Bayern Munich are not looking at Atletico Madrid's Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, boosting Arsenal's hopes of signing the 26-year-old. (Christian Falk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Premier League striker Clinton Morrison on Arsenal's title race: "It doesn't matter about style. Those Arsenal players and Mikel Arteta, come the end of the season when people say you didn't play attractive, they'll think 'I don't care, I have a trophy and medal'.
"I think the Sunderland game showed they are getting back to their best. Sunderland caused them a few problems but once Martin Zubimendi scored Arsenal were in cruise control.
"There's a long way to go.
"Do you know what the deciding factor will be in this race? I'll put it out there - the Carabao Cup. Whoever wins that, it's advantage for them.
"If City win it, they are full of confidence. If Arsenal win it - they are thinking they don't get over the line and haven't won a trophy - if they win it, you make them favourites.
"That is a huge game that one."
Will Perry
Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal are a step closer to the big prize! Fans would be more than happy with just the Premier League trophy in the cabinet at the Emirates, but somewhere in the back of their minds there is the thought of competing for an unprecedented quadruple.
They are the best team in England this season by a distance but a six-point lead is certainly not enough breathing room to calm anyone of a red persuasion. Arsenal would really like a much bigger gap before that trip to Manchester City in April.
Their strength in squad depth really could prove the difference in these final few months.
With six goals in eight games, Viktor Gyokeres has finally found some form, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have returned from injuries with a bang and the goals keep coming.
When the full-time whistle blew against Sunderland, it was the biggest lead Arsenal have had at the end of a day since 2004, and we all know what happened that season.
Is the 22-year wait finally going to come to an end?
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney speaking on his BBC podcast on the ramifications for Arsenal after Manchester City's comeback win at Liverpool: "The effect it can have is huge. I remember when we were in title races when we played earlier and won. [Arsenal] see the gap at nine points come back to six. And the way it happened as well because when Liverpool go a goal up, they think, 'if this stays at nine points then what a boost that is for us'.
"But then Manchester City come back. You waste energy watching it - 100%.
"I'm sure Mikel Arteta will be telling his players to focus on their job and what they have to do, because you can get caught up in it and look at other people's results. I don't think that's a good thing.
"Arsenal will be looking at the fixtures coming up and trying to work out how many points they feel they'll win or City will win. In the end, all that matters is if you win your games. That's it.
"Arsenal have backed him massively and given him a fantastic squad. If they don't win it this year, then there'll be pressure on Arteta - definitely."
Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Sunderland.
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Andrew: No nerves. Easy win. Three open-play goals. Lovely football. What will the next media narrative be? Haircuts unbefitting of champions? Havertz too strong a Scrabble word?
Richard: At the time it was needed the team and manager have answered their critics. Now is not the time to get carried away - take every game as it comes, block out the noise. Arsenal will have some more difficult days before this season is over. They are very unlikely to go from nothing since 2020 to a quadruple, but they compete on all fronts and that's something to enjoy. The team is playing how they have to, against opponents who play to avoid a battering. Lazy commentary about it being boring to watch is something to ignore. Arsenal are proving they can break down any team tactically. It's a masterclass in adaptation. Just be patient and enjoy it.
Tokunboh: Dominant victory! The first goal is the most important but Kai Havertz's spontaneity - like his first-time pass to Gabriel Jesus for the offside chance - can make a difference for Viktor Gyokeres. With 11 matches to go, being six points ahead and with just two of the current top 6 still to play, the omens look good for us.
Phill: Mikel Arteta's message has clearly reached the players and the fans. It is an enjoyable run we have started. It also shows the plan Mikel has had in mind since the summer, with his consistent talk of starters and finishers. Long may it continue.
Sunderland fans
Ginny: A positive performance despite the result. Sunderland matched Arsenal physically and were on the wrong end of numerous contentious decisions. Individual errors led to the first two goals, the second of which was very much against the run of play, and Sunderland were chasing the game at the time of the final goal. Arsenal were clinical - if Sunderland had a goal merchant like Gyokeres they may have given the Gunners a scare. Overall, lots of positive aspects to take into the next match.
