ARSENAL have been urged by former Gunner Emmanuel Petit to sign Brighton ace Alexis Mac Allister.
The Brighton ace played a pivotal role in Argentina's World Cup triumph which has led Petit to believe that he would fit Arsenal's system perfectly.
Meanwhile Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly extended his contract at the Emirates until 2027.
Martinelli, 21, was picked up from the lower leagues of Brazilian football in 2019 and he has become an integral part of the team
Elsehwere, Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign fringe full-back Cedric Soares.
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- Kiro Evans
Jewel in the Crown
If Arsenal are to sweep their way to the Premier League title come May, you imagine Bukayo Saka will be at the centre of it.
With three goals at the World Cup, the 21-year-old showcased his talent to millions around the globe.
And that form in Qatar followed his fantastic start to the season at the Emirates. Saka can boast four goals, six assists and some all-round outstanding performances in the league so far this season.
Bukayo Saka is one of the stars of the Premier League - Kiro Evans
Taking the Myk
Shakhtar Donestk chief Carlo Nicolini has warned Arsenal they are NOT alone in trying to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The Premier League leaders have been consistently linked with the £85million-rated winger in recent months.
Speaking to Calciomercato, Nicolini said that: "There is interest from Arsenal, I cannot deny it.
"Many clubs have taken an indirect interest in Mudryk without an official offer. There have been a lot of phone calls."
- Kiro Evans
The Waiting Game
Arsenal are willing to wait until the summer to try and claim Youri Tielemans on a free, reports claim.
The Belgian midfielder's Leicester contract expires at the end of the season when he will be available for nothing.
But he can talk to clubs outside of England and agree a pre-contract from January.
Football London report that the Gunners are prepared to take the risk rather than committing to a fee in January.
- Kiro Evans
Spoilt for Choice
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has drawn up a list of several stars for the Gunners to hunt down in January.
The former midfielder believes that the London club are not short on options if they want to turbocharge their title bid with new faces.
Petit told MegaCasino: "They need to be active. I said a couple of months ago in the English press that there were two or three forwards I think would be phenomenal at Arsenal. [Allan] Saint-Maximin, maybe [Wilfried] Zaha and the young guy from Dortmund who played a handful of minutes at the World Cup for Germany, [Youssoufa] Moukoko, who has been linked with Chelsea recently.
"If we’re talking about midfielders for Arsenal, I know the links are there with Tielemans at Leicester, who I think is a good player but I’m not sure he is what Arsenal needs. I’m a big fan of two players from Brighton: Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo."
- Kiro Evans
Man of the Moment
Gabriel Martinelli is closing in on a new big money deal at Arsenal, according to reports.
It follows a brilliant start to the season with the Brazilian winger coming on leaps and bounds since August.
He has already struck five goals in 14 Prem games this season, one fewer than what he achieved in the entirety of the last campaign.
The 21-year-old has also featured in every single league game this season, compared to last season when he was not always a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.
Gunners fans will be praying he can put Brazil's World Cup disappointment behind him and continue to march on.
- Kiro Evans
Top Marts
Former Man United star Kleberson has hailed Gabriel Martinelli as the Premier League's best Brazilian star.
The Arsenal winger is reportedly set to sign a new, big-money contract at the club and is receiving big recognition.
Fellow Brazilian Kleberson exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: "There are so many quality Brazilian guys playing in the Premier League right now; but there's one player in particular who stands out to me, and that's Gabriel Martinelli.
"He's really young, but every time I watch him play he just looks so good, and he's constantly improving with every game. He's a great talent, and while he has so much of a Brazilian style to his game, I see flashes of an English player in there, too.
'He's got a quick touch, he looks a lot stronger in the last year or two. When Arsenal are attacking from either wing, he just has a great reading of the game, he knows when to make his run, he knows where to be. He's so exciting."
- Kiro Evans
'I cannot deny it'
Shakhtar Donetsk's Sporting Director has admitted Arsenal are interest in winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The Ukrainian club are clinging hold of their superstar winger who has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Emirates.
Sporting director Carlo Nicolini told Calciomercato: "Today, Mudryk has been told, like all other players, to present himself for the training in Antalya on the 9th of January.
"There is interest from Arsenal, I cannot deny it."
- Kiro Evans
Thick and Fast
Mikel Arteta will be hoping Arsenal rediscover their pre-World Cup form immediately – because the fixtures will be coming at them very quickly.
January particularly represents an awkward set of games for the table-topping Gunners.
26th Dec: West Ham (H)
31st Dec: Brighton (A)
3rd Jan: Newcastle (H)
9th Jan: Oxford (A – FA Cup)
15th Jan: Tottenham (A)
22nd Jan: Man United (H) - Kiro Evans
Big Mac Deal
Arsenal could be in a fight with a Atletico Madrid to sign World Cup star Alexis Mac Allister.
