Arsenal head into one of their biggest games of the season this weekend against North London rivals Tottenham and there’s both good and bad news for the Gunners ahead of the game
Arsenal are just a few days away from one of the biggest games in their season as they prepare to take on their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.
A victory would see Mikel Arteta's side not only get one over their bitter rivals, it would also see them extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal currently sit four points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City.
Heading into the game, Arteta will be aiming to prepare his side in the best possible way. With that being said, get updated on all of the latest news from the red half of North London:
North London Derby absences
Meanwhile, forwards Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus may all be sidelined. Captain Martin Odegaard is also still continuing his recovery.
On the Spurs side of things, long-term absentees James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and Dominic Solanke are all ruled out. Randal Kolo Muani continues to struggle, while Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai are all doubts.
What side should Arsenal play vs Spurs? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Saka’s contract update
Arsenal have managed to underline their new-found negotiating power by committing star forward Bukayo Saka to a new contract. The England winger is closing in on a new deal at the Emirates that will see him put pen to paper on fresh terms until 2030.
Saka’s current deal runs until 2027, meaning Arsenal still had time on their side. But the Gunners will have been keen to agree an extension sooner rather than later.
Arsenal would have been running the risk on Saka being open to other opportunities, including a move or a Bosman exit, should they have allowed his deal to reach its final 12 months.
Eze makes Timber point
Arsenal summer signing Eberechi Eze has claimed that he was the most surprised by Jurrien Timber following his arrival in North London.
He said: "Everyone is sort of what you expect them to be. The expectation of all the players is high. I’ll say one player who has gone even beyond the high expectation I already had – because I’d heard good things about him – was Jurrien Timber. He’s a special player and a special guy.
"I think for me, in an environment of people and you have a culture that is geared towards improving, these guys all want to improve. So for me it’s a pleasure to be part of it and to see guys like him who perform the way they perform, who carry themselves the way they carry themselves. It’s inspiring, for sure."