Arsenal have received word on two players that could spell very promising news for this summer’s transfer business
The positive momentum continues for Arsenal following their victory at West Ham, which kept their Premier League title aspirations firmly intact. The Gunners secured a narrow 1-0 win on Sunday after a stoppage-time VAR decision chalked off Callum Wilson’s dramatic leveller.
Mikel Arteta faces a demanding schedule with a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain also on the horizon. Yet there’s also significant activity away from the pitch that’s generating optimism around the Emirates Stadium.
Indeed, two fresh developments are providing Arsenal with encouragement following recent remarks. football.london examines the latest speculation emerging from north London as Arteta and his squad prepare for their next fixture at home to Burnley next Monday.
Howe addresses Anthony Gordon absence
One particularly topical narrative concerns the speculation linking Arsenal with Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon. This follows the England international being left on the bench once more during the Magpies’ 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
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Arsenal supporters would be wise to pay attention to Eddie Howe’s comments when questioned about Gordon’s circumstances following the match. Gordon, 25, has been repeatedly linked with a switch to the Gunners, though the Newcastle manager initially indicated his absence at the City Ground was understandable given a recent hip problem.
“Obviously, he has returned from an injury,” said Howe after Saturday’s result. “I am looking at the team, and I am pleased with how the team has performed in the last three games. So I didn’t want to make too many changes.”
Nevertheless, questions arise as to why Gordon was included in the Newcastle matchday squad at all if he remained unfit to participate. It was a subsequent comment regarding future planning that may capture Arsenal fans’ interest.
Speaking in a radio interview, he added: “It was tactical. The team has performed well in Anthony’s absence, we have gone with a bit more solidity with Joelinton playing wide.
“One winger on one side to strengthen us defensively as we weren’t happy with how we were defending. Since January, we have been disappointed with a strange structure. Ant has come back to fitness and is training well but also I am looking at the future.”
That comment has particularly fuelled speculation that Gordon could once again be on the move. The winger is believed to be valued at up to £75million – £35m more than Newcastle originally paid to bring him from Everton in 2023 – and could enhance an Arsenal attack that has occasionally lacked cutting edge this season.
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Lewis-Skelly addresses future
Amid the pressure surrounding Arsenal’s title challenge, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s contractual situation has become an increasingly prominent subplot in recent weeks. The 19-year-old penned fresh terms only last year, yet concerns have emerged that he might be considering his options after managing just four Premier League starts this campaign.
Three of those appearances have come since the start of April, including full 90-minute outings in midfield during recent victories over Fulham and West Ham. He also impressed in a central role during the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, accumulating more minutes in European competition this season than in the league.
Lewis-Skelly underlined his commitment to the collective cause with his remarks following the West Ham result: “I am focused on the games that we have got coming up and bringing this club back to glory.”
When pressed on the mood within the dressing room following the dramatic turnaround against West Ham, he continued: “Just joy, excitement, fulfilment – everything you can describe. We are buzzing, but we know that the job is not done. We have got two more finals left now. The next one is Burnley – and then we go on from there.”
Such words aptly reflect the youngster’s dedication and modesty, consistently placing the club’s ambitions ahead of his own. With four years still remaining on his existing contract, there is little pressure on Lewis-Skelly to force the issue.
Having rediscovered his confidence through his manager’s decision to deploy him in midfield, the pair appear to have rebuilt a strong working relationship. For now at least, any speculation surrounding a potential Lewis-Skelly departure come the summer appears to have been firmly put to rest.
