Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Wijnaldum shock interest, Southampton build-up, Raheem Sterling LATEST
ARSENAL return to Premier League action this weekend with a clash against Southampton.
The Gunners are looking to get back to winning ways after a last-gasp defeat to Everton on Monday.
On the transfer front, reports suggest Arsenal could move for Georginio Wijnaldum as the former Liverpool midfielder ponders a Premier League return.
The Dutch star is said to be "not completely happy" at failing to start regularly for the French giants since his summer free transfer.
And we've also got the very latest from the Emirates on Raheem Sterling and Nicholas Pepe.
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- Justin Lawrence
GEORGE WARS
Man United icon Andy Cole has alleged that ex-Arsenal manager George Graham was holding him back at the club which is why he had to leave.
Cole began his youth career with the Gunners in 1988 before leaving in 1992 after two loan spells the previous year.
And now Cole's explained that his frosty relationship with Graham who he claims was always putting him down was the reason he had to leave.
Cole told the Original Penguin X Campaign Against Living Miserably Under The Surface podcast: "All my time at Arsenal, I felt I was being held back constantly.
"I remember one day George Graham saying to me ‘You think you’re the bees knees’, and I’m thinking what do you want me to do, if I’m playing against your first team, do you want me to walk around with my head down on the floor, or push my chest out, what do you want?
"‘You think you’re the bees knees, you think you’re better than you are’, all that kind of stuff. So the opportunity for me to go out on loan was to show him that I was more than good enough."
- Justin Lawrence
GO WITH THE FLO
Arsenal Academy head Per Mertesacker thinks Folarin Balogun is the next star that will blossom from the Gunners academy.
But the ex-Gunners defender admits Balogun is likely to go on loan in January to get the experience he needs to succeed at the club.
Mertesacker said: "I think the closest, at the moment, to make that step is Flo Balogun”
“He’s transferred in to the first team dressing room. He still plays U23's football and probably most likely will go on loan in January because you need extra exposure to get to that next level so he needs to make that transition.”
- Justin Lawrence
MUM LOVE
Arsenal starlet Timi Davies has thanked his mum for helping him get his first professional contract with the Gunners.
The 17-year-old only joined the Gunners from Manchester City's academy in March.
But after making three appearances for the Gunners U18 side, the club have decided to reward Davies with a proper deal.
And he told Arsenal: "It feels amazing, I couldn't have done it without my mum, it's been a long journey.
"I think my family has had the biggest impact on me to get me where I am right now, because without them, it would be impossible, especially all the help my mum has given me, taking me to training every day and all the support they've given me.
"All the effort everyone's put into me and all the belief everyone's shown in me were major factors in me signing this contract."
- Justin Lawrence
STRONG BET
Arsenal host Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday in a game that could have big implications at both ends of the table.
The Gunners are firmly in the race for a place in Europe next season and are currently sat in seventh, two points behind rivals Spurs in fifth who currently occupy the final European spot.
t the other end of the table, Southampton's disappointing run of four games without a win has dragged them down to 16th place, just six points clear of the drop zone.
Arsenal are touted as favourites for Saturday's clash, with Sky Bet offering odds of 4/6 for a home win. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last eight home games this season, winning seven of them.
A run of three away defeats in a row, however, has seen them drop to four points adrift of the top four, having been level on points with them only two weeks ago.
Southampton have drawn their last two games, most recently suffering a 98th minute equaliser against Brighton last weekend, and Betfair, Sky Bet and William Hill are all offering 29/10 for another draw on Saturday.
- Justin Lawrence
RED SEA
David Seaman has warned Mikel Arteta that Arsenal need a win over Southampton or the club could be in trouble.
The Gunners have lost three of their last four games and Seaman reckons it's vital for the club to reverse their fortunes against Southampton.
But despite the Gunners dismal displays, Seaman's confident that his former side can seal three points on the weekend.
Speaking on his podcast, Seaman said: "This is a big game for Arsenal because we need to win,’ he said on his Seaman Says podcast.
"Three losses in four games and, if we don’t get a result here, pressure will start mounting.
"As much as Arteta has done well before that, when you come off the back of them sort of defeats the fans are going to get uneasy.
"For me, I still feel we’re strong enough to get a good result out of this game."
- Justin Lawrence
CITY DUS
Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic has been urged to stay at the club by the city's mayor.
Vlahovic has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in January, but the mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, wants the striker to stay put.
And in an emotional written plea, Nardella reeled off a list of reasons why Vlahovic should remain with the Serie A giants.
