FORMER Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pepe could be in for a shock return after sharing a post that he is back at the training ground.
Meanwhile, Brighton have switched their attention to signing Arsenal outcast Albert Sambi Lokonga to replace Moises Caicedo.
Also on the Gunners' exits,American star Folarin Balogun has agreed personal terms with Chelsea according to reports.
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Follow ALL of the latest from the Emirates Stadium below…
- By Kealan Hughes
Forgotten defender up for grabs
Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares has been linked with a move to Aston Villa in recent days.
Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that the Villans are probing a potential move for the Gunners player.
Then, 90min reported that Unai Emery’s side have made contact with Arsenal over Tavares.
Nottingham Forest previously held talks over a move which broke down, with Villa now expected to be leading the race to sign the Frenchman.
- By Kealan Hughes
Arsenal set for transfer windfall
Arsenal are set to receive a £1.7million windfall from West Ham after the Hammers completed the signing of Konstantinos Mavropanos from Stuttgart.
The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the London Stadium and becomes their third major arrival of the summer.
West Ham are set to pay Stuttgart £17m plus £2m in add-ons for the Greece international, who spent three years with the Bundesliga outfit, making 89 appearances in the process.
- By Kealan Hughes
Seaman defends ridiculed Arsenal star
David Seaman has defended Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz and believes he’s already improved Mikel Arteta’s squad.
He told talkSPORT: “The players they’ve brought in have improved the squad and improved the team.
“Even [Kai] Havertz, you know he goes about his business and he’s more of a threat than people realise.”
- By Kealan Hughes
Gabriel going nowhere says Romano
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal have no interest in listening to offers for Gabriel Magalhaes this summer.
The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates after Mikel Arteta benched him in each of the Gunners’ first two games of the season.
Romano said: “Understand Arsenal have no intention to sell Gabriel Magalhães despite Al Ittihad interest.
“Arsenal not even intentioned to indicate a price tag for Brazilian centre-back at this stage. He’s expected to stay.”
- By Sam Dymond
Arsenal set sights on Ferguson
Big-spending Arsenal are eyeing up another £100m signing – this time to land Brighton star Evan Ferguson.
The 18-year-old striker is showing himself to be one of most exciting young talents in the Premier League, and has caught the attention of the biggest clubs across Europe.
However, the Gunners will not make a move for the Irishman until next summer, instead using this season to lay the groundwork for a future deal just as they did with Declan Rice.
Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool have all shown interest in the forward, but FootballTransfers believe it is Arsenal that are already in pole position to land their man at a huge price.
Ferguson is currently contracted to Brighton until 2028, and has scored 11 goals in 31 appearances for the Seagulls.
- By Sam Dymond
Gunners can rock at three o'clock
After two wins from two, it's Fulham next for Arsenal in what is a rare Saturday afternoon London derby at the Emirates.
In fact, it's the only one of the Gunners' opening six matches to kick-off in the traditional 3pm slot.
That will be welcome news for the home fans, who have seen their side lose just one of their last 34 Premier League games at the Emirates to kick-off at 3pm on a Saturday (W27 D6) – a 2-1 defeat against Brighton in April 2022.
Mikel Arteta's team won three of their four such fixtures last term, drawing the other 1-1 against Brentford.
- By Sam Dymond
Out-of-favour Gabriel staying put
Arsenal have no plans to sell Gabriel despite the defender having seemingly fallen out-of-favour with boss Mikel Arteta.
Fans were startled when the Brazilian was only selected as a substitute for the opening game of the season against Nottingham Forest, ending a run of 73 consecutive Premier League starts.
And the centre-back was once again named on the bench for Monday's win at Crystal Palace despite new signing Jurrien Timber picking up a long-term injury the previous week.
In the circumstances, both Real Madrid and clubs from the Saudi Professional League were linked with a move for the 25-year-old, but Arteta remained adamant that Gabriel is very much part of Arsenal's future.
"[There is] nothing [in these rumours] at all," the Gunners boss told Sky Sports.
"It's about the games we were expecting, and how I wanted to defend and attack."
- By Sam Dymond
Arsenal hit milestone on the road
"1-0 to the Arsenal!"
It's a chant that has been belted out many times over the years, and it was once again sung with gusto from the away end of Selhurst Park on Monday evening.
And with the clear sheet that they clocked up at Crystal Palace, the Gunners made it 200 away clean sheets for the Premier League era.
The Londoners became the third club to reach that impressive milestone after Manchester United (205) and Chelsea (204).
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have shut out their hosts in 28 of their 68 away games (41%) – only under Bruce Rioch do they have a better Premier League record (8 clean sheets from 68 away games – 42%).
- By Sam Dymond
Rice can become attacking force
Declan Rice has all the attributes to contribute for Arsenal at both ends of the pitch.
