Premier League News
Breaking news They never pass to him” – Paul Merson names Arsenal star who is not trusted by his teammates
“They never pass to him” – Paul Merson names Arsenal star who is not trusted by his teammates
Paul Merson has said Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres is not trusted by his teammates, claiming they hardly pass the ball to him.
Joining the Gunners last summer as Europe’s most prolific goalscorer (54 goals in 52 games), Gyökeres has struggled to replicate the form that attracted him to the north London club. So far, he has scored 11 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions and has often been criticized for failing to live up to his billing.
Discussing the problem with modern football, Merson asserted that Arsenal players do not have faith in Gyökeres, suggesting that the former Sporting CP man is not good enough.
“Arsenal don’t trust him,” Merson told The Overlap. “The players, they never pass to him. You watch him, the next time he comes short, [the others] go, ‘No.’ That’s what I see when I watch the game. He comes short and they don’t give him it. He makes some good runs as well. Sometimes just put it in the channel for him to give it a run. He’s low at the moment, and I don’t think they trust him at all.”
Merson’s claims mirror Jamie Redknapp’s suggestions on why he feels Gyökeres has been struggling at the Emirates. During his punditry duties on Sky Sports in January, Redknapp said Gyökeres’ ‘main problem’ at Arsenal is largely down to the type of services he receives, rather than his abilities as a striker.
Frank Leboeuf leaps to Gyökeres’ defense, blames Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for striker’s struggles
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has suggested that Gyökeres could be struggling at Arsenal because Mikel Arteta’s tactics do not suit his style of play. He, however, admitted that the striker has endured a difficult time since joining the Gunners.
“Nobody can contest that Gyökeres is having a hard time since he signed,” Leboeuf told ESPN. “But what about the two others [Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus]? Since when they’ve been very good to make the comparison. I think Gyökeres has been recruited because of the lack of good things from the two others. For me, they have a problem because of the way they play and Arteta is responsible for that. Maybe not the players, but the way the tactics of Arteta is put down because that doesn’t suit any striker and if Haaland [Erling] was there, maybe he would have the same problem.”
After enduring a period of goal drought, Gyökeres seems to be starting to find his footing, finding the net in each of the club’s last two games.
Premier League News
Here’s a comparative snapshot of Arsenal’s next five fixtures vs. Manchester City, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool as the Premier League title race heats up this season (2025-26)
Arsenal (Next 5)
Leeds United (A)
vs Sunderland (H)
Brentford (A)
Tottenham Hotspur (A)
vs Chelsea (H)
➡️ Arsenal’s sequence mixes tests on the road (Leeds, Brentford, Spurs) with “must-win” home games vs Sunderland and Chelsea — making rotation and mental focus key. �
Manchester City (Next 5)
Liverpool (A)
vs Fulham (H)
vs Newcastle United (H)
Leeds United (A)
(likely following Arsenal match, not included here)
➡️ City’s run starts with a major test at Liverpool and includes a couple of fixtures against mid-table sides (Fulham, Leeds), but the Anfield visit and Newcastle at home are stiff challenges. �
Manchester City FC
Aston Villa (Next 5)
Exact list varies by source, but around this same window Villa’s next matches include:
vs Bournemouth (A)
vs Brighton (H)
vs Leeds United (H)
vs Wolves (A)
(timing around these dates)
➡️ Villa’s schedule features mid-table rivals and avoids an overwhelming number of top-six clashes in this specific five-game window — which could aid consistency if they capitalizing
Chelsea (Next 5)
Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures aren’t in the same exact five-match comparison list from the source, but around this period they’re facing a mix of lower and mid-table midweek ties alongside league fixtures, including the home game vs Arsenal.
➡️ Their relative fixture difficulty is often rated in the mid-range compared to the big four/Six, though specific dates around Chelsea’s sequence can fluctuate. �
Liverpool (Next 5)
Specific upcoming five-game details from the same period aren’t well summarized in a single reliable list, but Liverpool play Man City at Anfield and then a mix of other Premier League ties that can include midtable opponents and derby-style matches.
➡️ Anfield vs City is the standout fixture in their run, and like Arsenal and City, they’ll have a blend of home/away tests.
How They Stack Up
Team
Fixture Difficulty
Key Challenges
Arsenal
Mixed (3 big tests)
Away to Spurs, away to Leeds & Brentford, home derby vs Chelsea
Man City
Hard (big tests first)
Liverpool (A), Newcastle (H), away Leeds
Aston Villa
Moderate
Series of midtable battles could yield points
Chelsea
Premier League results depend on consistency; home vs Arsenal big game
Liverpool
Tough opener
Man City at Anfield plus other tough league games
Summary:
Arsenal’s set is more balanced with a couple of clear point targets (Sunderland, Chelsea at home) but several tricky away tests. �
weplayfpl.com
Man City’s stretch begins with one of the toughest fixtures — away at Liverpool — which could be a swing point in the title race. �
Manchester City FC
Villa’s sequence is competitive but slightly less punishing, offering a chance to build consistent results.
