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ARSENAL reportedly face competition from Borussia Dortmund for the signing of Eden Hazard.
Ivan Gazidis' AC Milan were thought to be the Gunners' main opponents for the signing of the Belgian.
However Dortmund, where Hazard's younger brother Thorgan plays, are said to now lead the race.
Meanwhile, Piers Morgan has become embroiled in a Twitter row with Gunners legend Lee Dixon after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted for Barcelona at Levante on Sunday night.
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- Sam Dymond
Dixon slams Piers' Auba tears
Piers Morgan and Lee Dixon were involved in a Twitter spat after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his tenth Barcelona goal on Sunday.
Aubameyang left Arsenal on a free in the January transfer window and has since shone in Spain.
Rent-a-gob Arsenal fan, Morgan tweeted: "Aubameyang scores again for Barcelona. His 10th goal in 14 games since Arsenal gave him away for free. Now officially one of the worst decisions in managerial history."
In response, Dixon replied: "Piers. Really. You are really making yourself look rather silly. Enough. Get over it.
The discussion continued for some time until Morgan referred to the former Gunners star as 'patronising'.
- Sam Dymond
Gunners receive Hazard warning
Arsenal have suffered a setback in their attempts to sign Eden Hazard on loan, according to the press in Spain.
Cadena Ser report that the Belgian is set to reject the Gunners and AC Milan in order to join Borussia Dortmund.
Hazard's younger brother, Thorgan, currently plays with the Bundesliga club, who are thought to enjoy a strong relationship with those at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal had hoped to bring Hazard back to London for the season following a torrid three-year spell in LaLiga.
- Sam Dymond
Arsenal target in penalty gaffe
Alexander Isak has caught the eye over the past couple of years, but the striker made headlines for the wrong reasons yesterday in Real Sociedad's 2-1 win at Elche.
The Sociedad striker, who Arsenal attempted to sign in the January transfer window, had the opportunity to equalise in the 19th minute when the visitors were awarded a penalty.
The 22-year-old stopped on his run up just as he reached the ball, before rolling it into the opposite corner to which Edgar Badia had dived.
However, before Isak could celebrate the end of his goal drought, the referee blew up for an indirect free-kick and booked Isak for his action.
Given the Gunners' history of spotkick fiascos, perhaps he will fit right in at the Emirates.
- Sam Dymond
Teenage kick in the teeth
Arsenal could be about to lose one of their hottest prospects – and to one of their biggest rivals.
Goal understand that Chelsea are preparing to swoop for the Gunners' 18-year-old Khayon Edwards, who has been scoring goals for fun in the academy this season.
Edwards has netted 16 in as many appearances in the U18 Premier League, and even notched a goal on his debut for the U23s in Premier League 2.
The north Londoners are keen to tie the teenager down to his first professional contract, but now the Blues are said to be heading a long list of other interested parties.
This will be one to watch – and in more ways than one.
- Etienne Fermie
Morning, Arsenal fans
Darwin Nunez could cost £113million – while Arsenal's chances of luring fellow attackers Paulo Dybala and Serge Gnabry have also faded.
That triple blow to the Gunners' summer hopes follows the double woe of two straight defeats rocking their top-four bid.
Benfica value Uruguay superstar Nunez as highly as Joao Felix, who they sold to Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are tipped to offer reported Arsenal target Gnabry an improved new deal.
And Juventus ace Dybala is thought keen to stay in Italy.
It's understood Arsenal and Newcastle have been monitoring the situation, but Inter Milan are now favourites to sign the Argentinian on a free transfer.
The fierce fallout from Saturday's 2-1 home loss to Brighton continues, especially as it follows last Monday's 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
It leaves Tottenham in pole position to hold onto the final Champions League qualification spot in the Prem.
And Gunners keeper Aaron Ramsdale told the club's website:“It’s not good enough. Two games on the spin where the first 45 minutes has got away from us.