That's the view of former Gunners defender Mikael Silvestre, who believes that the midfielder is now at the right club for him to be able to shine as an attacking asset.
“I believe the number of opportunities for Rice to score goals and push forward will increase simply because Arsenal are a dominant team,” Silvestre told bettingexpert.com.
“A bit like the way Xhaka was able to increase his goals and assists when he played in that position for Arsenal.
“Rice will benefit going forward because Arsenal are a top team in the Premier League, and he will take advantage of it.”
- By Sam Dymond
Gunners land Mav windfall
How do Arsenal go about recouping some of the £200m that they have splashed out on transfers this summer? Perhaps the answer is to simply sit back and wait.
By doing just that this evening, the club have netted a small windfall following the confirmation of Konstantinos Mavropanos' move from Stuttgart to West Ham.
It has since been revealed that the Gunners, who Mavropanos was with for four years, had inserted a sell-on clause worth 10% of the profit of his future transfer fee when the Greek international left in 2022.
While today's fee has been undisclosed, it is estimated that Arsenal will be due in the region of £1.5m.
- By Sam Dymond
Saka streak equals club record
Bukayo Saka is on the brink of Arsenal history.
While the England star failed to make his usual impact in Monday's 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, the 21-year-old had them rewriting the record books just by starting at Selhurst Park.
Saka has now played in the Gunners' last 82 Premier League games (78 starts) since he was an unused sub in the 2-0 win at Newcastle in February 2021.
The forward's 82 consecutive appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League era equals the club record set by Paul Merson between February 1995 and February 1997.
Saka will have the opportunity to go one better at the weekend when facing Fulham.
- By Sam Dymond
Forest say no to Nuno
Nuno Tavares will not be joining Nottingham Forest in this transfer window despite recent talks.
Steve Cooper was keen to add the Arsenal left-back to his squad while the Gunners were keen to do business in order to recoup some of the £200m spent on summer transfers.
However, following lengthy negotiations, the clubs are said to be at an impasse.
Forest are currently short in that position following Renan Lodi's decision to move to Marseille while Harry Toffolo is under investigation for historic betting offences.
- By Sam Dymond
Nketiah 'underestimated' says Shaka
Eddie Nketiah is still being underestimated by defenders and goalkeepers, according to former Premier League star Shaka Hislop.
Speaking in his role as a pundit for ESPN, the ex-Reading, Newcastle and West Ham man revealed that the Arsenal striker is deceptively quick when in front of goal.
Continuing as a stand-in for the injured Gabriel Jesus, Nketiah passed up two good opportunities to score but did win the match-winning penalty when fouled by Sam Johnstone.
“It comes down to misjudging the pace of the striker," Hislop commented afterwards.
“Nketiah is quicker than many people realise.
“You need to get close to make a block, but when you do get close and make a play for the ball, it ends up going wrong.
“At the root of it is just underestimating how quick somebody is and Nketiah is quick.”
- By Sam Dymond
Rice: We need to keep pushing
Arsenal star Declan Rice has revealed his delight at the winning start his new club have made to the season, but urged his teammates to stay focused so that they can continue in the same vein.
The England midfielder also lifted the lift on his few two months at the Emirates, and how he is adjusting to life in North London.
Speaking after Monday night's gritty 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, Rice told the Gunners website: “I keep trying to listen, trying to focus, building relationships with my teammates on the pitch, and obviously doing what the manager wants of me.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the club, the energy around the place, the feel-good factor of the fans, you can just feel it.
“They’re buzzing with the three points, and so are we as players. We’ve got to keep doing that. Six points after two games, it’s a good start and we’ve got to keep pushing.”
- By Tony Robertson
Worst case scenario
So what about the worst-case scenario?
Arsenal seem to have a less-than-stellar time playing many of the European elite, so will be keen to avoid the likes of Bayern Munich or Barcelona.
Pot 3 has some teams who are more than capable of playing on an equal footing to the Gunners, including AC Milan.
Meanwhile, Pot 4 possesses some nightmare aways days for Arsenal, and facing a team such as Galatasaray always proves difficult for English teams due to near four-hour flight time.
Although the Turkish outfit will need to overcome Molde in qualification first.
A worse-case group could look something like this:
Bayern Munich, Arsenal, AC Milan, Galatasaray
- By Tony Robertson
Best case scenario
Arsenal are in Pot 2 for the draw, but there remain some competitive teams across all four seedings.
The Gunners will be keen to avoid the heavy hitters in the Group Stage as much as possible.
And with rules dictating that they cannot face another team from England, the best likely draw they could have might look something like this:
Feyenoord, Arsenal, Rangers, Antwerp
This being said Benfica are another Pot 1 team who Arsenal may fancy their chances against.
