Arsenal secured a crucial 3-2 comeback win over Bournemouth on Saturday to keep their claim on the Premier League title chugging along nicely, thanks to Declan Rice's brace
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
06:00, 05 Jan 2026
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Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr at Alinma Stadium
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Ivan Toney was overawed by Declan Rice's brace at Bournemouth(Image: Yasser Bakhsh, Getty Images)
Arsenal's Premier League title pursuit remained on course after a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday. However, there's no time for Mikel Arteta's squad to rest as they prepare for a stern challenge against Liverpool on Thursday.
Declan Rice made a significant contribution with a brace at the Vitality Stadium, securing all three points for the Gunners. The England midfielder once again demonstrated his crucial role in the team upon his return from a knee injury.
With a five-match winning streak in the Premier League, Arsenal are well-placed to break their league title drought of more than two decades. However, it's not all rosy for the Gunners as they've received news that one of their rumoured targets may soon be off the market.
Gunners 'exploited' by Yildiz's representatives
Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz has emerged as one of the most sought-after prospects in the transfer market over recent months. Yet as swiftly as speculation suggested a potential move to north London might materialise, it appears the possibility has now been extinguished.
Gazzetta dello Sport has recently associated Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich with a potential move for the player. However, it's now suggested that the Turkey forward was merely used as bait to prompt action from Juventus.
Kenan Yildiz of Juventus looks during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium
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Kenan Yildiz looks set to extend his stay at Juventus despite interest from England(Image: Getty Images)
Sport Witness backed up reports that Yildiz appears set to pen new terms in Turin. The 20-year-old is expected to match Jonathan David as the club's top earner with a contract potentially extending until 2031.
Yildiz's father, Engin, is said to have been instrumental in these talks. Super agent Jorge Mendes is also cited as having a significant role in the negotiations as the player's future starts to become clearer.
Arsenal may have found it challenging to compete for the player after their hefty expenditure on striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer. But any aspirations Arteta might have had of securing one of football's rising stars now seem to be fading rapidly.
Ivan Toney Impressed by Rice
Ivan Toney, who has previously been linked with a move to the Emirates himself, was evidently keeping an eye on Arsenal's triumph over Bournemouth this weekend. The England striker was particularly impressed by Rice's attacking prowess, which saw him net two goals.
Currently plying his trade for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, Toney even hinted his countryman might have a future in a more forward role. He playfully suggested Arteta should consider tweaking Rice's position to fully utilise his skills.
Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium
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Declan rice's double at Bournemouth was the latest sign of just how key he is to Arsenal's success(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Toney took to Instagram and urged Arsenal to "get him up front" after being thoroughly impressed with Rice's goalscoring instincts at the Vitality Stadium. He accompanied his message with two heart-eye emojis to emphasise his appreciation for his England colleague.
Rice, 26, found the net twice from two shots on target while maintaining his characteristic industrious display throughout the match. Beyond his crucial attacking contributions, he also won all three of his attempted tackles, regained possession eight times and had an 84 per cent pass completion rate.
Only team-mate Marin Zubimendi and Bournemouth's Marco Senesi registered more touches during the narrow win. Yet neither of those players could claim to have had such a decisive influence in the final third.
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This isn't the first time Rice has prompted suggestions he should be utilised in more advanced roles, having previously demonstrated his clinical finishing ability. If Toney isn't cautious, he might find himself facing unwelcome competition for a spot in Thomas Tuchel's forward line.
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