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Arsene Wenger compares Ethan Nwaneri to former Arsenal captain

Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger believes teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri is ready to play a major role in the team, drawing comparisons to former club captain Cesc Fabregas.

The 17-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a breakthrough season, becoming a regular fixture in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Since making history as the Premier League’s youngest-ever debutant in 2022, Nwaneri has continued his rapid rise, netting seven goals in all competitions this season.

His latest performance came in Arsenal’s crucial 2-0 win over Leicester City, where he played a key role in setting up Mikel Merino’s first goal. With the Gunners short on attacking options following injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, Nwaneri is set for a more prominent role in the final stretch of the season.

Arsenal on red alert as enticing new Alexander Isak price emerges after huge Newcastle decision

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have been given a major boost as they can now sign Alexander Isak for a discounted fee, according to a report.

Isak is enjoying another fantastic season in front of goal, having found the back of the net 19 times in 29 appearances so far. The striker has scored twice against Arsenal this season and ran centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel ragged during their League Cup semi-final second leg on February 5.

Jamie Carragher has labelled Isak the best centre-forward in the Premier League this season, while Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Sweden international is Arsenal’s dream target to fill the void at No 9, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko another option.

Arsenal have previously been put off moving for Isak by Newcastle United demanding a remarkable fee of £150million (€180m / $189m) for him.

As per Catalan outlet Sport, Isak could be available for a far more reasonable fee of €100m (£83.3m / $105m) this summer.

Newcastle will be forced to drop their asking price significantly if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Magpies know that Isak is determined to shine in the competition and establish himself as one of the best strikers in the world.

While the Premier League looks set to be given an extra Champions League spot, there is still a possibility Newcastle will miss out on qualification. Following their 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, Eddie Howe’s side sit seventh.

Newcastle will have to fend off the likes of Bournemouth, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Fulham in order to make Europe’s premier knockout competition.

Declan Rice and Gabriel send injury messages after another Arsenal star undergoes surgery

Arsenal seemingly cannot escape injuries at the moment with Reiss Nelson the latest to undergo surgery in order to fix a muscular issue. The 25-year-old joined Fulham on loan this past summer but has not featured since their win over Brighton back in December after suffering a hamstring injury.

When asked how long he could miss, Fulham boss Marco Silva said: “Reiss Nelson is going to be longer. Difficult to say when he’s going to be back. Probably around 10 weeks.” With his estimated return date gradually approaching, Nelson was closing in on a comeback until he suffered a new problem.

“Reiss Nelson got another injury in the other leg two days ago,” Silva revealed ahead of Fulham vs Nottingham Forest. “It looks serious again, it’s a big blow for us.” Silva was seemingly proven right in that verdict as Nelson posted an update to social media from a hospital bed.

Chelsea ‘preparing’ €100m bid for ‘untouchable’ Barcelona star to fill problem position

Chelsea are planning a HUGE bid for Barcelona star Jules Kounde in the summer as Enzo Maresca’s side aim to bolster their defensive options, according to reports from Spain.

The Blues got off to a flying start this season but their form has dipped dramatically and they’ve now dropped to sixth in the Premier League table.

Chelsea haven’t kept a clean sheet in a league game since December – highlighting their need for more solid players at the back.

According to a stunning report from Spanish outlet Sport, Chelsea are preparing to launch a mammoth bid for Barcelona ace Kounde.

The report claims that the Blues are willing to splash an eye-watering €100m (£83m, $105m) on the 40-time capped French international.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, for their part, are said to consider Kounde ‘untouchable.’

However, given the Catalans’ ongoing financial issues, a bid of €100m would no doubt have to be considered if it arrived.

‘It was amazing’… Hansi Flick left impressed by Barcelona trio’s La Masia footage

FC Barcelona have a rather rich history of relying on their youngsters to always aid the first team. No matter the age, any player that proves himself to be capable enough can get a big opportunity. Even this season, Barcelona has clearly been dependant on their youth and for good reason.

owever, their performances and high level should not take away from the fact that these players are still just youngsters. The expectations may be extremely high, but these youngsters are still at a stage where they are learning and growing with each passing game.

