ARSENAL'
Home Football “THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME I PLAY WITH ARSENAL” – Coach Mikel Arteta has officially announced the removal of a player from Arsenal and declared that this player will never be called up again under any circumstances.
a dramatic and unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League and the football world, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has taken decisive action following the Gunners’ humiliating 1-2 home defeat to Bournemouth in the 32nd round of the Premier League on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Arteta, known for his passionate leadership and high standards at the Emirates Stadium, publicly stated that one of his English players will never represent the club again, citing repeated dressing room disruptions, eroded team morale, and direct responsibility for the damaging loss that has severely dented Arsenal’s title aspirations.
The match itself was a bitter pill for Arsenal supporters. Playing at home against a Bournemouth side that had been struggling for form, the Gunners were expected to secure a routine victory to keep pace with Manchester City in the title race. Instead, they fell behind early to a goal from Eli Junior Kroupi, equalized through Viktor Gyökeres from the penalty spot, but ultimately succumbed to a late strike from Alex Scott. The final scoreline of 1-2 not only represented a shocking result but also highlighted deeper issues within the squad that Arteta could no longer ignore.

Speaking in the aftermath of the game, Arteta was uncharacteristically blunt and emotional. “This will be the last time I play with Arsenal for him,” the Spanish coach declared in a post-match statement that quickly went viral. “We have worked tirelessly to build a culture of unity, professionalism, and ambition at this club. Unfortunately, one individual has consistently undermined that. He has caused problems in the dressing room, weakened the team’s morale, and incited internal conflicts.
His actions contributed directly to our performance today, and I have made the decision that he will never be called up again under any circumstances.”

While Arteta did not name the player explicitly during the initial announcement, sources close to the club have confirmed that the individual in question is an English international with significant first-team experience. The player’s identity has been the subject of intense speculation, with names like those who have featured prominently in recent matches being linked, though no official confirmation has been released yet beyond the coach’s firm stance.
What is clear is that this is not a temporary suspension or a disciplinary measure that could be overturned; Arteta has framed it as a permanent exile from the Arsenal setup, signaling the end of the player’s tenure at the club.
This decision comes at a critical juncture for Arsenal. Entering the final stretch of the 2025-2026 Premier League season, the Gunners were in a fierce battle for the title, having shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the campaign but also suffering from inconsistency and an injury crisis that has plagued key players including Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurrien Timber. The loss to Bournemouth, a team sitting mid-table and coming into the game on the back of a poor run, has handed the initiative back to their rivals and raised questions about the squad’s mental resilience.
Arteta, who has transformed Arsenal from also-rans into genuine contenders since taking over in 2019, has always emphasized the importance of squad harmony. In previous seasons, he has navigated dressing room challenges with a firm but measured hand, fostering a culture where collective success trumps individual egos. However, the events leading up to and during the Bournemouth match apparently crossed a line.
Insiders report that the player in question had been involved in multiple incidents of dissent, clashing with teammates over tactical instructions, complaining about playing time, and even influencing younger squad members in a way that created factions within the group. These issues reportedly boiled over in the lead-up to the game, affecting preparation and on-pitch cohesion.
The timing of this announcement is particularly striking. With Arsenal still harboring ambitions in the Champions League and fighting on domestic fronts, removing a senior English player represents a significant gamble. English players often bring a unique understanding of the Premier League’s physical and cultural demands, and losing one at this stage could disrupt team chemistry further. Yet Arteta appears resolute, prioritizing long-term stability over short-term convenience. “The team comes first, always,” he added. “We cannot allow one person to jeopardize what we have built together. The players who remain are committed, talented, and ready to fight for the badge.”
Reactions from the football community have been swift and divided. Former Arsenal players and pundits have praised Arteta for his leadership, drawing parallels to legendary managers like Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, who were unafraid to make tough calls on disruptive influences. “Mikel is protecting the dressing room,” one ex-Gunner commented. “In modern football, with big egos and social media, you have to be ruthless sometimes.” Supporters on social media platforms have largely backed the decision, with hashtags like #ArtetaOutTheRottenApple trending, reflecting frustration at recent performances.
However, some critics argue that the public nature of the announcement could unsettle the remaining squad or invite legal challenges from the player’s representatives. Contracts in football are complex, and a permanent ban from call-ups might lead to disputes over wages, image rights, or even a forced transfer. The Premier League and FIFA regulations on player-club relations will likely come under scrutiny in the coming days. Additionally, with the player being English, there could be implications for national team selection, though Gareth Southgate’s successors will undoubtedly monitor the situation closely.
Delving deeper into the context of the Bournemouth match reveals the extent of the problems. Arsenal dominated possession for large periods, as is their style under Arteta, but lacked cutting edge and defensive solidity. Individual errors, misplaced passes, and a lack of intensity were evident—symptoms, according to Arteta, exacerbated by the off-field distractions. The goal conceded in the 74th minute by Alex Scott exemplified a lapse in concentration that the manager attributed partly to divided focus within the group. Bournemouth, managed astutely and capitalizing on counter-attacks, exposed vulnerabilities that Arsenal had largely ironed out earlier in the season.
