SETTABLOID

Arsenal are about to deal Liverpool a bitter blow in their quest to sign Sverre Nypan, with a report revealing how much the Gunners are ready to pay to Rosenborg as Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in the midfielder also comes to light.

Nypan is one of the best and most promising young players in Europe and has done well for Rosenborg in recent times. Despite being only 18 years of age, the midfielder has established himself as a regular in the Norwegian club’s first team and has scored 13 goals and given 11 assists in 60 matches in all competitions so far.

The Norway Under-21 international midfielder set a club record for Rosenborg when making his senior debut back in 2022. Nypan was 15 years, 10 months and 18 days at the time and became the Norwegian outfit’s youngest-ever player to feature in a competitive match.

Arsenal were close to signing Nypan in the January transfer window, but the teenager had a late change of heart and decided to stay at Rosenborg.

It was reported last week that the Gunners are still keen on a deal for the teenager, but Liverpool were “pushing” to convince Nypan to move to Anfield and snub a transfer to the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window.

However, it seems that Arsenal have won the race to the prized signature of Nypan.

Football Transfers has reported that the Gunners have agreed personal terms with Nypan and have offered him a five-year contract.

Although the youngster has not yet made a final decision, it is expected that he will join the Arsenal first team this summer.

According to the report, the Norwegian midfielder “is set on playing for Arsenal”, with a development plan already “put in place and communicated to him by Mikel Arteta, which he is very excited about”.

Football Transfers has added that Arsenal could pay as much as €15million (£12.4m / £15.6m) for Nypan, which would be a record-breaking deal for a Rosenborg player and make him the most expensive exit in the Norwegian club’s history.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice were seen arguing on the pitch following the stalemate between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

Cameras at the City Ground captured the two players locked in a heated discussion, as the result put Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League table following their 2-0 win over Newcastle United. Arsenal have a game in hand over their rivals and could close the gap to ten points with just as many games left to play.

It was the second successive game in which Arsenal dropped points following the 1-0 home defeat to West Ham last weekend. As they are looking to fall short of the title for a third season in a row, tensions flared on the pitch.

Rice was spotted gesturing and shouting towards Gabriel as they were walking off the field. When asked about the incident, Mikel Arteta told reporters: “They’re probably demanding [more from] each other.

“I really don’t know the topic that they discussed. I don’t know, I haven’t seen it. I walked to the referees and our supporters, and didn’t see anything.”

Rice has spoken highly of the Brazilian centre-back on numerous occasions since completing the move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2023. “The one who’s really surprised me is actually Gabriel,” Rice said last year. “He’s so aggressive, so strong, really wants it all the time, never loses a duel.”

Last May, he then said: “Do you know what, obviously there was a lot of talk about Saliba before I came here. There was always talk about Saliba, no one ever really spoke about Gabriel. Honestly, that guy, without him as well we’d be in a bit of trouble.”

Gabriel has formed a formidable partnership with William Saliba and has become a key figure for the Arsenal team over the years.

Of Atletico Madrid’s two Spanish league title’s this century, one man has been at the forefront of it all. Diego Simeone. You can’t miss him.

Behind the scenes there are plenty at play, weaving their magic to keep Madrid in competition with two of the world’s biggest teams. Someone now of immediate interest to Arsenal is a lesser known figure: Andrea Berta.

From scout to sporting director across 14 years, the Italian – who has previously been at Parma and Genoa – is one of those who has helped to form some of Madrid’s best squads. Building on a foundation of defensive solidity, togetherness, discipline, and hard work, Berta and Simeone have had great success.

Since becoming technical director in 2013, Madrid have reached two Champions League finals, won La Liga twice, lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Europa League, also claiming the Spanish Super Cup. They have consistently fought with the best and richest, making a two-team league a genuine three-horse race at times.

Berta’s departure from the Metropolitano was announced last month but he leaves with Madrid right in the mix to be crowned champions again. Since his arrival they have only ever fallen out of the top three once and never below fourth. Compare that to just one top three finish before he was promoted to sporting director.

