Declan Rice netted a brace in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Bournemouth with Ivan Toney impressed by his display, while Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is set to sign a new contract ending Gunners interest
07:59, 05 Jan 2026
Ivan Toney
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Ivan Toney has been left stunned(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal's Premier League title charge remained on track with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday. However, there's no time for Mikel Arteta's squad to rest on their laurels as they prepare for a stern test against Liverpool at home this Thursday.
Declan Rice proved his worth once again, netting a crucial brace in the clash at the Vitality Stadium. The England midfielder, who recently returned from a knee injury, has quickly reasserted his vital role within the team.
With a five-match winning streak in the Premier League, Arsenal are well-placed to break their top-flight curse. But it's not all rosy for the Gunners, as one of their rumoured transfer targets could soon be off the market.
Ivan Toney impressed
Ivan Toney of Al Ahli talks to media during Saudi Super Cup Final Pre-Match Press Conference at the JW Marriott
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Ivan Toney was blown away by Declan Rice's performance(Image: Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Ivan Toney, currently playing for Al-Ahli, was clearly impressed by Rice's performance during Arsenal's win at Bournemouth. The England striker, who himself has been linked with a move to the Emirates in the past, was particularly taken aback by Rice's attacking prowess.
Toney even hinted that Rice might have a future in a more forward role, jokingly suggesting that Arteta should tweak Rice's position to make the most of his talents, reports the Mirror.
Toney took to Instagram to urge Arsenal to "get him up front" after witnessing Rice's clinical finishing at the Vitality Stadium. The striker couldn't resist adding two heart-eyes emojis to emphasise just how smitten he was with his England colleague's performance.
Arsenal 'used' by Kernan Yildiz's entourage
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 has had a contract breakthrough(Image: Getty Images)
Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz has emerged as one of the most sought-after prospects in recent months. Yet just as swiftly as speculation mounted regarding a potential switch, it appears the possibility has now been extinguished.
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In recent weeks, Gazzetta dello Sport has linked Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich with a potential move for the player. However, it's now suggested that the Turkish international was merely used as bait to prompt action from Juventus.
This is according to Sport Witness, which has backed up reports that Yildiz appears set to sign a new contract in Turin. The 20-year-old is expected to become the club's joint-highest earner alongside Jonathan David, with a deal potentially extending until 2031.
Reports suggest that Yildiz's father, Engin, has been instrumental in these discussions. Super agent Jorge Mendes is also said to have played a key role in the negotiations as the situation becomes clearer.