Arsenal

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Arsenal make three changes from the 4-0 win over Leeds on Saturday as they look to protect their 3-2 lead in the second leg at Emirates Stadium.

Injury doubt Bukayo Saka is not involved, neither is captain Martin Odegaard.

Kepa Arrizabalaga retains his place as the cup goalkeeper in place of David Raya.

Arsenal XI: Arrizabalaga, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.

Subs: Raya, Mosquera, White, Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Havertz, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly.

Chelsea make four changes from the 3-2 comeback win over West Ham on Saturday.

Liam Rosenior plays a back five for the first time as Chelsea manager in a team with wing-backs instead of wingers.

Estevao Willian makes the bench having been in Brazil on compassionate leave over the weekend.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Enzo, Delap, Joao Pedro.

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Badiashile, Holland, Palmer, Estevao, Garnacho, Guiu, Mheuka.

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

It was never going to be a big-spending January window for Arsenal, given the activity in the summer window that saw the arrival of no fewer than eight players. The Gunners' only January signings of Evan Mooney and Jaden Dixon for the academy are both moves for the future.

I do not think many Arsenal fans would be surprised by the lack of signings. The team currently sits top of the Premier League, qualified first in the league stage of the Champions League and remain in contention for both domestic cups. This time last year, fans were crying out for a January striker who never arrived.

This year, I am confident in the squad we have to get the job done. Sometimes, no business is good business.

The injury to Mikel Merino, who is set for a long spell on the sidelines with a broken foot, is certainly a worry. However, sporting director Andrea Berta has proven his worth as a canny operator. If there was no suitable cover available for Merino, I trust his judgement.

There is a small irony in the fact that last year's lack of business and the injury sustained by Kai Havertz led to Merino's breakthrough into the team. This time, there is no such desperate need.

As a fan, you might dream of a flashy deadline-day signing, but that was never going to be the case for Arsenal this time around. The reality of the current squad is better than a dream and their stability might be exactly what is needed to secure the title.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

The Monday Night Club's Rory Smith and Chris Sutton discuss why Arsenal look destined for Premier League glory after their "completely flawless" 4-0 win over Leeds United.

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali is "very happy" at the club after the midfielder was linked with a move to Arsenal.

A report emerged on deadline day suggesting the Gunners were exploring a move for Tonali, but Newcastle said the midfielder was not for sale and that there had been no contact.

Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, denied speaking to Arsenal but, in an interview with Sky Italia, he was asked about the club's valuation and said "that's something we will do in March or April if Newcastle are open to it".

Howe spoke to Tonali on Monday and said the Italian was "absolutely focused on the here and now and playing for us", adding: "His only focus was on Manchester City and trying to win that game so there's absolutely no issue with Sandro himself.

"He's very happy and committed so I find it difficult to talk about things I don't know too much about.

"I can only talk about Sandro as the person and player, and his mindset here and now. Having discussed things with him yesterday, he's absolutely fine."

Tonali made it clear he was "happy" at Newcastle, in November, but said it was "difficult" to think long-term.

The Italian initially signed a five-year deal when he joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023.

Tonali was keen to repay the faith Newcastle showed in him during his ban for breaching betting rules - when he was unable to play for 10 months - and went on to sign a one-year extension.

Newcastle also have an option to trigger an additional 12-month extension to 2030.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Against Leeds, Arsenal showed the perfect mix of laptop-led, number-crunching football with old-school artistry on top. The usual set-piece success was there but also human skills, best shown by Noni Madueke.

With Eberechi Eze and the now-returned Kai Havertz to call on, they have the best of both styles in abundance, even on the bench.

Apart from Manchester City slipping again at Tottenham and Aston Villa blowing it against 10-man Brentford, this is the biggest reason they are still favourites - not just for the Premier League title, but the Champions League too.

Until now, I have thought they will win one of the trophies, but the odds of them grabbing both are shortening. Just don't mention it in front of Mikel Arteta who wants to take pressure off his players.

