Arsenal’s Premier League title bid is virtually over with the Gunners now 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta’s side could still win the Champions League
Arsenal are gearing up for a key run of fixtures as Mikel Arteta looks to keep his side’s chances of winning a trophy alive. The Gunners might be 12 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League, but they could still win the Champions League.
Arsenal have been handed a tough draw, with defending champions Real Madrid their opponents in the quarter-finals. However, they will be boosted by the expected return of star man Bukayo Saka from a hamstring injury.
Madrid will travel to north London on April 8 before welcoming Arsenal to the Bernabeu on April 16.
Here, Mirror Football has taken a look at some of the latest news from the Emirates…
READ MORE: Chelsea and Man City prepare for latest clash as Arsenal welcome resurgent LiverpoolREAD MORE: Arsenal handed new injury scare with Riccardo Calafiori set for tests on knee
Jorginho transfer talks
Jorginho is expected to leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season and Goal Brasil are reporting that he has travelled to Brazil for talks over a move to Flamengo.
The midfielder has featured in just two league games since January 4 and it seems unlikely that Arsenal will take up an option to extend his deal for a further year. It has been claimed that Jorginho has already signed a pre-contract agreement with Flamengo, but that has not yet been confirmed.
Flamengo will feature in the revamped Club World Cup in mid-June, but his Arsenal deal does not expire until June 30 and the report states that the club are keen for Jorginho to feature for them at the tournament. However, to do so he would have to terminate his contract with Arsenal early – which would mean forfeiting a loyalty bonus.
Calafiori blow
Arsenal have suffered another injury blow after Riccardo Calafiori slipped and fell awkwardly while away on international duty with Italy. Calafiori injured his left knee during Italy’s 2-1 defeat to Germany and, although he was able to play the full 90 minutes, Italy have now confirmed he will be unable to feature in the second leg on Sunday.
The Italian FA said in a statement: “Riccardo Calafiori, who underwent tests late this morning after sustaining an injury to his left knee during yesterday’s match against Germany, has been deemed unavailable for Sunday’s second leg and will return to his club.”
Sane interest
According to Sky Germany, Arsenal are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane. Sane is out of contract at the end of the season and the report states that the Gunners have already held talks with his representatives. However, Bayern remain keen to keep Sane, having persuaded Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Manuel Neuer to sign extensions.
Bayern are said to be planning talks with Sane after the international break, but the club may only be able to offer the winger reduced terms. “When the contracts expire, you save money, which brings us back to the issue of salary structures. These are ongoing talks. I will be just as stubborn as I was in previous negotiations not to say much,” sporting director Max Eberl said.
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