Arsenal news

"It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football," said Erling Haaland when he announced his investment in the Total Chess World Championship this week. "You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead. Strategy and planning are everything." The Manchester City striker’s strategy cannot be faulted except at one stadium in particular: Wembley.

Arsenal will look to end their six-year trophy drought on Sunday when they take on rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Going back even further, the Gunners haven't won silverware in front of live fans since their 2017 FA Cup triumph, a time when Arsene Wenger was still manager and Mikel Arteta had just completed his first season as Pep Guardiola's assistant.

Gabriel Jesus has challenged his Arsenal teammates to shed any lingering fear as they hunt a historic quadruple. The Brazilian striker insists the Gunners are more mature than in previous seasons and ready to conquer both England and Europe.

Jamie Carragher claims we are in a "strange new world" where neutrals favour Man City over Arsenal for the Premier League title, as well as this weekend’s Carabao Cup final. He argues that Mikel Arteta’s pragmatic "win-at-all-costs" style, plus a polarising fanbase, has flipped the "anyone but City" sentiment into a resounding "anyone but Arsenal."

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has revealed that he could have joined Bayern Munich instead of the Gunners, before developing into a likely Premier League title winner in north London. The Spain international has become one of the best stoppers in Europe under Mikel Arteta's tutelage but it nearly didn't come to pass at all, given the interest from the Bundesliga giants.

Haaland has failed to score in eight finals for City. Arsenal are unbeaten in six consecutive meetings, while Guardiola has lost four of his last five major finals.

The Gunners have been sweating over the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber ahead of the Carabao Cup final. Odegaard hasn't featured since the draw with Brentford last month, while Timber was forced off during the 2-0 victory against Everton last Saturday. Their absence is felt, but Mikel Arteta remains hopeful.

Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has been called up to the Spain squad for the first time ahead of their international friendlies against Serbia and Egypt. Luis de la Fuente has also called Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia into his squad ahead of his potential debut, as Spain ramp up preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel has hinted that Arsenal’s teenage prodigy Max Dowman remains in the frame for a World Cup spot. Despite his omission from the latest Three Lions squad, the 16-year-old’s record-breaking form has placed him firmly on the international radar.

The last time Manchester City and Arsenal faced each other in the League Cup final, Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta sat side by side in the Wembley dugout as head coach and assistant before celebrating as their City team destroyed the Gunners 3-0 and claimed the first piece of silverware of the former's time in England. The rampant win only crystallized the widening gap between the two clubs.

Arsenal are facing an unprecedented scramble behind the scenes as staff rush to satisfy the soaring demand for Max Dowman merchandise. The 16-year-old sensation has become the hottest name in North London following his historic exploits on the pitch.

Football fans are bracing for a seismic showdown this Sunday at Wembley as Arsenal face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. Alan Shearer has heightened the stakes by suggesting a Gunners victory could pave the way for a historic quadruple. With both teams under immense pressure, this final could define the entire season of each club.