Dave: We played like we could afford to lose but not lose heavily. A sensible if not exciting display where we needed to be clinical and have luck on our side to make it work. Nothing lost long-term - on to the next and concentrate on what's there to be won.
Malcolm: Harsh scoreline but defenders losing possession in our third cost us dearly. No-one stepping up into Granit Xhaka's shoes. Subs came on too late and the ref gave Brian Brobbey nowt.
David: The scoreline was a bit harsh and not a fair reflection of the game overall. If Regis le Bris can figure out how to get more bodies in and around man-mountain Brobbey it would help, but it is difficult to be too critical of a newly promoted side playing away against the impressive Premier League champions elect. Let's learn, take the positives and bounce back against the current champions under the lights on Wednesday. Haway The Lads.
Alex Howell
Football reporter
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No team in the Premier League has won more points at home this season than the 32 by Arsenal, and nobody has conceded fewer goals than their eight, which is a big reason why the Gunners are in such a commanding position in the table.
Arsenal were without injured duo Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard but Mikel Arteta's side produced a disciplined performance against Sunderland to register a ninth home win from 12 games.
The reliable Zubimendi, who has played the most minutes of any of Arsenal's outfield players this season, opened the scoring with his fifth league goal.
And there are signs that forward Gyokeres is finding his feet after a difficult start.
Seven of his eight league goals this season have come against the newly-promoted sides, with these two against Sunderland adding to three against Leeds and one against Burnley.
Arsenal have found it hard to break down these type of teams in the past and with Gyokeres now scoring six goals in his past eight appearances in all competitions, the forward's form looks to be coming at the right time for the Gunners.
Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures and Friday's action.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "A really tough game against a really tough opponent. We scored a really beautiful goal with Zubi. They can really break your rhythm and they're really good in what they do. The subs became critical. It was wonderful to watch.
On what Arsenal were good at: "Technically, tactically, mentally. We played a semi-final here a few games ago."
On Viktor Gyokeres: "Very happy. He deserves it. He is a super committed player and he wants to get better. He saw the line-up up and I told him he'd come in and make an impact.
On Leandro Trossard: "He needs to play with that freedom, he is super smart. He understands the space and the timings.
"I'm very upset we didn't score from a set piece!
"It was a very good atmosphere in the stadium and that's what we need. The home form has been really good."
Did you know?
Arsenal will end the day 9+ points clear at the top of the Premier League for the first time since the final day of their 2003-04 title winning campaign (11).
Since the turn of the year, Gyokeres (6) has scored more goals across all competitions than any other Premier League player.
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Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Arsenal's performance
What did you make of Sunderland's display?
Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies
Alex Howell
Football reporter
There's no Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard in the Arsenal squad. Gabriel Jesus starts up top.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Madueke, Trossard, Jesus
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly, Hincapie, Mosquera, White, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Regis Le Bris makes just one change to his side that beat Burnley on Monday night.
Sunderland starting XI: Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Hume, Le Fee, Sadiki, Talbi, Diarra, Brobbey
Subs: Ellborg, O'Nien, Cirkin, Geertruida, Rigg, Angulo, Mayenda, Mundle, Isidor
There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30)
Arsenal v Sunderland - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Bournemouth v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Burnley v West Ham
Fulham v Everton
Wolves v Chelsea
Newcastle v Brentford (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra with second half on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Sunderland", for instance.
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against AI, BBC Sport readers and a variety of guests.
His guest for week 25 is Gladiators star Apollo, real name Alex Gray, who supports Newcastle.
Sutton says: I am not going to say 2-1 for this one. Instead it will be another Arsenal clean sheet - they have already kept 12 in their first 24 league games, two more than any other team.