He has now been linked heavily with the vacant role left by Edu Gaspar at Arsenal. Since the surprise exit earlier this season a process has been continued to ensure Arsenal fill it well.

Jadon Ayto stepped up to manage the January transfer window but no final decision has yet been made, football.london understands. Tomas Rosicky is not a leading candidate as has been reported previously, whilst Real Sociedad chief Roberto Olabe talks have quietened.

Ayto remains under consideration. Luis Campos is appreciated across the European scene. Chelsea are not set to appoint him in a role at the head of BlueCo’s recruitment, football.london has also been told.

Jorginho has called on his Arsenal teammates to continue pushing after the draw with Nottingham Forest left them 13 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. While the Gunners drew a blank at the City Ground, Arne Slot’s side put in a dominant display to beat Newcastle United 2-0.

Though that gap can be reduced in March when the Reds compete in the Carabao Cup Final, it would take a considerable collapse and the Gunners to suddenly improve their attacking combinations for the title race to reignite.

As more ground was lost, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was understandably frustrated by the result. “Very disappointed not to win it. Today the standards were very different to the previous game. The energy, the willingness to make things happen. We certainly tried many different ways,” he said in a press conference.

“We dominated the game, apart from one in the second half after one or two direct free-kicks where they had something in the box and one or two giveaways that allowed them to run. Apart from that, nothing.

“With the amount of situations we generated, the moment we opened them up, we lacked certainly that final pass, the quality on that delivery and certainly more shots on target to actually win it and be more efficient.” The Gunners now have a free weekend and more time to prepare for their Champions League last-16 first leg away at PSV.

Though no one associated with Arsenal may admit it, Europe could become the main focus with Jorginho making it clear what he and others have to do in order to start winning games again.

“We need to keep pushing, we need to keep going. We need to find the solutions to score, to create more chances in the box, more shots. Everyone needs to step up and do a bit more for the team,” he brutally admitted through Arsenal’s official channels after the game.

With so many attackers absent through injury, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and others need to start contributing in front of goal especially as Liverpool midfielders are making such a huge impact with that continuing on Wednesday evening.

Mikel Arteta was disappointed with his side’s draw with Nottingham Forest after Arsenal failed to score for the second league game in a row. Mikel Merino was again chosen up top and despite the display being better, it remained short in the areas that mattered in the final third.

Arteta was asked for updates on the substitutions made during the game with both Riccardo Calafiori and Nwaneri coming off. He was asked about the options from the bench, including the youth players, but failed to commit to looking to use them.

Very disappointed not to win it. Today the standards were very different to the previous game. The energy, the willingness to make things happen. We certainly tried many different ways. We dominated the game, apart from one in the second half after one or two direct free-kicks where they had something in the box and one or two giveaways that allowed them to run. Apart from that, nothing. With the amount of situations we generated, the moment we opened them up, we lacked certainly that final pass, the quality on that delivery and certainly more shots on target to actually win it and be more efficient.

How difficult is it for you to find players in the system that you need to score goals?

We try and adapt to the qualities they have, how we can help the team to create different things, to have threats from different qualities. Probably they are not about arriving in the box and creating some magic moments. They are all the kind of players and we try to adapt to that and do the best that we can.

Even the set-pieces, which you’ve been so good at this season, you’re struggling to almost make them work and capitalise on them.

We have two big chances, I think. We generated at least much more but it’s true that it has to go on the net and it’s been so helpful, especially when we lost so much threat in the attacking options that we have. Set-pieces are a key element of that, especially against a team that defends in such a low block. We couldn’t open it up even with that and very disappointed.

How can you solve it? There’s still a lot in this season, isn’t there? How can you solve it to get goals?

Well, we have another day or two now to think before the PSV game. Other options that we have, especially against a team that are in this low block. If we wouldn’t arrive, if they would open up, if they would be an opponent much better than us, I would be probably in a very defensive state. I know what it’s like. It’s a lot to play for and we need to find a solution to unlock it.

