It was not Arsenal’s most fluent or comfortable performance of the season, but on a tense night in North London, Mikel Arteta’s side once again found a way to get the result that mattered most.

The victory in Arsenal’s final home game of the league campaign moves the Gunners five points clear of Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side still have two matches remaining starting with Tuesday’s difficult trip to Bournemouth.

Arsenal now know any slip-up from City on the south coast would officially hand them their first Premier League title in 22 years before the final weekend of the season.

The atmosphere around the Emirates reflected the scale of the occasion long before kick-off, with supporters gathering outside the stadium in huge numbers to welcome the team bus ahead of a potentially defining evening in the title race.

Arteta responded by naming an aggressive and attack-minded lineup against a Burnley side whose relegation had already been confirmed weeks ago, but despite dominating possession early on, Arsenal still struggled to fully break down a stubborn visiting defence.

Leandro Trossard came closest during the opening stages when he drove a fierce effort against the post after working space brilliantly on the edge of the area.

Bukayo Saka also caused constant problems down the right flank and Arsenal thought they might have a penalty when the winger went down under pressure inside the box, only for VAR to allow play to continue.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute from one of Arsenal’s most reliable weapons this season.

Saka’s dangerous corner delivery found Havertz rising above the Burnley defence inside the six-yard area, with the German forward powering his header beyond Max Weiss to send the Emirates into celebration.

It was another huge contribution from Havertz in a season where he has repeatedly delivered in decisive moments for Arsenal.

Burnley still threatened enough to keep nerves alive during the second half, while Havertz himself escaped a possible red card after VAR reviewed a late challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu before deciding to stick with a yellow card.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal but ultimately settled for preserving another clean sheet and another priceless victory.

The performance may not have been spectacular, but at this stage of the season Arsenal are no longer chasing perfection. They are chasing the title, and once again they did exactly what was required.

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The stakes could hardly be bigger for Arsenal, with victory potentially moving them to the brink of Premier League glory.

The Gunners currently sit two points clear of Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side still hold two games in hand.

Arteta has opted for three changes from the team that dramatically defeated West Ham United late last time out.

David Raya has been outstanding between the sticks throughout the campaign and will now be chasing yet another clean sheet.

Christhian Mosquera starts at right-back after Ben White was ruled out with a knee injury setback.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remain untouchable at the heart of the defence.

Riccardo Calafiori starts at left-back, but his role is expected to be far more adventurous against Burnley’s deep defensive block.

Declan Rice has enjoyed a stellar campaign and he will be the main man again today.

He will be partnered with Martin Odegaard who played a crucial role against the Hammers.

Martin Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly will have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Arteta’s selection clearly signals attacking intent as Arsenal prepare to go all-out in pursuit of three crucial points.

Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard will provide the width, while Eberechi Eze has been handed the freedom to roam in the number 10 role.

Viktor Gyokeres has impressed heavily in recent weeks, but Arteta has made the bold decision to recall Kai Havertz in a surprise attacking switch.

Confirmed Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1):

David Raya, Christhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz.

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The teenager joined Marseille on a six-month loan deal during the winter transfer window in a move initially viewed as an ideal opportunity for regular senior football and accelerated development.

Marseille paid an initial loan fee believed to be worth around £1.3million, but the agreement also included further financial conditions linked to Nwaneri’s playing time during the campaign.

While the exact thresholds were never made public, Arsenal are now expected to benefit financially because the England Under-21 international featured far less than anticipated after arriving at the Stade Velodrome.

Nwaneri managed just 412 minutes from a possible 1,710 across all competitions following his January switch and was left unused on the bench in five of Marseille’s final six Ligue 1 matches.

The situation became increasingly frustrating for Arsenal as the season progressed, particularly after Marseille changed managers shortly after completing the deal.

Former Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi had personally pushed to sign Nwaneri and reportedly held discussions with Mikel Arteta over the player’s development plan before the move was approved.