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Arsenal have done the following business on deadline day:

• Arsenal have signed 18-year-old St Mirren forward Evan Mooney for what the Scottish club call a "substantial fee with potential for significant future add-ons and a sizeable sell-on clause".

• Forward Osman Kamara, 19, has left the Gunners for Blackburn Rovers.

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Watch Total Sport's transfer deadline day special for London, discussing the business done by Arsenal, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham, plus the capital's EFL sides.

The show, which runs from 18:00-20:00 GMT, will offer the latest updates and analysis on the done and rumoured deals.

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Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The news that Mikel Merino needs to undergo surgery on a foot injury is a blow to Arsenal fans and manager Mikel Arteta.

Merino has emerged as an important player for the Gunners and in his pre-match news conference before Arsenal's second leg semi-final tie against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, Arteta has said that the club are looking at potential replacements.

"We are actively looking at options," Arteta said. "We will continue to do that. If I find a solution, we will do it, and if we don't, we will continue.

"Of course, when you lose a big player like this in the squad, you need to look and we need to do everything we possibly can to see if there's a player which is available."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium (20:00 GMT).

The Gunners lead 3-2 from the first leg.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta confirmed he has no fresh injury concerns but the club "have to wait" to determine the severity of Bukayo Saka's injury after he limped out of the warm-up before Saturday's win over Leeds with a groin problem.

• On Saka, he added: "Today he was better, but we have to see how he responds and make a decision. It doesn't look like something too serious, whether he's available for tomorrow or the weekend we will see."

• Arteta also confirmed Mikel Merino has suffered a foot fracture: "He needs to go through a procedure which is never positive. He is a big player for us. It's a big blow. Let's see, it's a very rare injury. We will have to keep monitoring it."

• He said the club are trying to explore the market after news of that injury: "When you lose a big player in the squad when you're in four competitions you need to do everything you can to see if someone is available. We are actively looking at options. We will continue to do that. If I find a solution, we will do it, and if we don't, we will continue."

• Arteta is anticipating an eventful rest of the day: "We had the departure of Ethan [Nwaneri] to Marseille for the right reasons, and then the news of Mikel was very surprising. My day will be a bit busier than usual."

• On the challenge posed by Chelsea: "We go day by day and competition by competition. Tomorrow we have the home advantage, but we have a lot to do to beat a really good Chelsea side. Every team has their own things. I think Liam is doing an incredible job. The tie has a context, a very specific one. We need to make it very concrete to win it. The next one is the most important one, and it's the closest, to reach a final. With our people we need to create the energy and the atmosphere."

• On Viktor Gyokeres finding the net in recent weeks: "His all round play and performances - he has been much more consistent in actions - his movement, understanding his runs, his presence inside the box. He has been more prolific."

Follow all of Monday's football news on transfer deadline day

Listen to full live commentary of Arsenal v Chelsea on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 20:00 GMT on Tuesday

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Mikel Arteta has the experience to win Arsenal the Premier League title this season, says Wayne Rooney.

The former Manchester United star said on The Wayne Rooney Show that Arteta seems different to previous title races.

"It's been a good couple of weeks for Arsenal," Rooney said.

"I thought the point against Nottingham Forest was really good for Arsenal and then Man City and Aston Villa dropped points and then for them both to drop points again this week, I'm finding it difficult to see anyone but Arsenal winning the title from this stage.

"The squad and the belief they seem to have - I thought Mikel Arteta, how he communicated this week in the media and the messages he was putting out there and to his players, I thought was absolutely brilliant.

"I think that's the big difference from maybe how he was two or three years ago, he's got that experience and seems calmer."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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Arsenal responded to the negative outside noise with a thumping win at Leeds on Saturday to put them back in the driving seat in the title race.

Confidence didn't look to be an issue at Elland Road, despite going into the game on a three-match winless run, and they lost Bukayo Saka to injury in the warm-up.

Up stepped Noni Madueke, who former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker was impressed by.