The letter, relayed by FiorentinaNews, read: "Dear Dusan, you have to stay in Florence because this is a wonderful city.
"The beauty that surrounds us is made by nature and by the hand of man who over the centuries has expressed ingenuity and creativity.
“Then there is the passion and heart of the ‘Fiorentini’, another reason to keep the purple shirt on for a while longer. If you come to Palazzo Vecchio, I can try to convince you.”
- Justin Lawrence
WRIGHT STUFF
Ian Wright has hailed Arsenal's new collaboration with Adidas Originals that will see the Gunners don their iconic 1993/94 kit.
Both the Arsenal men and women teams will wear the iconic jersey between December 9-15, Arsenal reported.
And Wright lead the praise for the kit that gave him so many great memories resurrection.
He said to Arsenal: "I have amazing memories of playing in the Adidas EQT jersey during the 93/94 season, and it’s great to celebrate that era with such a full and proper collection.
"The range has got all the classics and we had a good time on set playing our different roles. I even had to remind some of the first-team lads and women that we won the Cup Winners Cup that season so now that this is back, we have to win something!”
- Justin Lawrence
RICH PICKINGS
Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere has congratulated young Gunner Amani Richards after he signed his first professional contract with the club.
Richards, 17, has impressed the club in 12 games for the U18 side this season which has seen him break into the U23 set-up.
And now the Gunners have rewarded his form with a new contract that Richards gleefully revealed on Instagram is a "dream come true."
Underneath the post, Wilshere chimed in: "Congrats, keep working hard."
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A post shared by Amani (@amanirichards9)
- Justin Lawrence
LET THE GINI OUT
Arsenal could move for Georginio Wijnaldum as PSG's ex-Liverpool midfielder ponders a swift Premier League return.
The Holland star is "not completely happy" at failing to start regularly for the French giants since his summer free transfer.
And Sky Sports suggest he would be interested in a January loan move back to England.
But it's claimed PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is unwilling to lose him.
Former Newcastle ace Wijnaldum, 31, left Liverpool at the end of last season after his contract expired.
But since then only ten of his 20 appearances for PSG have been starts.
- William Pugh
GOOD MORNING GUNNERS FANS!
Yesterday saw pundits and players from all corners of the game weighing in on the future of Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
TalkSPORT host Gabby Agbonlahor claimed boss Mikel Arteta is being mugged by the striker as he collects his whopping salary with no end product.
He said: “I think Arsenal are definitely getting sold short. Auba is on £300k-a-week. If I’m an Arsenal fan, I want Salah numbers. I want Salah’s goals and assists tally, but they’re not getting that.”
Ex-Liverpool star John Barnes chimed in as he suggested Aubameyang’s days at the Emirates are numbered after he was snubbed against Everton.
He said: “This is the beginning of the end for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Arsenal career, because he’s their club captain, yet Mikel Arteta opted to bring on Eddie Nketiah against Everton instead.”
But former Arsenal keeper David Seaman rode to the striker’s rescue, claiming he was just going through a rocky patch.
He said: “I don’t see that (rift between Aubameyang and manager Mikel Arteta), I don’t see that at all.
“I think it’s just the fact he’s not playing very well and he’s having one of those patches.”
With the rumour mill starting to pick up speed, looks will be cast in the Gabon international’s direction come the January transfer window…
- Tristan Barclay
SEA-ING IS BELIEVING
While John Barnes doesn’t have much faith in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s abilities at Arsenal these days, there’s a Gunners legend who strongly disagrees with him.
Ex-keeper David Seaman has backed the club captain to come good despite being left on the bench during the recent defeat by Everton.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a late sub against EvertonCredit: AFP Seaman has downplayed any hint of a feud between manager Mikel Arteta and Aubameyang – something Barnes raised at in his comments.
The 58-year-old told Sky Sports: “I don't see that (rift between Aubameyang and manager Mikel Arteta), I don't see that at all.
“I think it's just the fact he's not playing very well and he's having one of those patches.”
- Tristan Barclay
'BEGINNING OF THE END'
More from Liverpool legend John Barnes and his thoughts on the future of Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
32-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is club captain at ArsenalCredit: EPA The ex-England international thinks the skipper’s days are numbered at the Emirates, given he was overlooked in the recent defeat by Everton.
Barnes reckons boss Mikel Arteta is seeing something in training he doesn’t like – something the fans won’t be seeing on matchdays.
Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “This is the beginning of the end for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Arsenal career, because he’s their club captain, yet Mikel Arteta opted to bring on Eddie Nketiah against Everton instead.
