LEGENDARY Arsenal playmaker Paul Merson has been advising his former side on who they should sign this summer.
Merson, 53, believes that the Gunners would benefit from bringing Marcus Rashford to the Emirates with his future up in the air.
And Paul has also made a u-turn on his original judgement towards midfield magician Martin Odegaard.
There has been an update on Arsenal's pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.
Plus everything surrounding the North London club's match against Leicester TODAY is yet to come.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates in our live blog…
- Joshua Jones
Good morning to Gunners fans
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has revealed he’s had a u-turn on Martin Odegaard as a player.
The former Gunner revealed he didn’t think much of the Norwegian until his recent burst of form.
But now, Merse understands the playmaker’s qualities.
“He has come to the party now. He is a very good footballer,” he said.
"I didn’t really see that at the start of his time with Arsenal but I see it now.
“He’s a player that sees things very quickly and he has great movement. He is a quality player.”
Thomas Partey is a transfer target for Juventus, according to reports.
The Ghanaian, who cost the Gunners £50million in 2020, has had his ups and downs at the Emirates.
And now the Serie A giants could test the Gunners' resolve with a bid for the midfielder, according to Turin publication Tuttosport.
While Ray Parlour has tipped his old club to make a move for Man Utd's out-of-favour striker Marcus Rashford.
“Marcus Rashford is going through a bit of a bad spell but he’s a top player," he said on talkSPORT.
“I am sure lots of clubs will be enquiring about Marcus Rashford if he was available in the summer. Certainly Arsenal, I would love him to come to Arsenal.
“That’s the position Arsenal need to look at this summer, it’s vital for the club. I don’t think he would be because United would be mad to sell him. But if he is available then Arsenal would definitely be interested.”
- Jon Boon
Singo wanted
Arsenal are chasing Torino defender Wilfried Singo but face competition from Tottenham, according to reports.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Gunners are keeping tabs on the Ivorian right-back.
The 21-year-old has made 27 appearances this season, scoring three goals and assisting four.
Tuttosport have added that Milan, Inter, and Juventus are also interested in Singo.
- Jon Boon
Super Sunday
On Sunday, the Gunners face off against Leicester City knowing a win will take then back above Manchester United as they battle their rivals for a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
Our predicted line-up sees the Gunners stick with the team that beat Watford last weekend.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is likely to still be absent – with Cedric Soares deputising at right-back.
Emile Smith Rowe could return after missing out on the trip to Vicarage Road with Covid.
- Jon Boon
Merse praises Odegaard
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has revealed he's had a u-turn on Martin Odegaard as a player.
The former Gunner revealed he didn't think much of the Norwegian until his recent burst of form.
But now, Merse understands the playmaker's qualities.
“He has come to the party now. He is a very good footballer," he said.
I didn’t really see that at the start of his time with Arsenal but I see it now.
"He’s a player that sees things very quickly and he has great movement. He is a quality player.”
- Jon Boon
Parlour backs Rashford swoop
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has backed the Gunners to swoop for out-of-favour Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford.
“Marcus Rashford is going through a bit of a bad spell but he’s a top player, he said on talkSPORT.
"I am sure lots of clubs will be enquiring about Marcus Rashford if he was available in the summer. Certainly Arsenal, I would love him to come to Arsenal.
“That’s the position Arsenal need to look at this summer, it’s vital for the club. I don’t think he would be because United would be mad to sell him. But if he is available then Arsenal would definitely be interested.”
- Jon Boon
Juve want Partey
Thomas Partey is a transfer target for Juventus, according to reports.
The Ghanaian, who cost the Gunners £50million in 2020, has had his ups and downs at the Emirates.
And now the Serie A giants could test Gunners resolve with a bid for the midfielder, according to Turin publication Tuttosport.
Arsenal are planning a midfield rebuild in the summer – and the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are expected to leave the club in near future.
- Jon Boon
Ramsdale aims dig at Partey's finishing
Aaron Ramsdale has joked that Thomas Partey's finishing is "horrendous" in a chat on Sky Sports Football's YouTube channel.
The England goalie appeared alongside team-mate Rob Holding where he had to guess which Gunners stars had the best stats on FIFA 22.
“There’s plenty of attacking talent at Arsenal, but who is the best finisher at Arsenal according to FIFA 22?” The host asked.
“Gabi Martinelli is a good finisher,” Rob Holding guessed.
But Ramsdale was quick to point out who it wasn't.
“I’ll tell you who it’s not, Thomas Partey!” Ramsdale joked.
- Jon Boon
Olise would fit the mould at Arsenal
Darren Bent believes Arsenal will make a move for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise in the summer.
The French winger, 20, has been sublime for the Eagles in recent weeks.
And former Spurs star Bent believes he's exactly the sort of player Mikel Arteta could add to the Gunners squad.
He told Soccer Saturday: "We know he likes young players and this kid has really impressed me. For large spells I thought it was just all about Wilfried Zaha and Eze but at the moment he has himself into the team and been sensational.
