ARSENAL left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is eyeing a return to the side for the Gunners' Premier League clash with Southampton on Friday night.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been linked with a summer move to the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly lining up a transfer for Real Sociedad star Robin Le Normand after he impressed Martin Odegaard.
In other news, William Saliba could make a surprise return to the matchday squad against Southampton tomorrow.
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- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, Arsenal fans
Star defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is eyeing a return tomorrow night and the Gunners are being linked with Ollie Watkins.
Left-back Zinchenko has overcome a groin problem that kept him out of Sunday's draw at West Ham, Arsenal's second successive Prem slump from 2-0 up to 2-2.
But the Ukrainian could start at home to Southampton on Friday evening as the Gunners bid to go seven points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's champs, however, would then have two games in hand.
Central defender William Saliba also hopes to make a surprise early comeback from injury tomorrow.
The Frenchman has certainly been missed as the leaky Gunners drew against Liverpool and the Hammers despite early domination.
Aston Villa goal machine Watkins is tipped to attract attention from the Gunners in the summer.
The seven-cap Englishman, 27, is under contract until June 2025.
Finally, Real Sociedad centre-back Robin Le Normand is also regarded as a probable Arsenal target in the next transfer window.
- Ian Tuckey
Oli Gunner?
Arsenal could move for Aston Villa goal machine Ollie Watkins.
That’s the striking speculation this afternoon as the seven-cap Englishman, 27, enjoys by far his best season.
Watkins is keeping pace with Marcus Rashford, Mo Salah and Ivan Toney in the scoring stakes – albeit with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane on another level above
And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes the ex-Brentford hero, whose contract expires in June 2025, could eventually join a top-six club.
Romano told CaughtOffside: “I’ve had Arsenal fans asking me about the reports on Ollie Watkins – I can say that I’m not aware of anything advanced at this stage with any club.
“He’s doing excellent and he’s only focused on Villa.
I’m sure he’s capable of making the step up to one of the so-called ‘big six’, but we also have to respect Villa as the project is ambitious and Unai Emery is there to help them grow.”
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners 'keen on Normand'
Real Sociedad's Robin Le Normand is rated a probable summer target for Arsenal.
Leaked goals since William Saliba's current injury suggests the Gunners lack top-class cover in central defence.
And French-born Le Normand, 26, has enjoyed another strong season in LaLiga.
And as well as trying to switch nationalities to Spanish, he could yet land a big move on the pitch.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners ‘need Declan’
Arsenal have been told they MUST sign Declan Rice if they want to continue dining at the top table.
Emmanuel Petit said to Legal Sportsbook: “Of course, definitely. Rice would be important to Arsenal.
“If he wants to play at the top level, with all due respect to West Ham, I think it’s time for him to leave the club. He has been linked with different clubs in England but if I was Rice I would go and play for Arsenal.
“If Arsenal want to stay at the top next season, Rice would be an important signing. But they need more players as well.”
- Ian Tuckey
'Madrid fancy Mikel'
Rio Ferdinand claims Mikel Arteta is being lined up as Real Madrid boss this summer.
He told Vibe with Five: “I heard something. I heard that Real Madrid and when they come knocking your players will be coachless.
“I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid.
“That’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking. I hope he stays.”
- Ian Tuckey
Zinchenko back in training
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their battle for the Premier League title as Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to training.
The left-back missed the 2-2 draw away at West Ham at the weekend with Kieran Tierney playing instead.
However, momentum is now with Man City, who have a game in hand and are in brilliant form after winning their last ten games.
Zinchenko's return to face his former club is great news for Arteta amid question marks still hanging over William Saliba's fitness.
Reports suggest that the Frenchman could rush back for his side's title run-in despite concerns that he risks worsening his back injury.
Meanwhile, fellow defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to be out for the rest of the season with a knee issue.
Arsenal's defensive woes have led to them being linked with a summer move for Real Sociedad star Robin Le Normand.
As for Man City, they have few fitness issues to worry about ahead of next week with Phil Foden potentially back in action tonight in their Champions League tie versus Bayern Munich.