“The problem is, we’re not privy to conversations that happen Monday to Friday. That’s when the manager assesses his squad, the mood of the camp and will look for the players who have those leadership qualities.
“Football fans only see the team on a Saturday, but the manager knows best and that’s a telling sign regarding the Aubameyang situation.
“It’s never clear cut when our favourite players aren’t playing, and that is why I have full trust in the managers when they make big decisions like leaving star players out. Fans will question it but there’s always more than what meets the eye.”
- Tristan Barclay
'BEGINNING OF THE END'
More from Liverpool legend John Barnes and his thoughts on the future of Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
32-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is club captain at ArsenalCredit: EPA The ex-England international thinks the skipper’s days are numbered at the Emirates, given he was overlooked in the recent defeat by Everton.
Barnes reckons boss Mikel Arteta is seeing something in training he doesn’t like – something the fans won’t be seeing on matchdays.
Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “This is the beginning of the end for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Arsenal career, because he’s their club captain, yet Mikel Arteta opted to bring on Eddie Nketiah against Everton instead.
“The problem is, we’re not privy to conversations that happen Monday to Friday. That’s when the manager assesses his squad, the mood of the camp and will look for the players who have those leadership qualities.
“Football fans only see the team on a Saturday, but the manager knows best and that’s a telling sign regarding the Aubameyang situation.
“It’s never clear cut when our favourite players aren’t playing, and that is why I have full trust in the managers when they make big decisions like leaving star players out. Fans will question it but there’s always more than what meets the eye.”
- Tristan Barclay
'THANKS GUYS!'
Aaron Ramsdale has thanked Arsenal fans for voting him as the club’s player of the month for the second time in a row.
The keeper had this to say in a video on the Gunners’ Twitter channel:
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for my second player of the month award.
“It means a lot coming from you guys, so thank you very much and hopefully our next few games will be a lot better than the past few.
“We’ll keep giving our all and once again thank you to all the Gunners who have supported me.”
- Tristan Barclay
SAFE PAIR OF HANDS
Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale has been chosen as the club's player of the month – for the second time in a row.
The Gunners announced the result of the November poll on their Twitter channel.
The England man has been in fine form for his new club so far this season – despite shipping a hatful of goals to Liverpool and Manchester United in recent defeats.
The ex-Sheffield United keeper produced one of the saves of the season back in October – any excuse to watch that again!
- Tristan Barclay
AUBA AND OUT?
Liverpool legend John Barnes isn’t impressed by what he’s seeing at Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The ex-England international reckons it’s time for boss Mikel Arteta to boot out his CAPTAIN Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the Arsenal club captainCredit: EPA Strike partner Alexandre Lacazette is out of contract at the end of the season and almost certain to depart.
And Barnes says the 32-year-old Aubameyang should go with him.
He told BonusCodeBets: “Arsenal should look to replace both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
“A move for Alexandre Lacazette from Arsenal has been rumoured for a while, so it’s likely he’ll be moving on. Aubameyang is also on a huge contract and whether he’ll receive that money elsewhere, nobody knows.
“Things aren’t exactly smooth sailing for Aubameyang at Arsenal. He didn’t start against Everton, and even Eddie Nketiah came on ahead of him.
“Aubameyang is an issue. When you have a young team, you want your senior players to be leaders and Aubameyang, as captain, isn’t displaying those qualities.”
- Justin Lawrence
NOT WORTH IT
Gabby Agbonlahor reckons Arsenal are getting the short of the stick by paying Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang £300,000-a-week.
Aubameyang was dropped to bench for Arsenal's 2-1 loss to Everton this week following a string of poor performances.
And Agbonlahor doesn't reckon the club's captain is worth the £300k he's currently getting as he's not scoring goals like Liverpool's Mo Salah.
The ex-Aston Villa striker told talkSPORT: “I think Arsenal are definitely getting sold short.
“Auba is on £300k-a-week. If I’m an Arsenal fan, I want Salah numbers. I want Salah’s goals and assists tally, but they’re not getting that.”
- Justin Lawrence
NOT RIGHT
Gabby Agbonlahor claims he would've caused a storm in Arsenal's dressing room after the Everton game if he was Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang was dropped to the bench for the game and then overlooked as a sub by boss Mikel Arteta in favour of youngster Eddie Nketiah.
And if Agbonlahor was on the receiving end of the double-snub he would of been furious.
Speaking on the situation to talkSPORT, the ex-Aston Villa striker said: “Something’s not right there. Offended? The tables are getting thrown up in the changing room at Goodison Park after the game!
"How dare you. Worrying times isn’t it?”