Can I just check if Riccardo was injured or was that a tactical?

No, I took him off because he had a yellow in the second minute. I think he had one or two situations, defending Hudson-Odoi. We could not play again with ten men.

Just with Ethan as well, some of the crowd didn’t seem too happy about him taking off because he was playing quite well. Is that about managing him?

No, he was cramping from minute 45. So we tried as much as we possibly can but we cannot lose the player and he was really fatigued.

I know we’re all talking about what more can you do to try and find a solution for goals but it feels like you’ve tried everything almost the last three weeks. Is it going to come to a point soon where the young boys on the bench, you maybe need to give them a shot?

We will think about that. I think we have many more options still to explore but we certainly can do better with the situation that we are in. Especially, unlocking certain moments, the final pass, the quality on the deliveries, the consistency after sustained attacks. We have to insist. There’s no reason not to insist and support them and give the best that we all have.

How hard is the challenge when you see that gap to Liverpool with the score widening to meet the momentum up and the motivation of the players?

It’s about what we can do. It was like this a week before, two weeks before, three months ago. It’s the same. That’s the only thing we can control. We’re going to have a real chance to do anything. Today we dropped two points which is very painful again and we have to step up. We have the Champions League, we have a beautiful competition in front of us and we need to be ready for Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta provied an update on the fitness of Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori after Arsenal’s goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal knew only a win would likely keep their faint Premier League title hopes alive after their defeat to West Ham last weekend.

But the Gunners could not summon a performance to claim all three points at the City Ground as a lack of goalscoring threat came back to haunt Mikel Arteta’s side for a second game running.

And with Liverpool cruising to a 2-0 win over Newcastle, Arne Slot’s side extended their lead at the top of the table to what appears to be an insormountable 13 points.

Without several attackers due to injury, 17-year-old Nwaneri started his third successive game but was withdrawn midway through the second half.

While the substitution did not go down well with many of the travelling fans, Arteta insisted that he had no choice but to make the change as he looks to keep the teenager fit as he takes on a much greater burden.

‘He was cramping from minute 45, so we stretched him as much as we possibly could but we cannot lose the player and he was really fatigued,’ Areteta said post-match.

Calafiori, who hit the post in the first half, was also brought off at half-time but Arteta said the change was merely tactical and nothing injury-related.

‘I took him because he got a yellow in the second minute,’ the Spaniard added.

‘He had one or two situations defending Hudson-Odoi and we couldn’t not play again with 10 men.’

While Kai Havertz is expected to be out for the rest of the season, there is hope that Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka could return to give the Gunners a much-needed boost in the closing stages of the season.

But Arteta was wary when asked if the attacking duo would be ready to go after the upcoming international break.

‘I think so but again let’s see how they evolve in the next few weeks to make the right steps and then after that, they’ve been out for a long, long time, so we’re going to have to integrate them as well gradually,’ he said.

Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League took another hit on Wednesday night as they drew 0-0 at Nottingham Forest to likely lose even more ground on Liverpool.

Despite having the better of the minimal chances, the Gunners went another game without finding the back of the net as their struggles in-front of goal continued.

Failure to come away from Nottingham with three points was followed by another win for Liverpool. The league leaders were on course to beat Newcastle United on Wednesday at the time of writing meaning Arteta’s men are now 13 points off the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal’s next five fixtures

March 4 vs PSV Eindhoven (A) at 8pm – Champions League L16

March 9 vs Manchester United (A) at 4.30pm – Premier League

March 12 vs PSV Eindhoven (H) at 8pm – Champions League L16

March 16 vs Chelsea (H) at 1.30pm – Premier League

April 1 vs Fulham (H) at 7.45pm – Premier League

Arsenal dropped more points despite performing much better on the road at a difficult ground. It almost certainly surrenders the title as the Gunners begin to look more over their shoulders.

Riccardo Calafiori nearly went from villain to hero early in the first half. Firstly getting booked inside three minutes and nearly giving away a penalty, to then spinning the Forest defence before firing a strike on to the post.