"He can go past people, he has a nice range of passing, he can score a goal and his final delivery has been lovely. I think he is a top player.
"It makes sense – if you look at what Mikel Arteta has done in the transfer market at the start of the season, all the players were 24 or younger. He [Olise] fits that kind of mould.
"The only thing you would say is where would he play because in those front areas, Arsenal are quite loaded.
"Someone of that quality, it doesn’t surprise me to see Arsenal and those top sides interested."
- Jon Boon
Exciting times
It's a promising time to be an Arsenal fan, says journalist David Ornstein.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he revealed the excitement around the club among those in the game.
He said:“What’s really exciting for Arsenal is, when you speak to many people around the game, they think that they’re one of the best placed teams to really accelerate into the future with those young players.”
The Gunners young guns, including Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli have fired the club into the top four.
It's put them in pole position to qualify for next season's Champions League.
- Jon Boon
Tierney wanted by Real Madrid
Real Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of Arsenal star Kieran Tierney, according to reports.
It is said the Spanish giants have conducted a month-long review of the Gunners left-back.
According to 90min.com, the club were initially keeping an eye on Bukayo Saka but their attention was drawn by the ex-Celtic defender.
The report states Real's chief scout Juni Calafat has watched Tierney live and is impressed.
Now Los Blancos – who feel Tierney can play at left-back or centrally – will weigh up making a summer transfer offer.
- Alex Cole
Gunners in training
Arsenal trained this morning ahead of Sunday's clash with Leicester.
Thomas Partey, Alex Lacazette and Gabriel Martinelli were spotted.
Kieran Tierney was there in his usual short-sleeved shirt, tackling Nicolas Pepe.
Boss Mikel Arteta was seen enjoying the session.
- Alex Cole
Will Tierney be captain on Sunday?
Kieran Tierney took over from Alexandre Lacazette as skipper for the final ten minutes of the club’s 3-2 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road last weekend.
Striker Lacazette was appointed as club captain for the rest of the season following the sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona.
Yet there is a growing clamour for Scotland international Tierney to be installed by boss Mikel Arteta as the permanent leader at the Emirates.
And it was telling that the club used an image of the left-back wearing the armband to advertise Sunday's clash with Leicester City on social media.
- Alex Cole
Arsenal vs Leicester
Arsenal vs Leicester takes place on Sunday, March 13.
The game kicks off at 4.30pm in the UK.
The Emirates Stadium plays host to the Premier League clash.
The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Emile Smith Rowe is expected to be back in the mix for The Gunners, after battling COVID-19, but Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a doubt with a calf problem.
As for Leicester, Jamie Vardy has picked up a fresh knee injury and will not be available for the Emirates trip, which is a shame as he is normally prolific against them.
- Alex Cole
How Arsenal could line up on Sunday
Arsenal can strengthen their pursuit for Champions League football with a win against Leicester.
The Gunners host Brendan Rodgers' 12th-placed under-performers sitting in the top four, a point above Manchester United with three games in hand.
Arsenal are looking for their fifth win on the bounce having most recently beaten Watford 3-2.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were among the goals that day and are expected to keep their place in the starting XI.
Martin Odegaard, who opened the scoring against the Hornets, is also likely to keep his place in the No10 role.
Arsenal have been boosted with the return of Emile Smith Rowe, who could play out wide or in an advanced midfield role but is more likely to feature from the bench.
- Alex Cole
Mourinho wants Xhaka
Jose Mourinho is still reportedly keen to bring Arsenal star Granit Xhaka to Roma.
Xhaka ended up penning a new contract at the Emirates, but his future in North London remains uncertain.
That is despite the 29-year-old starring in his new position as a No8 having been deployed in a more advanced role under Mikel Arteta in recent weeks.
According to Calciomercato, Mourinho is desperate to secure his services.
The report adds that talks are set to resume in the summer, with Xhaka still intent on playing under the ex-Chelsea gaffer.
- Alex Cole
McCoist says Tierney is the future skipper
Kieran Tierney's leadership qualities will make him a great full-time captain going forward for the Gunners, according to Ally McCoist.
The ex-Scotland international said: "Captains show leadership, camaraderie, spirit and galvanise their team.
"Tierney is still young and inexperienced in that capacity but he will grow into that.
"You look at him and he is mature, speaks well, and his off-thefield interviews are very good.
"For me, he is obvious captain material."
- Alex Cole
Tierney backed to be full-time captain
Kieran Tierney has all the leadership qualities to become a full-time future Arsenal captain, according to Ally McCoist and pals.
The Gunners left-back took over from Alexandre Lacazette as skipper for the final ten minutes of the club's 3-2 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday.
French striker Lacazette, 30, has been made captain for the rest of the season following the sale of former skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona due to disciplinary breaches.
Yet there is a growing clamour for Scotland star Tierney to be installed by boss Mikel Arteta as the permanent team leader at the Emirates.
