Journalist Pete O’Rourke says that Mikel Arteta leaving would ‘be a massive blow’ for Arsenal after reacting to some recent exit links.

The Lowdown: Wanted in Spain

It was reported by Spanish news outlet Sport back in November that FC Barcelona would be interested in hiring Arteta as their next manager, while he is also thought to be an option to eventually replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, after previously being his assistant at the Etihad Stadium.

More recently, the Spaniard has also been linked with taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, as his superb season is being noticed by some of Europe’s top clubs.

Indeed, his Arsenal side were five points clear of City in second at the top of the table in the Premier League, before the visit of Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium earlier this afternoon.

The Latest: ‘Massive blow’ if Arteta leaves

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has claimed that it would ‘be a massive blow’ if the Gunners were to lose Arteta, but added that he does not think that there is any ‘real fear’ that he will leave anytime soon:

“It’d be a massive blow to lose him but it’s no surprise to see Arteta attracting interest from other clubs.

“There was talk of Barcelona not long ago – I would take it as a compliment for the work that he’s doing.

“I don’t think there’s any real fear for Arsenal fans to think Arteta might leave the club right now. He’s in this project.”

The Verdict: Keep him!

The North London club simply need to keep Arteta at all costs, as he is headlining their project at the Emirates Stadium.

The 40-year-old has turned his team from top-four hopefuls at the end of last season, where they missed out on a UEFA Champions League place to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, to title challengers within the space of less than a year, showing his outstanding coaching skills in getting his players to move up to the next level.

It must not be forgotten that Arteta also won a trophy in his first season at Arsenal, winning the FA Cup at the end of the 2019/20 season, while he also won the Community Shield in the following campaign.

Nonetheless, the Gunners will no doubt want to keep him for as long as they can, with recent links to the likes of Real Madrid a testament to the job that he is doing.

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that he knew Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was "different" after he first spoke to the press as a 17-year-old.

What's the latest on Bukayo Saka and Arsenal?

It's safe to say the Englishman was truly established himself as one of the world's most exciting talents this season – if there were even any remaining doubts about that.

Indeed, he has led the Gunners on their Premier League title charge, scoring 12 goals and ten providing ten assists – helping him come to the attention of A-lister Kim Kardashian.

And over the weekend, he dished up another reminder of his quality, this time for England as he scores a superb goal and claimed a fine assist as the Three Lions beat Ukraine 2-0

Noting his progress, Watts recalled one of the first times he spoke to Saka in the press mixed zone after the youngster scored his first goal for the club.

He explained on his YouTube channel (3:00): “I remember being in Frankfurt, for the Europa League game, we scored his first goal for Arsenal in that 3-0 win.

"And then all the journalists who were there, we all went down in the stadium by the change room waiting to speak to Saka and Arsenal brought him out. And they were saying: look, this is his first interview, he's 17, just take it easy with him.

“But from the moment he came out there, and he stood in front of us – this big sort of group of press that for a 17-year-old it can be a pretty nerve-racking experience – and he just handled it so well.

"And you immediately thought, yeah, you've got your head properly screwed on. You could see he was different to a lot of other kids that you've seen come through.

“But having said that, even I'm surprised by exactly where he is, where he's gone, and how quickly the trajectory of his career has gone upwards. He's just an absolutely wonderful player."

Just how good is Bukayo Saka?

After that win in 2019, Saka told the press: "I'm so happy to score for Arsenal. It's a dream come true, I've been dreaming of this day since I was a kid and I'm so happy that's happened. I've just got to keep working hard to make sure I can enjoy the same feeling again."

The Englishman was handed the man of the match award for his efforts too, having also set up two further goals and Charlie Nicholas told Sky Sports after the game: "The boy Saka looks a special player to me. He could be a superstar."

The pundit certainly wasn't wrong and it seems as though Watts' instincts were pretty good too as the 21-year-old now has 36 goals and 39 assists in 169 outings for Arsenal.