The Brighton forward capped a fantastic tournament in Qatar by being one of Argentina's star players in their dramatic final win over France.
The 23-year-old is set to return to a quiet life at the Amex while big clubs scrap over his signature.
AS say Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are the main contenders for his signature, but it is likely his value has risen after his World Cup performances.
- Kiro Evans
Mat's a Fact
Arsenal are set to lose the race for Atletico forward Matheus Cunha.
The London club had been linked to the attacker as they looked to replace injured Gabriel Jesus.
But now Wolves are reported to have secured the 23-year-old.
The initial deal would be a loan but there would be an obligation to buy at the end the season for a fee that could rise to £35m, according to reports.
- Kiro Evans
Make or Break
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit fears that the World Cup break could throw off the Gunners' title challenge.
The Premier League resumes on Boxing Day with the London side having established a five point lead before the domestic season paused.
Former midfielder Petit told Mega Casino: "The break is so long. Six or seven weeks, it's huge, so it's hard to know because this has never happened before.
"I have many questions about the players that went to the World Cup and those that stayed. How was the training? Where was the competition? Many of them have been playing some friendlies and doing some warm weather training to try and take advantage of the weather, but this is only training. It is not competitive.
"After a seven week break, players coming in and out, are they going to keep the same dynamic? Are they going to keep the same mentality? The same unity?"
- Kiro Evans
Martinelli set to sign
Gabriel Martinelli could be about to commit to a new Arsenal contract that would see his wages rise to £200,000.
The Brazilian is enjoying a brilliant season at the Emirates and is attracting interest from huge clubs like Barcelona.
The Mail report contract discussions are now at an advance stage over a new deal which will see him become one of the club's highest-earners.
The 21-year-old is believed to be happy at the Emirates and will be looking to help them capture their first Premier League title since 2005 when top-flight football returns on Boxing Day.
- Chisanga Malata
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal's medical staff are targeting February 25 for Gabriel Jesus’ big return to action.
Jesus is sidelined after undergoing knee surgery for an injury he suffered during the 2022 World Cup.
But the Gunners are confident they will have their striker back before spring.
That means the Brazil international may return for the trip to Leicester.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will welcome Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back imminently, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Saka and Martinelli are expected to be fit to play in the Gunners' next Premier League visit at West Ham, which takes place on Boxing Day.
Arteta said: "They’ll come back straight away into the rhythm, shape and mould of the team.
“We’re waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them.
“Gabi [Martinelli] was here today, with a big smile and big energy. He’s ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team.”
And Arsenal have opened transfer talks with Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk.
But the Gunners are hoping Shakhtar will lower their asking price for Mudryk, which currently stands at £85million.
According to the Evening Standard, negotiations are underway for the winger over a deal early in the New Year.
But the Ukrainian giants rate the 21-year-old like Jack Grealish, who commanded a £100m release clause before joining Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021.
However, Arsenal manager Arteta and the board are confident they will be willing to drop their demands for the Ukraine international.
Finally, Martinelli has reportedly extended his contract at the Emirates until 2027.
The winger’s current deal runs until 2024, though Arsenal have the option to extend it for a further two years.
According to SPORT, the Brazil international feels comfortable at the Emirates and would like to stay for another five years.
Martinelli has impressed in North London and attracted interest from some of the world's biggest clubs, including Barcelona.
- Kostas Lianos
Bukayo Saka prediction
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has what it takes to keep the club ahead of Manchester City in the hunt for Premier League glory.
Silverste told bettingexpert: “I want to see Saka keep his performance level from the World Cup.
"He became a top performer and was finding solutions and the back of the net.
"Saka continuing at that level would keep Arsenal in the race”
- Kostas Lianos
Nicolo Zanio-no progress
Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo is still on Arsenal's radar – but there's no progress towards a deal.
That appears to be the case after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed there had been no negotiations between the two clubs.
The Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta already has Martin Odegaard and Fabio Vieira as attacking midfielders.
But Zaniolo, 23, can play out wide and has been linked with a string of clubs this season, including Tottenham
- Kostas Lianos
Gunner be ok
Arsenal ace Ben White has thanked fans for their support after his England World Cup exit.
White left the Three Lions' squad in Qatar prior to their Last-16 win over Senegal due to “personal reasons.”
And stunning reports claimed the centre-back went home after being involved in a training ground bust-up with manager Gareth Southgate's assistant Steve Holland.
And the 25-year-old has now posted a video addressing Gunners fans after they named him Arsenal Player of the Month for November.
White beamed: “Hiya guys, I just wanted to give you a quick message and say thank you so much for voting me for Player of the Month.