- Ian Tuckey
Fans gearing up for Jude announcement
FANS are convinced Jude Bellingham's next club is set to be announced following a cryptic tweet from a former Premier League star.
Bellingham has long been the subject of transfer speculation, with many of European football's heavy hitters reported to be interested.
However, following reports which suggested Bellingham could now STAY at Borussia Dortmund, fans are once again speculating Bellingham's next club could be announced soon.
It comes after former Swindon, Middlesbrough and Barnsley ace Jan Age Fjørtoft hinted at some "significant news" set to come out of Germany.
He tweeted: "I understand that there will be significant news coming out of German football in the coming days."
And fans are convinced Fjørtoft is in fact referencing news regarding the future of Bellingham.
One fan said: "We all know that it is confirmation of Jude Bellingham‘s transfer to Manchester City in the summer."
A second speculated: "Bellingham to Anfield", with a third adding: "Bellingham to Real Madrid, Here We Go."
A fourth hypothesised: "Bellingham to Arsenal, [Leroy] Sane back to City and [Sadio] Mane back to [Liver]pool💃🏾."
Although a fifth fan suggested: "Bellingham staying at Dortmund."
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners wait on Nelson contract decision
Arsenal have offered a new contract winger Reiss Nelson.
But the club fears he will reject it and leave on a free transfer over a lack of minutes.
The Mail claims West Ham, Fulham, Aston Villa and Brighton are all keen on signing Nelson this summer.
The ace loves playing for Arsenal but is concerned over his lack of action and could quit to become a star elsewhere.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners linked to Watkins
Arsenal could move for Aston Villa goal machine Ollie Watkins.
That's the striking speculation this afternoon as the seven-cap Englishman, 27, enjoys by far his best season.
Watkins is keeping pace with Marcus Rashford, Mo Salah and Ivan Toney in the scoring stakes – albeit with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane on another level above
And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes the ex-Brentford hero, whose contract expires in June 2025, could eventually join a top-six club.
Romano told CaughtOffside: “I’ve had Arsenal fans asking me about the reports on Ollie Watkins – I can say that I’m not aware of anything advanced at this stage with any club.
“He’s doing excellent and he’s only focused on Villa.
I’m sure he’s capable of making the step up to one of the so-called ‘big six’, but we also have to respect Villa as the project is ambitious and Unai Emery is there to help them grow.”
- Ian Tuckey
Nuno 'annoying' Marseille staff
Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares is reportedly “annoying staff” at Marseille due to his “inability to follow instructions”.
According to L’Equipe via Sport Witness, right-back Issa Kabore – on loan from Manchester City – “better understands” what is wanted from manager Igor Tudor.
And this could see Jonathan Clauss move to the left side as Tavares comes out of the team.
The report states that the Arsenal loanee “still annoys the staff with his efforts” and his inability to consistently follow instructions.
- Anthony Chapman
Arteta 'lined up by Real'
Rio Ferdinand claims Mikel Arteta is being lined up as Real Madrid boss this summer.
He told Vibe with Five: “I heard something. I heard that Real Madrid and when they come knocking your players will be coachless.
“I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid.
“That’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking. I hope he stays.”
- Anthony Chapman
Saliba 'ready for City showdown'
William Saliba could be willing ready to risk further injury to play in Arsenal’s title run-in.
The centre-back has missed the last four matches with a back problem, but Saliba is ready to begin training on grass this week.
The Mail report that the 22-year-old wants to put his body on the line to potentially play against Southampton this Friday and in the huge clash with Manchester City on April 26.
However, Gunners medics are cautious over his comeback and fear that speeding up his rehabilitation could cause more damage to his lower back.
- Anthony Chapman
Nelson's contract blow for Gunners
Arsenal have offered a new contract winger Reiss Nelson.
But the club fears he will reject it and leave on a free transfer over a lack of minutes.
The Mail claims West Ham, Fulham, Aston Villa and Brighton are all keen on signing Nelson this summer.