He's taken his game up a level this season though and Pundit Lucy Ward noted that back in October when she told BY Sport (via The Boot Room: “What a gem Saka is on that right-hand side for Arsenal. He’s really showed his maturity this season."

Indeed, he was even the first player to reach double figures for goals and assists in the Premier League this season. What's more he did aged 21, meaning he is the youngest Arsenal player to do it, beating Cesc Fabregas' record of 22 years old from 2009/10.

With all that in mind, it's little wonder his reported £70,000-per-week wage could soon rise to £200,000 or more.

Liverpool face a huge task in overturning a three-goal deficit against Real Madrid, having squandered a two-nil lead to fall to a chastening 5-2 defeat at Anfield in the Champions League three weeks ago.

Despite offering more promising form in the Premier League over the past several weeks, Jurgen Klopp's outift are a mere shadow of their former vigorous selves, and will require one of the great European performances to defeat Carlo Ancelotti's Los Blancos, who defeated the Reds in the previous Champions League edition's finale.

Klopp stated in Liverpool's pre-match press conference that midfield pair Stefan Bajcetic and captain Jordan Henderson are both unavailable for the pivotal clash, citing injury and illness respectively, which compounds the quandary of Thiago Alcantara's absence, himself shackled to the medical room for the foreseeable future.

Liverpool can take solace in the knowledge that Real are nine points adrift of La Liga table-toppers Barcelona, who were recently beaten in the Europa League by Manchester United, but it will take a Herculean effort at the Santiago Bernabeu to salvage the last realistic chance for silverware this season nonetheless.

How will Klopp field his team vs Real Madrid?

Considering this, here is how Football FanCast expects Klopp to field his starting 11 against the record Champions League victors, with as little as two changes made from the team that fell to a meek defeat against relegation-battling Bournemouth last weekend.

In goal, the usually imperious Alisson will retain his unwavering role in between the sticks, having made a costly error in the reverse fixture.

Trent Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson will maraud up and down the flanks, with Klopp unlikely to change his central defensive partnership of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.

The midfield will require a reshuffle, however, with the "incredible" – as dubbed by Klopp – 37-year-old Milner stepping in for Henderson, while Harvey Elliott and anchor Fabinho should keep their places.

Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, Liverpool's two top goalscorers this season, will occupy the wings and seek to use inversions created by Roberto Firmino, stepping in for £35m winter signing Cody Gakpo in the centre-forward position, to wreak havoc on the home defence.

The alterations mean that Klopp will have the likes of the aforementioned Gakpo and Diogo Jota at his disposal from the bench, which could prove invaluable as the match approaches the latter stages, if the Reds require a moment of magic to complete a historic European comeback.

Chelsea have been given a second chance to sign Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez after missing out last summer, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Chelsea eyeing Alvarez

Chelsea have been eyeing Alvarez for quite some time, with journalist Ben Jacobs claiming they ‘came close’ to signing the midfielder last summer, a move that the player himself was said to be keen on.

The 25-year-old has admitted that he ‘grieved’ when the proposed £43m switch to Stamford Bridge fell through, indicating that he is ready to leave the Dutch club, where he is currently contracted until the summer of 2025, and he may now have the perfect opportunity to do so…

The Latest: Second chance for Chelsea

According to a report from De Telegraaf (via Sport Witness), Ajax have now promised the central midfielder he can leave in the summer transfer window, having already started work on signing a replacement.

It is, as yet, unclear whether Chelsea will look to renew their interest, but the fact they were willing to spend as much as €60m (£52.8m) on the maestro is said to be a clear indication of how highly they rate him.

The player himself has also confirmed that he wants out, saying: “Of course my focus is one hundred percent on Ajax at the moment. But if something nice comes along next summer that is good for Ajax and for me, then I want to seize that opportunity.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Graham Potter may well need to look at strengthening in central midfield this summer, given that Mason Mount’s father is now said to have mandated an agent to sound out interest in the 24-year-old, amid stalling contract talks.

The Cobham academy graduate has attracted interest from fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester United, and while Potter will be hoping an agreement can be reached, Alvarez could be a fantastic replacement.

