ARSENAL are reportedly battling Aston Villa for the signature of Lens star Lois Openda.
Openda has bagged 17 goals in Ligue 1 this season and would be the perfect competition for Gabriel Jesus up top.
Meanwhile, Arsenal may have to let go of Reiss Nelson, who AC Milan are said to be in the market for.
But the club are monitoring the transfer situation of Ivan Fresneda, who is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates.
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- Tony Robertson
gunned down
Arsenal stars were on the end of brutal ratings from the typically harsh French outlet L'Equipe, following their 4-1 loss to Man City.
The North Londoners averaged just 3.7 out of 10.
Gabriel Magalhaes received the lowest grade as he got a 2 after a "nightmare" performance in defence.
Four other stars including Thomas Partey, Rob Holding and Gabriel Martinelli were given ratings of 3.
Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsdale were the only two to earn ratings of five or more, while Mikel Arteta was also handed a rating of 3.
- Gary Stonehouse
MORNING GOONERS
Mikel Arteta insists Wednesday's crushing 4-1 loss at Manchester City is already history.
And as the Gunners take a break until Tuesday's home clash with Chelsea, they are being linked with Belgium striker Lois Openda.
Arsenal's midweek mauling mainly showed up the need for defensive reinforcements as they fell- just two points ahead of City, who have two games in hand.
But it's Lens star Openda who has attracted most transfer speculation over the past 24 hours.
Arteta is thought to want direct striking back-up for Gabriel Jesus.
And Openda, 23, is flying in Ligue 1 with 17 goals from 32 matches.
Meanwhile, it's claimed the Gunners want midfielder Albert Sambi Lokongo to pick up more loan experience, despite struggling for starts at Crystal Palace.
Finally, ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes Arteta needs to recruit a whole new backbone – a central defender, midfielder and frontman.
Much of that is for squad strength, following centre-back William Saliba's costly injury.
But Smith feels prime target Declan Rice could be a direct replacement for "in and out" Thomas Partey in mid-pitch.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners eye longer Lokonga loan
Arsenal are keen on loanee Albert Sambi Lokongo getting more game time at Crystal Palace.
The Belgian went out on loan to Selhurst Park in January but has struggled for regular starts.
But Fabrizio Romano reports that the Gunners “trust his skills and potential” but want him to get more game time in.
The well-connect journalist adds they will discuss another loan move with him next season.
- Ian Tuckey
'Gunners need 3 players for a new backbone'
Ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith says the Gunners need a new backbone – a centre-back, midfielder and striker in the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta's Prem leaders are now just two points clear of Manchester City, who have two games in hand, following their 4-1 Etihad outclassing of Arsenal last night.
West Ham skipper Declan Rice is expected to be Arteta's priority target.
And Smith told Sky Sports: "I think you’re probably looking through the heart of the team, through the centre.
"We’ve obviously seen how they’ve suffered without Wiliam Saliba and the drop-off was quite drastic really, no manager would want to see that so they miss the Frenchman.
"Thomas Partey has been a bit in and out this season, when Xhaka didn’t play they missed him certainly.
"There’s been a lot of attention on Arsenal’s central midfield, possibly Declan Rice coming. That’s going to be a saga in the summer. Where’s the West Ham midfielder going to end up, it looks like he’s going to leave the Hammers.
‘Possibly another forward to compete with Jesus, they’ve got Eddie Nketiah but I think the centre-half and the central midfielder that will start games.
"[Jakub] Kiwior, the defender who came in in January, could develop into a very good player so that might be a bit premature because they bought one in Kiwior but Mikel Arteta didn’t feel he was ready yet and Rob Holding got the shout."
- Ian Tuckey
Forget the City loss – Mikel
Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal stars to quickly get over the disappointment of the Man City loss.
The Gunners boss said: “We have to accept that the better team won. They were much better than us, they were more efficient, especially in the first half. They competed for every ball, with a different intensity, purpose and determination.
“We lost too many of those duels and we ended up defending when we were in really good positions, defending in open places against those players which is the last thing that you want to do.
“We have to move on. We will be very silly if this affects us in the next few weeks, so this is a difficult one we have to accept the reality and then we have to move on.”
- Ian Tuckey
KDB reveals City master-stroke vs Gunners
Kevin de Bruyne revealed how Manchester City tactically outmanoeuvred Arsenal in last night's 4-1 Prem win.
Two-goal KDB explained he had been instructed to run off Erling Haaland from deeper positions, targeting the space in behind Arsenal midfielders Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey depending on which of them was pressing.
Speaking to Peacock, he said: "The way that Arsenal press the opposition is top, it's class.
"It's almost impossible to play from the back, especially when its a goal kick – it's like a set piece, and we know we had to play longer today and we tried a couple of things in training.
"I tried to get a little bit deeper and then tried to run off Erling when he kept the ball, and I think we found that a couple of times.