Both Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba had to put in massive tackles on Chris Wood in the game, last-ditch moments that showcased the strategy of the home side, to absorb pressure and hit on the break.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:

William Saliba – An amazing challenge from William Saliba to deny an obvious goal for Chris Wood from close-range. Consistent throughout the game and the standout on the night for the Gunners besides a late loose pass. 7

Gabriel Magalhaes – Excellent early tackle on Chris Wood to stop a counterattack striker. 7

Riccardo Calafiori – Booked inside three minutes after a cynical stop on Callum Hudson-Odoi. Had a great effort at goal, spinning the Forest defence before angling a shot to the far post, unlucky. That yellow was likely the reason he was taken off at half-time. 6

Jorginho – Coming into the side as the only change from the weekend, replacing Thomas Partey. The Italian gave what he always does, a solid display, calmness and accurate passing and was replaced midway through the first period after a solid game. 7

Declan Rice – After his poor display against West Ham, Mikel Arteta clearly wanted a response and he did get that. The key progressor from the first half, taking several players on to find a shot and delivering a great corner Merino arguably should’ve scored from. 7

After a quiet January transfer window, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is planning for a significant squad overhaul in the summer.

TEAMtalk understands that the Gunners are planning to go big on new signings and a number of players could also leave the club.

Kieran Tierney has already reached a pre-contract agreement to return to former club Celtic and Jorginho has reportedly agreed terms with Flamengo for a free transfer.

We have taken a look at five other players who are fighting for their futures at the Emirates. Note: we’ve not included Takehiro Tomiyasu or Gabriel Jesus, who have both been ruled out for the rest of the 2024/25 season.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Zinchenko joined Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and played a key role in turning Arteta’s side into title contenders.

But the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly has seen him plummet down the pecking order this season.

The Ukraine international has made just 14 appearances in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, only four of which have been starts.

He has also entered the final 18 months of his contract at the Emirates and there have been no talks over a possible extension.

Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid were reportedly looking to sign the 28-year-old in the January transfer window but a move failed to materialise.

Zinchenko – who was a boyhood Arsenal fan – now has a chance to prove his worth to Arteta once again before the summer window opens.

Jakub Kiwior

Arsenal forked out an initial £17.5million and another further £3.5million in potential add-ons to sign Kiwior from Spezia in January 2023.

The versatile defender has been an able understudy to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of their defence, while also providing strong cover at full-back.

But he remains a bit-part player and has made just 16 appearances in all competitions in 2024/25, with only two starts in the Premier League.

As things stand, Arsenal are reportedly willing to let the Poland international leave in the summer if they receive an offer in the region of £20million.

He has been linked with several European clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli, Atalanta, Fiorentina, Bologna, Sevilla, Villarreal and Marseille.

The 25-year-old may get more opportunities before the end of the season as Arteta’s side battle for silverware on two fronts, and he will need to impress if he wants to save his Arsenal career.

Thomas Partey

One of the first signings of the Arteta era, Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in the 2020 summer window for a fee of £45.3million.

The midfielder endured an injury-stricken campaign in 2023/24 but has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers in recent months.

Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest looking to rediscover winning form after their defeat to West Ham at the weekend. Mikel Arteta sees Liverpool take on Newcastle hoping for a glimmer of fortune to help revive the club’s title ambitions.

The Spaniard must do so still without many of his key starting players. However, he has now welcomed Ben White back into the squad, and Ethan Nwaneri is fine after overcoming some fatigue over the weekend.

Forest, meanwhile have basically a fully fit squad to choose from and Nuno Espirito Santo has some selection headaches. After the 4-3 defeat to Newcastle, form has dipped and they have lost three of their last five matches. The Gunners will hope to exploit this.

Saliba brilliant

Goal-saving slide challenge from Saliba, just as Wood was about to shoot. Brilliant from the Frenchman

Wood denied

Wood is slipped through and manages to squeeze a shot at the Arsenal goal. Easy save from Raya, who parries away.