Arsenal transfer news recap - Viktor Gyokeres update, Ollie Watkins demand, PSG injury news

Arsenal transfer news recap - Viktor Gyokeres update, Ollie Watkins demand, PSG injury news

All the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad this summer

The Gunners don't have long to recharge their batteries before they're back in action. After storming past Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday afternoon, Mikel Arteta's side must now begin preparations for their next clash against Crystal Palace.

Arsenal will take on the Eagles at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night (8pm). While the north Londoners will want to narrow Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League, they'll have one eye on next week's clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

On Tuesday, April 29, the Gunners will host PSG in the first leg of the semi-final. It's a massive tie, which could have a significant bearing on what players Andrea Berta can attract to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

'Isak has been the best striker in Europe this year'

Speaking to talkSPORT over the weekend, Ally McCoist claimed Alexander Isak has been the best striker in Europe this year. The Scotsman said: "He could play anywhere, at any level.

"He’s probably been the best centre-forward in Europe this year - absolutely terrific. Newcastle fans will be building a wall around St James’ Park as we speak! I don’t think the club would even consider letting him go - unless a ridiculous offer came in.

"Eddie Howe’s building something there. I get that money talks, but selling Isak would send the wrong message. Newcastle are on the verge of a phenomenal season - first domestic trophy in 70 years, possibly a return to the Champions League.

"That’s massive. So while top clubs will come calling, I don’t see him going anywhere."

Saliba names 'childhood dream' club

William Saliba has named the club he supported as a child, sending Real Madrid a clear message ahead of the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old defender has been linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu on numerous occasions in the past few months.

Speaking recently on the AminematueLive YouTube channel, Saliba revealed what club he supported as a child. He said: "Before I was for Arsenal."

He was then asked: "You have always been for Arsenal?"

To which, Saliba replied: "I have a photo where I was six years old, I have my Arsenal jersey on."

He was asked: "That means you’re living you’re childhood dream?"

Saliba said: "Yeah, my childhood dream, yeah, I love it!"

Watkins puts Arsenal on red alert

Ollie Watkins has expressed his frustration at a recent spell on the bench for Aston Villa. The 29-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal at the start of the year, but a switch failed to materialise.

Watkins was dropped from the starting lineup for each of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal legs against Paris Saint-Germain, and he's started just two of Aston Villa's last four Premier League games.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the weekend, the England international said: "Obviously, being out of the team, no one's happy to sit on the bench when you're a professional player and you always want to play in the starting lineup.

"Obviously, I found myself out of the team for a few games, so today I was raring to go and I wasn't going to let that opportunity slip being in the starting lineup again."

Good morning!

Hello and welcome to football.london's blog, covering all the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip...

Mikel Arteta will be putting his players through their paces at the Sobha Realty Training Centre as the Gunners gear up to face Crystal Palace. Arsenal will face Oliver Glasner's side at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

While the north Londoners will be eager to narrow Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League, they'll have one eye on the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain next week – it's a huge game!