This incident is not isolated in Arsenal’s recent history. The club has faced injury woes, with up to 11 players missing international duty recently, and tactical fatigue from a congested schedule involving domestic cups and European competitions. Arteta has repeatedly called for mental toughness, urging his players to “embrace losses” and use them as fuel. Yet the cumulative effect appears to have reached a breaking point with this particular individual. Reports from Colney training ground suggest tensions had been simmering for weeks, with closed-door meetings failing to resolve underlying issues.
Looking ahead, Arsenal must now regroup without the expelled player. Potential replacements from the academy or incoming transfers in the summer window will be under the spotlight. The squad’s leadership group, featuring veterans and established stars, will need to step up to maintain unity. Arteta’s next press conferences and team selections will be closely watched for signs of how the team adapts. A strong response in upcoming fixtures could turn this crisis into a catalyst for renewed determination, much like past turning points in the club’s revival.
For the player himself, the future is uncertain. At a prime age for an English talent, options might include a move abroad, a loan spell, or seeking a fresh start at another Premier League club. However, the stigma of being publicly ousted by a high-profile manager like Arteta could prove challenging in negotiations. Agents are already rumored to be working on damage control, but the bridge back to Arsenal seems irreparably burned.
In the broader landscape of the Premier League, this event underscores the intense pressures at the top. Title races are not just won on the pitch but through meticulous management of human dynamics. Manchester City, Arsenal’s main rivals, will no doubt be monitoring developments, hoping the disruption hampers the Gunners’ charge. Meanwhile, Bournemouth will celebrate their giant-killing as a boost to their survival or mid-table security efforts.
Arteta’s legacy at Arsenal has always been about more than tactics—it’s about building a modern powerhouse with values of respect, hard work, and togetherness. By drawing this line in the sand, he reinforces that philosophy, even at the cost of short-term upheaval. As the season hurtles toward its climax, with seven crucial games remaining, the Gunners’ response will define whether this bold decision strengthens or fractures their campaign.
The footballing public awaits further details on the player’s identity and the club’s official statement. Until then, the headline remains etched in fans’ minds: this was indeed the last time that player pulled on the red and white of Arsenal. The road to recovery starts now, with unity as the only option.
Suddenly only six points separate Arsenal and City atop the Premier League table.
Man City are chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race. | Visionhaus/Getty Images
A rather lackluster Premier League season is gearing up for a massive finish as Manchester City chase down Arsenal for the English crown.
A month ago, the Premier League title race was beginning to look like a runaway for the Gunners. After defeating Everton ahead of the international break, Arsenal were nine points clear atop the table, dreaming of lifting a quadruple.
Mikel Arteta’s men have imploded since, losing to City in the Carabao Cup final, crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton and defeated 2–1 by Bournemouth at home—leaving the door open for Pep Guardiola’s reinvigorated side to strike.
The Cityzens battered Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, securing a 3–0 win and a critical three points to make up ground on the league-leaders. They now trail Arsenal by six points, but have a game in hand that could dwindle the gap down to three.
With only a handful of games left to play, the fight for the Premier League title could come down to a photo-finish, especially if Arsenal cannot come out on top in what should be a mouthwatering visit to the Etihad next weekend.
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Arsenal, Man City’s Remaining Premier League Games

Man City are edging closer and closer to Arsenal atop the table. | Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images
Arsenal (70 points)
Man City (64 points)
Man City (A) – April 19
Arsenal (H) – April 19
Newcastle (H) – April 25
Burnley (A) – April 22
Fulham (H) – May 2
Everton (A) – May 4
West Ham (A) – May 10
Brentford (H) – May 9
Burnley (H) – May 17
Bournemouth (A) – May 17
Crystal Palace (A) – May 24
Aston Villa (H) – May 24
–
*Crystal Palace (H) – Date TBC
*Game still to be rescheduled after prior postponement.
A trip to Manchester comes at a particularly cruel time for Arsenal. The Gunners have suffered three defeats in their last four matches and now must take on a scorching City side in what could be a game that decides the Premier League title.
City will be brimming with confidence after their Carabao Cup triumph over the league-leaders, and will be the better rested of the two sides since they are out of the Champions League.
Arteta’s men then get to return home for matches against Newcastle United and Fulham. Two wins at the Emirates would help the Gunners breath a little easier, considering their next two opponents are relegation-battling West Ham United and Burnley.
Arsenal end their campaign at Crystal Palace. Despite their dismal spell in December and January, the Eagles have since rediscovered their form and that is trouble for the league-leaders, who previously needed penalties to get past Oliver Glasner’s men in the Carabao Cup when they were nowhere near their best.

