ARSENAL are reportedly still keeping tabs on Dani Ceballos – despite turning down the chance to sign him in the summer.
Meanwhile we have the very latest on all the ins and outs at the Emirates, with Eddie Nketiah's future uncertain with just eight months left on his contract.
And after superb recent performances, Aaron Ramsdale has been tipped to star for England in next year's 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
- Ian Tuckey
WILLOCK WOE
Not yet a nightmare, but this is hardly what Joe Willock was dreaming of when he left his boyhood Arsenal for Newcastle.
It was probably somewhere in the back of his mind, that it would be nigh on impossible to hit the heights of last season’s stunning loan in the North East.
And so it is proving, with the Gunners gleefully rubbing their hands at the £25million banked for the attacking midfielder.
Willock would be forgiven for flashing an envious glance or two at the resurgent Arsenal having been benched for the last two games by interim Toon boss Graeme Jones.
Whether the England U21 star would be a part of it is doubtful – hence why he left – but the way things are going he could be playing Championship football 12 months after penning a six-year contract.
Just 10 games in, it’s not a full-blown disaster – for Willock if not Newcastle – yet things have turned pretty sour since he uprooted to Tyneside.
It’s now no goals, no assists and no big chances created from his nine league matches.
- Ian Tuckey
CARABAO CUP DRAW BOOSTS EURO HOPES
Arsenal’s bid to return to European football next season were given a shot in the arm with another favourable Carabao Cup draw.
The Gunners’ reward for last week’s league cup win over Leeds is a last-eight meeting with League One Sunderland on a date to be confirmed.
It is the third time Mikel Arteta’s side will face lower league opposition in the competition this season and they will be favourites to book a semi-final spot.
Combined with a Saturday’s 2-0 win at Leicester – which moved Arsenal up to sixth in the Prem table – the Gunners now look on track for a return to European action through either cup success or league finish, football.london point out.
- Jim Sheridan
EDDING OFF?
Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a move away from the Emirates in recent weeks, with reports suggesting Crystal Palace are interested in the striker.
He has just eight months remaining on his Gunners contract and former Leeds start Glenn Whelan believes Palace would suit his game perfectly.
Whelan told Football Insider: "“I think somebody like Crystal Palace [is perfect for Nketiah]. That would probably work well for him.
“He’s a young player. I think Patrick Vieira is liking that style and that energy about a younger side now.”
- Jim Sheridan
JON HIS WAY
Do you think that Jonny Evans should have seen red for his wild tackle on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Saturday?
The Gunners certainly felt hard done by at the time – and ex-Prem ref Dermot Gallagher agrees.
Speaking to Sky Sporters, Gallagher said: "I would suggest it’s an error of judgement because of the referee’s position.
"When the ball drops he doesn’t know the distance between Aubameyang and the ball.
"Once Aubaymeng spins him, you ask- is it a foul? Most definitely. Is he in control of the ball? No, but he will control it.
"Clear path to goal and the referee’s position dictated his judgement and made him choose the wrong decision."
- [email protected]
RAM GOOD
Bukayo Saka says Aaron Ramsdale's brilliant form has made “a big difference” to Arsenal's fortunes.
England prospect Ramsdale was man-of-the-match as the Gunners won 2-0 at Leicester on Saturday to move up to sixth in the Prem.
Eye-brows were raised when Arsenal agreed a £30million deal with Sheffield United for the 23-year-old in the summer – but he is now No 1 in every way on their team-sheet.
Gunners winger Saka, 20, told the Evening Standard: “He just keeps surprising everyone and he is in great form. I just hope he can continue like that because he is making a big difference.”
- [email protected]
GET EM IN
Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery has emerged as the favourite for the vacant manager's position at money-bags Newcastle.
Emery is favourite to land the vacant manager's job at Newcastle Sky Bet have the current Villarreal chief at 2/1 to take over the Toon, ahead of Roberto Martinez at 5/1, and Eddie Howe at 6/1.
Emery, 49, was sacked by Gunners in 2019 after a disappointing year in charge buthe has bounced back by leading the LaLiga club to Europa League glory in May – the fourth time he has won that competition.
Newcastle have been without a permanent manager since Steve Bruce's acrimonious departure last month.
- [email protected]
DO ARSENAL NOW HAVE NINE UNDROPPABLE PLAYERS?
In-form Arsenal appear to have found a winning formula which make the vast majority of their side undroppable.
A report in the Express says that of the starting XI in Saturday's win at Leicester only left-back Nuno Tavares and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga should be worried about keeping their places.
The article points out Kieran Tierney will almost certainly replace Tavares, and Granit Xhaka is likely to dislodge Lokonga when they return from their injuries.
The Gunners are up to sixth in the Prem and their form over the last six games is the second best in the division and only one point worse than leaders Chelsea.
- [email protected]
ARSENAL'S EUROPEAN HOPES BOOSTED BY CARABAO CUP DRAW
Arsenal's bid to return to European football next season were given a shot in the arm with another favourable Carabao Cup draw.
The Gunners' reward for last week's league cup win over Leeds is a last-eight meeting with League One Sunderland on a date to be confirmed.
