SETTABLOID

Mikel Arteta has Raheem Sterling in mind after Arsenal lose Kai Havertz

Arteta has already named Sterling as a potential solution to the injury crisis at the Emirates Stadium, saying: “Leo can play in that position. Raheem has played in that position. Ethan, I think, can play in that position. Martinelli can play there.”

Interestingly, Declan Rice also feels he could score 20 goals a season if he played as a striker, so Arsenal could well push the England international further forward to deal with the loss of Havertz.

TBR Football also understand Arsenal are considering using a defender up top in the wake of the German’s torn hamstring – with Riccardo Calafiori one man who has shown his attacking prowess so far this season with impressive finishes away to Manchester City and Wolves.

Arsenal target world’s most in-demand defender to succeed Saliba as Real Madrid fears mount

Arsenal have joined the race for Dean Huijsen, with a report claiming how much the Gunners will have to pay for the Bournemouth defender who could be a potential successor to William Saliba as Real Madrid ramp up their interest in the French star, while a new claim is made about Sverre Nypan’s future after his failed move to the Emirates Stadium in January.

Huijsen has developed into one of the finest young defenders in the Premier League in just a few months at Bournemouth. The 19-year-old joined the Cherries from Juventus only last summer, and he is already being regarded as one of the most exciting and promising prospects in the game.

Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested in Huijsen, with sources telling us that the Spanish sensation has drawn interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich too.

The report has revealed that the defender has a release clause of £55million in his contract at Bournemouth, which has alerted Arsenal.

Tottenham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also said to be keeping an eye on the Spain Under-21 international.

Arsenal’s interest in Huijsen comes at a time when Madrid are ramping up their interest in Saliba.

Madrid have reportedly already made contact with Saliba’s entourage over a summer move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arsenal value the defender at £100million, and although manager Mikel Arteta would loathe to lose one of his best players, Saliba himself is said to be ready to move to Madrid.

The France centre-back sees Madrid as his ultimate dream club and would also love to play with his international teammate and friend Kylian Mbappe for the defending Spanish and European champions.

Barcelona pushing for top-class summer reinforcement to challenge first-team regular

Barcelona are actively searching for reinforcements in the right-back position, aiming to provide stronger competition for Jules Kounde, with a report from Mundo Deportivo suggesting that the club is keeping a close eye on the market to address this need.

Sporting director Deco has stated that Barcelona will not require many signings for the 2025-26 season. However, among the few additions they are considering, full-backs—particularly on the right side—are a key priority.

The club recognises the importance of ensuring depth in the squad, even though Hansi Flick believes Kounde has adapted well to the role.

Despite being a natural centre-back, the Frenchman has embraced his position as the team’s first-choice right-back. Yet, there is a sense within the coaching staff that the squad must be prepared for any potential setbacks.

Barcelona have an internal option in Hector Fort, but he has not been fully convincing as a reliable alternative.

Over the last eight La Liga matches, he has seen very little game time, featuring only briefly—19 minutes against Valencia and a short spell against Real Betis. This lack of minutes has raised concerns over his readiness to step in when needed.

One of the names under serious consideration is Vanderson, a 23-year-old right-back from AS Monaco. Barcelona have been following him for some time, largely due to Deco’s recommendation.

The Brazilian has been a standout performer in Ligue 1, and his club values him at around €30 million. However, Monaco are not keen on selling and have declared him non-transferable.

Additionally, Barcelona face stiff competition from Premier League clubs, which poses a significant challenge in securing his signature. Vanderson remains under contract with Monaco until 2028, making any potential transfer even more complicated.

Deco talks Pedri, Gavi, Balde, Cubarsi, Raphinha, Olmo, Victor

Barcelona sporting director Deco recently sat down for an in-depth conversation with SPORT, where he discussed key aspects of the club’s current situation.

He reflected on Xavi’s departure, Hansi Flick’s arrival, and the ongoing efforts to renew player contracts. Among the various topics, the focus also shifted to young talents within the squad and their importance to the club’s long-term vision.

Deco made it clear that Barcelona’s main objective during the winter transfer window was not necessarily bringing in new players but securing contract extensions for key figures.

The club successfully renewed the deals of Pedri and Gavi, two players considered vital for the team’s structure and future success.

However, he emphasised that while renewals are important, the primary goal is to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level across all competitions.

The club successfully renewed the deals of Pedri and Gavi, two players considered vital for the team’s structure and future success.

However, he emphasised that while renewals are important, the primary goal is to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level across all competitions.

In addition to the aforementioned trio, Deco highlighted other young stars who have the potential to grow even further. He singled out Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Fermín Lopez, and Alejandro Balde as players who can significantly develop in the coming years.

He noted that both Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal are exceptional cases, as it is rare for players so young to possess such strong personalities and cope with the intense pressure of playing for Barcelona.

Hugo Larsson already on Arsenal’s radar, Gunners monitoring him ahead of summer

Arsenal are one of the contenders to sign Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson at the end of the season.

The Gunners are likely to strengthen their midfield department in the summer with the possibility of multiple departures.

Jorginho and Thomas Partey have less than five months left on their contracts, and the duo could leave on free transfers.

Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal’s priority target. He is reportedly poised to join them.

However, the Gunners could pursue another young midfielder too, and SportBild claim that the club could target Larsson.

Top European sides are already ‘knocking on the door’ for the Swede including Arsenal, who have been watching him closely.

Frankfurt are willing to sell for £42 million but have advised him to stay another year to gain a better competitive strength.

