ARSENAL return to Premier League action on Thursday with a clash on the road against Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Gunners star Gabriel had to fight off masked thieves who tried to steal his car, it has been revealed.
The defender, 23, initially handed over a watch and the keys to his £45,000 Mercedes before fighting off the robbers in the garage of his own home.
Raheem Sterling is said to find the idea of a move to Arsenal "extremely attractive".
Meanwhile Bukayo Saka is a big doubt for Arsenal's match at Man Utd after picking up an injury at the weekend.
However, the England star is not set to be out long-term.
Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
- Jake Lambourne
MARC-ED MAN
Marcelo Flores has been called up to Mexico's senior squad for the first time.
The Arsenal U18 midfielder is also eligible to represent England and Canada.
Flores has flown out to link up with El Tri, who face Chile in a friendly next week.
The teenager has previously represented Mexico at U16 and U20 level.
He qualifies through his Mexican father, but was born in Canada and granted a British passport earlier this year.
It means he can still change his mind and switch allegiances to one of the latter two, but only before making four senior appearances for Mexico.
- Etienne Fermie
MORNING, ARSENAL FANS
Bukayo Saka is an outside tip to return for the Gunners at Manchester United tonight.
Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal side to stay focused amid the hype over Ralf Rangnick's arrival as United interim boss.
And the Spaniard wants the Gunners to maintain their impressive impetus by continuing the Red Devils' slump
Saka and sub Gabriel Martinelli sunk Newcastle as Arsenal went fifth last Saturday.
And Brazilian Martinelli is expected to start this evening if the England winger fails to recover from his weekend hip problem.
Arteta said: "Obviously it’s a really short turnaround and the player has to be comfortable playing with a little injury."
Meanwhile, the Emirates chief revealed he is holding internal club 'discussions' about transfer targets.
He explained: "We have talks every week about it, how we can improve the team, and what things can happen in the January transfer window that can affect our squad.
“As you know, we have certain players with a little bit of uncertainty in the summer so we have to plan what’s going to happen now and what’s going to happen in the summer."
- Ian Tuckey
ARTETA: FOCUS ON OURSELVES
Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to ignore the hype over Ralf Rangnick's arrival as interim Manchester United boss and keep the two giants moving in opposite directions.
Rangnick takes over for tomorrow's Premier League clash at Old Trafford with United having spluttered down to ninth while the Gunners climbed to fifth.
And Arteta said: "We must respect them but with the mindset to win."
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNERS GO DEJA BLUE
Arsenal are reportedly copying Chelsea’s blueprint of raiding Europe for young gems to build their future squad.
The Blues’ Cobham facility is one of the finest youth academies in the world having produced the likes of Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Trevoh Chalobah.
The English trio who have been phenomenal for Thomas Tuchel‘s side this season were all honed at Cobham.
But not all of the young talent at Stamford Bridge is homegrown.
Such as Norwegian striker Bryan Fiabema who was brought in by Blues transfer supremo Maria Granovskaia last year.
The Blues’ policy of raising homegrown talent has helped them storm to the top of the Premier League this season.
And now, the Gunners are aiming to replicate their West London rival’s success by snagging emerging talent from a lesser-known part of Europe, according to Football London.
The Gunners have got set their sights on Romania being the country to produce the club’s next set of superstars to help them lift trophies, FL claim.
The Gunners’ first delve into Romania’s waters was a success as they managed to steal then 16-year-old starlet Vlad Dragomir who was billed to be the next ‘Toni Kroos.’
The midfielder was even inducted into the Guardian’s 2016 ‘Next Generation’ but he failed to live up to the hype and was shipped out to Serie B side Perugia in 2018.
But now the Gunners and transfer chief Edu have got their hands on another Romanian gem, Catalin Cirjan.
- Ian Tuckey
ARTETA IN TALKS ON BOOSTING SQUAD
Mikel Arteta has revealed he has held talks over strengthening Arsenal's squad in January.
The Gunners' boss wants to maintan their rise to fifth and combat uncertainties over playes leavingnext summer.
He told Arsenal's website: "We are in discussions. We have talks every week about it, how we can improve the team, and what things can happen in the January transfer window that can affect our squad.
"As you know, we have certain players with a little bit of uncertainty in the summer so we have to plan what’s going to happen now and what’s going to happen in the summer.
"A lot has to be done, we know and we don’t expect big things to be happening, but we need to be very alert in the market to see if we can improve the team.
