Wayne Rooney
May 2026
Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal will win the Premier League title, predicting they will finish comfortably ahead of Manchester City due to a favourable run-in despite recent doubts over their consistency. Rooney pointed to Arsenal’s remaining fixtures and City’s demanding schedule, suggesting the pressure on the chasing side will lead to dropped points while the league leaders maintain consistency through the final stretch.
Martin Odegaard
May 2026
Martin Odegaard has faced criticism following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, with questions raised over his performances and leadership amid an inconsistent season affected by injuries. Substituted early after a subdued display, Odegaard’s struggles have been linked to persistent fitness issues. Critics argue Arsenal may need to reassess his role, especially as competition for creative positions increases.
Atletico Madrid
April 2026
Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg, with both sides scoring penalties in a tense encounter overshadowed by a controversial late decision. Gyokeres and Alvarez converted from the spot, while Arsenal pushed for a late winner but saw a penalty decision overturned after review. Defensive efforts and key saves ensured the tie remains finely balanced heading into the second leg.
Martin Zubimendi
April 2026
Gary Neville criticised Martin Zubimendi’s performances, arguing the midfielder is not controlling games as expected despite Arsenal returning to the top of the Premier League table. Neville highlighted tactical imbalance with Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard occupying similar areas, reducing fluidity and allowing Newcastle to dominate possession phases.
Arsenal
April 2026
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a tense 1-0 win over Newcastle, as Eberechi Eze’s early strike proved decisive in a performance that lacked fluency but delivered crucial points in the title race. Eze scored after a short-corner routine inside nine minutes. Arsenal then lost control for long spells, with David Raya forced into key saves. Newcastle failed to convert late chances, allowing Mikel Arteta’s side to hold on.
Elliot Anderson
April 2026
Manchester City are now described as being in pole position to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer, ahead of interest from Manchester United and Arsenal. Sky Sports reported City as the current frontrunner in the race. City are reshaping their midfield with Bernardo Silva leaving and uncertainty around other central players. Anderson’s stock has risen sharply since joining Forest, and his ball-winning and duel numbers make him an attractive fit for Guardiola’s next rebuild.
Arsene Wenger
April 2026
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can still win the Premier League despite another damaging domestic defeat. The former manager believes Mikel Arteta’s side showed enough attacking quality to remain genuine title contenders. Wenger argued Manchester City will not complete a flawless run-in and urged Arsenal to focus on the final five matches. The Gunners are chasing their first league crown since 2004.
Erling Haaland
April 2026
Erling Haaland scored in City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal, then triggered a live apology from Sky Sports after using profanity in his post-match interview while praising Bernardo Silva’s defending. Haaland compared Bernardo Silva’s display to Fabio Cannavaro’s, using foul language on air. Sky muted the moment and later apologised, while the result itself pushed City to within three points of Arsenal in the title race.
Julian Alvarez
April 2026
Arsenal are being linked with a major summer move for Julian Alvarez, with some transfer reports claiming Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus could be sacrificed to help fund it. This is still speculative and not backed by any confirmed club statement. Arsenal want a top-level striker and may need to cut wages and raise funds to make a serious bid for Alvarez. There is no sign yet that Atletico Madrid are negotiating, so this should be treated as early transfer noise rather than an advanced deal.
Marco Palestra
April 2026
Arsenal and Manchester City are both tracking Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra, while Arsenal also remain interested in Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso. Current reporting points to growing Premier League pressure on Serie A defensive talent. Palestra’s breakout loan at Cagliari has turned him into a likely €40 million summer target, with both Arsenal and City watching closely. Arsenal’s earlier admiration for Cambiaso has also not gone away.