However, once De Zerbi departed, Nwaneri’s role diminished significantly under successor Habib Beye.

Beye publicly questioned the youngster’s application in training towards the end of April when asked about his lack of involvement, comments which later prompted a response from Arteta.

“I think that’s the coach’s opinion,” Arteta said at the time. “He’s with him every single day and that’s it. He’s the one making the decision.”

Arteta also pointed to the example of William Saliba, whose own loan spell at Marseille ultimately proved hugely beneficial before establishing himself as a key player at Arsenal.

Nwaneri’s time in France actually started brightly when he scored just 13 minutes into his debut against Lens, raising hopes of a productive loan period.

But consistency in opportunities never followed and the midfielder ended his spell with just two goals and one assist.

His most difficult moment arguably came in Marseille’s Coupe de France quarter-final defeat to Toulouse, where he missed a penalty during the shootout.

Arsenal are now expected to reassess Nwaneri’s situation this summer once he returns to north London, with another loan move still a possibility despite the difficult experience in Ligue 1.

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The England defender made the admission ahead of Arsenal’s potentially decisive clash against Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night, where victory could move the Gunners to the brink of their first league crown in 22 years.

Arsenal know three points against the already relegated Clarets would pile enormous pressure on Manchester City ahead of their difficult trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday.

If City fail to win on the south coast after an Arsenal victory, Arteta’s side would officially be crowned Premier League champions before the final day.

Maguire faced Arsenal twice this season and admitted United found it extremely difficult to create chances against a side he believes have been the strongest all-round team in the division.

Speaking to The Overlap, the defender reflected on United’s meetings with Arsenal and suggested even United’s dramatic 3-2 win in north London earlier in the campaign did little to change his overall opinion of the Gunners.

“Honestly, I always thought Arsenal were the better team,” Maguire said. “When we played them, honestly, they give you nothing. They were so solid.”

“We beat them at the Emirates, but we didn’t create much, and we scored two worldies.”

“We played well that day, but we didn’t actually create too much inside the box. They defend the box so well.”

“I always thought Arsenal would have enough. I still think they have enough.”

Arsenal opened their league campaign with a narrow victory at Old Trafford earlier in the season, a performance built around the defensive control and structure that has become one of the defining features of Arteta’s side during the title race.

The Gunners currently boast the best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 26 goals, while David Raya has already secured another Golden Glove award after a series of decisive performances throughout the campaign.

Maguire’s praise will only further reinforce the growing feeling around Arsenal that this team has developed into the most complete side in the division after several near misses in recent years.

The timing of those comments also adds another layer to Monday’s game against Burnley, which is expected to be played in a charged atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal supporters have already seen their side reach the Champions League final this month, and the club now stand just two league victories away from completing what would be one of the most memorable seasons of the Arteta era.

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The Gunners are currently two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City with two matches left. The club have their title destiny in their own hands.

A victory over the Clarets should pile pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side ahead of their tricky challenge against in-form Bournemouth on the road tomorrow.

We anticipate three changes to the starting XI against Burnley.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

Spanish goalkeeper David Raya has already won the Premier League Golden Glove award with 18 clean sheets and will be eyeing another shutout against the Clarets.

There could be a couple of changes in the backline. Ben White has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury. With Jurrien Timber still nursing a groin problem, Cristhian Mosquera looks poised to start in the right-back position.

Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury scare in the opening half at West Ham United earlier this month. The Italian ace was spotted back in full training, but manager Mikel Arteta provided an uncertain update in his pre-match presser.

Even if he is deemed fit, Arteta could make a change by reinstating Piero Hincapie on the left side of defence. The Ecuadorian was the club’s Player of the Month in April, but has been limited to substitute roles in recent matches.

He was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win at West Ham, but he could return to the XI. The rest of the backline should stay unchanged. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to continue in the heart of the club’s defence.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has been in fantastic form since replacing Martin Zubimendi in midfield against Fulham. Zubimendi has had a good debut season, but his intensity and performance levels have undoubtedly dropped in recent months.

