Arsenal are enjoying a 19-day break between competitive games, but there has still been plenty going on in North London.
The Gunners’ early elimination from the FA Cup, coupled with the timing of the international break, means they don’t return to action until March 31. Their next game is a big one, though, away to a Manchester City side who have a chance to steal a march in the title race.
There’s also a big Champions League quarter-final up ahead, with Bayern Munich awaiting after Mikel Arteta’s side needed penalties to see off Porto in the semi-finals. Put another way, the next fortnight looks like the calm before the storm.
It’s not been outright calm, though, with a transfer swoop and England drama bringing headlines the Gunners’ way. Here are Mirror Football‘s top headlines from around the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal snap up Wolves wonderkid
Arsenal have raided Wolverhampton Wanderers for promising centre-back Brayden Clarke, the club have confirmed. Wales Under-17 international Clarke links up with the Gunners’ under-18 squad, and made his debut in an 8-3 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Clarke was part of the Wales squad wich reached the Under-17 European Championships in 2023. It was the first time a Welsh men’s age group side had made a major tournament since 1981, and they have a chance to make it two in a row with Clarke’s help this year.
The move sees Arsenal strengthen their under-18 ranks after reaching last season’s FA Youth Cup final. They won’t be securing a repeat in that competition, though, having been eliminated by Liverpool.
White’s England snub slammed
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has criticised Arsenal defender Ben White for turning down an England call-up. The defender has made himself unavailable for selection, having left the World Cup camp early in 2022.
I think Gareth Southgate said the door’s still open, didn’t he?” Redknapp said on talkSPORT. “The door should be slammed right in his mush.
What do you think of Ben White’s England decision? Have your say in the comments section
Ben White has ruled himself out of England contention (
Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“He doesn’t want to play for his country, he goes to the World Cup then comes home because he’s not getting in the team. I’m sorry, you’ve had your opportunity. You don’t want to play for England? You tell the Bobby Moores of this world who’s got 100-odd caps.
“The Shiltons, the Beckhams, the Rooneys – those people, go and tell the Billy Bonds of this world who didn’t get a cap and should have done, and all those great players that you don’t want to play for your country. I think it’s disgusting, I can’t have it.”
Mbappe delivers firm message
Kylian Mbappe has made it clear he won’t be joining Arsenal this summer, despite Mikel Arteta seemingly opening the door for a move. Mbappe’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season, but a Real Madrid switch is all but guaranteed.
In a clip shared on social media, a young Arsenal fan is seen urging Mbappe to join the London club, “There’s no way, there’s no way,” the French international said, and when asked why he replied: “It’s too cold there.”
Earlier in the season, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said the team always has to be “in the conversation” for players of Mbappe’s quality. “If we want to be the best team, we are going to need the best talent and the best players, that is for sure,” he said.
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