“I really appreciate it and I’m so thankful for the support you’ve shown me this season and every game.
“I hope everyone has a really good Christmas and spends time with their family and has a good time. Cheers”
- Kostas Lianos
Gunners injury blow
Arsenal ace Reiss Nelson has broken his silence with a three-word social media message after suffering injury.
Nelson, 23, pulled up feeling his hamstring in the first half of the Gunners 2-0 defeat to Juventus.
However, the winger seems to have offered a glint of hope that the damage will be nothing long-term as he took to Instagram.
Nelson posted a three-word caption on his story that simply read: “Trust the process”
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Wilshere reacts to Messi
Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere revealed he was "emotional" during the 2022 World Cup Final and praised Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
Wilshere wrote in his column for The Sun: "Never have I felt so emotional watching a game of football.
"I so wanted Lionel Messi to win the World Cup. I was screaming at the TV with excitement every time Argentina scored — and shouting myself hoarse at their defenders when the French were coming back.
"I was watching it with my Arsenal coaching staff and we were all up and down like yo-yos. I’m not going quite as far as to say I was crying when that final whistle went — but I just might have done if Messi had lost.
"And to make the occasion absolutely perfect, there was my old Gunners pal Emi Martinez standing alongside him as a world champion, and after having performed so magnificently.
"Honestly, it doesn’t get any better — unless, of course, England had won. I’ve said during this World Cup that Messi is the greatest player there’s ever been, and for any of the doubters, I trust this now ends the debate"
- Kostas Lianos
Bukayo Saka race
Arsenal will renew talks with Bukayo Saka over a contract extension in the "next weeks and months".
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners will resume talks in the coming months as we enter 2023.
Saka adds that the North Londoners accept that these negotiations take time.
The winger was in brilliant form for England during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
- Kostas Lianos
Robin van Damn
Arsenal legend Robin van Persie has been forced to release a statement after hackers posted porn to his Facebook page.
The X-rated content was posted to the famous striker's story on the social media site, where he has 18million followers.
Van Persie tweeted: "I'm afraid someone hacked into my Facebook account (@ Robin van Persie) early this morning, so if you see cute cat content or whatever may potentially come next before I have control back.. It wasn't me.."
A follow-up tweet said: "Unfortunately, for a second time in a short time my Facebook page has been hacked into and inappropriate content has been published without my control.
"We are working on a solution and hopefully. @facebook is able to sort this out quickly. Sorry for any inconvenience caused"
- Kostas Lianos
Ful of the joys
Fulham are close to signing Arsenal ace Cedric Soares ahead of the January transfer window.
Cedric has been told he can leave the Gunners after the New Year with manager Mikel Arteta open to offloading the fringe star.
The right-back is set to join the Cottagers on a permanent deal.
The Whites were reported to be keen on the Portugal international in the summer and have reignited their interest in the defender
Credit: Getty
- Kostas Lianos
Time to Co
Sevilla star Isco is set to leave the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan only four months after signing for the club.
The midfielder had been trying to find his feet at a new club after a difficult few years at Real Madrid.
But his move to Andalusia has not gone to plan and the six-times Europa League winners find themselves in the relegation zone after 14 games.
Then manager Julen Lopetegui, who is believed to have been a close ally of Isco, was sacked in October after the club's poor start to the season and joined Wolves.
And now the 30-year-old could himself be on the way out of Seville, according to Marca.
Arsenal and Tottenham are among the clubs who have been linked to the former Real ace, who at his height was viewed as among Europe's best playmakers
- Kostas Lianos
Martinelli new contract
Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly extended his contract at the Emirates until 2027.
Martinelli's current deal runs until 2024, though the Gunners have the option to extend it for a further two years.
According to SPORT, the winger feels comfortable at the Emirates and would like to stay for another five years.
The Brazil international has impressed in North London and attracted interest from some of the world's biggest clubs, including Barcelona
- Kostas Lianos
Myk a move
Arsenal have opened transfer talks with Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk.
But the Gunners are hoping Shakhtar will lower their asking price for Mudryk, which stands at £85million.
According to the Evening Standard, negotiations are now underway for the winger over a deal early in the New Year.
But the Ukrainian giants rate the 21-year-old like Jack Grealish, who commanded a £100m release clause before joining Manchester City from Aston Villa.
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and the board are confident they will be willing to drop their demands for the Ukraine international
- Kostas Lianos
Saka and Martinelli return
Arsenal will welcome Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back imminently, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Saka and Martinelli are expected to be fit to play in the Gunners' next Premier League visit at West Ham on Boxing Day.
Arteta said: "They’ll come back straight away into the rhythm, shape and mould of the team.
“We’re waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them.
“Gabi [Martinelli] was here today, with a big smile and big energy. He’s ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team”
Credit: AFP
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