"Arsenal definitely have the strongest squad in the Premier League and they are going to need that squad effort because they are competing on four fronts," said Reo-Coker on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Credit to Mikel Arteta because he has kept every player focused, whether they play or don't play, and has created the environment he has always wanted there.

"They are very much united and together, and ready to compete. You have to rely on your squad and every player has to play their part.

"The players are seeing and listening to things about them not being mentally strong enough, so they have to stay focused for the task at hand. It's tunnel vision time.

"I don't think people want Arsenal to fail but because they have been in this position before and they haven't got over the line people look at that and remember what happened."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal are working on a deal to sign teenage striker James Wilson from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on an initial loan deal.

The 18-year-old has already been capped by Scotland and has scored eight goals in 21 starts for the Edinburgh club.

Initial discussions are over a proposed loan deal for the remainder of the season, with a view to signing the forward on a permanent basis should he impress during his time in north London.

The teenager, who has scored twice in 10 appearances for Hearts this season, is expected to compete for a spot within Arsenal's U21s side and is not considered a first team signing.

"There was conversation with Arsenal yesterday, they called and spoke to Graeme [Jones, sporting director] but there's been nothing since," Derek McInnes told Sky Sports Scotland.

There have also been rumours of Arsenal's rivals Tottenham Hotspur entering the race for Wilson, but McInnes added: "I've heard Tottenham as well but Tottenham have had no discussions with us directly."

"He's been restricted with minutes this season. It's tough to get into the first team at this age. Would we see the benefit of a loan? Yes, to get some minutes. But this one was a wee bit left-field."

Arsenal are considering a move for St Mirren forward Evan Mooney, 18, as they ponder a £400,000 plus add-ons bid. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Arsenal did their transfer business this summer and brought in eight new players for about £250m - so not much is expected on deadline day.

The Gunners have let youngster Ethan Nwaneri join Marseille on loan this month to aid his development and give him game time, and a large part of that is down to the depth that they have in their squad.

The only thing that could lead Arsenal into the market, although it seems unlikely at this stage, is if they want to add another squad option now Mikel Merino is due to have surgery on a foot injury.

Merino is a trusted member of the squad and his physicality and ability to also play as a number nine is a useful tool for the Gunners.

That said, it would be have to be a great market opportunity, and although Mikel Arteta said the club are always ready in the market, it seems as though there is no plans for a new face to join a squad top of the Premier League by six points.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Roger: I can't see any reason to bring in any extra players now. This is a brilliant squad, with just about everyone fit and performing well. The end of the season will be the right time to reassess the situation, possibly with a top striker being the main priority.

Nanpon: Just get Julian Alvarez in. What difference will it make anyway if you are prepared to get him in the summer? Why wait when he can guarantee us trophies?

Curtis: Nothing needs to happen in this window. We have the squad, we just need to have faith and start having fun again - both on the pitch and in the stands.

Jack: We need to strengthen the squad as we have been hit with injuries a lot this season. We need a good midfielder and a defender or two. We won't win the league without strengthening the squad. Please, Mikel Arteta, just make a signing.

Mike: I don't think we need to add anyone. Let's keep the current ones as fit as possible.

Ali: Nothing. We already have the best squad in the league. We can look for a world-class striker in the summer.

Ask us questions about Arsenal and we'll put them to our experts

Today is the final chance of the season for your Premier League team to do transfer business.

The window closes at 19:00 GMT, meaning teams - and fans - can avoid the usual late-night transfer scramble.

It has already been a busy window - for some teams anyway - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

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Alam Khan
BBC Sport journalist

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William Saliba says Arsenal will respond to their critics "on the pitch" as they pursue an unprecedented quadruple this season.

A 4-0 win at Leeds United on Saturday moved the Gunners seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, before Manchester City and Aston Villa play on Sunday.

Arsenal next host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, holding a 3-2 first-leg lead, while they are in the Champions League last 16 and face League One Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round at Emirates Stadium.

