Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are flying high in four competitions but not everything it to Mikel Arteta's liking as one star is considering with "unfinished" business is considering a transfer
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s and Neil Docking
08:48, 03 Mar 2026Updated 08:50, 03 Mar 2026
Mikel Arteta is demanding higher standards at Arsenal
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Mikel Arteta is demanding higher standards at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are enjoying an excellent spell of form after defeating Chelsea to establish a five-point advantage at the top of the Premier League.
Along with their hopes of ending a 22-year title drought, Arsenal remain active across four competitions this season, also encompassing the Champions League, FA Cup and the forthcoming Carabao Cup final against Premier League trophy contenders Manchester City.
Arteta will trust his squad possesses the necessary qualities to challenge for multiple honours this year. Next up is a trip away to Brighton on Wednesday night and here's all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
Eberechi Eze of Arsenal looks dejected after the Chelsea first goal, an own goal by Piero Hincapie of Arsenal, during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2026 in London, England.
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Eberechi Eze did not impress for Arsenal against Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
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Arteta's exasperation with Eze
Eberechi Eze has become the most recent player to experience Arteta's irritation following his disappointing display against Chelsea.
The returning former academy graduate, 27, joined Arsenal last summer from Crystal Palace and has registered 13 goal contributions thus far.
This tally includes five strikes against north London neighbours Tottenham, cementing his status amongst supporters as a derby day hero.
Yet, with merely 17 successful passes from 22 attempts and two efforts on Sunday, Arteta's displeasure was evident from the technical area at the Emirates Stadium.
The Spanish manager appeared increasingly restless on the sidelines and seemed visibly irked by the England international's wayward touches on multiple occasions, reports the Mirror.
Calafiori reveals transfer dream
UDINE, ITALY - OCTOBER 14: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy celebrates winning the match against Israel during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
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Italy star Riccardo Calafiori(Image: Ciancaphoto Studio, Getty Images)
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Riccardo Calafiori has confessed he fantasises about returning to Roma in the future as his influence at Arsenal continues to diminish.
The 23-year-old has forfeited his spot in the first XI following an injury in December. Since his comeback, the Italian has only begun one Premier League fixture after being substituted by loan sensation Piero Hincapie during his injury layoff.
Calafiori joined Arsenal in July 2024 for a sum worth up to £42million and has featured 54 times so far, with nine goal contributions.
Hincapie has excelled in the Italy international's absence, with Arteta suggesting that he wishes to secure him permanently for £45m.
Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on December 3, 2025 in London, England.
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Piero Hincapie has replaced Calafiori in the starting line-up(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
These remarks from the Arsenal manager have remarkably aligned with Calafiori's admission that he'd relish a return to Roma.
He devoted 12 years to the Italian side before moving to Basel and returning to Serie A with Bologna, from where Arteta plucked him in 2024. As reported by Corriere dello Sport, Calafiori stated: "I'd like to return to Roma sooner or later.
"We can't plan it, of course, but yes, I want to return." He added: "I left something unfinished. It all started very well, with a goal. I played a lot for the first six months with Mourinho, even providing a few assists.
"Then came Bodo Glimt-Roma and from that moment on, I didn't play again. I went to Genoa on loan, but I didn't play there either - only three appearances. In the meantime, Roma won the Conference [League]. There was no more room for me."
While this transfer hint might unsettle fans, Calafiori is evidently content in north London and recently expressed to Sky Sports his enjoyment of working with Arteta.
He said: "Obviously, he's a really demanding guy, but I like it. It's always better when your coach is asking you things in a good way, in a bad way, but it's always nice to learn and it's crazy how much effort he puts every time, every day.
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"And especially for me - I can speak about me - he wants me to improve as much as I can."