Arsenal NewsArsenal handed major Champions League boost after Atletico Madrid injury blow

Arsenal received a significant boost for the Champions League following an injury setback for Atletico Madrid.

On the other hand, Sorloth has overcome a disappointing period in England and has revitalized his career in La Liga. Atletico is his third Spanish club since departing Crystal Palace, and this season he has netted 17 goals in 48 matches, including one at Camp Nou during the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

The psychological impact of losing the cup final, coupled with the potential absence of these players, will provide Arsenal with considerable motivation.

Especially following their performance at the Etihad Stadium, while many fans may feel disheartened, Declan Rice’s post-match remark, “It’s not over,” captured by television cameras, will resonate throughout the squad.

The Champions League continues to present a significant opportunity for substantial trophies for this Arsenal team as we approach the final month of the season.

With a perfect record of eight wins from eight in the league phase, including a 4-0 victory against Simeone’s team, they have ensured that the second leg of the semi-final will occur at the Emirates Stadium

Atletico Madrid has faced several challenges leading up to their Champions League match against Arsenal, including serious injury concerns.

Arsenal will feel more confident after their display against Manchester City, regardless of the outcome, as they pursue both the Premier League and Champions League titles. Their path to their first European Cup triumph is obstructed by Atletico Madrid, who recently lost to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final via penalties.

Moreover, Diego Simeone has had to contend with injuries to both Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth, who are expected to miss the next two matches. According to Marca, both players are aiming to return for the game against Arsenal, although there are mixed opinions on the feasibility of this.

Particularly concerning is Lookman, whose injury is deemed more severe. The Nigerian international has contributed to seven Champions League goals in 13 appearances for both Atalanta and Atletico Madrid, the latter of which he joined during the January transfer window.

Arsenal are hopeful that Bukayo Saka will make his long-awaited return to the pitch at some point over the next week, according to the Independent.

The Gunners have been without their talisman for a month now, with his last appearance coming in the Carabao Cup final before the international break.

Unsurprisingly, Mikel Arteta’s side’s form has unravelled without Saka, losing three of their five matches in the winger’s absence. Sunday afternoon’s defeat at the hands of Manchester City was particularly deflating for the North Londoners, although they remain at the top of the Premier League and very much in the race for multiple honours.

A report emerged last week indicating that Saka is dealing with a delicate Achilles issue that needs to be carefully managed to ensure he doesn’t further aggravate the problem.

It was stated that his possible return date was still up in the air, but Miguel Delaney of the Independent now reports that Arsenal hope to have him back ‘over the next week’.

Saka may have endured something of a down season regarding his output, although he’s still remained one of the most productive players in the Gunners’ squad. Thus, his return will be a huge relief for Arteta and Arsenal supporters.

If Delaney’s suggestion turns out to be accurate, Saka could be ready in time to make the squad for the Newcastle game on Saturday.

Can Bukayo Saka rediscover his form?

The perception has generally been that Saka has not been anywhere near his best for Arsenal this season. While this is true in some regards, the underlying numbers would suggest that his performance levels have still been extremely high, and that he’s mostly just endured a cold streak regarding output.

He remains in the 94th percentile for expected assists per 90 minutes, the 94th percentile for chances created, and the 85th percentile for dribbles completed. These numbers indicate that he’s still been carrying the Gunners’ attack, but he hasn’t been rewarded with the surface level statistics that you would expect.

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While he undoubtedly dropped off in the month leading up to his latest setback, he clearly wasn’t fit during that period. He hasn’t just suddenly forgotten how to play football, so fans shouldn’t be overly concerned.

That said, whether he can rediscover his best form in the remaining weeks of the season is a different matter. Even if he makes the bench for the Newcastle clash, the likelihood of him getting back up to full speed before crucial Champions League matches are slim.

Arsenal supporters may not witness the best Saka until next season.

Liverpool are being tipped to move for an elite PSG forward they view as a ‘real opportunity’ to sign this summer, while sporting director Richard Hughes is also said to be lining up a £92m double midfield deal.

