ARSENAL are looking ahead to what is expected to be a HUGE summer transfer window.
A new striker is at the very top of the transfer wishlist, with some huge names linked with a move to North London.
Andrea Berta has now started in his new role as sporting director, and the Italian is said to be a long-term admirer of Sporting superstar Viktor Gyokeres.
Another striker linked with a move to the Emirates is Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic, but Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea are also said to be keen on the forward.
Elsewhere, Manchester City are reportedly eyeing up a shock move for Gunners centre-back William Saliba.
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Follow ALL of the latest news, rumours and transfer updates from the Emirates below...
Prem giants battle for Gyokeres
Manchester United and Arsenal could be the main frontrunners for Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
The Gunners’ new sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly added the Sporting Lisbon hero to his strike options.
Credit: Getty
Berta has vowed he will help bring “major trophies” to the Emirates.
And Gyokeres has notched 85 goals plus 26 assists in 92 games for his Portuguese club this season.
But United are also said to be keen – not least because the Swede starred under Old Trafford chief Ruben Amorim at Sporting.
Gyokeres is thought to have a release clause of around £50million.
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Mikel finally giving it the 'big one'
Mikel Arteta will reportedly compile frame a five-man striker wishlist this summer.
The Arsenal boss insists the transfer window is going to be a "big one" - following years of criticism for failing to land a world-class forward
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Gunners target 'focused' on Bilbao
Nico not distracted by Gunners talk
Arsenal target Nico Williams has taken to social media to show he remains dedicated to Athletic Bilbao.
The Spain winger has again been talked up as a prime target for Emirates boss Mikel Arteta this summer.
And those links are as strong as ever following the Gunners’ appointment of Andrea Berta as successor to Edu in the sporting director role.
Meanwhile, though, Bilbao are pushing for Europa League glory this season.
And Williams posted on Instagram: “Still focus!”
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Sak's appeal long-lasting
Buk stopping here?
Arsenal are set to launch fresh contract talks with Bukayo Saka, claims transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The winger’s current deal is set to run until June 2027.
Romano claims that the Gunners’ new sporting director Andrea Berta is set for conversations with Saka’s representatives.
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Saka's special way to celebrate
Bukayo Saka scored just seven minutes into his first appearance in 101 days.
The Arsenal star, 23, had been missing since undergoing hamstring surgery in December.
Bukayo Saka scoring a goal for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka headed home from close rangeCredit: Reuters
Boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday that Saka was fully ready and raring to go.
The winger was named on the bench for last night's 2-1 win at Fulham and was thrown on for Ethan Nwaneri in the 66th minute at 1-0 up.
Just seven minutes later he found the net, heading home from close range following Gabriel Martinelli's flick.
Bukayo Saka celebrating a goal.
Saka celebrates his comeback goalCredit: PA
Saka immediately ran over to the Arsenal bench to celebrate.
The England star singled out fitness coach Sam Wilson.
Arsenal's No7 has known Wilson for several years, having also worked with him in the Gunners' Under-21s team.
Arsenal players celebrating a goal.
The England winger hugged Arsenal fitness coach Sam Wilson after his goal
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Prem chiefs to change VAR from April 12
Prem chiefs will finally roll out semi-automated offside technology for the final seven rounds of top flight games, starting on April 12, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Club bosses approved the introduction of the new system last summer, with a planned launch in the autumn.
US-based Genius Sport devised the specialist cameras – up to 28 per match – which deploy the “mesh tracking” of 10,000 plus data points for each player.
But a series of issues and concerns about the accuracy of the system saw the launch date put back.
While it was used for the first time at seven of the eight FA Cup fifth round ties, an eight minute delay before Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez’ “goal” against Wolves was eventually ruled out brought a cautious response from Prem leaders.
All clubs had been warned that even with SAOT there will still be some situations – such as the one at Bournemouth – where crosshairs and lines will have to be used rather than simply taking the computer call and illustrating it with virtual animation.
But last weekend’s quarter final games in the Cup passed off without any concerns.
And Premier League bosses confirmed the decision, arguing: “The technology maintains the integrity of the VAR process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.”
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Ratings - plus all the stats
Click below to see not only our reporter JOSHUA HALL's full individual verdicts, but also each player's key stats.
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Arsenal sub ratings
Jakub Kiwior (for Gabriel, 15mins) - 4
Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn't do enough to impress at all.
Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.
He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark - once again saved by sloppy finishing.
With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn't at the required level.
11Jakub Kiwior allowed Adama Traore a golden opportunityCredit: Reuters
Bukayo Saka (for Nwaneri, 66mins) - 8
The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
That was until he nodded home the Gunners' second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.
Leandro Trossard (for Timber, 77mins) - 5
Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort.
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Gunners' strike ratings
Gabriel Martinelli - 9
Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.
But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was - as per usual - struggling with his end product in the first half.
It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.
That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.
Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.
Ethan Nwaneri - 7
Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.
Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.
Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.
Mikel Merino - 8
Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.
He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he's certainly got a knack for goal.
His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won't care - now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.
He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.
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Arsenal's midfield ratings
Thomas Partey - 7
Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.
Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.