Pot 3 could see Rangers qualify if they PSV, and they would represent a close trip and a team who the Gunners should have little cause for concern against.
The winners of the Antwerp vs AEK Athens play-off tie for Pot 4 is likely to be a team most would lick their lips at the chance to face.
- By Tony Robertson
When is the Champions League draw?
Arsenal are back in Europe's Premier competition for the first time in seven seasons.
And fans will doubtless be excited to find out who they will be facing in the Group Stages.
But when is the draw?
- The Champions League group stage draw will take place on Thursday, August 31.
- The draw is set to begin at 5pm UK time.
- The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco will host.
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When is the Champions League group stage draw?
Arsenal set to bank transfer windfall from two former stars
Arsenal are set to bank a transfer windfall from the transfers of ex-stars Matteo Guendouzi and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
The duo are closing in on summer moves to Lazio and West Ham respectively.
And thanks to sell-on clauses in the deals which took them to their current clubs, the Gunners could now land a cool £4million.
The Mirror have reported £2m will be headed Arsenal's way for both deals.
They have a 10 per cent clause from the £20m West Ham are set to pay Stuttgart for Mavropanos and a 15 per cent clause for Guendouzi's potential £12.7m deal from Marseille to Lazio.
Rice jokes about Caicedo breaking his transfer record
Declan Rice has joked he had to take down his transfer record after two weeks because of Moises Caicedo joining Chelsea.
Rice joined Arsenal for £105million earlier this window, making him the most expensive internal Premier League transfer ever.
However, Caicedo then joined Chelsea from Brighton in a £115m transfer last week, shattering the previous record and also eclipsing the £107m the Blues paid for Enzo Fernandez.
But Rice offered a brilliant response when asked about the record on Sky Sports.
Monday Night Football presenter David Jones said: "Can't believe Caicedo has already broken your record though, Declan!
"You can't be happy with that!"
To which the midfielder responded: "I had it up on the wall for two weeks, it's come down already!"
Next five games
Here's how the fixture list looks for Arsenal over their next five games.
Brighton eye loan for Arsenal forgotten Arsenal star
Arsenal youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga is being considered for a loan transfer by Brighton.
The Seagulls have seen negotiations with Lille over Carlos Baleba stall despite reports suggesting a £26million deal was close on Monday evening.
Now, according to talkSPORT, Brighton have switched their attention to Lokonga over an initial loan deal.
- By Tony Robertson
Prem giants join Balogun race
Chelsea have joined the race to sign Folarin Balogun, according to the Evening Standard.
It comes after Monaco saw a £34million bid for the 22-year-old rejected and Fulham added him to their shortlist of targets to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic.
However, Arsenal want £50m to part ways with the American ace.
Credit: Getty - By Tony Robertson
Arteta leaves fans in stitches after going 'full Pep Guardiola'
Mikel Arteta left fans reeling with laughter after his awkward interview following the Gunners 1-0 at Crystal Palace.
The Spaniard was speaking after the match, but his blunt-but-hilarious response to a couple of questions had viewers in stitches.
When asked if it took a lot of grit and character to see out the game, the Arsenal manager simply responded: "Great win! I'm so happy!"
The reporter then asked Arteta what the most pleasing aspect of the performance was.
To which he said: "That under any circumstances, you win."
One fan reacted by declaring he had gone "full Pep Guardiola" after the Man City boss did something similar in 2017.
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WORK OF ART Arteta’s interview leaves fans in stitches as they say he’s becoming Guardiola
- By Tony Robertson
Major star will stay at Emirates despite interest
Mikel Arteta has announced Gabriel Magalhaes will be staying at the Emirates despite interest from Saudi Arabia and Real Madrid.
Gabriel has found himself coming off the bench in the Gunners opening two games of the season, leading to speculation he could be on the way out.
However, Arteta has insisted the move is purely for tactical reasons and declared they have no intention of moving Gabriel on.
Speaking after the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, he said: "It’s about the games we were expecting, how I wanted to defend and attack.
"I believe it was the best thing, he played in both games and helped us win both games.
"He was really good today when he came on, he was dominant and will play a lot of games."
- By Tony Robertson
Arsenal top four in defensive prowess
Arsenal have started their season with back-to-back wins despite some tricky conditions.
And Mikel Arteta's side have a solid defensive foundation to thank for that after it was revealed they are the fifth-best team for Non-Penalty Expected Goals Against value.
According to xG specialist site Understat, the Gunners have a value of 2.04 NPxGA, this means they would have been expected to concede just over two goals from their first two games.
Their figure is far better than rivals Man Utd, who have a value of 4.26 – the fourth worst in the league after the opening two games.
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