"I think in the first half we created some chances this way, and it was important to set the tone.
"Normally we play with two number eights and I think he [Guardiola] wanted a little bit more control because of the way they press.
"So Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan] would be a double six and I had to choose more the moments, depending on who presses out of Xhaka and Partey – if Partey was pressing I would try to go on his back and the other way round, and it was difficult for [Rob] Holding and Gabriel.
"[They had to decide] do they have to go with me or are they staying with Erling. I couldn't find the moments in the first half, and obviously they switched a little bit in the second half, but I was a little more free today."
- Ian Tuckey
Supercomputer tips Gunners to miss top-4 next season
A supercomputer has tipped Arsenal to finish FIFTH next season and pile more misery on Gunners fans.
Mikel Arteta’s side remain top of the table but are now underdogs in the Premier League title fight after being beaten by Man City.
But a number-crunching supercomputer at Neue Casinos Online has predicted the Gunners to drop out of the top four next season.
It predicted City to win the 2023/24 crown with Newcastle second, Liverpool third and Man United making up the top four.
Chelsea and Spurs will follow Arsenal in 5th, according to the boffins who put together the data.
- Kiro Evans
Door Open
Arsenal have joined the hunt for Lens star Lois Openda, according to reports.
The Gunners are on the search for a new striker to provide competition for Gabriel Jesus.
And Openda fits the bill after scoring 17 goals in 32 Ligue Un games this season.
Arsenal are interested in signing the forward and could make a move this summer, according to Fichajes.
- Kiro Evans
Tough Night
Rob Holding was not the first defender to be given the run around by Erling Haaland, and he won't be the last.
But the former Bolton centre-back did struggle to contain Man City's wave of attacking talent.
He has been deputising for the injured William Saliba.
Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
- Kiro Evans
Coming Up
Arsenal might have to win all of their remaining games if they are to stand any chance of winning the title after last night's defeat.
Here's how their remaining games look:
May 2: Chelsea (H)
May 7: Newcastle (A)
May 14: Brighton (H)
May 20: Nottingham Forest (A)
May 28: Wolves (H) - Kiro Evans
'Have to move on'
Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal stars to quickly get over the disappointment of the Man City loss.
The Gunners boss said: "We have to accept that the better team won. They were much better than us, they were more efficient, especially in the first half. They competed for every ball, with a different intensity, purpose and determination.
“We lost too many of those duels and we ended up defending when we were in really good positions, defending in open places against those players which is the last thing that you want to do.
“We have to move on. We will be very silly if this affects us in the next few weeks, so this is a difficult one we have to accept the reality and then we have to move on.”
- Kiro Evans
It's Not Sal Good
In an alternative universe where William Saliba does not limp off injured against Sporting Lisbon, how does the Premier League table look?
Things have gone south for Arsenal around the time their brilliant young defender became injured.
Their creaky defence conceded three against Southampton and gave away two-goal leads against Liverpool and West Ham.
And then there was last night with the Gunners failing to fend off the terrifying duo of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
Credit: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images - Kiro Evans
Lokonga Latest
Arsenal are keen on loanee Albert Sambi Lokongo getting more game time at Crystal Palace.
The Belgian went out on loan to Selhurst Park in January but has struggled for regular stars.
But Fabrizio Romano reports that the Gunners "trust his skills and potential" but want him to get more game time in.
The well-connect journalist adds they will discuss another loan move with him next season.
- Kiro Evans
Ode to Joy
There were few positives for Arsenal last night but one did come in the form of their captain.
Martin Odegaard, 24, made his 100th for the London club last night having signed in 2021.
He has quickly proven to be a leader and brilliant creative midfielder.
The star was still in his teenage years when Real Madrid bought him to much fanfare in 2015 and he is most certainly living up to his potential.
Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images - Kiro Evans
All Goon Wrong
A supercomputer has tipped Arsenal to finish FIFTH next season and pile more misery on Gunners fans.
Mikel Arteta's side remain top of the table but are now underdogs in the Premier League title fight after being beaten by Man City.
But a number-crunching supercomputer at Neue Casinos Online has predicted the Gunners to drop out of the top four next season.
It predicted City to win the 2023/24 crown with Newcastle second, Liverpool third and Man United making up the top four.
Chelsea and Spurs will follow Arsenal in 5th, according to the boffins who put together the data.
- Kiro Evans
White v Foden
England players Ben White and Phil Foden had a dramatic confrontation at the end of last night's game at the Etihad.
As the referee blew his whistle to signal Man City's 4-1 win over Arsenal was complete, players began shaking hands and heading to the dressing room.
But it got heated in one exchange as White caught up with Foden.
The pair got into an angry exchange within seconds before the Man City man aggressively shoved the defender.
Bernando Silva, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva intervened before several players from both teams were involved in a melee.
- Kiro Evans
Kud Do
Mohammed Kudus could move to the Premier League this summer with Man United and Arsenal both linked to the star.