The decision to go with Lewis-Skelly has added more intensity in the centre of the park. The Gunners graduate should continue to partner Declan Rice in central midfield, but there could be a change in the number 10 position against Burnley.

Eberechi Eze had a lacklustre showing at the London Stadium. He was replaced by club captain Martin Odegaard shortly after the hour mark. The £30 million signing made the difference with a vital assist for Leandro Trossard’s winning goal. He should be rewarded with a starting role.

Odegaard bagged a goal and an assist in his last meeting against Burnley. His chance creation could be key to picking up a crucial victory. No changes are expected in the front three. Bukayo Saka has been brilliant since his injury comeback and has scored in two of his last three starts on the right wing.

Trossard has looked off colour for most of the year but has picked up form recently. He provided an assist for Viktor Gyokeres’ headed goal against Fulham and scored the late winner at West Ham. The Belgian should be a nailed-on starter from the left wing.

Viktor Gyokeres has notched up 21 goals across all competitions for the Gunners this term, with 14 in the league. He was brilliant in the reverse fixture at Burnley with a goal and a brilliant pre-assist before an injury. The Swede should relish facing the Clarets.

How Arsenal could line up vs Burnley

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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Mikel Arteta’s side are now just two league games away from potentially ending a 22-year wait for the trophy following last weekend’s dramatic victory over West Ham United.

Arsenal host already relegated Burnley on Monday night before finishing the league season away at Crystal Palace, while they also have a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain later this month.

The Gunners could even secure the title on Tuesday if they beat Burnley and Manchester City fail to win away at Bournemouth.

Zubimendi admitted he is already imagining the celebrations that could follow if Arsenal finally get over the line.

“We are looking forward to it, because in the end it has been a very long season,” the Spain international said. “We see that we are close, that we can do something big and we are looking forward to it and to be able to celebrate a possible feat.”

The midfielder only joined Arsenal last summer but has quickly become an important figure in Arteta’s side during a campaign that could yet end with both domestic and European success.

Zubimendi said he has already experienced enough during his first season in England to understand what winning the league would mean to Arsenal supporters.

“If we can do it then it is going to be an important moment for the fans,” he added. “Hopefully, London will be dressed in red and I think that because of everything I’ve experienced this year, I want to think it’s going to be a unique day.”

The 27-year-old also acknowledged that some of Arsenal’s longer-serving players and supporters have carried the emotional weight of the club’s title drought far more heavily than newer arrivals like himself.

“It would be incredible,” he said. “It’s true that we haven’t felt it as much as the fans and the players who have felt it over the years with that desire to win this title.

“But this year I think they have instilled in us all the desire and the expectation there is around it.”

Despite the growing excitement around the club, Zubimendi insisted Arsenal are refusing to become distracted by Manchester City’s results and remain fully focused on their own job.

“We are very clear that to win everything we have to do our job,” he said. “We depend on ourselves, so I don’t think we care what the others do.

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The Gunners are currently top of the table after 36 matches with 79 points, two ahead of Man City.

They have a home game against Burnley on Monday night, while Man City face a tricky trip to Bournemouth 24 hours later.

Arsenal will be away to Crystal Palace on the final match day (May 24th), while the Cityzens will host Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

Ahead of those games, Rodri has sent a stern message to the Gunners that Man City are right on their tail and can’t afford to drop points.

Speaking after the FA Cup final win against Chelsea at Wembley, Rodri said the Gunners can drop points in either the next or the last game.

He told reporters (via Hayters TV): “Everything can happen, it’s just we need them [Arsenal] to drop points, it can happen in the next game or in the last game. But if I was in their position it is not easy to finish the task. We have to be there pushing until the end.”