It is the third time Mikel Arteta's side will face lower league opposition in the competition this season and they will be favourites to book a semi-final spot.
Combined with a Saturday's 2-0 win at Leicester – which moved Arsenal up to sixth in the Prem table – the Gunners now look on track for a return to European action through either cup success or league finish, football.london point out.
- [email protected]
GUNNERS REIGNITE INTEREST IN CEBALLOS
Arsenal are still keeping an eye on Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos despite rejecting the chance to sign him permanently after a two-year loan spell.
El Nacional claim the Gunners are still interested in signing the 25-year-old, who is yet to feature for Real this season after picking up an ankle injury in the summer.
And when he is fit an available again he faces an uphill battle getting back in Los Blancos' midfield with Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Spain international Ceballos, 25, did not pull up any trees during his spell with the Gunners, which ended in the summer.
But boss Mikel Arteta could give him another shot in his stretched midfield, which is missing injured Granit Xhaka, and soon to be without Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny while they are on African Cup of Nations duty.
- Joshua Jones
MORNING, ARSENAL FANS
Donny van de Beek, Dani Ceballos and Alexandre Lacazette are in the transfer spotlight – while Arsenal remain in the glow of Saturday's 2-0 win at Leicester.
Manchester United fringe midfielder Van de Beek could again be a Gunners' target in January after reportedly attracting their interest in the summer.
And Arsenal are understood to be still monitoring last season's loanee Ceballos as he battles back to fitness with Real Madrid.
But Real Betis are favourites to re-sign the Spain star should he exit the Bernabeu.
It's also suggested France striker Lacazette hopes to join Atletico Madrid.
The 30-year-old is expected to leave the Emirates when his contract expires in June.
Juventus might be ready to offload ex-Gunner Aaron Ramsey to fund a bid for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic
Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked with Vlahovic, while Ramsey is thought to be on Newcastle's wish-list.
Finally, legendary Gunners' keeper David Seaman is thrilled by Aaron Ramsdale's first term at Arsenal.
Former England ace Seaman said: “I’ve been really impressed because it’s a massive step for him.
“His confidence is brilliant and his form is really good as well… almost every game he’s making a big save.”
- Ian Tuckey
DAN DEAL STILL P[OSSIBLE
Arsenal are still checking Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos after his two-year loan.
Spain star Ceballos, 25, has yet to play for Real since returning to the Bernabeu and injuring his ankle in July.
Martin Odegaard is thriving after making his Gunners’ switch from Real permanent.
Bernabeu boss Carlo Ancelotti has stuck with Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric as his first-choice midfield.
And when Ceballos regains fitness, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are currently the main back-ups.
El Nacional claim November and December will be crucial to Ceballos’s hopes of earning a regular starting spot under Ancelotti.
- Ian Tuckey
ONLY MENDY 'BETTER' THAN RAMSDALE
These stats show how Aaron Ramsdale is justifying his emergence as Arsenal's first-choice keeper.
Some doubted why Mikel Arteta would pay Sheffield United £30million for a stopper who might struggle to replace Bernd Leno.
And positions like striker seemed more crucial for strengthening to many fans.
But yesterday's star-man showing in the 2-0 win at Leicester underlined Ramsey's progress.
- Ian Tuckey
LACAZETTE 'FANCIES ATLETICO MOVE'
Alexandre Lacazette hopes to join Atletico Madrid next summer, reports say.
The France striker, 30, is expected to leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season.
And the Daily Express suggest Atletico are keen.
Lacazette has notched 68 goals and 29 assists in 178 games for the Gunners.
- Ian Tuckey
MAKING EMIL OF MARTINEZ PLIGHT
Ex-Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez came under fire on social media after West Ham sunk his new club Aston Villa 4-1.
Martinez was blamed for the Hammers' two first-half goals.
Ben Johnson's drive beat the £25million Argentinian from a tight angle and Declan Rice rasped a 30-yarder that squeezed in under Martinez's lumbering dive
One fan said: "That's two routine saves for Martinez. WTF???"
And another responded: "Martinez was a one season wonder. Loool."
One joked: "Waiting for Emi Martinez to blame Arsenal for the two he’s conceded today".
And this was a more cynical view: "Arsenal sold Martinez so we could wait for Sheffield United to get relegated and pick up a better GK for just over £20m, Mikel Arteta he's done it again".
- Ian Tuckey
DON DEAL FOR JANUARY?
Donny van de Beek is again being linked to Arsenal.
It's claimed the Gunners are pondering a January move for the Manchester United fringe midfielder after speculation of a summer switch came to nothing.
NINTCHDBPICT000690281111Credit: Getty Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta brought in Albert Sambi Lokonga and turned Martin Odegaard's loan switch into a permanent deal during the last transfer window.
But he still needs more midfield reinforcements.
And Gunners' technical director Edu believes the chances of securing Holland star Van de Beek are growing, according to the Mail.
- Ian Tuckey
ALL HAIL RAMSDALE
Arsenal have posted their appreciation of Aaron Ramsdale's stand-out display in yesterday's 2-0 win at Leicester.
