Arsenal enter deadline day in the January transfer window still looking to do business before it slams shut but with time slowly fading, the Gunners are facing a quiet one.
Mathys Tel had been one to keep an eye on earlier in the day but the Bayern Munich star is now set to join north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The 19-year-old had interest from Arsenal, as well as Manchester United.
It means Mikel Arteta’s men are running out of time to sign a new attacker ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline. Dusan Vlahovic’s situation at Juventus could be one to keep an eye on following Randal Kolo Muani’s move to Turin.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak have all been linked over the past month and it remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta and his recruitment staff have a surprise up their sleeves.
There are many Barcelona players this season that are performing at a top level. After all, there is a reason that the Catalan club has been to compete across various different competitions in this campaign. However, Barcelona also do not have any plans to stop right here.
With several players consistently giving great performances, it is hard to pick any standout performers. However, there is little debate over the fact that a certain 17-year-old Barcelona winger is arguably the most prodigious talent at his age that most people have ever seen.
Throughout this season, he has delivered some top performances on a consistent basis. Even though his 10 goals across all competitions is as impressive as it gets for a player of his age, the statistics that are even more impactful are his assists and creativity.
In fact, as highlighted by SPORT, he is only outperformed by one player across Europe’s top leagues when it comes to providing assists. That player would be Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who is arguably having one of the best seasons that he has ever had across a rather long career.
For the Egyptian forward, this season could go down as one of his best ever. However, it must be remembered that Salah is currently 32 years old, while Yamal is still only 17. Moreover, even before the Barcelona star will get to turn 18, Salah would have already reached the age of 33.
Even repeating the fact that Yamal is still just 17 years old does not do justice to the quality he has shown this season. With 14 assists to his name across all competitions, the Barcelona star is simply in a league of his own when it comes to setting up his teammates.
FC Barcelona continued on their winning ways in La Liga with their last victory over Alaves, after having thrashed Valencia 7-1 in their previous league match.
Robert Lewandowski was once again the difference maker for the Catalans, as he scored the only goal in this game to give them a much-needed win, that gets them within 4 points of reaching Real Madrid, the current league leaders.
In addition to aiding his team in this crucial aspect, this goal further solidified the Pole’s reputation as one of Europe’s top strikers. According to Mundo Deportivo, this strike took his season tally to 30 goals—the highest in the top five European leagues.
The 36-year-old Barcelona star has already scored 18 goals in La Liga, 9 in the Champions League, 2 in the Copa del Rey, and 1 in the Spanish Super Cup.
With his 30 goals, Lewandowski is above the likes of the Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane (26 goals) and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah (25 goals). Similarly, the Manchester City forward Erling Haaland also currently has 25 goals to his name.
Behind these players is the Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, with his 21 goals this season. Omar Marmoush, who recently completed his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City has 20 goals, while Alexander Isak (Newcastle United), Mateu Retegui (Atalanta), and Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint Germain) all have 19 goals to their names this season.
FC Barcelona did not start off the La Liga encounter against Alaves on the best possible note. Hansi Flick’s men could not get into any sort of rhythm in the first 45 minutes and a stop-start nature certainly did not help their cause.
With Real Madrid losing to Espanyol the previous day, it was very important for Barcelona to capitalize and get closer in the title race. Los Blancos had a seven-point lead prior to this game week that has been cut down to four at this point.
Ultimately, Barcelona ended with a 1-0 victory over Alaves on the night, thanks to a goal from Robert Lewandowski. However, having played such a tepid first half, Hansi Flick’s substitutions at half-time changed the game in the team’s favor.
The German coach decided to start the game with Marc Casado and Ronald Araujo but changed it up at half-time, bringing on Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia. The duo played exceptionally well in the game against Alaves and this needs further understanding.
As per stats from Sofascore, Frenkie de Jong had a faultless display against Alaves. Playing 45-odd minutes, the numbers show that the 27-year-old did not put a single foot wrong throughout his time on the pitch.
Frenkie recorded 45 touches of the ball, completing 100% of his 41 attempted passes. This included one key pass that created a chance for Barcelona. He also completed his only attempted long ball on the night.
Defensively, Frenkie attempted two ground duels, winning both of them and also recorded one clearance and one interception. It was a performance of the highest order from the Dutch midfield star who continues to build momentum with each passing game.
Ollie Watkins is ‘gutted’ that Aston Villa have rejected Arsenal’s advances for him as he still wants a move to Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal submitted a bid of around £40 million (€48.2m , $49.5m) for the England international last week but that was quickly rebuffed by Villa.
With fellow striker Jhon Duran being sold to Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr over the weekend for a fee worth up to £71m (€85.5m , $87.7m), Watkins’ importance at Villa has only increased.
While Donyell Malen joined from Borussia Dortmund last month, he can not lead Villa’s attack in the way Watkins can; making him practically indispensable at present.
With hours of the transfer window remaining,Watkins, who grew up supporting the Gunners, still wants to join Arsenal and is ‘absolutely gutted’ about Villa not letting him leave.
As our sources previously revealed, Arsenal are considering a late bid for the 29-year-old, who fears the north London outfit may end their interest in him this summer.
Arsenal registered an emphatic 5-1 win over Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with team mates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Gunners had five different goalscorers including Kai Havertz, who was one of the stand-out players.
The Germany international provided a second-minute assist for Martin Odegaard’s goal.
Havertz was guilty of missing a clear-cut scoring chance midway through the opening half but made amends by bagging the Gunners’ fourth goal on the counter-attack in the 76th minute.
