Arsenal need to bounce back to form immediately with the trip to Lisbon to face Sporting in the Champions League coming just days after their treble dreams ended in embarrassment
10:36, 07 Apr 2026
Mikel Arteta
View 3 Images
Mikel Arteta needs to turn Arsenal's form around
Arsenal have had very little time to lick their wounds as they prepare to face Sporting CP in the Champions League. The Gunners have jetted off to Portugal for the first leg of their quarter-final on the back of Saturday's crushing FA Cup exit to Championship outfit Southampton.
Within a fortnight, following last month's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, Arsenal's quadruple hopes have crumbled, leaving just the Premier League and Champions League in their sights. While the Gunners boast a comfortable nine-point cushion over City, who have a game in hand, recent stumbles have left supporters dreading another end-of-season capitulation.
Having occupied such a commanding position for the majority of the campaign, a barren season would prove catastrophic for Mikel Arteta. Here's a round-up of the latest Arsenal news.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 04: b2 applauds supporters following their side’s victory in the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 04, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Dani Olmo is a target for Arsenal(Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Arteta wanted Guardiola favourite
The Gunners reportedly expressed interest in a player desired by Pep Guardiola. Spanish publication Sport has disclosed that Al-Qadsiah FC, the Saudi outfit managed by Brendan Rodgers, recently launched a determined bid to secure Barcelona star Dani Olmo with a £60m offer and an £8m-per-year deal.
The same report noted that the Gunners were amongst the contenders to land Olmo, who was battling for consistent minutes under Hansi Flick. However, Olmo is understood to have snubbed both clubs, opting instead to battle for his spot in the Barca squad.
This isn't the first time the 27-year-old has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League, following interest from Manchester City last summer. At that point, Olmo's agent stated his client wasn't considering leaving the Nou Camp but added: "You never know what the future will bring."
It's yet to be determined whether the Gunners will reignite their pursuit of Olmo this summer, potentially leading to a substantial overhaul of the squad.
Martinelli to avoid further action
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli pushing referee Sam Barrott
View 3 Images
Gabriel Martinelli has faced more scrutiny for pushing referee Sam Barrott
Gabriel Martinelli is expected to avoid additional punishment despite pushing referee Sam Barrott during the defeat at Southampton, according to former PGMOL chief and referee Keith Hackett.
The Brazilian was arguably fortunate to only receive a booking after the incident, which took place in stoppage time as the Gunners chased an equaliser. When Barrott awarded a free-kick to the visitors, Martinelli hurried in to take it quickly and shoved the official, who immediately brandished a yellow card.
Ex-Premier League referee Mark Hasley believes Martinelli should have been sent off. However, Hackett has highlighted that both the FA and FIFA are hesitant to re-referee incidents and does not anticipate any further repercussions for the player.
Hackett told Football Insider: "Because the referee has issued a yellow card, it is unlikely that the disciplinary panel will review the decision.
"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.
Article continues 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."