The Gunners are sixth after this weekend's Prem games.
But Everton can move above them if they win at Wolves tomorrow.
- Ian Tuckey
SEAMAN HAILS AARON
Arsenal legend David Seaman has heaped praise on the club’s new goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The summer signing has been excellent for the Gunners since his summer arrival and pulled off several outstanding saves, including a world class stop to deny James Maddison, in the 2-0 win at Leicester.
Former Arsenal keeper Seaman told BBC World Service: “I’ve been really impressed because it’s a massive step for him, he’s been at Bournemouth and Sheffield United and now he’s at Arsenal and playing like he belongs there.
“His confidence is brilliant and his form is really good as well. He’s very lively with his feet, his reactions are brilliant and almost every game he’s making a big save and doing it perfectly.”
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNERS STILL MONITOR CEBALLOS
Arsenal are still checking Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos after his two-year loan.
Spain star Ceballos, 25, has yet to play for Real since returning to the Bernabeu and injuring his ankle in July.
Martin Odegaardis thriving after making his Gunners' switch from Real permanent.
Bernabeu boss Carlo Ancelotti has stuck with Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric as his first-choice midfield.
And when Ceballos regains fitness, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are currently the main back-ups.
El Nacional claim November and December will be crucial to Ceballos's hopes of earning a regular starting spot under Ancelotti.
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
RAMSEY TIPPED FOR PREM RETURN
Juventus are willing to part ways with Aaron Ramsey to fund a move for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, reports suggest.
Arsenal and Tottenham target Vlahovic is linked with a move away from Fiorentina – while Ramsey is a target for Newcastle.
The Italian giants need to free up salary space in order to sanction a transfer, according to Tuttosport.
Ramsey is on a reported yearly salary of £11.8million, although his sky-high wages are not said to deter the Magpies in their pursuit of the Welshman.
Should they seal a deal for the 30-year-old, Juve will then make their move for Serbian Vlahovic.
The 21-year-old is a target for Juve next summer but could bring an offer forward to January should Ramsey depart.
And in a blow to Arsenal and Tottenham the 21-year-old is said to favour a move to Turin.
However Fiorentina would be reluctant to sell their prized asset to a Serie A rival.
Although they may not have a choice as contract talks between the two parties have stalled.
Vlahovic’s current deal expires in 2023 with the club desperate to tie him down to a new deal.
- Ian Tuckey
XAVI FANCIES GUNNERS' JOB
Barcelona target Xavi has admitted he would relish the chance to manage Arsenal.
The Barca legend is expected to be appointed as the Spanish club’s next manager.
But Xavi is interested in managing in the Premier League and the Gunners are on his list of teams he would consider.
Speaking in 2019, Xavi said: “Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham.”
But Mikel Arteta has steadied the ship and quietened the dissenters after an impressive run which has guided Arsenal up to sixth in the table.
- Simon Mail
RAMS-KEY
Juventus are willing to part ways with former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey to fund a move for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, reports suggest.
Arsenal target Vlahovic is being linked with a move away from Fiorentina while Ramsey is a target for Newcastle.
Arsenal and Tottenham target Vlahovic is linked with a move away from Fiorentina – while Ramsey is a target for Newcastle.
The Italian club need to free up salary space in order to sanction a transfer with Ramsey on a reported annual salary of £11.8million.
Credit: Getty
- Simon Mail
UNBEATABLE RAMSDALE
Arsenal legend David Seaman has heaped praise on the club's new goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The summer signing has been excellent for the Gunners since his summer arrival and pulled off several outstanding saves, including a world class stop to deny James Maddison, in the 2-0 win at Leicester.
Former Arsenal keeper Seaman told BBC World Service: "I've been really impressed because it's a massive step for him, he's been at Bournemouth and Sheffield United and now he's at Arsenal and playing like he belongs there.
"His confidence is brilliant and his form is really good as well. He's very lively with his feet, his reactions are brilliant and almost every game he's making a big save and doing it perfectly."
- Simon Mail
NEWCASTLE CHASE EMERY
Unai Emery’s odds on becoming the next Newcastle manager have been slashed today.
The former Arsenal manager is now Evens favourite with William Hill to take charge of Newcastle.
Emery led Villarreal to glory in the Europa League last season and Newcastle’s new owners are interested in bringing him to St James’ Park.
The Magpies need to resolve their vacant position soon with the club currently second bottom and without a win.
Credit: EPA - Simon Mail
I'LL XAV A GO
Barcelona target Xavi has admitted he would relish the chance to manage Arsenal.
The Barca legend is expected to be appointed as the Spanish club's next manager.
But Xavi is interested in managing in the Premier League and the Gunners are on his list of teams he would consider.
Speaking in 2019, Xavi said: "Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham."
But Mikel Arteta has steadied the ship and quietened the dissenters after an impressive run which has guided Arsenal up to sixth in the table.
Credit: EPA - Simon Mail
AUBA THE MOON
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang certainly appears to have enjoyed the team's win at Leicester.
The Gunners' victory continued their recent form as they climbed up to sixth in the table.
It is a far cry from the opening weeks of the season when Arsenal propped up the table.
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