A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as the Premier League responds to their appeal about an incident against Crystal Palace and the Gunners receive a transfer approach.
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi sets his stance on his Real Sociedad future
The transfer race between Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Barcelona for Real Sociedad midfield star Martin Zubimendi is likely to ignite in the summer window. That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports the 24-year-old is not looking to move clubs in a last-gasp winter deal.
Zubimendi is eager to stay at the Anoeta Stadium ahead of the Txuri-Urdin returning to the Champions League last 16 for the first time since 2003/04. But the Spaniard could consider his future at the end of this season with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Barcelona in the race.
Further reports by AS have cited Zubimendi as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s top midfield transfer target. Additionally, Christian Falk even notes that Bayern Munich are ‘afraid’ of the Gunners as Arteta is speaking directly to Zubimendi who has a €60m (£51m) release clause.
Read more about Zubimendi’s stance on the Arsenal target’s Real Sociedad future, here.
Arsenal win their appeal over Gabriel Magalhaes’ goal vs Crystal Palace
The Premier League has now credited Gabriel Magalhaes with a second goal in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace. BBC reporter Ian Dennis notes that the Gunners won their appeal to see Dean Henderson’s own goal given to the 26-year-old for his third in 19 outings this term.
Gabriel broke the deadlock at Emirates Stadium last Saturday when the centre-back headed home Declan Rice’s 11th-minute corner. But the Premier League has also now given Gabriel Arsenal’s second goal in the 37th minute when his header bounced in off Henderson’s back.
Henderson was helpless to stop Gabriel’s header from finding the back of the Crystal Palace goal. The defender did brilliantly to loop around Eagles defender Chris Richards to meet the corner Bukayo Saka delivered. But Henderson got the last touch on Gabriel’s second header.
Read more about Arsenal’s appeal over Gabriel’s second goal against Crystal Palace, here.
AS Monaco approach Arsenal to discuss a loan transfer for Fabio Vieira
AS Monaco have approached Arsenal to discuss a loan transfer for Fabio Vieira over the final days of the window. That is according to Football Transfers, which adds that another Ligue 1 team are also interested in taking the 23-year-old over to France for the rest of this season.
Vieira is currently sidelined after requiring surgery for a groin injury he sustained in training, whilst also serving a three-game ban, in November. But he is nearing a return to action with the Gunners. Yet Arteta might let the playmaker leave north London before the sales finish.
Arsenal still believe Vieira can have a big future at Emirates Stadium once his form improves and he finds consistency. So, the Gunners are considering Monaco’s enquiry to loan a player Arteta called ‘dangerous’ last March. Vieira has only played 417 minutes so far this season.
Vieira has enjoyed just 13 appearances across all competitions, including a mere eight in the Premier League. His top-flight outings further total just 238 minutes having only started two matches. One of his starts lasted 45 minutes at home to Tottenham Hotspur last September.
Read more about Monaco’s approach to Arsenal regarding a loan transfer for Vieira, here.
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