Manchester City could significantly dent Arsenal's hopes – and dreams – of winning the Premier League when they lock horns this weekend. The Gunners will host Pep Guardiola's side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon in what is expected to be a fiery clash.

Arsenal enjoyed a 2-1 win over Girona on Wednesday night to claim automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16. Meanwhile, City just about scraped into the top 24 to secure an unseeded knockout phase play-off place, with a 3-1 win over Club Brugge.

The high-flying North Londoners may back themselves to storm past the out-of-form Premier League champions, but City remain a dangerous outfit. While Arteta leads his side into battle, he'll be hoping that higher-ups are working hard to sign a new striker.

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The January window slams shut on Monday night, so time is running out. With that being said, football.london rounds up all the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.

Arsenal given Watkins 'green light'

Arsenal have been given a boost to their hopes of signing Ollie Watkins. According to The Athletic, Aston Villa are considering a move for Marcus Rashford, who's available to sign on loan after revealing he's 'ready for a new challenge'.

The report states that Unai Emery has personally requested the club enter talks for the 27-year-old forward. It's said that the Spaniard believes he can help him recapture his best form.

The Athletic add that Rashford's preference has always been to join Barcelona or stay at United, so he'd need some convincing. Aston Villa are in the market for a new striker following Jhon Duran's move to Al-Nassr and Emi Buendia's switch to Bayer Leverkusen on loan.

football.london says: "By signing Marcus Rashford, Aston Villa are leaving the door open for Arsenal to sign Ollie Watkins! The Manchester United ace is hardly a replacement for Jhon Duran – they're entirely different players. It's a sign. It's a green light. It's a 'come and get me'. It's time for the Gunners to go back in with an improved bid."

Isak teases Newcastle transfer decision

Alexander Isak has teased that he might sign a contract extension at Newcastle United. The 25-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal on numerous occasions over the years as Mikel Arteta looks to further bolster his frontline.

Alan Shearer floated the idea of a new deal during an interview with Isak for the BBC, claiming 'big-name centre forwards sign long contracts'. The Magpies legend was, of course, referencing Erling Haaland, who recently penned a nine-year deal at Manchester City.

With a wry smile, Isak replied: "Yeah, we'll see. Obviously, you never know."

football.london says: "Alexander Isak would be perfect for Arsenal. He's the dream. I just can't see the Gunners signing him though. Newcastle will want an arm and a leg for his signature!"

Arsenal consider Vlahovic bid

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are considering a bid for Dusan Vlahovic after Aston Villa rejected the Gunners' bid for Ollie Watkins. The report states that Juventus have given the 25-year-old striker a €65m (£54.4m) price tag, with Thiago Motta keen to hold onto him.

Vlahovic, who sees his contract at the Allianz Stadium expire in June 2026, has featured 18 times for the Old Lady in the Serie A this season, scoring seven goals and providing one assist. Despite his best efforts, the Serbian has only managed to fire Juventus to fifth in the table.

football.london says: "Dusan Vlahovic would just be terrible value for money. I'm sure he'd do well for Arsenal, but his inflated price tag worries me."