mouth-watering north London derby.

With the international break now in the rearview mirror, both clubs will look to get their campaign back on track after dropping points before the brief hiatus.

Ange Postecoglou’s side head into the contest on the back of a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat against bogey side Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

Mikel Arteta’s side also dropped two points after playing out a disappointing 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, although their task was more complicated as they were forced to see out the game with ten men.

Both sides will be keen to get back to winning ways this weekend, knowing a positive result in a huge clash like the north London derby could spark their campaign back to life.

 

Aaron Ramsdale reveals he tried his best to change Mikel Arteta’s mind and force his way back into Arsenal XI

Aaron Ramsdale has revealed that he tried his best to change the mind of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and force his way back into his starting XI before eventually leaving.

The England international lost his spot to David Raya last term shortly after the Spaniard joined on a season-long loan from Brentford.

Arsenal ended up keeping 16 clean sheets in the 32 Premier League games the 28-year-old featured in, forcing Ramsdale to leave for Southampton this summer once it became clear there was no way back for him in Arteta’s first XI.

Mikel Arteta agrees new three-year contract at Arsenal

Arsenal have made good progress over the past few seasons and the hierarchy have now rewarded the manager with a contract extension.

The Spaniard’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of the season and the Gunners have now prolonged his stay until the summer of 2027.

The news should be a huge boost for the Gunners ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

The club have had a tough time with early season injuries. Mikel Merino has already been ruled out of action until late October with a shoulder fracture.

Gabriel Jesus could return from a groin issue for the derby, but Martin Odegaard is a huge doubt after suffering an ankle sprain on international duty.

Theo Walcott insists Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri is not ready to start against Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal will be without midfielder and captain Martin Odegaard for their trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday after he twisted his ankle on Monday night.

Manager Mikel Arteta has a selection headache ahead of the North London derby, and there are suggestions Ethan Nwaneri could be an option to start in the place of the Norwegian in the middle of the park.

However, former Arsenal star Theo Walcott does not think that is a good idea, insisting the 17-year-old Hale End academy graduate is not ready to start in such a high-profile match.

Shock Arsenal transfer decision to pay off immediately as Bukayo Saka set for new role

Arsenal have been handed a number of significant setbacks in the last two weeks ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Tottenham. The latest North London Derby will be contested at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Mikel Arteta faces a number of huge decisions in the build up to the clash.

In their most recent league outing against Brighton, Declan Rice was sent off and will subsequently be suspended. That major blow came just a few days after new signing Mikel Merino picked up a shoulder injury in training with his debut now unlikely to arrive until early November.

Club captain Martin Odegaard has since suffered an injury of his own which is expected, at the very least, to keep him out of Sunday’s game, the Champions League trip to Atalanta and the clash against Manchester City seven days later. With so many key players missing, it is certainly time for a number of stars to step up to the plate.

Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s talisman and he will be needed again over the next three games with Arteta set to hand him a brand new role. Raheem Sterling may also be required sooner than expected with attackers like Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard also able to cover for absences in midfield.

Arsenal will not play in red against Tottenham for first time in 38 years as home kit judged to clash with Spurs’ traditional strip

Arsenal have announced that the PGMOL and Premier League have ruled that their 2024-25 home kit features too much white and clashes with Tottenham Hotspur’s traditional colours.

As a result, the Gunners will wear their black away kit for Sunday’s North London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Gunners discussed the option of wearing red shorts and socks on their home colours for the game, but it was rejected.

Tottenham will also wear their away colours when they visit Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in January.

Arsenal have already worn their black away strip this term when they faced Aston Villa at Villa Park in their second Premier League game of the season, securing a 2-0 victory in it.

They will fancy their chances of leaving Tottenham with all three points having won each of their last two games at the ground of their bitter rivals.

Arsenal won 3-2 on their last visit back in April and they also emerged 2-0 winners against them in January 2023.