Chelsea and Liverpool, while not fully mapped here, have marquee tests that make their upcoming runs unpredictable.
If you want, I can lay this out as a fixture-by-fixture calendar for each club or add predicted outcomes/point projections for these five matches.
Premier League News
Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal make striker move; new Chelsea bid; Jacquet to Liverpool; Man Utd, Spurs latest
Deadline Day updates as clubs push for late signings
Deadline Day drama: Mamadou Sarr, Igor Tyjon and Jeremy Jacquet
Transfer news LIVE!
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are all still pushing for last-gasp signings on Deadline Day. Arsenal have had a bid rejected for striker Igor Tyjon, while the Gunners could yet also enter the market for a loan deal after losing Mikel Merino to injury. Arsenal continue to be linked with a big-money move for Julian Alvarez, while Oleksandr Zinchenko’s exit has now been confirmed.
Chelsea are poised to recall Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg to bolster their defensive ranks, with Aaron Anselmino heading in the opposite direction. The Blues are also rumoured to have failed with a shock late offer for Tylel Tati, having lost out to Liverpool in the race for the summer signing of Jeremy Jacquet and agreed to let Tyrique George join Everton. Lutsharel Geertruida will not be heading to Anfield though after talks were ended on Sunday
Manchester United are likely to be focused mainly on loan outgoings today amid more links to Cole Palmer, while Thomas Frank has confirmed that injury-hit Tottenham will be active. Jorgen Strand Larsen is on his way to Crystal Palace, though Jean-Phillipe Mateta’s switch to AC Milan is in the balance. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Latest Deadline Day headlines
Arsenal launch late Igor Tyjon bid
Chelsea make shock move for Tylel Tati
Arsenal ponder loan swoop after Mikel Merino injury
Liverpool beat Chelsea to £60m Jeremy Jacquet deal
Mamadou Sarr set to seal Chelsea return
Live updates
16 minutes ago
Liverpool beat Chelsea to £60m Jeremy Jacquet deal
Jeremy Jacquet will not be signing for Chelsea, however.
The Blues had been in talks for some time with Rennes over a deal that would have seen the France Under-21 defender move to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
However, Chelsea faced stiff competition in that particular race from rivals Liverpool, who have won out in the end.
The Reds will pay £55m plus £5m in add-ons for Jacquet, who will remain at Rennes before heading to Anfield at the end of the season as a likely long-term replacement for Ibrahima Konate.
Mamadou Sarr set to seal Chelsea return
One player we do know is heading to Chelsea on Deadline Day is Mamadou Sarr.
Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations winner initially joined the Blues from Strasbourg for £12m last summer, before being sent back to their sister club on a season-long loan after the Club World Cup.
However, Liam Rosenior has been seeking a swift reunion with centre-back Sarr at Stamford Bridge and an agreement to end his loan in France early has now been reached.
Standard Sport understands that the 20-year-old is due to arrive in London today to seal his return.
Arsenal ponder loan deal after Merino injury
Igor Tyjon might not be the only new arrival at Arsenal on Deadline Day, if they can get a deal agreed.
It was confirmed by the club late last night that versatile midfielder Mikel Merino was likely to miss much of the rest of the season with a broken bone in his foot.
That could now spur the Gunners into action, with David Ornstein of The Athletic claiming that Arsenal are surveying the loan market for potential short-term cover for the Spain international.
Chelsea make shock late move for Tylel Tati
Chelsea have launched a shock late bid for Tylel Tati before the transfer window closes, per reports.
The Blues are looking to strengthen in defence and are set to welcome back Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg, having lost out to Liverpool in the race for Jeremy Jacquet.
According to L’Equipe in France, Chelsea have also tabled a £26m offer to sign 18-year-old Nantes centre-back Tati.
However, the bid was rejected and it remains to be seen if they will return with an improved proposal, having apparently planned to loan Tati back to the Ligue 1 side for the rest of the season.
Arsenal launch striker bid before deadline
Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Igor Tyjon ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline.
The Gunners, along with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Aston Villa, are known to be long-time admirers of the young Blackburn striker.
According to football.london, Arsenal have now seen a £1m bid for Tyjon’s services rejected.
The highly-rated England youth international, 17, is out of contract at Ewood Park in the summer.
One to watch as Deadline Day unfolds.
Arsenal see bid rejected ahead of Deadline Day
Arsenal have had a bid worth around £1million rejected by Blackburn Rovers for young star Igor Tyjon.