“We were not in the rhythm of the game, that’s unlike us, especially at home where we’ve normally started really well all season.
“It was a really poor performance… This was supposed to be the reaction game but it wasn’t."
Marseille boss Jorge Sampaoli believes his Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi is becoming one of the world’s best midfielders.
And lastly, it's claimed Chelsea are keen on recruiting Arsenal attacker Khayon Edwards, 18.
- Ian Tuckey
Dortmund join hunt for Hazard
Chelsea legend Eden Hazard is now being linked to Borussia Dortmund after reported interest from Arsenal.
The Belgium midfielder could exit Real Madrid in the summer after his bit-part role for the runaway LaLiga leaders.
Cadena SER suggest, Dortmund are considering trying to recruit the 31-year-old to link with his brother Thorgan Hazard.
But it’s also claimed Hazard wouldn’t be too upset to see out the final year of his Real contract, said to be worth £400,000 a week.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners vs Red Devils for Tielemans?
Arsenal and Man Utd lead the summer chase for Leicester star man Youri Tielemans.
The Belgium midfielder, 24, is being tracked by a string of elite clubs as he has just a year left on his contract.
- Ian Tuckey
Dybala ‘not interested in Toon or Gunners’
Arsenal and Newcastle could face disappointment if they pursue Juventus striker Paulo Dybala.
The Argentina superstar, who was previously linked with Manchester United, is thought to be keen on staying in Italy when, as expected, he moves on this summer.
Inter Milan are already said to be in the running for the 28-year-old.
Talks over a new Juventus contract reportedly turned cold when the Serie A giants withdrew an offer and replaced it with a suggested pay CUT.
- Ian Tuckey
Ramsdale rues 'really poor' Arsenal display
Keeper Aaron Ramsdale slated Arsenal's 'really poor performance' and their failure to bounce back.
Brighton won 2-1 at the Emirates yesterday following the Gunners' 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace last Monday.
Fifth-placed Arsenal are now three points behind Tottenham, although still with a game in hand.
And Ramsey told the club website: “It’s not good enough. Two games on the spin where the first 45 minutes has got away from us.
“We were not in the rhythm of the game, that’s unlike us, especially at home where we’ve normally started really well all season.
“It was a really poor performance… This was supposed to be the reaction game but it wasn’t.
"We’ve lost and not managed to pick up any points and next week is even bigger."
- Ian Tuckey
Serge in Bayern contract talks
Bayern Munich are tipped to offer Arsenal target Serge Gnabry an improved new deal.
The German giants have already pushed the boat out to keep fellow superstars Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.
Now Bayern are reportedly in talks over a new contract for Germany winger Gnabry, 26.
- Ian Tuckey
Benfica want £113m for Darwin
Benfica want around £113million for Manchester United and Arsenal target Darwin Nunez.
That’s because the Portuguese giants rate their Uruguay superstar, 22, in the same bracket as fellow striker Joao Felix, who they sold to Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Credit: Reuters Premier League clubs were reportedly amongst clubs watching Nunez last weekend.
He netted in the 3-1 home defeat against Liverpool last Tuesday before a hat-trick against Belenenses SAD on Saturday took his season’s tally to 31.
And Nunez has also confirmed he has left his representative Edgardo Lasalvia – with super-agent Jorge Mendes one option to step in.
- Ian Tuckey
'Guendouzi will be one of world's best midfielders'
Marseille boss Jorge Sampaoli believes his Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi is becoming one of the world's best midfielders.
Guendouzi, 22, fell out of favour under Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta but is now pressing for a place in France's World Cup squad.
Arteta is thought to have had doubts over the Under-21 star's attitude.
But Sampaoli said: "Guendouzi’s physical condition is exceptional. He can recover very quickly, he has less risk of injury
"He has also managed to impose himself, which can be seen with his selections for the France team. Finally, he is the soul of the team.