The Citizens have the head-to-head edge over Arsenal in 2025–26. | David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images
After City host Arsenal, they head to Turf Moor for what should be a routine outing against Burnley. A much trickier bout with Everton comes quickly after. The Toffees have only lost two of their last seven matches at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Guardiola’s men then return to Manchester for a battle with Brentford. Despite sitting in seventh place, the Bees are winless in their last five matches across all competitions and likely don’t have the firepower to cause real problems—the same is true for Crystal Palace, whose rescheduled game against City still does not have a set date and time.
Danger awaits at the end of City’s slate. They first must make the trip to Vitality Stadium to take on a Bournemouth team that already conquered Liverpool and Arsenal in 2026.
Then, City close out the season against fourth-place Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side already won the reverse fixture 1–0 and could be incentivized to repeat their October performance should a positive result be required to secure Champions League soccer next season.
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ARSENAL'
Arsenal injury, suspension list and return dates for Sporting: Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori latest
Ninety minutes away from a second straight Champions League semi-final, Arsenal host Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta’s men would have likely taken a draw at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the opening encounter, but super substitute Kai Havertz popped up with a late winner in a 1-0 first-leg victory.
Havertz’s strike could very well prove critical after the events of the weekend, as Arsenal’s Premier League title charge suffered a potentially major setback in a 2-1 reverse to Bournemouth.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Sporting, who edged out Estrela Amadora 1-0 in the Primeira Liga last time out.
Riccardo Calafiori
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Unknown
Possible return date: April 15 (vs. Sporting)
After missing training on Thursday, Riccardo Calafiori was absent from the loss to Bournemouth with an unexplained injury, one that has also rendered him doubtful for Wednesday’s second leg.
Martin Odegaard
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Unknown
Possible return date: April 15 (vs. Sporting)
Likewise, Martin Odegaard did not make Saturday’s matchday squad after picking up a knock in the first leg, although he was seen arriving with the team at the Emirates, suggesting that his issue is not overly serious.
Bukayo Saka
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Knock
Possible return date: April 15 (vs. Sporting)
Bukayo Saka is still recovering from the unspecified issue he sustained on international duty with England, and his chances of making the cut in midweek are currently slim.
Jurrien Timber
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Groin
Possible return date: April 15 (vs. Sporting)
Similarly, Jurrien Timber has not featured for the Gunners since before the latest international hiatus, and the Dutchman’s status for the midweek game is still clouded in uncertainty.
Mikel Merino
Status: Out
Type of injury: Foot
Possible return date: Unknown
Mikel Merino underwent an operation to treat a foot fracture a couple of months ago, and the midfielder is bidding to make his comeback before the end of the season and in time for the World Cup.
ARSENAL’S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for the second leg, but Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi would miss the first leg of any semi-final if they pick up a yellow card here.
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ARSENAL'
Arsenal F.C. have officially confirmed that Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract, keeping him at the club until 2030.
📝 Full Story
Arsenal announced on 13 April 2026 that Arteta had agreed to a three-year contract extension, securing his future at the Emirates Stadium. �
The Spanish manager, who took charge in December 2019, had entered the final year of his previous deal, but both the club and Arteta were keen to continue their project together. �
Sky Sports
🔥 Why Arsenal Renewed His Contract
Arteta has transformed Arsenal into one of the top teams in England again:
Back-to-back Premier League runners-up finishes
Return to the UEFA Champions League after years away
Mikel Arteta declared that he still has “so much ambition” at Arsenal, but said there was no rush to agree a new contract.
The Spaniard’s existing deal in north London runs until the summer of 2027, raising the prospect of him going into next season with less than a year left to go.
Arteta and Arsenal are relaxed over the situation and have put off serious talks for now, with the full focus on delivering a first Premier League title in 22 years.
Those discussions are expected to pick up in the summer and while that has created some uncertainty, Arteta made it clear that he still views the job as a long-term project.
“Yeah, I’m fully committed here,” Arteta said. “I’m really happy and I feel good. My family is good.
“I still have so much ambition and things to do in this football club and for now we are in a good place.”
On whether there had been fresh talks with the club, Arteta responded: “No, there’s no news on that.
“I think we have no time to discuss that now. The full focus is on what we have to do from here until the end of the season.”
Arteta is currently the second-longest serving manager in the Premier League, behind only Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
He has now been in charge at Arsenal for more than six years and although a new contract would take him towards the decade mark, Arteta is reluctant to look too far into the future.
“This is the job,” he said. “It’s about the present, what you do on the day. Give your very best and feel that you are the person as well that can lead and inspire the group to achieve great things for the club.
“At the moment I feel that way and hopefully when I feel that way for the rest of the week, with a great outcome at the end of the season.”
The manager was instead keen to focus only on Arsenal’s match at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, when they can move 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League before title rivals City head to Chelsea on Sunday.
Arteta issued a rallying cry to the Arsenal supporters, urging them to defy the lunchtime kick-off and create a raucous atmosphere.
“The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases, obviously, and tomorrow is a big day for us,” Arteta said.
“The players know it, our supporters know it. 12:30 kick-off. It’s an early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner.
“Let’s go all together for it because it has to be a big day.”
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