When asked whether he really believes Mikel Arteta’s side could fumble, Rodri drew on his experience from the 2022/23 season and highlighted how Villa gave them a tough time in the season finale.

He added: “I mean, from our experience, we were losing the title against Aston Villa at our home in minute 80 [in 2022/23]. So everything can happen in football. We know how difficult it is to close things, and we know how difficult it is to beat everyone in this Premier League.”

Arsenal have their title destiny in their own hands after Man City dropped points at Everton with a thrilling 3-3 draw. The Gunners almost suffered a similar fate at West Ham United. Calum Wilson’s late goal was rightfully chalked off by VAR after a foul on David Raya in the lead-up.

With that result (1-0), the club are just two wins away from a long-awaited title. On paper, they are heavy favourites to beat Burnley. Palace could rotate heavily in the final game, given that the Eagles have a huge Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig three days later.

Still, Arsenal can’t afford complacency and should ignore outside noise. They must get the job done against Burnley before the London derby at Selhurst Park. A victory over the Clarets tomorrow could pile pressure on the Cityzens, who will then have to beat the Cherries to stay in the title race.

Bournemouth are on a sublime 16-match unbeaten league run and are just four points adrift of the final Champions League spot with a game in hand. The South Coast outfit have everything to play for and will also be determined to secure a good result in Andoni Iraola’s final home game in charge.

Stats from Transfermarkt

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After the resilience they showed against West Ham United last weekend, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see the Gunners letting this opportunity slip from their grasp.

There was nothing glamorous about the 1-0 win at the London Stadium.

For long periods Arsenal looked tense, short of rhythm and weighed down by the pressure of the moment, but champions are often defined less by their fluent victories and more by the difficult games they somehow survive.

That was the feeling surrounding Arsenal after Leandro Trossard’s late winner and the dramatic VAR intervention that denied West Ham an equaliser in stoppage time.

It was the type of afternoon title-winning teams usually come through.

The Gunners now return to the Emirates Stadium for their final home league game of the season with the chance to move another step closer to glory, while maintaining pressure on Manchester City, who are still waiting for any slip-up.

There will naturally be a huge sense of occasion around the stadium.

Supporters know they could be watching the closing stages of a title-winning campaign that has felt painfully close on several occasions under Mikel Arteta before now.

The atmosphere should reflect that tension and excitement.

Arsenal’s home form also gives them every reason for confidence.

They have won their last three league games at the Emirates without conceding, while the overall level of control they have shown in North London throughout the campaign has been one of the foundations of their title challenge.

Burnley, meanwhile, arrive with their relegation already confirmed, but that does not necessarily make them easy opponents.

If anything, their situation removes a layer of pressure.

Their 2-2 draw against Aston Villa last weekend showed they are still capable of playing with freedom and causing problems when allowed space.

Arsenal will also be aware that matches like these can quickly become uncomfortable if the breakthrough does not come early.

The expectation from the crowd, the knowledge of what is at stake and City remaining close behind all add another psychological dimension to the game.

That is why Arteta will probably care less about style and far more about control.

The resilience Arsenal showed against West Ham may ultimately prove more important than any of their dominant wins earlier in the season because it demonstrated a side finally capable of handling the emotional demands of a title race deep into May.

There was a point earlier this spring when Arsenal looked as though they were drifting towards another collapse after a damaging run of form.

Instead, they have responded with maturity and composure.

Now they stand on the verge of turning a brilliant season into a historic one.

Burnley are unlikely to simply roll over, but Arsenal have reached the stage where results matter more than performances.

If they maintain the discipline and focus they showed in East London, it would be a major surprise if they failed to take another decisive step towards the Premier League crown on Monday night.

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The Serbian ace has been with the Bianconeri since January 2022, but his future is uncertain after he snubbed a contract renewal beyond the summer.

Vlahovic reportedly wants £7 million per year to stay, but the Bianconeri have only offered £5m annually. As a result, the striker is set to leave on a free transfer.