Lauded as ‘sensational’ by members of the media, the Mexico international is assured in possession, ranking in the 92nd percentile for his pass completion rate per 90 in the past year, while he is also solid defensively, placed in the 91st percentile for tackles when compared to other midfielders.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to spend big on another midfielder, having brought in Enzo Fernandez for £106.8m in January, but if Potter does enter the market again, Alvarez would be a very good addition to the squad.

Scottish football journalist Barry Anderson says that more clubs are interested in signing Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos on a free transfer.

The Lowdown: Galatasaray contact

As per Turkish news outlet Takvim, Galatasaray have contacted the agent of Morelos over potentially signing him as a free agent this summer, as his contract at Ibrox expires at the end of the season.

Another round of talks have been scheduled over the next few weeks, as the Turkish heavyweights look to wrap up a deal.

The Latest: Other clubs interested

Taking to Twitter, Anderson has shared that a ‘couple of other teams’ other than Galatasaray are also thought to be ‘interested’ in signing Morelos, after contact was made with his representatives by the latter:

“Galatasaray keen on Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos. Contact made with his representatives about a summer move. Morelos is out of contract at Ibrox in May. Couple of other teams interested. Turkish media reporting that meetings with Galatasaray are due in the next few weeks.”

The Verdict: Not looking good…

The fact that Galatasaray have already made contact over Morelos, and other clubs are also in the race, does not look good in terms of Rangers’ hopes of keeping him beyond this season.

There were even reports of La Liga side and UEFA Europa League quarter-finalists Sevilla signing a pre-contract with him, which have turned out to be premature, but the Colombia international is sure to have no shortage of offers on the table.

Morelos has been such a key player for the Gers not just this campaign but spreading over his whole time at Ibrox, having scored 10 goals and supplied a further seven assists in total across competitions so far this season, while he boasts a total of 180 goal contributions over the course of his entire career in a Light Blues shirt (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, it will be very difficult to replace him should he leave, especially if they do not recoup a transfer fee with him going on a free.

Journalist Charles Watts has hinted that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah could be set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines with injury.

What's the latest on Eddie Nketiah?

The Englishman has missed Arsenal's last three games in all competitions, having been restricted to minutes from the bench in previous weeks as the club were concerned about a knock he had picked up.

There is now no official timeframe on his potential return, but with Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard both appearing against Fulham, Mikel Arteta will have options at his disposal even without the 23-year-old.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts claimed that there could be concerns over a possibly significant injury for Nketiah, and a quick return looks unlikely.

He said: "It's clearly a pretty significant injury that Eddie Nketiah's had. Arsenal, still, when you speak to people there, [say] hopefully he might be back after the international break, but certainly what Mikel's saying there, it feels like it's a little bit worse than some people at Arsenal have been letting on in terms of Nketiah's injury.

"Clearly if he's in a protective boot, he's nowhere near coming back to training, obviously, if he's still in that situation.

"The fact that Arteta said he's got a big challenge ahead of him, we'll wait and see exactly when Eddie's going to be back. But from those comments, you kind of think, I'm not sure immediately after the international break is going to be possible, but we shall wait and see."

How important has Nketiah been for Arsenal?

Arsenal were dealt a huge blow when Gabriel Jesus picked up a long-term injury during the World Cup, but this gave Nketiah a chance to deputise for the Brazilian.

Arteta's side were five points clear at the top of the league when Jesus picked up his injury. They are still top now over four months later, and that is in no small part thanks to Nketiah's efforts up front.

He has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, which included a stunning brace as Arsenal came from behind to beat Manchester United.

If Arsenal do go on to win their first Premier League title since 2004, then Nketiah's contribution must be acknowledged given the impressive way in which he has covered for Jesus and chipped in with goals going forward.

But it is clear that his participation for the remainder of the campaign is in doubt due to Jesus' return to fitness and some massive games on the horizon for the Gunners.

