Arsenal news LIVE: Nigel Winterburn urges Gunners to stay away from ‘disaster’ Ronaldo move, Nelson injury UPDATE

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Martinez's rise

Emi Martinez won the World Cup and Golden Glove for Argentina last night.

It was not long ago that the Aston Villa keeper was on the books of Arsenal for years.

Martinez impressed coming into the team after Bernd Leno got injured and helped the Gunners win the FA Cup in 2020, but Arsenal chose to sell him.

His rise to World Cup victory came after his Arsenal set back and after his many loan spells away from the Emirates.

The 30-year-old joined the Gunners aged just 17 staying for eight years with spells away at Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham, Wolves, Getafe and Reading.

Arsenal targeting Cunha

Arsenal are one of a number of clubs keen on Matheus Cunha, according to reports.

The versatile attacker is expected to leave Atletico Madrid in the approaching transfer window.

Cunha, who could leave the Spanish outfit on loan, has also been linked with Wolves.

The Gunners have ignited their interest in him after Gabriel Jesus underwent knee surgery with him set to be out for months.

Attacking injury updates

There are doubts over the fitness of plenty of Arsenal attackers.

Emile Smith Rowe has been dealt a setback and has not been training in the last week.

Reiss Nelson went off injured in the friendly loss to Juventus.

Manager Mikel Arteta hinted that Nelson could be out for some time but admitted he didn't know the extent of the issue.

As for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli's availability for the Boxing Day game versus West Ham, Arteta said: "No, I don’t have any concerns.

"They have assessed really well and they will be training for us in the next few days so hopefully, they will be ready."

Defensive injury update

Arsenal have both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu dealing with injuries.

The Japan international picked up a knock while on World Cup duty

Meanwhile, the ex-Man City star is nursing a calf issue.

But, football.london report that the club are confident he will be back fit on Boxing Day as the Gunners welcome West Ham for the first game back after the World Cup.

Making a Marq

Fans have been left convinced that Arsenal players were "refusing to pass the ball" to Marquinhos in their friendly versus Juventus.

It proved a tough day for the Gunners as they lost 2-0 via two own goals scored by Granit Xhaka and Rob Holding.

Things also proved difficult for Marquinhos, who was subbed on early in the game to replace the injured Reiss Nelson.

The Brazilian failed to make an impact and it led to some supporters believing in a conspiracy theory that his team-mates were deliberately not giving him the ball.

One fan said online: "The players don’t seem to trust Marquinhos."

And another agreed replying: "I've seen that too. Both Xhaka and KT [Kieran Tierney] didn't initially want to pass to him. Xhaka ignored him entirely."

Miedema 'gutted' by ACL injury

Arsenal women's star Vivianne Miedema says she is "gutted" after learning the extent of her ACL injury.

The WSL's all-time top scorer was stretchered off during a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Lyon on Thursday.

The Gunners have since confirmed the Holland star, 26, will undergo surgery in the coming days.

In a statement, Miedema said: "Absolutely gutted to share I've ruptured my ACL in our last game against Lyon.

"It was one of those moments, where I knew straight away.

"So may things going through your head [like] I won't be able to help my team anymore this season, no World Cup, surgery and rehab for a long, long time."

Arsenal 'pushing to sign Vlahovic'

Arsenal and Manchester United are upping their efforts to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to Calciomercato.

Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in signing the star, 22, who was on duty with Serbia at this winter's World Cup.

Calciomercato reports that Juve do not want to lose him and that it would take a huge offer to even make them consider a sale.

Expert plays down Zaniolo link

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has played down reports linking Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo with Arsenal.

In his CaughtOffside’s Substack column, Romano said: "I'm aware there’s been some speculation about Nicolo Zaniolo again.

"And it’s a slightly surprising story as there are no negotiations between Arsenal and Zaniolo as of now.

“He has never been close to a Premier League move."

Gunners linked with Zaniolo

Arsenal want too sign highly-rated attacker Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma, according to Roma Giallorossa.

The 11-cap Italy star, 23, has also been linked with fellow Prem giants Manchester United and Spurs.

