Advertisement

Arsenal given Real Madrid transfer 'green light' as Newcastle send clear Alexander Isak message

Rodrygo Silva de Goes of Real Madrid seen during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
-Credit: (Image: Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)


Mikel Arteta only has another day or two on the training pitches before Arsenal return to action. West Ham will host the Gunners at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon as both sides look to climb the Premier League table.

On Monday evening, the Hammers stormed past Newcastle United against all the odds. Then, on Tuesday night, Arsenal enjoyed a 5-1 win over Sporting CP in the Champions League to climb into the automatic qualification places.

While Julen Lopetegui's side have had an extra day of rest, the North Londoners will have a skip in their step as the title race builds a head of steam. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta must soon make decision on Arsenal undroppable as £50m transfer dilemma explained

READ MORE: 'Confusing and uneasy' - Portuguese media deliver Arsenal verdict as Viktor Gyokeres point made

Gabriel breaks silence after knock

Gabriel Magalhaes has broken his silence after suffering a minor injury during Arsenal's win over Sporting. Speaking to reporters, Arteta confirmed that the 26-year-old defender felt some discomfort, so he was by Jakub Kiwior in the final minutes of the game.

After the game, Gabriel marked the victory with a celebratory post on Instagram, which eclipsed 200,000 likes. He wrote: "Amazing energy from the team and our supporters!! On to the next!! [red heart and fire emoji]."

football.london says: "While Gabriel Magalhaes appeared to pick up a knock, he seems fine. As Geoff Shreeves would say, the Brazilian is a tough cookie. I'm sure he'll be back in the starting lineup at the weekend."

Arsenal urged to sign Real Madrid star

Speaking to Prime Casino, Emmanuel Petit urged Arsenal to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid in the January transfer window. The Frenchman said: "Arsenal need to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid as he’s so underrated and gets overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

"He reminds me a bit of Sylvain Wiltord when I was at Arsenal. I really think he would be a star at the Emirates and be an amazing player who can play across all three positions across the front line.

"I know he was asked about Mbappe and Vinicius Jr the other day and he responded: 'I am Rodrygo, look at what I did last season?' This guy is so underrated and perhaps he feels like is being overshadowed at Real Madrid?

"In any case, he could be an absolute superstar for Arsenal and I rate him very much. He scores goals, gives assists and gives great energy on the pitch and he could be the man to help them challenge this season."

football.london says: "Rodrygo would be a brilliant signing. He'd be perfect for Arsenal. The Gunners have been longing for a world-class left-winger and Rodrygo has been patiently waiting to play on the left-wing. It's a match made in heaven!"

Arsenal want Isak... but there's a problem

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Chelsea are 'keen' on signing Alexander Isak ahead of the January transfer window. The 25-year-old striker continues to be heavily linked with an exit from Newcastle United despite his contract at St James' Park not expiring until June 2028.

The report states the Magpies have given Isak a £115m price tag, which the Gunners and the Blues want to whittle down to £80m. CaughtOffside adds that the Sweden international isn't expected to force a move from St James' Park despite interest in his services.

football.london says: "Alexander Isak would be a superb signing for any club in Europe. I can't see him leaving Newcastle United in January, but I expect him to jump ship in the summer. That said, he would need to force the move – which wouldn't go down well with fans."