- Justin Lawrence
NOT GUNNER HAPPEN
Ex-Blackburn Rovers Chris Sutton doesn't think Liverpool super-sub Divorick Origi can fit into Arsenal's first team.
Sutton also doubts Origi would make it at Chelsea, but does see the Belgian doing well at clubs like Aston Villa or Norwich.
He said: “It’s all about playing. “I am not saying Origi can go to Chelsea. I am not saying he can go to an Arsenal.
“But maybe an Aston Villa or a Norwich City where he would play regularly. I am not comparing Villa and Norwich, by the way.
"Villa are well ahead of Norwich in the table.
“But a team like that where he is playing week in and week out. That’s what you want to do is play regular football.”
- Justin Lawrence
DREAM MATCH
Arsenal Women centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy has revealed it's a dream to be playing Barcelona at The Emirates in the Champions League this week.
What makes the experience more surreal for Wubben-Moy is that she's a life-long Gunners fan.
She told The Guardian: “Pinch me – yes, it is a dream. These are the games you want to play in.
"To get to play them at such an amazing stadium? Yeah, so cool. A dream would probably be an understatement."
- Justin Lawrence
BE CAREFUL
Mikel Arteta has voiced his concerns over the fixture pile-up this Christmas for his Arsenal side.
He said last week, reported by talkSPORT: "Financially football is going through a moment where it is difficult to have 25 to 30 players in a squad but if you don’t, you are just loading players all the time so we have to be very careful.
“I think the product in this country is magnificent still, but we have to maintain it and there are certain things in my opinion that have to be reviewed.
“At the moment it doesn’t look (like regulators are listening) because every time we are talking or discussing something, it is to do more and more and more.”
- Justin Lawrence
BE PATIENT
Ex-Manchester United star Luke Chadwick has urged Arsenal to stick with Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have lost their past few games but Chadwick reckons Arteta will come good if Arsenal's hierarchy have patience with the Spaniard.
He told Caught Offside: “I think the hierarchy at Arsenal have shown they want to stick with Arteta, and I think that’s the right decision.
"I think he’s shown he’s got the makings of a real good manager and he’s got promising young players coming in, so it’s just about getting that all together."
- Justin Lawrence
TOWN AND OUT
Andy Townsend has praised Mikel Arteta for dropping Pierre Emerick Aubameyang for Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Everton on Monday.
Townsend believes Aubameyang's input is so minimal at times it's like the Gunners are playing with ten men.
Which is why he thinks Arteta made the right choice relegating the Gabon national to the bench.
Townsend said, reported by the Metro: "Fair play to him (Arteta for dropping Auba).
"When it’s you captain as well, then it can present a bit of a dilemma towards a coach, particularly a coach trying to find the best solutions and the best part forward for his club.
"I think it’s the right call. With Aubameyang, I watch him somedays and I see a real predatory striker, then other days it’s like you are playing with ten men. He is so far off his game."
- Justin Lawrence
MARC HIM OUT
Ajax have issued a stern hands-off warning to clubs seeking to lure Marc Overmars away after the Dutchman signed a contract extension.
The club's director of football will now stay with Ajax until 2026 amid reports linking him to the Newcastle job.
And now that the ex-Arsenal star has penned a new deal with Ajax, the club warned potential suitors to 'stop calling Marc' on Twitter.
Overmars also expressed his joy at committing to Ajax.
He said: "I still feel very excited by my work and get a lot of satisfaction out of it.
"The cooperation with my fellow board members is very good, as well as with the people at the Toekomst (the Ajax sports complex) with whom I work together in the fields of scouting, youth, transfers, and the like.
"I have a feeling that my work at Ajax is not done yet, so I would like to continue here."
- Justin Lawrence
DON'T SEA IT
David Seaman doesn't agree with Gary Neville that there's a rift building between Mikel Arteta and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang was dropped for Arsenal's 2-1 defeat against Everton and youngster Eddie Nketiah was brought onto the pitch before him, which is a snub Neville thinks will cause a rift between Arteta and his captain.
But Seaman disagrees and reckons Neville is reading too much into the situation.
He told the Metro: “I saw Gary Neville making those comments last night and I was a little bit surprised if I’m honest. I don’t see that, I don’t see that at all.
“I think it’s just the fact he’s not playing very well and he’s having one of those patches. That’s why he was left out.
“Lacazette has come in and has been doing really well. He decided to put Nketiah on we saw why because he does create a little chance for himself, but I’m not worried about the Aubameyang situation.
“I think he will come good very soon.”
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