Arsenal have two more Premier League fixtures before the end of the season. Now out of the Champions League, the Gunners’ full focus is now on securing a Champions League place for 2025/26.
Mikel Arteta’s side picked up a credible point at Liverpool on Sunday to move closer to achieving a guaranteed top-five finish. Trailing 2-0 at half-time, the Gunners responded after half-time to come from behind and secure a well-earned 2-2 draw, with Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino both scoring at Anfield.
It’s a result that moves Arsenal five points clear of sixth-place Aston Villa with just six points to play for. Considering that the Gunners boast a much superior goal difference, they all but require one point from their remaining two fixtures – against Newcastle United and Southampton – to seal Champions League football.
While that is Arsenal’s firm focus at the moment, they have one eye on the summer transfer window and getting their business done as soon as possible. With that in mind, football.london have taken a look at the latest rumours and news around the Emirates Stadium.
Ronaldo return
Cristiano Ronaldo is said to be considering a shock return to Sporting CP – a move that could trigger Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal, according to Fichajes. Ronaldo, 40, has spent the last two-and-a-half years in Saudi Arabia at Al-Nassr but is understood to want to re-join Sporting, over two decades since he left the club.
It’s added that news of a potential return for Ronaldo comes amid speculation regarding Gyokeres, who is attracting increased interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are reported to have made their first bid – expected to be in the region of £63.5million – for Gyokeres, but Sporting need to find a replacement first.
FL says: Now, this is a transfer domino effect that is quite unexpected. It’s clear that Sporting need to replace Gyokeres in order to sanction his departure – and there is no doubt Ronaldo could offer the Portuguese club the perfect replacement, despite his age and anticipated high pay packet.
Ronaldo has scored 33 goals in 39 matches for Al-Nassr this season and could still cut it at the top level. A possible return to Sporting would also see Ronaldo play in the Champions League once again.
If Ronaldo made the move to Sporting, that would open the door for Arsenal to sign Gyokeres. The Gunners need a new No.9 and the Swede does feel as though he is the perfect fit right now.
Gyokeres is one of the most sought-after attackers in European football right now, having scored 52 goals and added 13 assists in 50 matches this season.
Partey contract update
Arsenal want to keep Thomas Partey and renew his contract beyond the end of the summer, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The 31-year-old’s contract expires at the end of June, and speculation has increased regarding his future, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona reported to be interested.
However, the Gunners are keen to retain Partey’s services. If Mikel Arteta’s side don’t manage to tie him down to a new deal, they could look elsewhere.
Ornstein said on NBC Sports: “They want to renew Thomas Partey’s contract, he wants to stay, but will they reach an agreement? If they don’t, will they look elsewhere? They are already looking at possible alternatives for him but let’s see what happens.”
FL says: For me, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Arsenal give Partey a new contract. There is no doubt the Gunners are better when he doesn’t play – and that was shown in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
However, if Arsenal can find a younger replacement then that could prove to be a smarter solution. As Partey is turning 32 in June, there is no doubt he is entering the twilight of his career and it might be a better move for them to sign a player who is eight to 10 years younger instead.
Yes, the Gunners are close to signing Martin Zubimendi as a midfield addition, but they may need at least one more if Partey and Jorginho – who is on the verge of joining Flamingo – leave.
