Arsenal have had little time to reflect on their recent setbacks as they prepare for a crucial encounter against Sporting CP in the Champions League. The Gunners have made the trip to Portugal for the first leg of their quarter-final clash, following a heavy defeat to Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday.
In just a fortnight, Arsenal’s hopes of securing a quadruple have been dashed after losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City last month. This has left the Premier League and Champions League as their remaining objectives. Despite currently holding a nine-point lead over City, who have played one fewer game, recent challenges have sparked concerns among fans about another late-season collapse.
Meanwhile, there have been updates regarding Charlton’s situation, with Conor Coady being rushed to the hospital after being knocked unconscious. Additionally, former player Steve Claridge has shared his reflections on his time at Newcastle United, stating that he struggled to get along with Alan Shearer and did everything he could to outperform him.
For Mikel Arteta, a trophy-less season would be a major disappointment. Here’s a summary of the latest developments surrounding the club:
Latest Arsenal News
Arteta’s Interest in Guardiola’s Favourite
The Gunners are reportedly interested in signing a player who is also high on Pep Guardiola’s radar. According to Spanish publication Sport, Al-Qadsiah FC, managed by Brendan Rodgers, recently made a significant attempt to sign Barcelona star Dani Olmo with a £60m bid and an £8m-per-year contract.
The report also mentioned that Arsenal were in the running for Olmo, who was struggling for regular playing time under Hansi Flick. However, Olmo reportedly rejected both offers, choosing to fight for a place in the Barca team.
This isn’t the first time the 27-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League, as Manchester City showed interest last summer. At the time, Olmo’s agent stated that his player wasn’t considering leaving the Nou Camp but added, “You never know what the future will bring.”
It remains uncertain whether Arsenal will rekindle their interest in Olmo this summer, which could lead to a major overhaul of the squad.
Martinelli Set to Escape Further Punishment
Gabriel Martinelli may avoid further disciplinary action after shoving referee Sam Barrott during the loss to Southampton. Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has suggested that the Brazilian was fortunate to receive only a yellow card for the incident.
The incident occurred in added time when the Gunners were chasing an equaliser. After Barrott awarded a free-kick to the visitors, Martinelli rushed in to take it quickly and pushed the official, who then issued a yellow card.
Hackett believes that Mark Hasley should have dismissed Martinelli, but he also pointed out that the FA and FIFA are reluctant to re-referee incidents. He does not expect the player to face any additional sanctions.
Hackett told Football Insider:
“Because the referee has issued a yellow card, it is unlikely that the disciplinary panel will review the decision.”
He added:
“The FA, and FIFA in particular, want to avoid re-refereeing issues. In this situation, Barrott, who I think is outstanding, hasn’t applied the law. He didn’t bring the attention upon himself, but he’s duty-bound to set an example for players and young referees down below.”
“I’d like the disciplinary panel to re-referee this one and suspend the player who laid his hands on the official. Some will say that it wasn’t violent, but that shouldn’t matter.”
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