"He has not progressed thanks to me, it is in general, he has gained in maturity. He is on the way to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world."
- Ian Tuckey
Dortmund join hunt for Hazard
Chelsea legend Eden Hazard is now being linked to Borussia Dortmund after reported interest from Arsenal.
The Belgium midfielder could exit Real Madrid in the summer after his bit-part role for the runaway LaLiga leaders.
Cadena SER suggest, Dortmund are considering trying to recruit the 31-year-old to link with his brother Thorgan Hazard.
But it’s also claimed Hazard wouldn’t be too upset to see out the final year of his Real contract, said to be worth £400,000 a week.
- Ian Tuckey
Dybala 'would snub Prem move'
Arsenal and Newcastle could face disappointment if they pursue Juventus striker Paulo Dybala.
The Argentina superstar, who was previously linked with Manchester United, is thought to be keen on staying in Italy when, as expected, he moves on this summer.
Inter Milan are already said to be in the running for the 28-year-old.
Talks over a new Juventus contract reportedly turned cold when the Serie A giants withdrew an offer and replaced it with a suggested pay CUT.
- Ian Tuckey
Why I played Granit at left-back
Boss Arteta also spoke on playing Granit Xhaka at left-back in the absence of Kieran Tierney.
He said: “Well the way I thought Brighton were going to play and the spaces that we wanted to attack, it fits really well to play Emile (Smith Rowe) in midfield.
“Especially because we thought that space was going to be there as well for Granit to be used, which it was, but we didn’t use it.
“After the game, when you lose, the decision that you made you have to write before the match, after it is too late.”
- Ian Tuckey
Limpar had 'rash everywhere after shaving whole body'
Arsenal legend Perry Groves has hilariously revealed his former team-mate Anders Limpar was forced to miss a game after having his entire body shaved and breaking out in a rash.
Limpar starred for the Gunners in the 1990s, and helped his side win the old First Division in his first season at the club.
The mercurial winger also played for Everton, where he became a hero for England legend Wayne Rooney.
The ex-Man Utd icon once claimed: "I’d say Anders was my idol. I liked him because he used to shoot and dribble more than Duncan Ferguson."
But, despite the Swede enjoying a stellar career at Highbury, Groves recalled a moment in which the wide man was ruled out injured in the most bizarre way.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Sunday Session, Groves said: “When I was at the Gooners, Anders Limpar, brilliant player, he came in training one day and we looked over and he shaved all of his body hair off, under his armpits, everything.
"I said to ‘Anders what are you doing?’ He goes ‘it makes me go through the air quicker’. I went, ‘you’re not a beaver Anders’. "He did it because of that, and he couldn’t play the next game because he had a rash everywhere."
- Ian Tuckey
Benfica want £113m for 'Arsenal target' Nunez
Benfica want around £113million for Manchester United and Arsenal target Darwin Nunez.
That's because the Portuguese giants rate their Uruguay superstar, 22, in the same bracket as fellow striker Joao Felix, who they sold to Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Credit: Reuters Premier League clubs were reportedly amongst clubs watching Nunez last weekend.
He netted in the 3-1 home defeat against Liverpool last Tuesday before a hat-trick against Belenenses SAD on Saturday took his season's tally to 31.
And Nunez has also confirmed he has left his representative Edgardo Lasalvia – with super-agent Jorge Mendes one option to step in.
Credit: Reuters - Ian Tuckey
Bayern 'fight to keep Arsenal target Gnabry'
Bayern Munich are tipped to offer Arsenal target Serge Gnabry an improved new deal.
The German giants have already pushed the boat out to keep fellow superstars Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.
Now Bayern are reportedly in talks over a new contract for Germany winger Gnabry, 26.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea ‘contact Arsenal wonderkid Edwards’
Chelsea are set to make a swoop for Arsenal wonderkid Khayon Edwards in the summer, according to reports.
Edwards, 18, has been in outstanding form for Arsenal's academy.
