Arsenal news as a huge price tag is named and the Gunners discover their route to potential Champions League glory
Mikel Arteta
Things are looking up for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal ahead of Sunday's game against Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal are back on track as they gear up for Sunday's clash with Chelsea. The Gunners will look to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League when they host the Blues, buoyed by the comprehensive 4-1 victory over struggling Tottenham.
Victory in the north London derby left them five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand and visit Leeds United in Saturday's late game. Chelsea are winless in their last eight league games against Arsenal, drawing three and losing five.
£88millon warning
Arsenal have been told it will take close to £100million for Inter Milan to even think about cashing in on hotshot striker Pio Esposito. After a productive loan spell in Serie B with Spezia last season, the 20-year-old has starred for Inter this term with 13 goal contributions in all competitions, including four in the Champions League.
His promise and prowess in front of goal have inevitably led to speculation about a move to the Premier League and Arsenal have been credited with a strong interest in the forward. While Viktor Gyokeres finally looks to have settled since his big-money move, Gabriel Jesus could be on his way this summer, meaning the Gunners will be on the lookout for a new striker.
However, with Inter keen to build their team around players like Esposito, the San Siro side will demand top dollar from any potential suitor. According to L'Interista, Inter wouldn't even consider an offer of €100m (£88m) for the youngster.
With other areas of the team needing attention too, it seems unlikely that the Gunners stump up would stump up that kind of cash for an unproven, if exciting, young player.
Pio Esposito
Pio Esposito is making waves in Serie A(Image: Getty Images)
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Gunners gain City advantage
It's fair to say the Champions League round of 16 draw was kinder to Arsenal than title rivals Man City. The Gunners have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen.
If they get through that tie, they will face either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting in the last eight. Meanwhile, City will face Real Madrid in the last 16 before a potential quarter-final against another European heavyweight in Bayern Munich, who must first see off Atalanta.
The draw has thrown up an interesting scenario which could benefit Arsenal as they look to secure Premier League glory. The quarter-finals will take place on April 7-8 and April 14-15.
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City will have to do it the hard way if they want to beat Arsenal to the Premier League and Champions League(Image: Getty Images)
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That means second-leg ties will fall on days before Arsenal and City go head-to-head in a potential title decider. City facing Bayern immediately before hosting the Gunners would represent a brutal week for Pep Guardiola, who would have to make some tough selection decisions.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will hope to have secured a comfortable victory in the first leg, potentially paving the way for Arteta to rest players ahead of the City showdown.
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