The ace loves playing for Arsenal but is concerned over his lack of action and could quit to become a star elsewhere.
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal's final title chance predicted
A supercomputer has predicted the final Premier League table.
And Arsenal are tipped to narrowly miss out on winning the title.
It's reckoned Man City will end up clinching their fifth Prem in six years under Pep Guardiola.
But City may only eventually do it on goal difference.
- Anthony Chapman
Odegaard 'best midfielder in Prem'
Martin Odegaard has been hailed as the best midfielder in the Premier League.
That's by former midfielder and Prem star Geremi.
He told Lord Ping: "When you look at the season so far, with Arsenal top of the league, you must look at the impact that Martin Odegaard has had on the team.
"He makes the team better. Odegaard is one of the contenders for the best central midfielders in the Premier League this season."
- Anthony Chapman
Marseille 'fed up with Tavares'
Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares is reportedly "annoying staff" at Marseille due to his "inability to follow instructions".
According to L'Equipe via Sport Witness, right-back Issa Kabore – on loan from Manchester City – "better understands" what is wanted from manager Igor Tudor.
And this could see Jonathan Clauss move to the left side as Tavares comes out of the team.
The report states that the Arsenal loanee "still annoys the staff with his efforts" and his inability to consistently follow instructions.
- Anthony Chapman
Saka 'good enough for Real'
Former Premier League star Geremi reckons Bukayo Saka could be a future Real Madrid star.
He told Lord Ping: "Saka is an unbelievable player. Of course, Saka could play for Real Madrid. He is a very special player who is still young.
"His potential is fantastic and he will only improve as a player. You can see how talented he is with his performances every week.
"I really appreciate him as a player and I think he deserves to be rewarded in his career by playing for big teams."
- Anthony Chapman
Rice key to Arsenal success
Arsenal have been told they MUST sign Declan Rice if they want to continue dining at the top table.
Emmanuel Petit said to Legal Sportsbook: “Of course, definitely. Rice would be important to Arsenal.
"If he wants to play at the top level, with all due respect to West Ham, I think it's time for him to leave the club. He has been linked with different clubs in England but if I was Rice I would go and play for Arsenal.
"If Arsenal want to stay at the top next season, Rice would be an important signing. But they need more players as well.”
- Kealan Hughes
Good morning Arsenal fans
William Saliba is willing to risk further injury by returning for Friday's home clash with Southampton.
It's claimed the centre-back is targeting that Prem match and especially the monumental clash at Manchester City on April 26.
Mikel Arteta's table-toppers are now just one four points clear of champions City, who have a game in hand.
The Gunners have turned 2-0 leads into 2-2 draws twice in a row with Rob Holding standing in for Saliba.
Midfield, though, is understood to remain Arteta's summer transfer priority.
West Ham skipper Declan Rice still tops the list, ahead of Moises Caicedo.
But it's thought Caicedo's Brighton team-mate Alexis Mac Allister is another realistic option.
The World Cup winner is rated “100 per cent” certain to move this summer.
Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been mentioned over the £60million-rated Argentinian.
Finally, the Gunners have reportedly offered super-sub winger Reiss Nelson a new contract.
West Ham, Fulham, Aston Villa and Brighton are said to be monitoring the situation.
- Ian Tuckey
Strong Will
William Saliba could be willing ready to risk further injury to play in Arsenal’s title run-in.
The centre-back has missed the last four matches with a back problem.
Saliba is ready to begin training on grass this week.
The Mail report that the 22-year-old wants to put his body on the line to potentially play against Southampton this Friday and in the huge clash with Manchester City on April 26.
However, Gunners medics are cautious over his comeback and fear that speeding up his rehabilitation could cause more damage to his lower back.
Arsenal are aware of Saliba’s importance and are working out whether it is a risk worth taking.
Mikel Arteta’s side have not kept a clean sheet in the four games that Rob Holding has deputised for the Frenchman.
The Gunners, going for their first Premier League title since 2004, have also thrown away consecutive two-goal leads, against Liverpool and West Ham.
