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Wolves vs Arsenal preview It was a good, routine win for Arsenal in the Champions League in midweek, now they’re back trying to bridge the gap to Liverpool this weekend. That task has been made considerably harder after last week’s collapse, throwing away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa at the Emirates. That came just a couple of hours after Liverpool looked set to drop points themselves, until super-sub Darwin Nunez bagged twice in injury time to beat Brentford.

Despite having played one more game, Mikel Arteta’s team is now six points behind the leaders. Oddly, they are both playing on Saturday at 3 p.m., with Arsenal at Molineux and Liverpool at home against Ipswich. They have already won two of their previous six games after defeating Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday, but they are heavy favorites to win three points here. Wolves’ recovery under the new management was quick, but they have since regressed, losing three of their previous four games while giving up three goals each time.

In the last seven encounters across all competitions, Arsenal has won all seven games and the Gunners have only given up twice. They are under pressure to win, but a victory in the middle of the week should boost their confidence, and they can support it with comparable outcomes.

Given how Arsenal attacks down their left, you can’t help but be pulled to Wolves’ right-hand side when looking at the booking markets. It’s a difficult task for the hosts down their right, and Nelson Semedo quickly catches the eye, whether it’s Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli. Promotion

 

Arsenal’s problems have been laid bare over the last few weeks and if they are going to end the season as Premier League champions, they need to sign a few players this month.

 

Against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, Mikel Arteta’s men were left to bemoan some awful finishing from Kai Havertz who notably glanced an effort off his shoulder wide of the goal from a few yards out.

 

Havertz-Arsenal

It was Havertz again in the FA Cup a week ago, skying the ball over the bar when it looked easier to score, while they were nearly left to rue some poor finishing against Spurs in the north London derby. They did, at least, come through that one.

 

However, just when you think they’ve found their mojo again, going 2-0 up against Aston Villa, the result was taken away from them after some uncharacteristically bad defending.

 

Still, bolstering the forward ranks should remain the number one priority this month.

 

Arsenal’s plans to sign a new striker

The man who everyone wants right now is Alexander Isak. The Newcastle forward is one of the most in-form centre forwards on the planet, scoring 11 goals in his last ten matches in all competitions.

 

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

 

Alternatives are required, therefore, and in Benjamin Sesko – a man described as the “new Erling Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, they may have their man.

 

Sesko was the subject of interest from the Gunners over the summer but ultimately signed a new contract with German club RB Leipzig. A move in 2025 feels more likely but will it be done in January or the summer?

 

Sesko goal record

Well, according to the Sun, Arsenal are now weighing up a massive £70m bid for the striker this month as Arteta aims to bolster his side.

 

The Mirror also goes as far as to suggest he’s ‘already said yes’ to joining the Gunners, with a willingness now on the player’s side to move.

 

Sesko-Leipzig

Why Benjamin Sesko could be Arsenal’s very own Alexander Isak

In January 2022, Arsenal were reportedly looking at a move for Isak, who was playing for Real Sociedad at the time.

 

Boasting a release clause of £75m, the Gunners thought it sat above his market value and instead, they ignored a move and preferred other options.

 

Alexander-Isak-2

Just a few months later he moved to St James’ Park in a deal worth around £63m and since then, it’s safe to say Arteta and Co will be regretting their decision not to shell out.

 

While at the time Isak was hardly prolific, scoring 11 in 29 matches the season prior to moving to England, he has blossomed into one of the most feared forwards on the planet, finding the net 17 times in 24 games in 2024/25.

 

At the time of the move, the exciting Swede was just 22 years of age. He is now 25. Coincidentally, Sesko will be 22 by the time the summer window arrives. He’s also performing better at a similar age, suggesting that in a few years time, he could live up to the rave reviews he’s being given.

 

Described as a “monster” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, this is a player who if you invest in now, has a high chance of turning into something incredibly special.

 

Benjamin-Sesko-Leipzig

He’s at the point in his career – as Isak was when Arsenal rejected him – that he’s still learning his craft but he’s showing traits that would tick a lot of boxes for Arteta.

 

The Slovenian is tall, he’s strong and he’s one of the most incredible strikers of a ball in European football. Just look at the goal below.

 

So, how did Sesko compare to Isak at a similar age? We’ve compared the Newcastle star’s 2021/22 season with the RB Leipzig striker’s current campaig

 

 

 

So, it’s an interesting set of data with Sesko confidently the more prolific player when they were at the same point in their career.

 

Isak does appear to be the more creative and is likely to beat a man with greater regularity but the fact that the Slovenia international is already such a brute in the air and boasts immense physicality, makes him look as though he could be tailor-made for the Premier League.

 

Benjamin Sesko scores for Slovenia

He is no doubt still incredibly raw but Arsenal must learn from their lesson of not advancing with a move to sign Newcastle’s star man a few years ago. They were made to pay the price then and must not pass up on Sesko.

 

 

 

Arsenal have just let a two-goal lead slip in their 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

 

Liverpool’s late win against Brentford piled the pressure on the Gunners ahead of kick-off, Mikel Arteta’s side however would not be fazed and started the game in impressive fashion.

