Arsenal are top of the Premier League table heading into the January transfer window and it's moves past and present that are the focus for the Gunners
08:43, 29 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal missed out on a blockbuster transfer
David Raya was once again one of Arsenal's stars in a key win over Brighton, but the goalkeeper position wasn't always so settled.
In fact, there was a time when the Gunners made an approach for Manuel Neuer, long before he became the household name fans know today. Neuer, 39, is in his 20th year as a professional and is widely regarded as one of the greatest stoppers of his generation. However, it might have been Arsenal who benefited most from his supreme talents had he ended up in north London instead in what would have been a stunning transfer.
Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard was pivotal in Arsenal's win over Brighton as he scored the opener, but it was another leader figure being picked out for praise. Here's all the latest news around the Emirates as the Premier League leaders prepare to host Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Neuer turned down Arsenal approach
Manuel Neuer picked up an injury during the international break
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Manuel Neuer is a goalkeeping legend(Image: Getty Images)
Bayern Munich and Germany legend Neuer has revealed how he once came close to signing for Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.
At the time, the 2014 World Cup-winner was still emerging from Schalke's academy and was a relative unknown, reports the Mirror.
It's a testament to Wenger's well-founded youth recruitment nous that his network identified Neuer at such a young age. However, there was a key factor that prevented the future 12-time Bundesliga champion from progressing any further with the move.
Arsene Wenger
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Arsene Wenger nearly pulled off a stunning coup by signing Manuel Neuer(Image: Getty Images)
"After the under-19s, Koln were very interested in me, and so were Arsenal," revealed the Germany legend on At Broski. "At the time, Arsene Wenger was still the coach and spoke many languages. But I didn't want to go abroad because I knew how difficult it is as a young goalkeeper."
Wind the clock forward to now, and Neuer has never ventured beyond his homeland throughout his entire career. The seasoned shot-stopper departed Schalke for Bayern in 2011 and has since clocked up 581 outings for the Bavarian giants, securing two Champions League crowns and a pair of FIFA Club World Cup triumphs.
In an alternative universe, he might have walked in the footsteps of fellow German Jens Lehmann by becoming a Gunners legend. Instead, he'll be remembered as another talented youngster spotted by Wenger and his scouting network who slipped through the net.
Odegaard praises Rice's positional switch
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal and Declan Rice of Arsenal on the pitch during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal
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Declan Rice made his feelings clear to Martin Odegaard during Arsenal's win over Brighton(Image: (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images))
Arsenal's 2-1 triumph over Brighton became even more remarkable considering the last-minute obstacles Mikel Arteta and his squad had to navigate.
The backline bore the brunt of the disruption when Jurrien Timber withdrew on the eve of kick-off, before Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knock during the warm-up.
With Ben White already sidelined, Arteta was forced to think outside the box with his right-back selections. Step forward Declan Rice, who admirably embraced the unfamiliar role, earning glowing words from skipper Odegaard.
"It was an unbelievable performance from him [Rice]," said the Norwegian after the win. "To play right-back, probably the first time in his life, and then do it the way he did it today was unbelievable, so a really, really good performance from him.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans following victory at the end of the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta has plenty to applaud at Arsenal at present(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
"And that's just our team. Everyone is ready to do whatever it takes, and that [Rice's performance] was another good example of that."
The praise is particularly noteworthy, considering Odegaard is well aware of the growing chorus from supporters and pundits suggesting Rice should take over the captain's armband.
Arsenal legend Tony Adams has been amongst the most vocal advocates for this change at the beginning of this campaign.
The former Gunner claimed Arteta is limiting the team's potential by maintaining Odegaard as skipper. He went as far as declaring his former club are "not going to win the league with Odegaard as captain".
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Acknowledging Rice's stellar display on Saturday, despite the underlying rivalry, demonstrates the composure of a true leader. And if any tension exists between the duo, Odegaard's comments suggest he refuses to acknowledge it.