- Ian Tuckey
Karl says Arsenal bench are Art of touch
Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff have no love lost with former Oxford United manager Karl Robinson.
Robinson faced off against Arteta and Co when Arsenal paid Oxford a visit in the FA Cup third round.
But despite losing 3-0 – courtesy of a brace from Eddie Nketiah and a Mohamed Elneny header – it was the antics of Arteta and his staff, rather than his team's performance, which riled up Robinson.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I have seen it first hand (Arteta's antics), it isn’t necessarily always him though.
"I think there is one or two behind him that don’t conduct themselves great at time, which I was shocked by.
“Listen, they were moaning at us for going down and wasting time. I tell you what, we will play Arsenal, right, and we will give you all the ball, 95 minutes.
“We are obviously going to be looking to set-plays and taking more long throw-ins. It is part and parcel of what we have to do, but you are better than us. Then, they were having ago at me for doing that.
“I think I said one or two things and I might have been wrong. They were calling me all sorts it was quite funny. One of his staff members was calling me a cheat, this, and that, and I said ‘thank you.'”
- Ian Tuckey
TV could show 60 MORE live games a season
Premier League coverage is set to undergo a major shake-up with a further SIXTY games to be aired a season, according to reports.
The lion’s share of Prem matches have, for the last few years, been shared between Sky Sports and BT Sports – with the former having aired them close to three decades.
But Prem chiefs plan to make more matches available in order to “squeeze more money out of broadcasters” at the next domestic auction.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim 260 of the season-total 380 matches will available for broadcasters to pick up.
That’s an increase on the 200-a-season currently aired.
The Prem’s current TV rights deal with broadcasters ends in 2025.
It’s said that “meatier” game packages will be available to Sky and their rivals.
But some TV execs expect the number of packages to be reduced from the seven currently available.
Sky currently dominate the current package split with four – the equivalent of 128 matches per season – to their name.
BT Sport own the coveted 12.30pm kick-offs and midweek packages.
- Ian Tuckey
Reiss frightening
Arsenal have offered a new contract winger Reiss Nelson.
But the club fears he will reject it and leave on a free transfer over a lack of minutes.
The Mail claims West Ham, Fulham, Aston Villa and Brighton are all keen on signing Nelson this summer.
The ace loves playing for Arsenal but is concerned over his lack of action and could quit to become a star elsewhere.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners 'need Declan'
Arsenal have been told they MUST sign Declan Rice if they want to continue dining at the top table.
Emmanuel Petit said to Legal Sportsbook: “Of course, definitely. Rice would be important to Arsenal.
“If he wants to play at the top level, with all due respect to West Ham, I think it’s time for him to leave the club. He has been linked with different clubs in England but if I was Rice I would go and play for Arsenal.
“If Arsenal want to stay at the top next season, Rice would be an important signing. But they need more players as well.”
- Ian Tuckey
Still on Claud Nine
Arsenal's twerking queen still seems in high spirits despite the Prem leaders drawing twice in a row after leading 2-0.
Claudia Redheaded, the partner of defender Jakub Kiwior, showed off her dance moves with her latest post on Instagram.
The Pole is known for her intense moves, and she lived up to her reputation as she performed the 50 second long routine.
However, Kiwior may have not been in such a happy mood after Arsenal dropped points once again.
Arsenal Wag and twerking queen shows she’s not bummed about West Ham draw as she shows off impressive moves
A barnstorming start which saw them go two goals up inside ten minutes was followed up by a disjointed and sloppy display.
And when Gabriel brought down Lucas Paqueta in the penalty area, West Ham did not need a second invitation to claw their way back into the game.
Jarrod Bowen would volley home the equaliser shortly after the break, though not before Bukayo Saka missed a penalty – which Hammers fan have partly attributed to Paqueta.
With the result also following another collapse against Liverpool the week earlier, Arsenal's lead at the top of the Prem now stands at just four points.
Claudia was in attendance when Kiwior signed his contract with Arsenal in January.
She even moved to London along with the 23-year-old after his £21million transfer from Sepzia.
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