Arsenal news

Arsenal have been hit with another damaging defensive setback as summer signing Cristhian Mosquera is expected to miss at least six weeks after suffering a complicated ankle injury in the midweek win over Brentford. With Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba already sidelined, the Gunners now face a mounting crisis at centre-back during a pivotal period of their season.

Chelsea and Arsenal have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, with both Premier League giants pushing to position themselves ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in the race for one of Europe’s brightest youngsters. Lille are determined to extend the teenager’s contract and protect a fee that could soar past €50 million (£43.6m/$58.2m) next summer.

Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped on Declan Rice's fitness after the Arsenal midfielder hobbled off during the midweek win over Brentford. The Gunners are fighting several fitness issues ahead of their trip to Villa Park this weekend, and the Spaniard refused to give any firm assurances when pressed on an update on the midfielder.

William Saliba has hailed the impact of new first-team coach Gabriel Heinze, as the former Manchester United defender is the mastermind behind Arsenal's defensive dominance under Mikel Arteta. Heinze, who joined Mikel Arteta’s staff in July, has quickly become a driving force behind a Gunners side that have conceded just seven goals in 14 Premier League matches; the best defensive record in the division.

Premier League leaders Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign twin brothers Edwin and Holger Quintero from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle, with the youngsters set to officially join the club in 2027. The Gunners have moved quickly to land the highly-rated duo, who are regarded as two of the most exciting young prospects in South America.

Alex Song has never been short of self-belief, but the former Arsenal midfielder has ignited fresh debate after boldly declaring that he would start for Mikel Arteta’s current side ahead of stars Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Now 38 and long retired, the ex-Cameroon international insisted that the prime version of himself would walk into almost any top European team.

Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has revealed that he abandoned a near-completed move to Manchester City to sign for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal back in 2008. The Frenchman, who spent nearly a decade at Old Trafford and won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, says he was "halfway through his medical" at City when the opportunity to join Wenger emerged, prompting him to walk away from negotiations altogether.

Manchester United have reportedly launched a €28 million (£25m) bid for Olympiacos youngster Christos Mouzakitis. The offer, however, has been deemed far below Olympiacos’ expectations, opening the door for rivals Real Madrid, Arsenal and Brighton to potentially force their way ahead.

Arsenal's defensive injury crisis has deepened as Cristhian Mosquera became the club's latest defender to suffer an injury after William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. The 21-year-old centre-back was forced off the pitch against Brentford in the first half after picking up a knock. Despite yet another fitness setback, Mikel Arteta's side secured all three points as they registered a 2-0 win at home.

Mikel Merino was the hero yet again for Arsenal, picking up a goal and an assist as the Premier League leaders saw off a stubborn Brentford side 2-0 at the Emirates to restore their five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City. The Spain international, still playing as Mikel Arteta's makeshift striker, scored a fine header early on to open the scoring and then set up substitute Bukayo Saka in the closing stages to wrap up a crucial win for the Gunners.

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has revealed that he has ended his long-running feud with Arsenal star Kai Havertz in bizarre circumstances. The beef started three years back when Havertz was still at Chelsea, and in the last few years the two players have often become embroiled in physical clashes during matches. However, Burn has now cleared the air with his long-time rival.

Famous presenter Piers Morgan has begged Arsenal to win the Premier League, and kick off an era of dominance that will see them become the Premier League's best-ever team. The Gunners have not won the title since 2004 under Arsene Wenger but Mikel Arteta's side are top of the league in December, and are dreaming of lifting silverware in May.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are major doubts for a London derby meeting with Brentford on Wednesday night. Both players missed the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend. Arteta also delivered updates on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes as they remain in the treatment room with more serious knocks.