"We have to be prepared because things can happen and injuries can arise in this period of the season and you have to be prepared and planned."
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
ARTETA CAUTIOUS ON SAKA RETURN
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta still hopes Bukayo Saka can return at Manchester United tomorrow night.
Arteta said of the recent injury victim: "Obviously it’s a really short turnaround and the player has to be comfortable playing with a little injury.
"So let’s see how he is in training. I am hopeful but we don’t know."
- Ian Tuckey
BARBOSA IN PREM LINK
The agent of Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa has shot down rumours linking the Brazilian to the Premier League.
Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old, but journalist Jorge Nicola has seemingly put those rumours to bed after speaking to Gabigol’s agent Junior Pedroso.
Pedroso said: “Only us from 4ComM and Gabriel’s father can speak on behalf of the athlete. And there is absolutely nothing with Premier League or any other league at the moment.
“He is focused solely on playing for Flamengo, because he is very happy at the club.”
- Ian Tuckey
HOW GUNNERS COULD LINE UP
Arsenal could make just one change to their team for tomorrow’s clash with Manchester United.
The Gunners moved into Champions League contention with their 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday.
But victory came at a cost as Bukayo Saka limped off injured at the Emirates.
Despite his setback not being serious, the England ace is not expected to be fit to face Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils.
And that could see Gabriel Martinelli earn a place in the starting XI after his goalscoring heroics against the Magpies.
The Brazilian is likely to slot straight in on Mikel Arteta’s right flank.
But a reshuffle could also see Martinelli moved to his preferred left side, forcing Emile Smith Rowe into the No10 slot and Martin Odegaard to the right.
Aside from injury doubt Saka, Granit Xhaka and Sead Kolasinac are Arsenal’s only other absentees.
And that means the likes of Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga are set to line up against United on Thursday.
However, Arteta may yet decide to deploy a more experienced XI after their opponents’ battling draw at Chelsea.
Kieran Tierney and Mohamed Elneny could be called upon in place of Tavares and Lokonga.
Up top, Nicolas Pepe may yet be preferred to Martinelli as Saka’s replacement.
And despite stating he is set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, Alexandre Lacazette may also get the nod up top.
That could see Aubameyang moved to the left, with Odegaard dropping out entirely.
- Ian Tuckey
CHECK IT RALF
Manchester United could make two changes to their starting XI for Thursday’s clash against Arsenal.
The Red Devils battled for a 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday under caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
However, the team selection – which saw Cristiano Ronaldo axed – looked to be heavily influenced by new interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
The German is still unavailable to take his place in the dugout tomorrow due to work permit reasons.
But he is sure to have his say again after United pressed successfully against the Blues.
That’s despite being without injured quartet Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani.
Likely to keep the same 4-3-1-2 system, the first change is sure to see captain Harry Maguire return in defence.
The centre-back was suspended for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
And Eric Bailly could find himself back on the bench instead of Victor Lindelof.
The other change will likely see Ronaldo return up front after his shock axe on Sunday.
That means one of Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho will be benched.
However, the latter could have a better chance of remaining in the team after scoring United’s sole goal in London.
- Ian Tuckey
'SAMIR WAS CRAZY'
Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has labelled ex-team-mate Samir Nasri as 'crazy' after declaring he could be too outspoken in the dressing room at times.
Though the 38-year-old insisted that he respects his French compatriot for his honesty – even if his views did rub people up the wrong way.
Sagna played with Nasri at the Emirates between 2008-2011, while the pair were also team-mates at Manchester City between 2014-2017.
And the duo also shared the same changing room on international duty for Les Bleus.
Nasri, who announced his retirement at the age of 34 in September, was no stranger to hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons during his career.
The two-time Premier League winner developed a bad boy persona, with William Gallas claiming Nasri planned to taser him in 2009.
Former Citizens boss Roberto Mancini even once joked, "I would like to give him a punch," as he hit out at his incontinency.
Nasri was also given a doping ban in 2018 after he was found to have breached World Anti-Doping Agency rules following intravenous treatment in Los Angeles.
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNERS' BLUE PRINT
Arsenal are reportedly copying Chelsea's blueprint of raiding Europe for young gems to build their future squad.
The Blues' Cobham facility is one of the finest youth academies in the world having produced the likes of Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Trevoh Chalobah.
The English trio who have been phenomenal for Thomas Tuchel's side this season were all honed at Cobham.
