Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal kept themselves in touch at the top with a win at Crystal Palace on Saturday but it remains to be seen whether they will add to their ranks in January
Arsenal got back to winning ways in the league on Saturday but their victory at Crystal Palace didn’t come without a cost.
Bukayo Saka was forced off during the first half at Selhurst Park, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitting there is concern about the England star. While no one in North London will want to be without Saka for too long, the timing does at least mean they can quickly find reinforcements in January if needed.
The win at Palace brought two more goals for Gabriel Jesus, giving him five in the space of less than a week after netting just once between August and November. Arteta has been encouraged to move for another striker amid the Brazilian’s struggles, but the plans may now have changed.
Alexander Isak and Nico Williams are two players who have been mentioned in connection with Arsenal, and both have been back in the spotlight this week. The pair both feature as Mirror Football brings you the latest from around North London.
Newcastle determined to keep Isak
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has made it perfectly clear how he and the club feel about Alexander Isak’s future. Sweden striker Isak was linked with Arsenal before moving to St James’ Park in 2022, and the Gunners have een linked with a renewed pursuit if Howe’s team miss out on Europe again, though an Isak hat-trick at Ipswich saw them move within a couple of points of fifth place.
“There is no part of me or anyone at Newcastle that wants to let Alex go,” Howe said after the win at Portman Road. “He is very much part of our long-term plans and personally, I don’t see that being an issue.
“He is motivated and he wants to do well. He has got big aspirations with his career, still relatively young, so he has got hopefully a really bright future ahead of him.
“I know his desire to score goals is second to none. Every conversation I have had about Newcastle concerning his future with him has been very positive. I would love for him, with the other players, to be the man and team-mates to contribute towards us winning a trophy. That’s the aim.”
PSG not out of Williams chase
Paris Saint-Germain are ready to play Nico Williams’ release clause, according to Estadio Deportivo (via Football Espana). The Athletic Bilbao star, who was on Arsenal’s radar over the summer, could be available for less than £60million.
Will Arsenal spend at all in January? Have your say in the comments section
Williams caught the eye during Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, with Arsenal and Barcelona keen. However, he ultimately remained in the Basque Country.
Even if PSG manage to match the winger’s release clause, Williams’ personal preferences are a different matter. For now, though, he is helping Athletic remain in contention for a Champions League spot.
Gunners face Agoume battle
If Arsenal want to land Sevilla star Lucien Agoume, they’ll need to see off competition from Barcelona. That’s according to Mundo Deportivo (via Get Spanish Football News), who suggest Barca could be ready for a summer swoop.
Midfielder Agoume, 22, is a France Under-21 international. He only joined Sevilla permanently last summer, having impressed on loan from Inter Milan, but his form this season has caught the eye.
The former Sochaux youngster made his 16th league appearance of the season on Sunday as Sevilla took on Real Madrid. Interestingly, he was joined in the starting XI by Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga.
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