With Mikel Arteta’s side well placed to end their long wait for a league title going into the festive period, we take a look at two big stories surrounding the Gunners
Arsenal players may outwardly downplay talk of them being the favourites for the title this season, but deep down they’ll know that this is their opportunity to break a 21-year drought.
It’s highly unlikely that Mikel Arteta, with his unique methods, hasn’t instilled in their collective consciousness that the 2025/26 season is theirs for the taking. Such conviction has been evident in their performances, leaving Arteta’s men with a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table after three months of action.
There was certainly a sense of belief among the Arsenal players as they went eight consecutive matches across all competitions without letting in a goal before the 2-2 draw at Sunderland, equalling a 122-year club record.
It’s also been visible in the Champions League, where the north Londoners are one of only three teams left with a perfect winning record after four matches. There’s no question that they’re well equipped to win both competitions this season.
Despite ongoing injury problems, which have been worsened by the recent international break, they’re still in a strong position thanks to a squad overflowing with talent. And now, we bring you the latest news involving the Gunners ahead of a thrilling north London derby this weekend.
Mosquera lauds Arteta
Cristhian Mosquera was Arsenal’s lowest profile signing of the summer. When the Spanish centre-back’s transfer was confirmed for just £13million, few anticipated he would produce the composed displays he has delivered thus far in his early Gunners career.
Originally brought in as cover and one for the future, Mosquera was thrust into action at Anfield in August after William Saliba’s injury, with the 21-year-old’s composure immediately calming Arsenal fans’ nerves. His 12 appearances already this season, conceding only three goals in 10 hours of action, are a sign that he has the trust of his manager, something Arteta made clear from their very first conversation prior to his transfer.
Mosquera told The Guardian: “Before I had decided [whether to join Arsenal], someone in my camp said, ‘The moment you speak to Mikel, there’s no way he won’t convince you.’ And that’s exactly how it happened. When the call finished, my destination couldn’t have been clearer.”
He continued when asked about his fellow Spaniard’s intensity: “Yes, totally, totally. He really lives for football, he was raised on it, experienced everything. You see that when he talks. He loves the detail, sees things other eyes might not. I’m so happy with him. He’s an incredible person and he’s helping me a lot. The staff have made it easy. Arsenal is an incredible club.”
Gunners chase teenage prodigy
Arteta might need to utilise those very persuasive skills if Arsenal ramp up their pursuit of Olympiacos prodigy Christos Mouzakitis. The Greek central midfielder, 18, quickly became an important player for the reigning champions after breaking through last term.
He has made 13 appearances this season, including a brief cameo against Arsenal when the two sides met in the Champions League in October, while registering two assists. His composure, ball-carrying ability and maturity have also earned him seven caps for the national team despite his tender age.
With scouts from all over Europe regularly being spotted at Olympiacos games, there is speculation over an upcoming battle between Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa for the talented youngster’s signature. Caughtoffside reports that Arsenal have sent scouts more than ten times this season alone, with Arteta reportedly impressed by Mouzakitis’ passing range, technical skills and off-the-ball work.
