Arsenal will face Manchester City in a potentially title-deciding clash in the Premier League
05:00, 18 Apr 2026
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe talks to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta before the match during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on September 28, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
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Eddie Howe has spoken out against recent transfer rumours(Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Arsenal are desperate to get the job done against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon or risk handing Pep Guardiola's side a route back into the Premier League title race.
The Gunners currently sit six points clear at the summit, with City lurking with a game in hand - meaning defeat at the Etihad could prove devastating.
Mikel Arteta's men secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals midweek as a goalless home draw sealed a 1-0 aggregate victory over Sporting CP. However, Arsenal will need to rediscover their attacking sharpness if they are to have any silverware to show for their efforts come the season's end.
Arteta offered his rival Guardiola praise during his pre-match press conference, while maintaining that his side have every right to challenge for honours. He said: "It is certainly the most important one because it is the next one.
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"We have earned the opportunity to win against arguably the best team and the best manager this league has ever seen. We will prepare the game to win it, that is for sure."
Here, football.london has all the latest emerging from the red side of north London.
Newcastle boss addresses Gordon switch
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United with Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United as he leaves the game with an injury during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Howe has addressed rumours surrounding Anthony Gordon(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Eddie Howe has remained tight-lipped over a potential transfer for Anthony Gordon to Arsenal. The Newcastle winger has attracted interest from the Gunners in recent weeks, with his future at St James' Park remaining uncertain.
Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for the England international. Howe has now responded to the broader transfer speculation.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, the Newcastle boss said: "I discuss things with players all the time. I don't discuss transfer speculation unless it gets to a point I have to. One thing I will not do, I will not play any player I don't think is 100% committed to the club. I'm not talking about Anthony there, I am talking across the board."
On whether speculation might affect performances, Howe added: "I don't want to use that as an excuse. Players of the high profile we have here are in the news all the time.
"You have to adapt to it and play to your best level with the noise around you. I don't think any player can use that as an excuse and certainly the lads know collectively we need to play better and that is what we will be trying to do."
The Sun reports that should Gordon depart Newcastle, he would favour a switch to London ahead of other destinations. The winger is said to be valued at approximately £75million, with the hefty price tag representing an opening position for any interested parties.
Transfer confirmed
Sam Chapman of Arsenal during the pre season match between Boreham Wood and Arsenal XI at Meadow Park on July 12, 2025 in Borehamwood, England.
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Sam Chapman has left Arsenal(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal academy player Sam Chapman has left the club's youth setup to sign for the Georgia Southern University men's soccer team. Chapman's new club announced the defender's arrival via their official social media channels, bringing an end to his time with the north London side.
Chapman had featured in 10 starts and two substitute appearances for the U18s this season, also making his U21 debut away at Sunderland back in March.
The university team took to Instagram to announce his arrival, writing: "Welcome to The 'Boro, Sam!" alongside an eagle emoji.
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Youth football correspondent Jeorge Bird reported that Chapman's time at Arsenal was drawing to a close in June, with his contract due to expire within the coming months.
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