He's become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.
Declan Rice - 6
He's not a glamorous footballer, but he's always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.
Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.
Martin Odegaard - 5
Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.
The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.
Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that's a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.
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Gunners ratings - defence continued
William Saliba - 6
Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel's absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.
His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.
However, he wasn't able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 7
Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he's only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.
He didn't set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does - this time without Gabriel by his side.
While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.
Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.
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Ratings vs Fulham - defence
David Raya - 7
Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.
He doesn't have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.
His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.
There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz's deflected goal.
Jurrien Timber - 6
It looked like the Dutchman's night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.
Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.
Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.
Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.
Gabriel Magalhaes - N/A
Just when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.
Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
Arteta - and every Arsenal fan up and down the country - will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.
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Match stats against Cottagers
Arsenal saw off Fulham - after having twice as many shots as their visitors.
Here's the full lowdown on the facts 'n figures.
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Gunners' double injury blow
Arsenal Gabriel was forced off just 16 minutes into his side's Premier League clash with Fulham - before Jurrien Timber later limped off too.
The Brazilian went down in his own box appearing to clutch his hamstring.
Gabriel pulled off early on and was replaced
Gabriel pulled off early on and was replaced
Arsenal bizarrely played on for around two minutes, not kicking the ball out despite protestations from their manager to do so.
When the ball did finally go out of play, Gabriel received treatment from medical staff.
He subsequently shook his head as he was replaced by team-mate Jakub Kiwior.
Gabriel's injury comes just seven days before the Gunners' Champions League quarter-final first leg tussle with Real Madrid.
The centre-back has been a near ever-present for Arsenal this season.
He has started 28 of their 30 Premier League matches, only missing two in December due to a knee injury.
Timber then limped off with 15 minutes remaining.
Fellow defender Timber then suffered a similar fate
Fellow defender Timber then suffered a similar fate
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Buk's fizz fires Gunners
Here's our match report on the night Bukayo Saka made his return - with a bang... and a goal.
Result: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham.
Click below for our full match report.
Saka celebrated his scoring return modestly
Saka celebrated his scoring return modestly
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RESULT: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
Fine goals from Merino and fit-again hero Bukayo Saka clinched a victory that put Arsenal nine points off leaders Liverpool.
Merino did well to angle home a 37th minute shot before half-time sub Saka headed in at the far post.
Rodrigo Muniz replied deep in stoppage time- deserved for Fulham's overall performance.
Click HERE for coverage with our live blog.
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GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
Muniz bundled the Cottagers back into it in stoppage time.
Click HERE for match updates with our live blog.
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Latest: Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
Rodrigo Muniz somehow missed from just six yards - with Fulham having improved following substitutions.
Click HERE for match updates with our live blog.
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Mauls Lewis-Skelly!
Myles Lewis-Skelly is emerging as one of the top talents in English football, but his secret weapon would have made him a top rugby player too.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, has gone from unknown by the majority to a regular Arsenal starter and England's youngest-ever debutant scorer in the space of one season.
Credit: Getty
There's no doubt that there's a plethora of skills in his arsenal, but it's one in particular that has earned him comparisons to rugby legend Jonah Lomu.
That's his ability to replicate rugby's hand-off, a skill mastered by Lomu during his career.
The comparisons are so much so that, as first reported by The Telegraph, an academy coach once said: "It’s like Jonah Lomu, isn’t it?”, while Lewis-Skelly stormed through midfield in a youth match between Arsenal and Chelsea a few years back.
Lewis-Skelly's ability to outstretch his arm and hold off his opponent has become one of the best parts of his game, making him almost impossible to tackle.
It's been evident in so many of his games, none more so than when he held away Albania player Jasir Asania to gain an extra yard and poke home his debut for goal for England during the international break.
Even Mikel Arteta has discussed his "natural" ability to hold players away from him on a regular basis.
The Arsenal boss said: "He has always been very comfortable running past players and holding people away from him and very far from the ball. It is a natural thing.”
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GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
Not only has sub Bukayo Saka scored - he's done it with a HEADER!
Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino combined to tee up the far-post fantasy moment.
Click HERE for match updates with our live blog.
Credit: Getty
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H/T: Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
Leno foiled Timber at the far post as the Gunners try to build pressure in the second half.
Click HERE for match updates with our live blog.
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H/T: Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
Click HERE for match updates with our live blog.
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GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
Mikel Merino did brilliantly to squeeze home a cross from Ethan Nwaneri on 37 minutes.
ClickHERE for match updates with our live blog.
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Latest: Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
A scrappy, mediocre first 35 minutes.
Lewis-Skelly has just summed up the tame fare so far - with a cross straight at ex-Gunners keeper Leno.
And Timber gave Arsenal another injury scare - going down for treatment.
But the Dutch defender was fine to continue.
Click HERE for match updates with our live blog.
Jurrien Timber grimaced as he was treated
Jurrien Timber grimaced as he was treatedCredit: Getty
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Latest: Gabriel off INJURED
Defender Gabriel limped down the tunnel with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Arsenal's injury woes this season haven been incredible.
On came Jakub Kiwior.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham: Click HERE for match updates with our live blog.
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