No English team has won all four competitions in the same season, but defender Saliba believes Arsenal have the quality and squad depth to make history - and silence the doubters who question whether they can end their trophy wait.

"It's a big club, so there's a lot of pressure every time," said the 24-year-old. "It's good when there is pressure. We play football for that.

"We have to respond on the pitch. First, it will be Tuesday and then we'll see. We have a lot of games - there's four months left. We want to win every competition. We have the squad for that and we have the coach for that.

"Everyone wants to win on Tuesday. It would give us a lot of confidence because if we get to the final of the Carabao Cup, it would be the first final of everything.

"We have to prove we want to win everything."

Arsenal's dominant display at Leeds came amid mounting pressure following goalless draws with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, and a 3-2 loss at home to Manchester United.

"It was so important to win because last week we weren't happy with the performance at home," added Saliba. "We conceded three goals and lost the points - that's a thing we don't like.

"We wanted to show it was just like a mistake that can happen. Now we're back to basics with a good clean sheet against a good team. It's never easy to come here and win.

"We are all happy with the performance - defensively and offensively."

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Leeds and Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Eric: Offered no offensive threat or quality on the ball with our passing and distribution in the first half. With the second half changes we were much more positive but, let's be honest, Arsenal showed up our frailties and it was only ever going to be a loss. However, really BIG game against Nottingham Forest next, we can only have one result in that one or we are back in squeaky bum territory.

Wayne: Not a totally unexpected result but the performance was disappointing. Naive in both boxes and what does Tanaka have to do to get a game?

Andrew: Farke set up wrong - Gudmundsson is not a left centre-back, he's never played there! Too defensive a set-up with Gruev and Ampadu - we gave all the attacking initiative to Arsenal and DCL was isolated again. Didn't expect much from the game and not surprised.

Chris: Never expected Leeds to win but thought we would have put up more of a fight. Not a single Leeds player was of Premier League quality. Farke really needs to stop with the goalkeeper experiment and just leave Perri in -Darlow is a good back-up keeper and that's about as good as he gets.

Arsenal fans

Chris: Madueke was excellent and after all the talk of mental strength and open-play goals - well, there's your talk for the weekend. A positive result that really quickly eases the concerns from the loss to Manchester United.

Steve: Arsenal choking then? In January we played nine, won six, drew two and lost one. Doesn't feel like it to me.

Neo: When I saw Madueke earlier in the season when Saka got injured - I thought he was causing a lot of problems for the opposition down the right-hand side and is great at going round the defender and crossing. I am now more convinced than ever that he should play more often and we should rotate Saka, or try Saka on the left sometimes. Maybe better to rest Saka to get him sharper when he eventually comes on. Bottom line is that Eze and Madueke needs more game time somehow.

Sean: Arsenal have been playing Premier League games with the weight of expectations seemingly holding them back. This could be a big step toward winning the title.

It's transfer deadline day tomorrow, with the window closing at 19:00 GMT.

How would you assess Arsenal's window? Do you think any position needs more attention? If so, give us names of who should be brought in. And what about who needs to go?

Get in touch with your views here

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Arsenal have had injuries to key players in defence and attack throughout this season, but they have been able to navigate those challenges thanks to their strength in depth.

And Arteta will be delighted that the attackers in his squad performed in the win over Leeds.

Arsenal's attack has not always been firing this season, with Viktor Gyokeres' goal in the second half just his sixth in the league this season.

Before the Sweden international put Gabriel Martinelli's excellent cross into the back of the net, own goals were the joint top source of goals for Arteta's side.

The amount of own goals that Arsenal benefit from is in part down to their excellence from set-pieces and the pressure they put on the opposition.

The own goal which doubled their lead was the fifth in their favour this season and is the most that any side in the division has benefited from.

Only in the 2009-10 season have the Gunners 'scored' more own goals in a Premier League campaign, with six.

But despite Gyokeres' struggles at times this season, the £64m summer signing from Sporting has scored four goals in his past six appearances and is now the Gunners' top scorer with 11 goals.