ODEGAARD EYES QUICK RETURN
Arsenal News

ODEGAARD EYES QUICK RETURN

Martin Odegaard admits he feels fortunate to have “got away with” his recent ankle injury, as the Arsenal captain works towards a return to full fitness. The Norwegian midfielder has been sidelined since suffering ligament damage while on international duty in early November, leaving a notable gap in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Initial concerns about the severity of Odegaard’s injury had Arteta hinting that the midfielder could be out for an extended period, potentially beyond the upcoming international break. However, Odegaard has now provided a more hopeful update on his recovery, indicating that the injury wasn’t as severe as initially feared. This news offers some optimism to Arsenal fans as they await the return of their influential captain.

RAYA SAVE WAS INCREDIBLE
Arsenal News

RAYA SAVE WAS INCREDIBLE

Mikel Arteta admitted David Raya’s astonishing double save against Atalanta was the best he has seen in his career. The Spanish goalkeeper ensured Arsenal avoided defeat in their Champions League opener by keeping out a penalty and the rebound from Italy striker Mateo Retegui, saving the Gunners from a potential setback.

Early in the second half, after Thomas Partey was beaten for pace by Ederson and pulled the Brazilian back, referee Clementin Turpin pointed to the spot. The pressure was on, but Retegui’s moment was thwarted by the brilliance of Raya. The Arsenal keeper first dived to his right to beat out the penalty, an already crucial save. But what followed left everyone in awe. As the ball looped up, Retegui, poised for a simple header into an open net, found himself denied once again. Raya, displaying remarkable agility, got back on his feet and launched himself left to claw the ball away from the goal line, leaving Atalanta stunned and Gunners fans celebrating.

ODEGAARD OUT FOR FORESEEABLE FUTURE
Arsenal News

ODEGAARD OUT FOR FORESEEABLE FUTURE

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to miss significant playing time after suffering a serious ankle ligament injury while on international duty with Norway. Initial assessments suggested a three-week absence, but further scans have revealed the injury is more severe than first feared.

Odegaard injured his ankle in a nasty fall during Norway’s recent match, prompting concern for both club and country. After undergoing multiple scans and consulting specialists, it was confirmed that the damage to his ankle ligaments will keep the 25-year-old out for the foreseeable future. Although Norway’s team doctor initially predicted a shorter recovery time, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta indicated that the situation is more complex and that Odegaard’s return to the pitch is uncertain.

EDU: ARTETA’S NEW DEAL BRINGS STABILITY TO ARSENAL
Arsenal News

EDU: ARTETA’S NEW DEAL BRINGS STABILITY TO ARSENAL

Arsenal sporting director Edu believes Mikel Arteta’s new contract will bring much-needed stability as the club looks to achieve new heights. Arteta signed a contract extension on Thursday, committing his future to the Gunners until 2027. His previous deal was set to expire at the end of the current season, but both sides were confident of reaching an agreement.

Since taking charge of Arsenal in 2019, Arteta has had a transformative impact on the club, winning the FA Cup in his first season and leading the team to consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League over the past two campaigns. Arsenal now has its sights set on winning the league title for the first time since 2004, and Arteta is seen as the man to lead them to that goal.

JORGINHO BACKS STERLING TO SHINE AT ARSENAL
Arsenal News

JORGINHO BACKS STERLING TO SHINE AT ARSENAL

Jorginho has expressed confidence that Raheem Sterling will quickly adapt and make an impact at Arsenal, ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham. Sterling joined the Gunners on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day and could make his debut this weekend with Arsenal facing a shortage of midfield options. Declan Rice is suspended, and both Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are out injured, opening the door for Sterling to feature as a No. 10 or winger.

Jorginho, who played with Sterling at Chelsea, believes the 29-year-old is well-equipped to thrive under Mikel Arteta. Sterling also has familiarity with several Arsenal players, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, which should ease his transition.