Zaniolo has 18 months left on his contract and his future at the Serie A club looks as uncertain as that of his manager Jose Mourinho, who is reportedly considering taking over as Portugal boss.

Martinelli and Saka 'both ready'

Arsenal's World Cup stars Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are both back and ready to face West Ham on Boxing Day.

England star Saka and Brazil's Martinelli both reached the last eight in Qatar but have checked back in with the Gunners in a fit and focused state, according to their club boss Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard said: "I don’t have any concerns.

"They have both been assessed really well and they will be training for us in the next few days, so hopefully they will be ready."

Arteta gives Nelson injury update

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted he is unsure of the extent of Reiss Nelson's injury.

The 23-year-old Gunners winger started Saturday's friendly against Juventus but had to come off midway through the first-half after going down clutching his hamstring.

Arteta told reporters afterwards: "The fact that he had to leave the pitch straight away is not good news, especially with someone like Reiss who is really powerful and fast.

"Let’s see what will happen but we know what we have to do and that doesn't change the plans."

Good morning Gunners fans

Arsenal could be set to move for Brazilian midfielder Danilo as soon as the January transfer window, according to a new report.

The Gunners have been credited with an interest in the young Palmeiras star, Fichajes say.

And with competition for the 21-year-old is so fierce, it could force Mikel Arteta’s side to move fast.

Arsenal‘s hopes of signing Nicolo Zaniolo have been dealt a blow, according to reports.

His agent Claudio Vigorelli told Football Italia that his club Roma are currently working on extending his contract that expires in 2024.

He said: “There are no clouds on the horizon, we have an excellent rapport with Roma and Tiago Pinto and we’ve agreed that we’ll discuss a contract extension in the future when the club think it’s best.

“Now, the most important thing is to focus on work and performance on the pitch.

“The club know that we are ready to sit down and negotiate. I repeat that the rapport with Pinto is excellent and Zaniolo is happy in Rome and with fans.”

Tony Cascarino says if he was Arsenal, then ‘I would consider’ signing Liverpool transfer target Cody Gakpo during the January transfer window.

He told talkSPORT: “I could see a lot of players working out,” said Cascarino on Arsenal possibly signing Gakpo. “They are are a really good side now.

“What he (Arteta) has done is nothing short of a miracle – yes, I would consider, it’s because you don’t have this opportunity very often. You are five points clear.”

Yaya Toure has backed Arsenal to ‘carry on’ going in their battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title, despite Gabriel Jesus’ injury.

He told SKy Sports: “Arsenal have a great chance.

“I think Arsenal is going to carry on. Even maybe Jesus’ injury, at the moment.

“But let’s see different things as well. Arsenal was on top before the World Cup. I think maybe they could still carry on, even though Manchester City are really strong.”

Arsenal are not favourites to sign Atletico Madrid and Portugal forward Joao Felix, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has told GIVEMESPORT.

The 23-year-old is being linked with a move to the Emirates, with one report saying that the Gunners are leading the race for his signature, but Taylor thinks Atletico’s asking price will be a problem.

According to MARCA, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are currently at the front of the queue for Felix.

Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea have also been mentioned, but the outlet claims that it is the north London club who are the frontrunners to sign the former Benfica man.

Danilo move

Arsenal could be set to move for Brazilian midfielder Danilo as soon as the January transfer window, according to a new report.

The Gunners have been credited with an interest in the young Palmeiras star, Fichajes say.

And with competition for the 21-year-old is so fierce, it could force Mikel Arteta's side to move fast.

Akers reveals Miedema blow

Vic Akers is backing Arsenal to rally in their fight for silverware after losing two of their most feared forwards to injury. 

The ex-Gunners Ladies chief, 76, says Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead will be “a big miss” for the side with the duo currently injured. 

Akers said: “Vivianne will be a big, big miss for the team. 

“I could see when she went down it was quite serious with Gary Lewin (Arsenal women’s head of medicine) coming out on the edge of the pitch. 

“Looking at the expression on Gary’s face I knew it was serious. Let’s hope it’s not an ACL injury. It did look ominous.”