The 20-year-old has had a fine start to his Bundesliga career. He can comfortably operate from the number six and number eight positions.

Larsson, who has eight caps with the Sweden national team, has caught the eye with his impressive distribution and ball control in midfield.

He has completed 89 percent of his passes this term with an average of four recoveries and two duels won.

Larsson has also chipped in with five goal contributions in all competitions. He should only get better with age and experience over the coming seasons.

The youngster, who has ‘enormous potential‘ as per Frankfurt sporting CEO Markus Krosche, seems prepared for a bigger challenge elsewhere.

Arsenal could explore signing him alongside Zubimendi, but the final decision could rest on the youngster, with Frankfurt open to doing business.

Arsenal star Declan Rice makes feelings clear with cheeky reaction to Liverpool draw at Everton

Declan Rice made his feelings clear with his reaction to Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton on Wednesday. Arne Slot’s Reds missed the chance to move nine points clear of second-place Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table after James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute equaliser earned the home side a draw.

In the final-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Everton started on top and took the lead less than a quarter of an hour in. A smart free-kick from Jarrad Branthwaite set Beto through on goal and the forward kept his cool to slide the ball past Alisson in the Liverpool net.

Arsenal Champions League next round opponents revealed

Arsenal’s path in the Champions League is beginning to take shape following the first-leg results of the play-offs, with a likely opponent emerging for the round of 16.

Mikel Arteta’s side secured automatic qualification to the knockout stage after finishing third in the revamped Champions League format. However, they are still awaiting confirmation of their opponent, with Juventus, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, and AC Milan as the possible contenders.

Juventus took a crucial first-leg advantage over PSV Eindhoven after a late winner from Samuel Mbangula secured a 2-1 victory. The Belgian substitute’s 82nd-minute strike handed the Italian side a slender lead heading into the return leg in the Netherlands. Juventus had initially gone ahead through Weston McKennie’s thunderous effort in the 34th minute, but veteran winger Ivan Perisic equalised for PSV early in the second half.

Meanwhile, AC Milan struggled in front of goal against Feyenoord, suffering a 1-0 defeat after an early mistake by goalkeeper Mike Maignan allowed Igor Paixao to score from a tight angle in the third minute. Milan will now need a comeback at the San Siro to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

With the ties still wide open, the Gunners could face any of the four clubs that still have work to do in the second leg next week. However, as it stands, Arsenal will face either Juventus or Feyenoord in the Round of 16.

FC Barcelona News: 12 February 2025: Robert Lewandowski extension agreed, Pedri happy with leadership role

Robert Lewandowski has already agreed a one-year extension in his contract at Barcelona before his renewal is automatically activated by a clause.

Brazilian side Palmeiras are ready to step up efforts to sign Vitor Roque from Barcelona before the transfer window closes in Brazil at the end of the month.

Ferran Torres was expected to play at Sevilla after bagging a hat-trick but ended up not being used. The reason is because he felt soreness in his hamstrings during the warm-up.

Alexia Putellas is determined to make even more history with Barcelona and has sat down for an interview to outline her aims for the rest of the season.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has admitted that he’s enjoying playing a key role for the team and is happy to be one of Hansi Flick’s leaders ont he pitch.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has been full of praise for young team-mate Lamine Yamal in a new interview where he’s discussed his team-mates.

Saudi Pro League clubs are pushing to sign Luis Diaz from Barcelona. Diaz has previously been linked with Barcelona and admitted it would be a dream to play for the club.

No one in Europe surpasses 21-year-old Barcelona midfielder in one key metric

FC Barcelona have made light work of most of their opponents since the start of the new year. From Real Madrid to Valencia, across various competitions, Hansi Flick’s men have looked unstoppable. However, it is not just the results themselves that make Barcelona look this good.

It is also the way they play and the outrageous number of goals that the team has been scoring. Already on the right track to take on some historic numbers and records set before in certain legendary seasons, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side thrives thanks to their offensive tactics.

However, what makes the team so lethal is not just the fact that the key regular players are stepping up, but also because the entire squad seems to be interested in getting on the scoresheet somehow. With the likes of Ferran Torres also giving players like Robert Lewandowski a proper challenge, it is clear to see the team’s overall quality and competitiveness.

Another player who has certainly stepped up this year is 21-year-old Spanish midfielder Fermin Lopez. According to Mundo Deportivo, he has been Europe’s most efficient midfielder in terms of goal contributions so far in 2025 thanks to the goals that he has scored and the assists that he has provided.

With 4 goals and 3 assists since the start of the new year, Lopez has been extremely impactful for Barcelona whenever he has played. In just 456 minutes across 9 games, with only three starts, the player has showed up against the likes of Valencia, Sevilla, and Real Betis across various competitions.

Elite striker chooses Arsenal over Man Utd, with ‘significant’ bid prepared

A striker Fabrizio Romano has confirmed is one of two confirmed targets for the summer prefers joining the Gunners over Manchester United, though why a deal still isn’t straightforward has been revealed by a report.

Arsenal’s need for a potent new striker has become painfully clear as the season has rolled on. The Gunners did attempt to sign a frontman in the winter window, with a bid totalling £60m tabled for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Watkins would ultimately stay at Villa amid the club’s complete unwillingness to sell after already offloading Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr.

But per transfer guru Romano, Arsenal also looked into moves for Alexander Isak (Newcastle) and Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig) who remain confirmed targets for the summer.