But not all of the young talent at Stamford Bridge is homegrown.
Such as Norwegian striker Bryan Fiabema who was brought in by Blues transfer supremo Maria Granovskaia last year.
The Blues' policy of raising homegrown talent has helped them storm to the top of the Premier League this season.
And now, the Gunners are aiming to replicate their West London rival's success by snagging emerging talent from a lesser-known part of Europe, according to Football London.
The Gunners have got set their sights on Romania being the country to produce the club's next set of superstars to help them lift trophies, FL claim.
The Gunners' first delve into Romania's waters was a success as they managed to steal then 16-year-old starlet Vlad Dragomir who was billed to be the next 'Toni Kroos.'
The midfielder was even inducted into the Guardian's 2016 'Next Generation' but he failed to live up to the hype and was shipped out to Serie B side Perugia in 2018.
But now the Gunners and transfer chief Edu have got their hands on another Romanian gem, Catalin Cirjan.
- Ian Tuckey
HE'LL BE AUBA THE MOON AGAIN
Mikel Arteta has tipped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to regain his scoring touch and play with more freedom.
The 23-year-old has hit just four goals in 12 games this season, after he and fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette were given more pressing roles, working harder off the ball to shut down opposition defenders.
Credit: Getty Arteta said: “The form of Auba is always going to be related to the goals he scores.
"He does many other things apart from scoring goals, but obviously we need that contribution because goals are critical for our success.
“The formation that we play allows him more freedom to attack certain spaces more often and the defensive duty changes a lot from one formation or the other.
"That’s something to consider, depending on the players that play alongside him.”
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNERS LINKED TO DEJAN
Arsenal are targeting a move for Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski in the January window.
And contact has already been made between the club and representatives of the Sweden international.
However, Tottenham are also said to be keen on a deal for the 21-year-old.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has told Sky Sports: “Arsenal want him.
“The first contacts with the agents (have been made). Juventus bought him for £30 million plus bonuses. So, it depends on how much Arsenal want to invest on this player.
“But, I know that the first contacts have been made by the parties.”
- Giacomo Pisa
GIFT OF THE GAB
The agent of Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa has shot down rumours linking the Brazilian to the Premier League.
Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old, but journalist Jorge Nicola has seemingly put those rumours to bed after speaking to Gabigol's agent Junior Pedroso.
Pedroso said: “Only us from 4ComM and Gabriel’s father can speak on behalf of the athlete. And there is absolutely nothing with Premier League or any other league at the moment.
“He is focused solely on playing for Flamengo, because he is very happy at the club.”
- Giacomo Pisa
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Arsenal star Gabriel fought off a baseball bat-wielding robber who attempted to steal his car from his garage.
A pair of thieves followed the £27m centre-back and his friend home before demanding the footballer’s keys, phone and watch as he got out of his Mercedes.
Shocking CCTV footage showed the hooded robber, Abderaham Muse, lunge at the Brazilian with the silver bat.
But the Gunners star jabbed him in the face before wrestling and grabbing his hat until the robber managed to escape and ran away with his accomplice.
They sprinted past a third member of the gang, who had been making sure the electronic gates outside the home remained open.
Muse, 26, was jailed for five years last month after police linked him to the robbery in August through DNA from the hat that had fallen off during the scuffle.
- Giacomo Pisa
COMBINED XI
It's been several years since a match between United and Arsenal played a significant role in the destination of the Premier League title.
But SunSport thought it'd only be right to take a stroll down memory lane and devise a starting XI featuring some clubs' best players ahead of tomorrow's meeting.
Who would you have in your best XI's?
- Giacomo Pisa
OWEN'S ANALYSIS
Former Premier League striker Michael Owen is backing Manchester United to come out on top against the Gunners tomorrow.
The ex-Liverpool man believes Mikel Arteta's side are still 'behind' the Red Devils.
Owen told BetVictor: "Manchester United v Arsenal is a fixture that always grabs newspaper headlines, and with the introduction of Ralf Rangnick, this is sure to be no different.
"It’s still hard to grasp what Manchester United are in terms of style of play, but I do believe the German will have them far more organised, especially at set plays.
"For Arsenal, there’s definitely been improvement here, although to be honest, I do think they’re slightly behind Manchester United when you look at the sides pound-for-pound.
"With that in mind, I’m going for a home win for the Red Devils."
- Giacomo Pisa
EYES ON THE PRIZE
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has the opportunity to write himself into Arsenal's history books tomorrow night.