Even recently, as highlighted by SPORT, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick shared an interesting story during his press conference ahead of the crucial La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano at the Montjuic Stadium:

How will Barcelona line up against Rayo Vallecano in a monster La Liga match?

After a rare full week of rest and training in beautiful Catalonia, Barcelona are back in action for a rare Monday night La Liga game when they meet Rayo Vallecano at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.

Barça are the last of the three title contenders to play this weekend and the two Madrid teams shockingly dropped points in their matches on Saturday, which means the Catalans can finally reclaim top spot in the table for the first time in two months with a win. But it won’t be easy against a Rayo side that hasn’t lost in the league since the beginning of December and always makes life hell for Barça, home or away.

Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Monday’s battle

Defense

Flick gave three days off to his squad after a very busy January and start of February, allowing his group to recharge and get ready for a crucial run of games in all competitions over the next few weeks. Barça will have another free week after this one, so it’s hard to expect any rotations and the coach is likely to pick his strongest available team.

Possible XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsí, Iñigo, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)

Arsenal ‘reach four-year agreement’ with confirmed Real Madrid target after big salary promise

Arsenal are increasingly confident of signing Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi despite rival interest from Real Madrid, according to reports.

The Gunners have been in regular contact with the Spaniard’s entourage over the past few months, with negotiations understood to be at an ‘advanced’ stage.

Real Madrid have held talks of their own, however, and haven’t given up on hijacking Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi, with the race still in the balance.

It’s claimed that the Gunners are prepared to ‘double’ Zubimendi’s wages and have ‘reached an agreement on a four-year contract’ with him.

However, ‘despite the financial and sporting incentives on offer, the 26-year-old remains cautious about the move and is seeking assurances on non-football-related matters before committing to the transfer.’

The report alludes to the fact that Zubimendi has spent his entire career with Sociedad and has a deep-rooted connection with the club, so he is still considering whether to say goodbye to the San Sebastian-based side.

Our sources state that Madrid’s representatives are actively ‘trying to convince’ Zubimendi to ‘reject’ Arsenal and head to the Bernabeu instead, so the race is far from over yet.

Alexander Isak ‘verbal agreement’ hands Arsenal £83m transfer lifeline after injury blow

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak reportedly has a verbal agreement with the club to leave for a new challenge amid interest from Arsenal.

The Gunners will be looking to add a centre-forward to their ranks in the summer transfer window having found goals hard to come by without a recognised striker. Kai Havertz has been the first choice centre-forward this season bagging 15 goals but he is now out for the remainder of the campaign with a hamstring injury in a huge blow.

Last summer, Arsenal created a profile for the ideal striker as they looked to add to their attack. Isak fit that bill but an approach was not made.

This season, the Swede has shown Arsenal why they should have tried to sign him. The forward has scored 19 goals in 29 appearances this campaign and it appears the Gunners would be interested in bringing him in, should the opportunity arise.

According to Sport, that opportunity could be just around the corner. They claim that Isak has a verbal understanding with Newcastle that should a bid of £83.3m or more be submitted in the summer, he would be allowed to explore that opportunity.

The Catalan outlet explains that Barcelona are interested in the forward but currently do not have the finances available to complete such a deal. Liverpool are also mentioned as a possible suitor and could be a serious challenger to Arsenal should they win the Premier League as they have not spent heavily since Arne Slot was appointed.

Why Arsenal gem Ethan Nwaneri’s masterclass in 2-0 win v Leicester City should actually worry Martin Odegaard

Ethan Nwaneri continues to show that he is destined for the very top in an Arsenal shirt as he starred for his boyhood club in their crucial 2-0 victory against Leicester City.

Setting up Mikel Merino’s first goal, Ethan Nwaneri proved to be a real difference-maker from the right-wing and deservedly garnered praise for his latest heroics.