Speaking after the game, captain Martin Odegaard heaped praise on the 25-year-old. He said that Havertz had a ‘massive impact again’ and he is a top player with or without possession.
Havertz had the best start to the game with a brilliant assist for Odegaard but made the headlines at the interval after squandering another golden opportunity to score.
However, he kept up his intensity in the second half and bagged a goal of his own. The German answered his critics in fine fashion with two goal contributions on the day.
Havertz has accumulated 15 goals and five assists from 33 appearances across all competitions this term. It is his best scoring campaign since moving to England.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United on Wednesday. They must overturn a 2-0 deficit to make the final.
Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Manchester City was more than just three points. It was a statement, a reminder, and a warning all rolled into one.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Thomas Partey of Arsenal (obscured) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC at Emirates Stadium on February 02, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
With Liverpool setting a relentless pace at the top, Arsenal needed a performance to convince themselves — and their rivals — that they are still in this title race. They did just that, dismantling the defending champions with an intensity and ruthlessness rarely seen against Pep Guardiola’s side.
To do so without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus made it even more impressive. Mikel Arteta’s team played with a belief that City, once their biggest obstacle, were now there to be beaten. They did not just win — they dominated.
This was the first time in a long while that Arsenal comprehensively outplayed City, and the celebrations reflected that. The taunts and euphoria were not just about the result, but about what it symbolised. The Gunners have been second-best to City in recent years, and this was a cathartic moment.
Even when City equalised through Erling Haaland, Arsenal never lost control. Within seconds, they restored their lead as Thomas Partey’s effort deflected in off John Stones. From there, they turned a tight contest into a rout.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri announced themselves with crucial goals, the former even mocking Haaland with his own “Zen” celebration. Kai Havertz, who could have crumbled after an earlier miss, completed the humiliation by making it 5-1.
Arteta’s game plan was perfect. Arsenal pressed City at the right moments, forced mistakes, and were clinical in transition. “You have got to have the bravery to go after them,” Arteta said. “The players showed that today.”
Defensively, they were disciplined and aggressive. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard covered every blade of grass, while William Saliba and Gabriel kept City’s attack quiet. David Raya, often criticised this season, played his part with smart distribution and crucial saves.
Arsenal’s tactical flexibility stood out. They mixed up their build-up, going long when needed to avoid City’s press. It was a clever adjustment that disrupted Guardiola’s usual control over the game.
Arsenal are ready to pay above and beyond to secure the signing of Nico Williams, a report has claimed, and when the deal could go through – as well as the player’s thoughts on joining the Gunners – has also come to light.
The north London side are yet to add to their squad so far during the winter window despite trying and failing to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa last week and having hovered with intent around several other striker deals, including Dusan Vlahovic. However, while Sunday’s thumping 5-1 victory over Manchester City illustrates the calibre of the Arsenal squad, Mikel Arteta has not hidden from the fact that he would very much like to add more firepower up front.
And with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both currently sidelined – the latter for a lengthy spell after a serious ACL injury – there is the feeling that the Arsenal attack still lacks the quality and depth to seriously challenge for the game’s biggest prizes.
However, reports on Monday claim the Gunners are unlikely to spring any late transfer surprises but are already making plans for the summer window by targeting a deal for Athletic Bilbao star Williams – a player Arteta has long admired.
Prising the 24-cap Spain winger away from the Estadio San Mames has always been a difficult task, however, owing to the winger’s huge €58m (£48.2m, $59.6m) release clause which has needed to be paid in full.
Gabriel Martinelli has come to the defence of Myles Lewis-Skelly’s much-talked-about celebration during Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City, asserting that the young Gunner meant no disrespect to Erling Haaland.
After netting his first goal for the senior team, Lewis-Skelly imitated the City forward’s trademark meditation celebration. Post-match, with Arsenal’s title hopes invigorated, manager Mikel Arteta seemed to caution his squad about over-celebrating.
However, Martinelli backed his team-mate, whose second-half goal highlighted another standout display from the academy graduate. “I don’t know if it (the celebration) was planned, but, for sure, he respects Erling a lot,” said Martinelli. “He scored an amazing goal, and he has been brilliant recently. We are really happy for him.”
Haaland, who briefly equalised for City in the match at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, had previously been on the receiving end of Arsenal’s attention after his “stay humble” remark to Arteta during the frenzied 2-2 draw earlier in the season at the Etihad Stadium. Before Lewis-Skelly’s nod to Haaland’s celebration, Gabriel had yelled in the face of the Norwegian following Martin Odegaard’s goal, and Arsenal fans also didn’t shy away from taunting the striker, who responded by gesturing towards the Premier League champions badge on his sleeve.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has moved to reiterate his appreciation for one member of his squad, on the back of the club’s meeting with Deportivo Alavés.
Barca of course marked their return to action a short time ago.
In the knowledge that a victory would see them close the gap on table-topping Real Madrid to just four points, the Blaugrana welcomed the aforementioned Alavés to Catalunya’s capital.
And, when all was said and done, emerge on the right side of the result is precisely what Hansi Flick’s troops managed.
A solitary goal, netted by Robert Lewandowski on the hour mark, proved all that was required to put a game Alavés to the sword.
After breaking free at the back post, the Pole showcased all of his goalscoring instincts, in directing a volleyed finish high into the net from close range.
His latest strike took Lewandowski’s tally for the season to a hugely impressive 30 goals.
Speaking to the media post-match this evening, it therefore came as little surprise when the name of his side’s chief goal-getter was put to Hansi Flick.