Zaniolo blow

Arsenal 's hopes of signing Nicolo Zaniolo have been dealt a blow, according to reports.

His agent Claudio Vigorelli told Football Italia that his club Roma are currently working on extending his contract that expires in 2024.

He said: "There are no clouds on the horizon, we have an excellent rapport with Roma and Tiago Pinto and we’ve agreed that we’ll discuss a contract extension in the future when the club think it’s best.

“Now, the most important thing is to focus on work and performance on the pitch.

“The club know that we are ready to sit down and negotiate. I repeat that the rapport with Pinto is excellent and Zaniolo is happy in Rome and with fans.”

Saka 'outperformed' Pedri

Barcelona youngster Pedri draws the plaudits, and is considered as one of the best young players in the world.

However, Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka outshone him in the World Cup.

Ferdinand said: ‘He outperformed Pedri at this World Cup. Three goals.

"You’d have to put him in there. He was arguably our best attacking player."

Chelsea in for Tielemans

Chelsea could scupper Arsenal's bid for Youri Tielemans.

The Blues are said to have made the Belgium midfielder a target, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

“A dark horse to keep an eye on is someone maybe like a Youri Tielemans, who Arsenal are considering on a free transfer if he doesn’t sign a new deal at Leicester in the summer of 2023,” Jacobs told the CFC365 Podcast.

“Potentially a suitor could put down a low-value offer that they think is a bargain, hoping that Leicester take it rather than lose the player on a free.

“Chelsea haven’t made any significant advances on this front but that’s one to watch.”

Arsenal told to sign youngster

Tony Cascarino says if he was Arsenal, then ‘I would consider’ signing Liverpool transfer target Cody Gakpo during the January transfer window.

He told talkSPORT: “I could see a lot of players working out,” said Cascarino on Arsenal possibly signing Gakpo. “They are are a really good side now.

“What he (Arteta) has done is nothing short of a miracle – yes, I would consider, it’s because you don’t have this opportunity very often. You are five points clear.”

PSG battle Arsenal for wonderkid

Paris Saint-Germain have made a bid worth £35million for Palmeiras teenager Estevao Willian.

Arsenal have monitored Willian for some time and have reportedly contacted his agent over a move.

Toure backs Arsenal title push

Yaya Toure has backed Arsenal to ‘carry on’ going in their battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title, despite Gabriel Jesus’ injury.

He told SKy Sports: “Arsenal have a great chance.

“I think Arsenal is going to carry on. Even maybe Jesus’ injury, at the moment.

“But let’s see different things as well. Arsenal was on top before the World Cup. I think maybe they could still carry on, even though Manchester City are really strong.”

Reiss Nelson injury update

Mikel Arteta has spoken about the injury Reiss Nelson suffered in the friendly against Argentina.

He said: "We don’t know the extent of the injury.

"The fact that he had to leave the pitch straight away is not good news, especially with someone like Reiss who is really powerful and fast. Let’s see what will happen.

"We know what we have to do and that doesn’t change the plans."

Arsenal dealt Felix transfer blow

Arsenal are not favourites to sign Atletico Madrid and Portugal forward Joao Felix, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has told GIVEMESPORT.

The 23-year-old is being linked with a move to the Emirates, with one report saying that the Gunners are leading the race for his signature, but Taylor thinks Atletico’s asking price will be a problem.

According to MARCA, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are currently at the front of the queue for Felix.

Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea have also been mentioned, but the outlet claims that it is the north London club who are the frontrunners to sign the former Benfica man.

Arsenal fans excited by youngster

Arsenal fans believe Mikel Arteta found the new Bukayo Saka during Saturday's friendly against Juventus.

Amario Cozier-Duberry is yet to make his debut for the first team. But he certainly made an impression on supporters with an exciting cameo.

The 17-year-old academy star came off the bench on the hour mark to replace Granit Xhaka.

Cozier-Duberry is a left-footed winger who predominantly plays off the right for the under-21 side, similar to Saka. But he can also play on the other flank and he was willing to take on the Juventus defenders in his first senior outing at the Emirates, albeit a friendly.