The Gunners skipper has scored in his last two away league games against Manchester United.
And should he net tomorrow, he would become the first ever Arsenal player to score in three consecutive away games against the Red Devils.
Credit: Reuters - Giacomo Pisa
PARTY POOPER
Robert Pires has revealed he believes he's the man at fault for Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane's infamous 2005 tunnel scrap.
The pair famously didn't get on, and could be heard shouting at each other in the tunnel before things seemed to turn physcial.
And Pires has told the Times: "Things started to get heated and I think it was because of me actually.
"Gary Neville arrived and barged into me. I reacted in French because I was annoyed. It starts kicking off and at that point, Pat arrives. He said to him, ‘You speak too much, you. Shut up.'
"At that moment, Keane arrives. And he goes, ‘You talk too much as well. I’ll see you on the pitch.’
"It was dicey between the two of them, tense. That for me was one of the best moments."
Credit: Getty – Contributor - Giacomo Pisa
EL OF A PLAYER
Turkish club Besiktas are reportedly lining up a move for Arsenal outcast Mohamed Elneny.
According to outlet Ajansspor, the Istanbul based side are targeting the 29-year-old in January.
The Egyptian international spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Besiktas, and impressed during his time there.
Speaking on Elneny last year, Besiktas boss Sergen Yalcin said: "Elneny was the player we wished that he wouldn’t go, but his cost was too high.
"He played in the starting line-up in the Arsenal vs Liverpool match. He has a high cost but is a quality football player.
"For us Besiktas, we have to adjust our budget and balance the budget given by TFF."
Credit: Reuters - Giacomo Pisa
DAVID VS GOLIATH
Arsenal and Liverpool target Jonathan David could be allowed to leave Lille for just £30million in the summer.
According to L'Equipe, the 21-year-old Canadian is eager to secure a move away at the end of the campaign.
And the cash-strapped French club may be forced to sell David for lower than he's worth in order to secure funds.
David has scored 10 goals in 15 Ligue 1 games this campaign, attracting interest from the Premier League.
His form could lead to a bidding war between the Gunners and Liverpool in the summer, to the delight of Lille bosses.
Credit: AFP
- Giacomo Pisa
PIR SHAPED
The only occasion Arsene Wenger blew his lid at Arsenal was during a 6-1 thumping by Manchester United in 2001, according to ex-Gunner Robert Pires.
Pires recalled to The Times: "We were taught a football lesson in the first half, which happened rarely,”
“And what’s more, we equalise, right? I get in down the right, I pull the ball back and Titi [Henry] scores.
"And we thought, ‘Yes, magnificent.’ Ha — and then Manchester United went through the gears.
“They were merciless. Merciless. Bam, bam, bam.
"It was the only time I saw and heard Arsène Wenger get annoyed at half-time. He said some things that weren’t very gentle.”
Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd - Giacomo Pisa
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Man Utd host Arsenal on tomorrow in what is sure to be a mouth-watering encounter.
Both sides have players in mixed runs of form ahead of the crunch Premier League clash.
But is this the best possible combined XI between the two clubs?
- Giacomo Pisa
LEFT-BACK COMPETITION
Nuno Tavares got the nod at left-back ahead of Kieran Tierney against Newcastle at the weekend, to some people's surprise.
But Mikel Arteta has revealed the competition he has for the position can only be a good thing.
He said: "That's the level that we want to achieve, that in every position we have players that can perform at the highest level and can complement each other by giving you different qualities as well.
"Last year when we had an issue with Kieran, when he was out for a while, we had to invent and play players in that position, and that's something that obviously we want to eradicate as much as possible.
"That's why we made the decision that we made in the summer, to try to fill the gaps that we have and make the team stronger.
"It's only about that. Kieran hasn't played in a lot of games because he was still injured and in others, because once Nuno played and played well, I think he deserved the chance to continue playing."
Credit: Getty - Giacomo Pisa
AWAY WOES
Arsenal may be on a good run of form, but Mikel Arteta's side are still finding goals away from home hard to come by.
Coming into this round of matches, only Norwich City (2) have scored fewer away goals than Arsenal (3) in the Prem this season.
The Gunners in fact have failed to score in four of their six games on the road.
It’s the joint-fewest the Gunners have ever scored after six away games in a league season.
Arteta will be hoping that turns around after tomorrow's trip to Old Trafford.
Source: Read Full Article