The Reds are expected to spend big again this summer after a hugely disappointing campaign under Arne Slot, although the Dutchman is expected to keep his job if Champions League qualification is secured.

The additions of a new left-back, centre-back, central midfielder and potentially two new wingers are thought to be the main priorities for Liverpool, and it appears that one of those positions could be filled by a top PSG talent.

Liverpool ready to raid PSG for elite attacker

One player who has been on the club’s radar is highly-rated winger Bradley Barcola, and now a fresh report from Anfield Watch claims a summer swoop for the 23-year-old could be on.

With Mohamed Salah leaving and Liverpool fans continuing to be unimpressed with Cody Gakpo’s underwhelming displays, signing another wide player ticks a number of boxes for Slot going forward.

The versatile Barcola is a perfect fit in that regard, in that he can play off the left or right, although he is more suited playing in Gakpo’s position.

The chances of the France international being available this summer have grown, largely due to the fact that he has only started 15 Ligue 1 games this season, although he has fared much better in the Champions League.

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Barcola has previously been valued at £100m (€116m, $133m), although that figure may now have dropped, given that he only has just over two years left on his contract.

And Anfield Watch reports that the attacker, who has scored 12 goals and laid on seven assists for PSG this season, is now a player Liverpool feel is very much attainable this summer

Indeed, the Reds are confident there is a real chance Barcola is made available this summer as PSG look to recoup funds to strengthen other areas of their team.

While the Frenchman would be a straight swap for Gakpo on the left flank, the fact that he can play on the right too would go some way to offsetting the loss of Anfield legend Salah.

Anfield chiefs plotting spectacular double midfield raid

Liverpool are being tipped to complete two superb midfield deals this summer at a potential cost of around £92million.

The Reds are expected to bolster their engine room this summer, regardless of whether Arne Slot is still in charge or not, as doubts continue over the futures of both Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.

We exclusively revealed on Friday that Liverpool are stepping up their interest in Palace maestro Adam Wharton, having identified him as a concrete target to replace Real Madrid target Mac Allister.

Our sources state that the Reds have completed significant background work on a potential deal for Wharton, who will cost £70million – a club-record sale for Palace.

Anfield Watch, meanwhile, suggests that two midfielders might arrive on Merseyside this summer, with Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes also pursuing Nordsjaelland’s Caleb Yirenkyi, a player he greatly admires.

Hughes is said to view Ghanian Yirenkyi, who grew up a Liverpool fan, as a strong option to provide backup and competition for Wharton in the defensive midfield role on Merseyside.

Indeed, it’s reported that Liverpool have ‘moved one step closer’ to signing Yirenkyi after making contact with his camp, with Hughes battling the likes of Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton for a player who is expected to cost around £22m.

Gordon makes Liverpool, Bayern transfer decision

Meanwhile, our sources can reveal which team is likely to win the race to sign Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon this summer, as Liverpool and Bayern Munich both step up their pursuit of the England man.

Amid PSR pressure and a need to generate funds to re-invest on new signings, Newcastle are begrudgingly ready to cash in on one or two of their best players this summer.

Offers for the likes of Tino Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Gordon are anticipated, and Sky Sports reporter, Sacha Tavolieri, claims Gordon has ‘already informed those close to him that he would be open to a move to Bayern Munich’.

For their part, Bayern view Gordon as the perfect foil for Luis Diaz on the left wing, and are keen to have two top options for every position in Vincent Kompany’s title-winning squad.

But while that all makes rosy reading for Bayern, our transfer transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, can reveal Liverpool’s take on the whole situation.

Fletcher has been informed Gordon – who is a lifelong Liverpool fan and was on the Reds’ books before leaving for Everton aged 11 – would choose Liverpool over Bayern.

Of course, Anfield chiefs sealing the deal is contingent on the Reds putting big money on the table, and at the very least coming close to the numbers Bayern will likely put forward.

But it’s no secret Liverpool are in the market for one and more probably two new wingers in the summer, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande also on their radar.

Liverpool’s need for fresh attacking talent stems for the upcoming exits of club legend Mohamed Salah, while Federico Chiesa is primed to depart.