Arsenal news as transfer interest in a Barcelona star emerges and the push on referee Sam Barrott is assessed
Arsenal have had little time to recover as they gear up to face Sporting CP in the Champions League.
The Gunners have made the journey to Portugal for the opening leg of their quarter-final tie following Saturday’s crushing FA Cup exit to Championship outfit Southampton. Within a fortnight, after last month’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, Arsenal’s quadruple aspirations have crumbled, leaving the Premier League and Champions League on their schedule.
While the Gunners hold a comfortable nine-point advantage over City, who possess a game in hand, recent disappointments have sparked concerns amongst supporters about another end-of-season capitulation.
Having occupied such a commanding position throughout much of the campaign, a season without silverware would prove catastrophic for Mikel Arteta. Here’s a summary of the latest Arsenal developments…
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Arteta wanted Guardiola favourite
The Gunners are understood to have expressed interest in a player admired by Pep Guardiola. Spanish publication Sport has reported that Al-Qadsiah FC, the Saudi Arabian club managed by Brendan Rodgers, recently launched a determined effort to secure Barcelona star Dani Olmo with a £60m offer and an £8m-per-year deal.
The same report indicated that the Gunners were amongst those pursuing Olmo, who was finding regular minutes under Hansi Flick difficult to come by. Nevertheless, Olmo is believed to have turned down both clubs, opting instead to compete for his position in the Barca squad.
This isn’t the first time the 27-year-old has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League, following interest from Manchester City last summer. At that point, Olmo’s representative stated his client wasn’t considering leaving the Nou Camp but added: “You never know what the future will bring.”
It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will reignite their pursuit of Olmo this summer, which will potentially see a substantial overhaul of the squad.
Martinelli to avoid further action
Gabriel Martinelli is expected to avoid additional disciplinary measures despite pushing referee Sam Barrott during the defeat at Southampton, according to former PGMOL chief and referee Keith Hackett.
The Brazilian was arguably fortunate to only receive a yellow card after the incident, which took place in stoppage time as the Gunners chased an equaliser. When Barrott awarded a free-kick, Martinelli hurriedly attempted to take it and shoved the official, who promptly brandished a yellow card.
Ex-Premier League referee Mark Hasley believes Martinelli should have been sent off. However, Hackett has highlighted that both the FA and FIFA are generally hesitant to re-referee incidents and doesn’t anticipate any further punishment for the player.
Hackett told Football Insider: “Because the referee has issued a yellow card, it is unlikely that the disciplinary panel will review the decision.
“The FA, and FIFA in particular, want to avoid re-refereeing issues. In this situation, Barrott, who I think is outstanding, hasn’t applied the law. He didn’t bring the attention upon himself, but he’s duty-bound to set an example for players and young referees down below.
“I’d like the disciplinary panel to re-referee this one and suspend the player who laid his hands on the official. Some will say that it wasn’t violent, but that shouldn’t matter.”
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