 

Gabriel Martinelli was a bright spot for Arsenal and the Brazilian would eventually fire his side in front in the 35th minute.

 

Kai Havertz would then double Arsenal’s lead at the start of the second half before being pegged back by two hammer blows from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.

 

Arsenal would do their utmost to get themselves back in front but they ultimately fail to do so, dropping two crucial points in the process.

 

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston …

 

Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa

David Raya – 6

Was solid when called upon, making a fine few saves from the likes of Ian Maatsen and Watkins.

 

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7

Yet another solid performance from the youngster. He scrapped with Morgan Rogers all evening and kept the Villa man relatively quiet.

 

Gabriel Magalhaes – 6

It’s safe to say the Brazilian looked more human tonight after his heroic display in the North London Derby. Watkins’ runs in behind were an issue for the Arsenal defence all game.

 

 

Jurrien Timber – 6

The Dutchman did a solid job filling for the injured William Saliba, but the Frenchman’s absence was clear to see in Arsenal’s backline – especially when it came to defending aerial balls.

 

Thomas Partey – 4

Arsenal’s most disappointing performance of the evening. Partey looked uncomfortable at full-back yet again, giving possession away on a number of occasions – also failing to close Lucas Digne down for Villa’s opener.

 

Declan Rice – 6

The midfielder was a key part of Arsenal’s quick start to the game. He was a driving force to the Gunners attack, with his energy and gile being a key highlight.

 

Mikel Merino – 5

Beaten in the air for Tielemans’ goal, Merino failed to stamp his authority on the fixture up until the final moments when he nearly won it for Arsenal.

 

Martin Odegaard – 5

Largely absent for most of the game, Odegaard failed to make any sort of meaningful impact at Emirates. Disappointing from the Arsenal skipper.

 

Leandro Trossard – 8

Trossard proved his worth to Arsenal tonight. He gave Matty Cash problems all evening – providing the assists for Martinelli and Havertz’s goals. Big performance from the Belgian.

 

Kai Havertz – 6

After a rough few weeks for the German, he bagged himself a well-deserved goal with a lovely volley. He was unlucky to not have a second when his late goal got ruled out for handball.

 

Gabriel Martinelli – 7

With Bukayo Saka out injured, Martinelli stepped up to the plate to provide the goods for the Gunners. The Brazilian gave Maatsen nightmares down the right-hand flank, getting the better of the Villa man for Arsenal’s opener.

 

 

 

Arsenal were victorious in the North London Derby as the Gunners beat Tottenham 2-1 at the Emirates.

 

At first, it was the same old story for Arsenal, who conceded to Spurs after dominating the fixture in the early stages.

 

Fortunately, the Gunners found a way to respond to their rivals’ lead, as Dominic Solanke netted an own-goal after Gabriel Magalhaes’ effort from a corner.

 

Spurs fans were furious at Arsenal’s opener, which was believed to not have been a corner in the first place, adding to the tension of the North London Derby.

 

Leandro Trossard netted the match-winner moments before the interval, giving Mikel Arteta a much-needed boost after a difficult week.

 

Leandro Trossard of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenh…

 

Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham

David Raya – 7

When Arsenal needed Raya, the Spaniard was there, denying Spurs in the first half with a fine save at his near post.

 

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 9

Our man of the match, Lewis-Skelly made his North London Derby debut at just 18-years-old but looked like a seasoned professional when the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

 

The teenager was vibrant going forward and fearless in defence, he’s becoming impossible to ignore in that left-back role.

 

 

William Saliba – 8

The calm that Saliba brings to the Arsenal squad is unmatched, the Frenchman’s swagger was evident through some neat touches and composed defending.

 

Gabriel Magalhaes – 8

After being the hero at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September, Gabriel played a big part at the Emirates.

 

Defensively solid and a real threat in the box, the Brazilian will be frustrated that his header was awarded as a Solanke own goal.

 

Jurrien Timber – 8

It was another high-scoring performance for an Arsenal defender as Timber made his presence known on the right side of defence.

 

The Dutchman was tireless, tricky and strong whenever he was involved in the action, he’s been like a new signing this season.

 

Thomas Partey – 5

One of the worst performers on the night was Partey, who was largely at fault for Son’s opener with some lackadaisical marking.

 

Arsenal fans were unimpressed by Partey’s performance, as the Ghanaian struggled to make an impact when higher up the pitch.

 

Declan Rice – 7.5

When Arsenal need a trusted figure to create something out of nothing, Rice is there to deliver an inch-perfect ball.

 

The midfielder was a constant attacking threat in play and from set-pieces, causing Spurs real problems whenever he stood over the ball.

 

Martin Odegaard – 7

After a difficult few weeks, Odegaard performed well for the most part against Tottenham.

 

The captain played some intricate balls forward and was at the heart of Arsenal’s attackers however, the midfielder sometimes took too long when on the counter attack.

 

Raheem Sterling – 6.5

Sterling’s performance against Man United earned mixed reviews, and it was more of the same for the Englishman in the derby.

 

The winger got into plenty of dangerous areas however, was unable to make his efforts count as his final contribution lacked.

