Arsenal dealt Premier League title race blow as dream Martin Odegaard transfer repeat planned

The last international break of 2024 is almost over, meaning the Premier League is back this weekend.

Arsenal return to action on Saturday when they take on Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium (3pm kick-off). The Gunners are looking to end a run of three games without a win in all competitions.

They sit in fourth place in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool. Nottingham Forest’s positive start sees them in fifth place, on the same points as Arsenal, something that adds extra emphasis on the game.

As Mikel Arteta prepares his team for the clash against Forest, we have taken a look at the latest news around the club. football.london have also given our own thoughts on the situation.

Martin Odegaard repeat eyed

Arsenal are reportedly eying a move for Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler, who is unhappy with the Spanish club, according to reports in Spain.

Sport claim that the 19-year-old is unhappy with his game time with Real Madrid, which has prompted clubs to show an interest. Arsenal are one of those named, with the club said to see the Turkey international as a similar move to the one they made for Martin Odegaard, who was also struggling for game time at Real Madrid.

FL says : Guler caught the eye with his performances for Turkey at Euro 2024 back in the summer, when he scored once and provided two assists in his five appearances at the competition. He has however struggled for regular starts under Carlo Ancelotti and that could benefit Arsenal in the transfer window.

Martin Odegaard has been a success for the Gunners since moving from Real Madrid in search of game time. If Arsenal can repeat a move similar to that, then it would be a no-brainer for Arteta and his staff.

Title race blow

Arsenal have received a blow to their hopes of lifting the Premier League title in the next couple of seasons, with Pep Guardiola reportedly agreeing a contract extension at Manchester City. The Gunners have been beaten to the title by City for the last two seasons, but there was uncertainty over the future of Guardiola.

The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season. However, it is now reported that he has agreed a 12 month extension with the option of a further year.

FL says : Certainty over the future of Guardiola will be good news for Man City at a time where they probably needed it most, given that they have lost their last four games in all competitions. Arsenal will be watching the developments with interest, given how close they have run City for the last couple of seasons.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be hoping that it doesn’t give City a much-needed boost as Arsenal try to close the gap between the two sides.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package

Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.

£43

Sky
Get the deal here