Merino lauded Nwaneri’s showing against Leicester as he described the 17-year-old as an “amazing player” after reflecting on how the pair combined for the eventual winner on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Michael Owen felt Nwaneri outperformed Merino against Leicester as the pundit claimed that the teenager was “the best player on the pitch.”

Even Joe Cole expressed his admiration towards Nwaneri as he dazzled at the King Power Stadium and looks like a real top player already for one of the best teams in the world.

As the Englishman shone for Arsenal, Martin Odegaard should have every reason to be concerned as the youngster showed that he has all the attributes to even take his spot one day.

Odegaard is a phenomenal player and remains one of the Gunners’ most important players.

But in Nwaneri, it is clear to see that Arsenal have a player who is much more of a match-winner than the Norwegian international.

Unlike Odegaard, who is more of a connector on the pitch, the highly-rated wonderkid is a player that turns games around by producing moments of magic that only the very best attacking players do — as exemplified by his exceptional assist for Merino’s headed goal.

Nwaneri, who has been compared to Cesc Fabregas is similar to the World Cup winner in the respect that he matches skill and productivity — already scoring an incredible seven goals across all competitions for the North Londoners this season.

Mikel Arteta lauded Odegaard’s display against Leicester as he proved once again that he has the ability to dictate the tempo of games — a habit that Nwaneri still lacks and one that is developed by several midfielders over time.

But quite often this campaign and over the past few years, when Arsenal have lacked an X-factor barring Saka to bail them out of games and the former Real Madrid playmaker has failed to step up — not due to his own inadequacies but because he is the type of player that who sets the stage for the other protagonists to shine.

Perhaps the best example in recent memory is that Odegaard, in terms of his profile and not his actual quality is similar to David Silva while Nwaneri is more reminiscent of Kevin De Bruyne.

While Silva also won games singlehandedly for Manchester City, his job was was to emerge as a match-winner while pulling the strings while De Bruyne would terrorise teams in the final third due to being a player who can especially change games in specific moments — as demonstrated by Nwaneri’s stunning goal against Girona in the Champions League recently.

Why Martin Odegaard pushed Mikel Merino right after his second goal during Arsenal’s 2-0 win vs Leicester City

Mikel Merino emerged as Arsenal’s unlikely saviour as he came off the bench to score a clinical brace during their 2-0 victory against Leicester City.

Previously, Merino expressed his desire to play up front and the former Real Sociedad midfielder was granted his wish by Mikel Arteta as he looked the part as an emergency striker.

Mikel Merino showcased his seemingly natural instincts as a goalscorer, patiently waiting for his chance as soon as entered the pitch.

The Spaniard’s patience was rewarded, with Ethan Nwaneri listening to Merino’s advice and delivering a pinpoint cross in the lead-up to his first goal.

Leandro Trossard also spotted a free Merino inside the box, who scored a tap-in after a simply brilliant delivery from the Belgian in what was a deserved win for Arsenal.

The European Championship winner would have been delighted after the triumph as he has had a difficult return to the Premier League so far.

Martin Odegaard pushed Mikel Merino to celebrate during Leicester City vs Arsenal

Troy Deeney questioned Merino’s quality despite him scoring the winner in Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Brentford.

Jamie Carragher doubted whether Arsenal needed Merino as one of their summer signings.

But as all top players do, Merino did his talking on the pitch against Leicester and after scoring his second goal, Martin Odegaard pushed his teammate to do his trademark celebration in front of the fans.

The Pamplona-born dynamo proceeded to listen to Odegaard, with his celebration especially having a special meaning as it is inspired his father and former Osasuna star Angel Merino.

Interestingly, Arsenal had concerns about signing Merino when they initially deliberated over whether to make a move for him.

However, Mikel Arteta pushed to complete his countryman’s signing.

Arteta clearly seems to back Merino, as demonstrated by the fact that he was confident that the box-to-box midfielder could do a job as a centre-forward.

In the aftermath of Arsenal’s latest win, the man of the moment revealed his manager’s bold prediction as well.