McCoist said: "A lot of my mates at talkSPORT — like Laura Woods, Darren Bent and Ray Parlour — all see Tierney as a future Arsenal captain."
- Alex Cole
Real Madrid are 'closely watching' Tierney
Real Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of Arsenal star Kieran Tierney, according to reports.
90 Min claim that after watching team-mate Bukayo Saka, the Scotsman caught the eye of Madrid scouts.
They have conducted a month-long review since with chief scout Juni Calafat impressed.
Credit: Getty The Spanish giants are 'very much considering' a summer splash for the full-back.
The club currently have French ace Ferland Mendy and captain Marcelo as their left-back options.
- Kostas Lianos
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal have 11 players on their transfer wishlist ahead of the summer, with two new strikers at the top of it.
Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak and Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin are top of that list, according to the Evening Standard who also report interest in Lille ace Jonathan David and Benfica star Darwin Nunez.
Southampton loanee Armando Broja, who belongs to Chelsea, Leicester star Youri Tielemans and Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz are also being eyed.
Wolves' Ruben Neves could also be subject to a transfer battle between the north Londoners and Manchester United, though Barcelona are looking to lure him to Spain.
Villa wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka and Danilo of Palmeiras have also impressed manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal are also hoping to attract another youngster in Middlesbrough's Djed Spence, who plays on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Juventus are keeping tabs on Arsenal ace Alexandre Lacazette, who will become a free agent in June.
That is according to Calciomercato, who report that Juve are ready to land Lacazette on a free transfer when his Arsenal deal expires this summer.
The Bianconeri beat the Gunners to ex- Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic in January.
Arsenal will need to sign a striker after also losing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona, while Eddie Nketiah’s contract also expires in June.
And Roma reportedly remain desperate to sign Granit Xhaka from the Gunners as Jose Mourinho steps up his interest in the midfielder.
The Swiss international was keen to link up with the Giallorossi last year, but a move failed to materialise after the two clubs couldn't agree a fee.
According to Calciomercato, Mourinho remains desperate to secure the 29-year-old’s services.
They state that the ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager’s interest in the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach captain has never gone away.
Finally, Arsenal transfer target Lautaro Martinez will stay at Inter Milan beyond this coming summer.
That is according to Lautaro's agent Alejando Camano, who claims his client as well as his family are so happy at Inter there is "no possibility" he will depart.
Camano told Calciomercato: "He is staying at Inter. Lautaro has a five-year contract with Inter, he feels like an Interista.
"Inter are the team in his heart. He feels like an extra fan on the pitch.
"His family is also very happy in Milan. I can say with certainty: there is no possibility that Lautaro will leave Inter. He cares so much about winning with this club"
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal target Pino
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Villarreal ace Yeremy Pino ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to El Desmarque, who report the Gunners and a host of other European clubs, are interested in Pino.
The 19-year-old forward has attracted immense attention this season after impressing under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal target Olise
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace ace Michael Olise
That is according to The Daily Mail, who report that the Gunners could move for Olise in the summer.
The midfielder joined the Eagles from Reading last summer and has impressed in the Premier League.
But the north Londoners would have to also convince former player Patrick Vieira to let him leave his squad
- Kostas Lianos
Arteta on Smith Rowe
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta opened up about Emile Smith Rowe's condition.
Arteta said during his pre-match press conference that Smith Rowe may be available against Leicester.
Arteta said: "Well, he went through COVID.
"He’s feeling good now, he’s had a couple of training sessions and hopefully he can get the rhythm, the consistency and stay out of missing because he’s a really important player for us and we need him"
- Kostas Lianos
Arteta on Leicester
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Leicester counterpart Brendan Rodgers' work at King Power Stadium.
Arteta said: "They’ve been much more consistent in terms of performances and results recently.
"They are a team that have come a long, long way and I think Brendan and the coaching staff have done some exceptional work.
"They have a lot of injuries as well as what we lived this season with the COVID issue which has been a difficult mixture. It’s been difficult for all managers but now they are in a better moment.
"The competition in this league is incredibly tough. There are injuries as I said, there are performances, there are the amount of games, what we went through last year with the amount of games that we have to play and everything pays dividends at the end. They are certainly a really, really good side"
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Arteta on Ukraine solidarity
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has backed his club's solidarity towards Ukraine.
Arteta said: "It’s great the club wants to show solidarity and wants to show that we’re all united.
"Even if we’re not suffering the consequences first-hand and it’s impossible to even try to understand what is going through their skin, we show that we care.
"And somehow show a solidarity and appreciation to those people that are suffering.
- Kostas Lianos
Arteta on Lacazette
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stated that a decision on out-of-contract ace Alexandre Lacazette will be made at the end of the season.
Arteta said: "We have discussed that and we have been open that at the end of the season, once we know where we are, we are going to make a decision together.
"I don’t want anybody thinking about something else that is not that.
"The decision, we agreed, is to do it in the summer and we are going to do it as soon as the season is finished"
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