ARSENAL FACE INJURY CONCERNS AHEAD OF DERBY
Arsenal News

ARSENAL FACE INJURY CONCERNS AHEAD OF DERBY

Arsenal are grappling with multiple injuries as they approach the season’s first international break. Currently fourth in the Premier League, the Gunners’ momentum has been slowed by a 1-1 draw with Brighton, a game in which Declan Rice received a red card. The midfielder will now miss the north London derby against Tottenham, adding to the club’s injury woes.

One of the biggest concerns for Mikel Arteta’s squad is new signing Mikel Merino, who has yet to make his Arsenal debut. Merino, who joined the Gunners for a fee that could rise to £32 million, suffered a shoulder injury during his first training session. Arteta confirmed that the midfielder’s injury could keep him out for several weeks, with reports suggesting he could be sidelined for up to two months. The incident occurred during a collision with teammate Gabriel Magalhaes, which resulted in a possible small fracture. No definitive return date has been given for Merino, as further medical tests are required to assess the extent of the injury. It’s a frustrating setback for the 27-year-old, who had been eager to make an immediate impact.

STERLING TAKES NUMBER 30
Arsenal News

STERLING TAKES NUMBER 30

Arsenal have confirmed that Raheem Sterling will wear the No30 shirt following his move from Chelsea. The 29-year-old England winger joined on loan during transfer deadline day after being sidelined by Chelsea and will now aim to strengthen Arsenal’s Premier League title charge.

Sterling was in the stands watching Arsenal’s recent draw with Brighton and is expected to begin training with his new team immediately. With no international call-up, he has time to familiarize himself with Mikel Arteta’s tactical style. Arsenal fans could see him make his debut in two weeks against rivals Tottenham, a match where his skills and experience will be crucial.

ARSENAL BLOCK SAUDI MOVE FOR TROSSARD
Arsenal News

ARSENAL BLOCK SAUDI MOVE FOR TROSSARD

Arsenal have firmly rejected an approach from Saudi club Al Ittihad for Leandro Trossard, making it clear that the versatile forward is not for sale. Despite a lucrative offer that included an initial loan with an obligation to buy, potentially worth up to £25 million, the Gunners are determined to keep Trossard in their squad.

With the English transfer window closed, Arsenal would be unable to replace the 29-year-old until January, adding to their reluctance to entertain any offers. The Saudi transfer window remains open until Monday, but Arsenal’s stance leaves little room for negotiation. This decision underscores Trossard’s importance to the team, especially after a summer where the club let go of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson, only reinforcing their attacking options by bringing in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea.

SZCZESNY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT 34
Arsenal News

SZCZESNY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT 34

Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34, just days after the expiration of his contract with Juventus. Despite feeling physically capable of continuing, Szczesny revealed on Instagram that his heart was no longer in the game, leading him to step away from the sport to focus on his family. “Today, though my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore. I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family,” he wrote.

Szczesny enjoyed a distinguished career, earning 84 international caps for Poland, with his final appearance coming at Euro 2024. He was Poland’s first-choice goalkeeper in the tournament, but after losing their first two group games, he was rested for their final match against France.

PATINO SAYS GOODBYE TO ARSENAL FANS
Arsenal News

PATINO SAYS GOODBYE TO ARSENAL FANS

Charlie Patino has bid an emotional farewell to Arsenal fans as he embarks on a new chapter in his career. The 20-year-old midfielder, who joined Arsenal’s academy in 2015 at just 11 years old, has signed a four-year contract with Spanish side Deportivo La Coruña, leaving the club that nurtured his talents. Patino made only two senior appearances for the Gunners but impressed during loan spells at Blackpool and Swansea, paving the way for his permanent move to Spain.

The deal with Deportivo includes a significant sell-on clause, ensuring Arsenal will benefit financially if Patino is sold in the future. Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, Patino took to Instagram to express his gratitude and love for the club and its supporters. “Dear Arsenal fans,” he began, “Firstly, I just want to say thank you for all the amazing memories that I have had at this historic club. It has been an honour to represent Arsenal on and off the pitch.”