A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Declan Rice reveals Mikel Arteta’s message before beating Sevilla and their £20m target admits to holding talks about a transfer.
Rice reveals Arteta’s message to Arsenal before beating Sevilla
England star Rice has revealed that Arteta made it clear to the Arsenal team that it would be unacceptable to lose three games on the bounce before meeting Sevilla. The Gunners faced Los Nervionenses this Wednesday after losing at West Ham United and at Newcastle United.
The Irons dumped the Gunners out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win. Newcastle then dealt Arsenal their first defeat in the Premier League this term with a controversial 1-0 result. But Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka’s goals saw the Emirates Stadium side beat Sevilla 2-0.
Rice spoke after Arsenal beat Sevilla and noted how important the result was following two defeats. He also revealed that Arteta had told his team in no uncertain terms that they had to win. Although their win was not without casualties as Arsenal’s injury situation worsened.
Read more about what Rice has shared on Arteta’s message to Arsenal’s squad, here.
Ferdinand hails Arsenal’s ‘ridiculous’ Saka after beating Sevilla
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has called Saka ‘ridiculous’ after the Arsenal forward scored and assisted against Sevilla. The England talent laid the ball on a plate for Trossard to break the deadlock. Saka also later timed his run to perfection to stay onside before scoring.
Sevilla struggled to lay a glove on Saka without fouling the 22-year-old on Wednesday. They even resulted to rotational fouls to try and limit his threat on the Gunners’ flank. But Saka’s skill shone through as he reached six goals and seven assists in 16 games so far this season.
Read more about what Ferdinand has had to say on Saka’s display against Sevilla, here.
Arteta jumps to defend Havertz after dazzling in Arsenal’s win
Arsenal manager Arteta jumped to defend Kai Havertz after the Gunners beat Sevilla amidst fresh criticism directed at the German. The Spanish tactician has vigorously rebuffed claims of the midfielder struggling in recent weeks. Havertz has left his boss in awe with his efforts.
“For me, against West Ham in the first half, he was the best player,” Arteta said, via Arsenal’s official website. “[Against] Newcastle, one of the best and today, again, he was really strong. I’m really happy with him.”
Read more about what Arteta has had to say about Havertz as Arsenal beat Sevilla, here.
Boey admits Arsenal and Galatasaray held talks about a transfer
Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey has now admitted his Super Lig side spoke with Arsenal about his transfer this summer. But the Gunners ultimately did not table an offer for the 23-year-old. Instead, Arsenal would land the versatile services of Jurrien Timber from AFC Ajax.
Arsenal studied a move for Boey after he shone with Galatasaray last season. Reports by The Telegraph in May cited their interest, plus an asking price of £20m amid rival Premier League interest. The former France U21 ace was also open to moving to England with the right club.
“I had contact with clubs in the summer,” Boey said, via Chris Wheatley. “There were opportunities for me to go to the Premier League. There were some meetings between Galatasaray officials & Arsenal officials. There was interest but there was no official offer.”
Read more about Boey’s revelation of Arsenal and Galatasaray holding talks, here.
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