Atletico Madrid have been offered his services through an intermediary in the last 24 hours, but they are not alone in the race for the 26-year-old marksman.

Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Arsenal are among the top European clubs closely monitoring his situation.

Vlahovic talk could be agent-driven

Vlahovic was a top target for the Gunners in the winter of 2022. However, the ex-Fiorentina man turned down the club to join Juventus in a deal worth £67 million.

It was considered a huge coup for the Turin giants at the time, given Vlahovic had netted a stunning 33 goals for Fiorentina in Serie A in the previous year (2021).

Since then, Vlahovic has never met expectations. The Serbian has scored just 66 goals from 166 appearances across all competitions for the Bianconeri.

He has also struggled with nagging injury concerns. The ongoing campaign has undoubtedly been his worst, with 25 games missed due to an adductor problem.

Vlahovic may have lowered his wage demands to £134,000 per week, but his injury record and inconsistent finishing mean he is no longer an elite striker.

His agent could be behind the speculation linking him with Bayern, Barcelona and Arsenal. He could be eyeing a huge commission for his client’s Bosman move.

Mundo Deportivo claim that Atletico could also look at cheaper options, considering the striker would want a significant signing-on fee as he will be out of contract.

Hence, we don’t believe Arsenal will return for Vlahovic with the high financial costs involved, despite the lack of a price tag. His previous snub won’t be forgotten, either.

Instead, the club should pursue a deal for Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi as a backup striker behind Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, with Gabriel Jesus poised to leave.

The German has 26 goal contributions this term for the Belgian heavyweights. Sporting director Andrea Berta has already opened negotiations with Brugge for the 21-year-old.

Stats from Transfermarkt

The post Arsenal have entered race to sign £67m striker on free transfer first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

The Gunners secured a third-straight league win with a slender 1-0 victory at West Ham United last weekend.

Leandro Trossard scored the winner in the 83rd minute, but there was some controversy before the final whistle.

The Hammers believed they had equalised late into stoppage time, but the goal was chalked off after a VAR review.

Pablo Felipe was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper David Raya in the lead-up.

Arsenal are now two points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table with two games to play.

They can extend their advantage by beating Burnley on Monday, given the Cityzens only face Bournemouth on the road 24 hours later.

Ahead of the game, we anticipate manager Mikel Arteta to make three changes to the XI.

Cristhian Mosquera returns at right-back

Arteta made a bizarre decision to field Declan Rice at right-back after a first-half injury to Ben White last weekend. It hampered the club’s control in the centre of the park. The Spaniard quickly realised his blunder and substituted Mosquera in at the interval.

White has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, which should hand an extended role to Mosquera on the right side of the Gunners’ defence. Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin issue but has an outside chance of returning this term.

Piero Hincapie reinstated as the left-back

Riccardo Calafiori has started the last three matches in all competitions as the left-back. The Italian picked up an injury scare against the Hammers and was substituted at the interval. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who started the derby in central midfield, moved to left-back. Hincapie was an unused substitute.

Hincapie was the Gunners’ Player of the Month for April but has been used sparingly in recent weeks. Calafiori was back in full training with his teammates yesterday, but we won’t be surprised if the Bayer Leverkusen loanee makes the starting XI for the first time this month.

Martin Odegaard in the no.10 role

Eberechi Eze lacked the cutting edge as a playmaker in the London derby against the Hammers. He had a passing accuracy of 97 percent but did not pose a goal-scoring threat. Club captain Odegaard replaced the Englishman in the 67th minute. The Norwegian made a big impression.

Odegaard has received his fair share of criticism from a small section of the fans, but he stepped up to the occasion. He linked up brilliantly with Declan Rice before putting the ball on the plate for Trossard’s dramatic winner. The £30 million signing bagged a goal and an assist in his last appearance against Burnley, and he should get the nod as the attacking midfielder on Monday.

Stats from Transfermarkt & Sofascore

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