The Ajax winger has made a name for himself in Holland and impressed at the World Cup.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports "things could happen" this summer but insists there is "nothing concrete" happening at this stage.
- Kiro Evans
'It was a shock'
Mikel Arteta has given his reaction to Arsenal's pummelling at the Emirates last night.
He said: “The way we started, we didn’t do the basics right, we didn’t compete in the right way.
“We weren’t at our level. It’s a concern. We never generated any momentum.
“We’re not going to throw it away because we lost one game. We have to lift all our players. It was a shock.”
- Kiro Evans
Wretched Record
It is now 12 Premier League defeats on the bounce for Arsenal against Manchester City.
It's a run that stretches back to 2017 when they drew 2-2 at the Emirates.
The Gunners' last league win against City was all the way back in 2015, but they have recorded a couple of FA Cup triumphs in that time between 2017 and 2020.
- Kiro Evans
Favours Needed
The destiny of the Premier League title is no longer in Arsenal's hands after last night's crushing defeat at Man City.
Mikel Arteta insisted the race is not over but Arsenal will need favours from other teams in order to stand a chance of getting back into it.
Up next for Pep Guardiola's side is a trip to Fulham, which could be tricky given how well the Cottagers have performed this season.
They also have a trip to Everton sandwiched in between their Champions League semi-final legs against Real Madrid.
And they have to go to Brighton in the final week of the season after hosting Chelsea. Is there still hope?
- Kiro Evans
Rated and Slated
Arsenal were overpowered by Manchester City to leave their title hopes looking dangerously precarious.
Pep Guardiola's side are now just two points behind Arsenal with two games in hands as the Gunners count the cost of four defeats in a row.
One too many stars shrunk on the big stage last night while some showed flashes of brilliance.
Read SunSport's Arsenal player ratings here as we sort the wheat from the chaff at the Etihad.
- Anthony Chapman
Morning, Arsenal fans
Gutted Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal's title dream is still alive.
Manchester City's deserved 4-1 Etihad win leaves them two points behind Arteta's Prem leaders with two games in hand.
But although the Spaniard accepted City were better and tough to live with, he claims one defeat won't end the race.
Arteta said: "The way we started, we didn’t do the basics right, we didn’t compete in the right way.
“We weren’t at our level. It’s a concern. We never generated any momentum.
"We’re not going to throw it away because we lost one game. We have to lift all our players. It was a shock.”
Off the pitch, AC Milan are being linked with a free transfer move for Reiss Nelson this summer.
The winger was again used only as a sub last night.
Finally, rumoured target Ivan Fresneda has admitted he's a fan of the Gunners' manager.
The Real Valladolid full-back told The Athletic: “I like Arteta a lot because I think he’s a great coach.
"I follow the European leagues and I think the work he’s doing with his club is fantastic."
- Ian Tuckey
'We won't throw it away because of one game'
Mikel Arteta admitted Manchester City were better and tough to live with – but insisted one defeat doesn't mean the title is over.
The Arsenal boss told BBC Sport of the 4-1 Etihad loss: “You have to accept the better team won the game. The way we started, we didn’t do the basics right, we didn’t compete in the right way.
“We have to look at ourselves in the mirror and be fair. When that team plays at that level it's extremely difficult to stay up.
“We weren’t at our level. It’s a concern. When you’re fighting for a championship [to do that].
"It’s not about fight. It’s about the competitiveness in this kind of game. We never generated any momentum in the game.
“We’ve been doing that for nine and a half months [challenging]. We’re not going to throw it away because we lost one game. We have to lift all our players. It was a shock.”
- Ian Tuckey
We had to be at our best – KDB
Two-goal hero Kevin de Bruyne reckons City could have won by more than 4-1 but claims they had to be at their best to beat Arsenal.
City are two points behind the Prem leaders but with two games in hand.
KDB told BT Sport: "We could have scored more.
The second half was 50-50 but we didn’t give much away.
They’re a class team and hard to play against. We had to be at our best today – and we were."
And De Bruyne still reckons the title race could be close.
He said: "It’s too long. It’s so hard. A lot of things can happen.
"There are still seven games left – and we’re still behind them [in the table]. People say we will win the title. We won’t give in until it’s mathematical. Our schedule is hectic."
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal sub ratings
Smith Rowe (on for Odegaard 71) – 6
Pepped up the Gunners but the game was gone by the time he came on.
Nelson (on for Saka 80) – 5
Wasn't given much time to make an impact.
Leandro Trossard (On for Martinelli 60) – 5
Was given a thankless task at 3-0 down to do anything to affect this game.
Jorginho (on for Xhaka 60) – 5
The Italy international be thanking his manager for being thrown into the middle of this.
Eddie Nketiah (on for Jesus 81)
The striker's late inclusion allowed Jesus to get a nice ovation as he came off.
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