Leeds United would "jump at the chance" to re-sign Raphinha during the summer transfer window, according to an exciting new update.

How is Raphinha doing at Barcelona?

The 26-year-old became a true hero at Elland Road during a two-year stint there between 2020 and 2022, wreaking havoc with his brilliance out wide. He left the club last summer, however, joining Barcelona in a transfer that was simply too good to turn down.

Raphinha has struggled to consistently set the world alight at the Camp Nou, only starting 15 of his side's La Liga matches and scoring six times in the competition. It may be that the Brazilian is allowed to leave at the end of the season, although that remains up in the air currently.

With Leeds boss Javi Gracia no doubt desperate to make significant additions of his own this summer, assuming the Whites avoid relegation from the Premier League and he stays on as manager, an eye-catching rumour has emerged.

Could Raphinha rejoin Leeds?

According to Football Insider, Leeds would "jump at the chance" to bring Raphinha back to Elland Road at the end of the season, in what would be an audacious piece of business. It is stated that Barca could be forced to sell the winger because of their current financial issues, which could pave the way for a reunion.

The report does state that the Whites are still unlikely to be in the running for the Brazil international's signature, who is currently earning £199,000-per-week, but it isn't completely ruled out.

The majority of Leeds supporters would surely take Raphinha back in a heartbeat, considering what an influential performer he was, being hailed as a 'magician' of a footballer by former teammate Dan James. He scored 17 goals and registered 12 assists for the Whites, so often proving to be their biggest attacking threat.

The biggest stumbling block surrounding a potential return is whether he feels it is a big step down, however, considering the size of Barca as a club and Leeds' current struggles towards the bottom of the Premier League. He may want to continue at a club plying its trade in either the Champions League or the Europa League, which would effectively rule the Whites out of the running.

Should a return to Leeds suddenly appeal to Raphinha, though, it is a piece of news that could light up the club's summer transfer business.

Miguel Almiron has always provided effort in a Newcastle United shirt but this season has seen a culmination of his hard work pay off on the pitch, as the Paraguayan leads the way for goals in Eddie Howe's squad.

The winger would memorably fail to score in his first 26 games for the club after joining from Atalanta United in what was then a club-record deal but he has performed phenomenally in the final third so far this campaign and could be a big factor in the Toon achieving European football next season.

Unsurprisingly, Almiron's impressive form has seen his market value shoot up over the past 12 months, with the £20m paid in 2019 now starting to look like a bargain.

How much is Miguel Almiron worth now?

Almiron's struggles in front of goal in his first three seasons at the club, which included just one goal and no assists in 30 Premier League outings last season, had seen his market value according to Transfermarkt sink to just €16m (£14.1m).

However, like several other players in Newcastle's squad, the winger has been completely transformed by the positive atmosphere and attacking football that Howe has cultivated since arriving at St James' Park.

The Paraguay international, who earns £42k-per-week, has 11 goals and one assist in 25 Premier League appearances so far this campaign, which is the most goals of anyone in Howe's squad.

His 7.01 rating from WhoScored also sees him ranked as the sixth-best player for the Toon in the top flight, ranking ahead of big-money signings such as Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, which emphasises how he has drastically improved under Howe's coaching.

Newcastle were always expected to improve following the PIF takeover but what has been most impressive about Howe's time at the club has been the improved performances of players such as Almiron, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff, all of whom looked as if they could be victim to a mass overhaul at St James' Park.

After a 4-1 win against Fulham earlier in the season, in which the 29-year-old scored a brace, he earned the praise of journalist Josh Bunting on Twitter who described his efforts as "sensational".

Newcastle fans have certainly had to be patient with Almiron but their faith in the wide man is now paying off, as Transfermarkt now values him at €35m (£30.9m), which represents a mammoth 119% increase in less than a year.

Toon fans won't ever want to see Almiron leave if he can maintain his current form but Newcastle are safe in the knowledge that if he were to depart this summer, they'd make a profit.

Arsenal have enjoyed plenty of success stories this season, all of which have culminated in their sustained charge for the Premier League title.