 

Leandro Trossard – 7.5

Trossard’s goal came at the right time as the Belgian seemed to struggle early on in the derby.

 

All of the 30-year-old’s missed chances were forgotten as he burst towards goal and scored past Antonin Kinsky, who arguably should have done better.

 

Kai Havertz – 6

After Havertz was criticised for his display against Man United, there was hope that the German would get on the scoresheet against Spurs.

 

Regrettably, it was another evening of missed opportunities for the forward, who squandered several chances to add to his tally.

 

 

Gabriel Martinelli – 6.5

Martinelli added an injection of energy from the bench, causing Spurs problems.

 

Kieran Tierney – 6

Arteta made the daring decision to give Tierney a run out in the left-wing position.

 

 

 

Arsenal will be hoping to bounce back from Tuesday night’s disappointing defeat to Newcastle United when they host Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

 

Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners in North London, beating the Gunners courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

 

 

The result leaves Arsenal with a mountain to climb ahead of the second leg at St. James’ Park in February and has subsequently soured the mood around a deflated fanbase.

 

Arsenal supporters were fuming after the cup defeat, and thus responding against United is pivotal in ensuring that the state of affairs in N5 remains healthy and doesn’t descend into toxicity.

 

Arteta will be optimistic that his side can overcome Ruben Amorim’s outfit, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League, although the Red Devils will be buoyed by their draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

 

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium…

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Arsenal v Man United will be played with a different FA Cup ball

In the aftermath of Tuesday’s encounter against the Magpies, Mikel Arteta issued a bizarre excuse for Arsenal’s loss.

 

The Spaniard was asked about how the EFL Cup ball differs to the Premier League ball, and responded by claiming that because it ‘flies differently’, his team had to adapt.

 

The tactician will have to contend with another different ball on Sunday against United, in a game that will use an entirely unique ball all together.

 

 

A limited-edition ball has been revealed by British football brand Mitre, which has been designed specifically for United as the current holders of the FA Cup.

 

It’ll be in use for the entire duration of the Manchester club’s run in the cup competition, for however long that lasts.

 

While the ball’s appearance will differ from the ball used in non-United game’s this weekend, the mechanics of it will be identical

 

This feature is par for the course in the FA Cup, with the winners presented with a unique ball to use the season after claiming the silverware.

 

Only 500 are said to be made each year, with the object often becoming a collector’s item.

 

Arteta has a strong record against Man United

Ultimately, the ball being used shouldn’t impact Arsenal’s ability to win the tie on Sunday afternoon.

 

Despite recent struggles, the Gunners should have far too much for Amorim’s team, who had been in dire form prior to their impressive performance against Liverpool.

 

Arsenal comfortably beat United 2-0 back in December, bombarding Andre Onana’s goal-mouth with a succession of dangerous set-pieces, and Arteta should look to exploit this weakness in the United ranks again on Sunday.

 

Mikel Arteta’s managerial record vs Man Utd

Matches 10

Wins 7

Draws 1

Losses 2

Goals For 18

Goals Against 10

 

Since Arteta took charge of Arsenal, the North Londoners have suffered just two defeats in ten games against their north-west rivals, winning seven.

 

The head coach evidently has United’s number, and given the chasm between the two teams at this present moment, he should have a game plan in place to ease past Amorim’s flailing side.

 

 

 

Arsenal really need a new striker in the ongoing winter transfer window.

 

The Gunners decided against bringing in a new centre-forward last summer after Benjamin Sesko rejected a move to the Emirates Stadium.

 

That decision has proved to be the wrong one, and Arsenal are now in a very difficult position, especially as Bukayo Saka is out injured for a couple of months.

 

Arsenal should dive into the market for a new striker, and we think there is a swap deal they could attempt to pull off in the coming days.

 

The Gunners were linked with a move to sign the striker when he was still at Borussia Monchengladbach. He was available on a free transfer 18 months ago, but Inter Milan secured his signature.

 

The North Londoners did not forget about the Frenchman. Edu Gaspar included Thuram in his five-man striker shortlist just a few months ago.

 

Back in September, there were even reports that Arsenal could use Gabriel Jesus in a swap deal to sign Thuram too, but no move has materialised.

 

 

Now, Inter Milan want to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal in this window, and we think this opens the door for Arsenal to make a move for Thuram, who has scored 13 goals and provided six assists so far this season.

 

The Gunners should use Inter’s interest in Zinchenko to secure a move for Thuram this month. A player-plus-cash deal could well be an option.

 

We think Thuram would be an incredible player at Arsenal and will solve the goalscoring issues they have at the top end of the pitch.

 

Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari at …

 

What Arsene Wenger has already said about Marcus Thuram

Arsene Wenger is one of the greatest footballing minds in the world.

 

The legendary Frenchman’s eye for talent is arguably better than anyone else’s in the game – he proved that time and again when he was at Arsenal.

 

In an interview with Spiegel Sport in 2020, Wenger was asked about Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

 

He said: “There is a player in the Bundesliga who reminds me of him (Henry). Marcus Thuram from Mönchengladbach. A very talented player.”

 

If Arteta needs any convincing about signing Thuram, a quick phone call to Wenger should do the trick.