SETTABLOID

Arsenal have made contact with Victor Osimhen’s camp, with a journalist in Nigeria revealing that the Gunners are ready to trigger his release clause as an alternative to Martin Zubimendi emerges for the Gunners.

Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world and is on the radar of a number of top clubs in Europe. TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Rudy Galetti has reported that Manchester United and Chelsea are among the teams interested in the Nigeria international, who is on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli for this season.

There has been speculation that Man Utd are so keen on Osimhen that they are willing to include Rasmus Hojlund in a deal with Napoli to bring the striker to Old Trafford instead of paying his release clause of €75million (£62m, $78m).

Man Utd desperately need to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window, with neither Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee showing that they can be prolific goalscorers.

Arsenal also need to sign a top-quality number 9, with Gabriel Jesus struggling to score frequently when fit and Kai Havertz not very clinical in front of goal.

Despite Man Utd’s strong interest, it seems that it is Arsenal who have taken a massive step towards signing Osimhen, who has scored 20 goals and given five assists in 27 appearances this season and has been described as a “world-class striker” by Fenerbache head coach Jose Mourinho.

According to Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, Arsenal have made official contact with the striker’s camp and are ready to trigger his release clause.

While this is potentially huge news for Arsenal, one has to treat this with caution. No other reputable sources are claiming that the Gunners have been in contact with Osimhen, so one must wait for major outlets to back this claim before drawing a full conclusion.

Mikel Arteta needs to be backed in the summer transfer market if he is to make waves in the Premier League next season. Barring a catastrophic turn of events from Liverpool, the Gunners will once again finish the season in second place.

After back-to-back runners-up finishes behind Manchester City in the last two campaigns, much was expected of Arsenal this season. Particularly with City struggling for form after four Premier League title wins in a row.

However, Liverpool are the ones who have stepped up in the absence of Pep Guardiola’s side at the top of the table, somewhat unexpectedly in Arne Slot’s first season at the club.

Arteta has struggled to find consistency from his players throughout the season and it will once again be runners-up spot for the Gunners – or worse if the chasing pack can take advantage of inconsistent form – for the third year in a row. Has Arteta taken the club as far as they can go, or is there another gear to be found?

The manager called for reinforcements, particularly up front in the January transfer window, but no signings were made, despite concerted efforts from those behind the scenes. The Spaniard needs to be backed in the summer transfer window, or Arsenal run the risk of either the manager leaving for pastures new, or players deciding they have more chance of winning silverware elsewhere.

Arteta must clear the decks at the Emirates Stadium too, however with a number of players surplus to requirements to open up wages and squad spots for new signings. Here football.london takes a look at the players who need to leave.

Gabriel Jesus has offered a glimpse into his injury recovery as the Arsenal striker continues his rehabilitation after undergoing knee surgery.

The Brazilian suffered an ACL injury during the FA Cup clash against Manchester United on January 12 and is expected to miss the majority of 2025. The 27-year-old had scored seven goals in 27 appearances before then and his absence has been a huge blow to Mikel Arteta, who is also without Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

“Further to being substituted during our match with Manchester United on Sunday, Gabriel Jesus has received extensive assessments, scans and specialist reviews which have confirmed that he has sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee,” Arsenal said in a statement on January 14.

“Gabby will undergo surgery in the coming days and will soon begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme. We will continue to keep everyone updated with Gabby’s recovery, with everyone at the club fully focused on supporting Gabby to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

Jesus posted a picture of himself leaving hospital, with two crutches in the air, days later on social media. “There will always be answers to everything, which we will only know later on. I believe and trust in God,” he said at the time.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were among those who commented on the picture, with the striker clearly a popular member of the Gunners dressing room. As the former Man City man continues his long and gruelling recovery, he issued another update on his Instagram Stories on Thursday.

Jesus posted a video of himself laying down on his sofa watching TV, with the striker zooming into his left knee at the start of the clip. The Brazil international accompanied the video with a love heart, praying and massage emoji.

While Jesus’ 2024/25 season is over, the striker will be intent on getting himself back fit for next campaign. The Gunners are also expected to buy a new striker in the summer and it remains to be seen whether that will impact Jesus’ future in north London.

Much like the work carried out under former sporting director Edu Gaspar, Arsenal are being just as considered in appointing his replacement. The wait for that figure to be named is coming to an end, though.

football.london understands that there are numerous candidates being considered for the highly important role. Current interim Jason Ayto is among them.

He oversaw the January transfer window – which has now frustrated many as it left Mikel Arteta without additional attacking support and no backup for Kai Havertz. Whoever is picked to replace Edu on a full-time basis will have to work closely with Arteta.

Between them, the two ex-players helped to transform Arsenal over a number of years. It is reported by The Athletic that Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe, and Thiago Scuro are also options.

A final decision is set to be made in March with interviews being held next month. Here, football.london writers give their thoughts on the names listed and decide who should be called to the post.

Tom Coley

Sporting directors are very hard to judge. There are so many different factors at play and reasons for success or failure. It is rarely transferable to other clubs.

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.