He has recorded 17 goals and six assists across all levels, and has managed to score in every single under-18's Premier League game this season.
In September, Mikel Arteta was so impressed with his performances that he promoted him to train with the first team.
The Gunners are keen for the young star to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
For the past few months there have been ongoing talks over his first pro contract as Arsenal are keen to tie him down to a long-term deal.
However, according to Goal, Chelsea are looking to sign him in the summer. Edwards' scholarship deal expires in June so he will be available for free if an agreement with Arsenal is not struck.
A number of other Premier League clubs are also said to be monitoring the situation, including Southampton, Leeds and Brighton. Some German clubs are also interested.
- Ian Tuckey
United are huge 20/1 outsiders for top-four spotUnited's stuttering form has left Ralf Rangnick's seventh-placed side 20/1 outsiders for the final Champions League spot.
Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea are rated odds-on to keep their top-three positions.
And Tottenham's astonishing surge in fluency, goals and results has propelled them to 1/3 favourites for the fourth and last place for Champions League qualification.
Ladbrokes rate Arsenal 2/1 and West Ham – 2-0 losers at Brentford today – are 25/1.
ODDS TO FINISH IN TOP 4: Tottenham – 1/3, Arsenal – 2/1, Man United – 20/1, West Ham – 25/1
- Ian Tuckey
Fans' mixed response to Arteta's rallying call
Mikel Arteta's plea for Arsenal to recharge after two shock losses dumped them out of the top four sparked heated debate from fans.
The Gunners posted a picture of the manager alongside his words: "We have everything to play for. There's still big games to come."
And with yesterday's 2-1 home defeat to Brighton following the 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace, the Arsenal media added their own message: "Let's regroup and go again."
In-form Tottenham are now three points clear in fourth, albeit having played a game more.
And while some Gunners' supporters suggested Arteta is still on the right path overall, others claimed the last two matches showed up his weaknesses.
One fan posted: "All this seasons hard work, all the magical moments like Wolves at home, all the unity in this side, thrown away after 2 games. This hurts man."
And another responded: "Poor team management this happens wen u av a certain EDU as your tech director and a rookie manager who likes to gamble at crucial times."
But with frustrating simmering, this post spoke for many: "So you know there are still big games. Then decide to lose against Palace and Brighton."
Whatever your opinion, 'decide to lose' might be a bit harsh!
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners vs Red Devils for Tielemans?
Arsenal and Man Utd lead the summer chase for Leicester star man Youri Tielemans.
The Belgium midfielder, 24, is being tracked by a string of elite clubs as he has just a year left on his contract.
- Alex Cole
Xhaka at left-back
Boss Arteta also spoke on playing Granit Xhaka at left-back in the absence of Kieran Tierney.
He said: "Well the way I thought Brighton were going to play and the spaces that we wanted to attack, it fits really well to play Emile in midfield.
"Especially because we thought that space was going to be there as well for Granit to be used, which it was, but we didn’t use it.
"After the game, when you lose, the decision that you made you have to write before the match, after it is too late."
- Alex Cole
Arteta on Lacazette
When asked about Alexandre Lacazette’s form, the boss was coy.
Arteta said: "We need to score more goals, that’s for sure and that’s a collective issue."
And when he was asked if he is happy with Lacazette’s performances, the Spaniard said: "I’m never happy when I lose, I’m really upset.
"I cannot be happy."
- Alex Cole
'Not a problem of attitude', says Arteta
Boss Arteta spoke to the Arsenal official site aftet the Brighton defeat.
He said: "It’s not a problem of attitude, for me it was a problem of the approach and the courage that we showed to play and we didn’t have that purpose.
"I know we didn’t have that intention to attack and step in and provoke the situation that we want to provoke.
"We’re looking at each other too many times instead of taking ownership and doing what we have to do and you cannot play like that, you have to make yourself count, step in and today we didn’t do it."
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