For a team that narrowly missed out on Champions League football last season to now be challenging for elite honours marks a sensational turnaround, with Mikel Arteta the man to thank.

It is the Spaniard who not only revolutionised their tactical philosophy but also acquired the correct personnel to exact it with perfection.

However, one of the main components of their success has come through £30m midfielder Granit Xhaka, who was almost a terrible casualty of the Gunners' ruthless clearout.

Pushing the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe out the door, AS Roma and Jose Mourinho were particularly keen to bring the Swiss international to Italy. The legendary boss clearly saw the player he could become were nurtured away from his reckless tendencies, but fortunately for Arsenal, so did Arteta.

Since then he has gone from strength to strength, with his recent goalscoring form acting as a benefit for the continued faith in a man who has risen from the ashes to reclaim the hearts of his fanbase.

How is Granit Xhaka playing?

Whilst Bukayo Saka will likely earn the bulk of the praise, with 12 goals and ten assists to his name already this season, it is the midfield destroyer who has enjoyed the greater redemption arc.

From arguing with his own fans and being booed as he left the field, to starring as they stride towards the ultimate goal. Few others will enjoy such a comeback story, not even the Hale End graduate.

A 7.05 average rating throughout this campaign outlines just how impressive the 30-year-old has been, upheld by five goals and five assists in the league; his best return by far with still nine games left to play.

One of those goals came in yesterday's thumping of Leeds United, which capped off yet another magisterial display for the ageing maestro.

His 7.8 rating was underpinned by 59 touches, a 94% pass accuracy, one big chance created and two interceptions, as per Sofascore.

It was a day that led editor Tom Kludt to claim: "He's engineered this renaissance without leaving. Amazing story. Granit Xhaka, we've got!"

The 6 foot 1 machine has featured in every single one of their league matches this season too, further exacerbating his importance at the team.

Arteta should earn great praise for everything he has mustered so far this year, but this Xhaka comeback arguably trumps all his prior successes.

Aston Villa are set to make a move for influential Sporting CP midfielder Pedro Goncalves during the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Goncalves superb for Sporting

The Portuguese has stood out as arguably one of the best players in the Primeira Liga this season, shining with his performances in both a central and attacking midfield role.

Goncalves has scored an impressive 12 goals and registered six assists in 23 league appearances, as well as netting three times in the Europa League.

That includes an outrageous Goal of the Season contender away to Arsenal last week, with the 24-year-old lobbing Aaron Ramsdale from close to the halfway line, as Sporting knocked the Gunners out of Europe.

Goncalves has been linked with a summer move to Villa in the recent past, as Unai Emery looks to make some significant signings at the end of the season.

Now, a new rumour has emerged, as the Villans continue to eye up a move for him.

The Latest: Villa set to make move

According to Record [via Aston Villa News], Villa are ready to make a move for Goncalves in the summer, even though his £70million release clause could prove to be a stumbling block.

He is mentioned as a sizeable upgrade on Philippe Coutinho, who is longer the player he once was – the Brazilian has scored just once in 22 appearances this season – and is someone Emery no doubt wants to bring in.

Goncalves’ current Sporting deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026.

The Verdict: Could be a special signing

If Villa managed to pull off the signing of Goncalves it could be a spectacular piece of business, with the two-time capped Portugal international a footballer of immense talent.

The creativity and end product he possesses is outlined by an overall tally of 55 goals and 28 assists in 117 matches for Sporting, while his aforementioned goal at Arsenal was described as ‘outrageous’ by journalist Jordan Campbell.

At 24, Goncalves is at a great age to come in and be a new hero at Villa Park, with his best years likely to be ahead of him but plenty of experience already in his legs, too.

He could be the player that Coutinho used to be at Liverpool, wreaking havoc with defence-splitting passes and eye-catching strikes, lifting the level of those around him in the process.

The release clause issue is clearly a potential problem for Villa, but if they can strike a deal for Goncalves, it could be their most important transfer of the summer.