According to Football.London, the Gunners have reignited their interest in the 17-year-old, having last summer seen multiple offers rebuffed.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal will return with another improved offer for a player who is also of interest to Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Southport-both Tyjon was born to Polish parents, prompting interest from top-flight sides Jagiellonia Bialystok and Rakow Czestochowa ahead of a possible summer move.
Tyjon is expected to quit Blackburn in the summer, if a winter move does not materialise, at which time Blackburn would only pocket a small compensation fe
Liverpool book Jacquet medical
Jeremy Jacquet will undergo a medical tomorrow ahead of completing his £60million move to Liverpool, according to The Telegraph.
The January window is set for a grandstand finish on Deadline Day.
8 hours ago
Liverpool agree £60m Jacquet deal after hijacking Chelsea talks
Liverpool have agreed a £60million deal to sign Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who has been in talks with Chelsea, writes Sam Tabuteau.
Standard Sport understands that Liverpool will pay a guaranteed £55m, with a further £5m in add-ons. Jacquet will remain at Rennes for the remainder of the current Ligue 1 season, before moving to Anfield in the summer.
Chelsea are long-time admirers of Jacquet, who is considered one the most promising youngsters in Europe.
Talks between Rennes and the Blues began earlier in January, but a fee was never agreed as Rennes pushed for a club-record sale which would eclipse the €60m Manchester City paid for Jeremy Doku in 2023.
Chelsea were unwilling to match that asking price, but Liverpool have obliged after launching a late bid for the 20-year-old.
Personal terms will now be discussed, which are expected to be a formality.
Atletico confirm Lookman deal
Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal worth €35million (£30m for Ademola Lookman.
Lookman has been looking to leave Atalanta, having failed to engineer an exit during the summer.
Lookman is already in Madrid to sign his contract, the Spanish club said Sunday.
“The agreement is subject to passing his medical and agreeing and formalizing his contract,” Atletico said.
Lookman will undergo his medical on Monday.

AFP via Getty Images
9 hours ago
BREAKING: Liverpool agree £62.3m Jacquet deal
Huge breaking news as Liverpool have agreed a €72million (£62.3m) deal with Rennes for Jeremy Jacquet.
The young centre-back, who was being tracked by Chelsea all month, will move to Anfield in the summer.
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins reports that Jacquet will become a Liverpool player before returning on loan to Rennes for the remainder of the season.
The deal is worth €60m (£52m) guaranteed, with the rest in performance-related add-ons.
Will it be a busy end to the January window for Arsenal?
With deadline day fast approaching, Arsenal could still finalise a number of deals as they prepare to enter the final months of the 2025-26 campaign.
Towards the end of last year, Mikel Arteta said Arsenal would be “actively looking” at potential signings in the January transfer window as they looked to build on their superb start to the season.
“The window is there. I mean, we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it,” he said. “We have to be actively looking and then, whether we can do it or not, that’s a different story.”
So far, it has been a quiet window for the Gunners, with the only activity being departures. Oleksandr Zinchenko has joined Ajax until the end of the season, while Ethan Nwaneri made a loan switch to Marseille.
They have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, although the Argentine recently squashed rumours of a potential exit, saying he is “very focused on what lies ahead with Atletico”.
In terms of more realistic targets, we have put together three potential signings that Arsenal could make to strengthen their title bid, with the first being Real Madrid’s Victor Valdepenas.

Valdepenas has been heavily scouted by Arsenal in recent months, according to the BBC. Image credit: Getty
Valdepenas, who made his senior debut for Madrid this season in a 2-1 win over Alaves, is a versatile left-footed defender who can play at both centre-back and full-back.
At times this season, midfielder Christian Norgaard has been forced to fill in at centre-half, so the addition of Valdepenas could prove pivotal for Mikel Arteta’s side as they challenge in four different competitions.
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The 19-year-old has a £43 million release clause in his contract at Los Blancos, according to a report from the BBC, which claims internal discussions towards a potential approach have already taken place.
Another realistic signing could be winger Yannick Carrasco, who looks set to leave Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab in January, with a loan deal being touted.
The 32-year-old is reportedly being chased by a number of clubs, including Roma, but he could see North London as an attractive destination. Of course, Arsenal chief Andrea Berta personally recommended Carrasco when he was at Atletico.

Carrasco looks set for a January move. Image credit: Getty
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Finally, former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who was previously linked with a move to Arsenal, could bring some much-needed Premier League experience to the fold as they look to maintain their lead in the title race.
Arteta, meanwhile, has ‘always liked’ Neves, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 28-year-old has scored eight goals in 22 games for Saudi side Al Hilal this season.
Do you think Arsenal need to make any signings in January? If so, who should they bring in? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Arsenal, Transfers, Premier League, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia
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