It's a shame Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka is not fit to face his old club at the Emirates. When he played for the Black Cats against Arsenal in their draw at the Stadium of Light, they were the first team I saw who really rattled the Gunners.
Xhaka's experience has helped to glue together a Sunderland side with a lot of young players this season, but they coped all right without him against Burnley on Monday.
This is a much tougher game for them, obviously, and Sunderland's away form is nowhere near as strong as it is at home.
Arsenal swept Leeds aside 4-0 last weekend, when everyone thought they were having a bit of a blip.
They showed their strength in depth at Elland Road, when they lost Bukayo Saka in the warm-up, and I can see them winning comfortably this time too.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Apollo's prediction: 0-2
AI's prediction: 4-0
Having extended their lead at the top of the table to six points last week, Arsenal host Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday (15:00 GMT), knowing they boast an enviable record in this fixture.
The Gunners have never lost a Premier League home game against the Black Cats, winning 11 and drawing five of their 16 meetings. Their last top-flight defeat to Sunderland came in a 2-1 loss at Highbury in November 1983.
Despite their defeat against Manchester United a fortnight ago, no team has won more points at home this season than the 29 by Arsenal, and nobody has conceded fewer goals than their eight.
Manager Mikel Arteta is sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard, both of whom missed the 1-0 League Cup semi-final second-leg win over Chelsea on Tuesday.
Saka pulled up injured in the warm-up ahead of last week's 4-0 demolition of Leeds United, during which top scorer Viktor Gyokeres netted his first league goal from open play since 1 November.
With three against Leeds and one against Burnley, four of the Sweden striker's six league goals this season have come against promoted sides, a record that bodes well given Saturday's opposition.
Gyokeres, though, will be keen to add more goals to his game during the title run-in and avoid a reputation as a flat-track bully, especially with the fit-again Gabriel Jesus challenging him for a starting role.
Regis' boys bristling with confidence
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris was keen to talk down his side's chances of European football after their 3-0 dismantling of Burnley on Monday night.
The Black Cats occupy eighth place in the table and their current points tally of 36 would have ensured safety in each of the last 10 seasons.
Crucially, victory over the Clarets showed the Mackems could win without captain Granit Xhaka, who looks set to miss several weeks of action with an ankle injury. After Xhaka, perhaps Le Bris' most influential player this season has been Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
The ever-present Roefs has played every minute of Sunderland's return to English football's top tier, with the 23-year-old's commanding performances between the sticks reportedly attracting interest from elsewhere.
Monday's win coincided with Roefs' eighth clean sheet of the season. The last time a goalkeeper kept more for a promoted side was in 2020-21, when Leeds United's Illan Meslier got 11 and Fulham's Alphonse Areola recorded nine.
Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Sunderland at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Arteta said Bukayo Saka, who injured his hip during the warm-up against Leeds, "is much better" and hopes to have the winger back "very soon".
The Arsenal manager also confirmed Martin Odegaard will return in "a matter of days" while Jurrien Timber is available for the visit of Sunderland.
Arteta believes Mikel Merino "can still add value to the team" despite the Spain midfielder being out for months with a foot injury.
On Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior's comments that the Gunners showed "a lack of respect" during the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, Arteta said: "At any point, if one of the staff members [encroached Chelsea's area during wamr-up], we apologise. It's very common in football."
Arteta described Sunderland as a team with "very good individuals" and "very clear identity", adding: "It's going to be a really tough match but it's another opportunity to win and to be better in the position."
The Gunners boss said goalkeeper David Raya "has been immense" since he joined the club and that he "is going to a different level" this season.
Arteta also praised Kai Havertz, who scored in the Carabao Cup last-four tie against Chelsea, saying: "To be able to show the level that he has shown immediately after the injury is very impressive."
Asked whether this is the best group he has worked with at the club, he said: "It's an amazing group and they are doing an incredible job so far. We are all very excited and privileged to have each other. We are going to enjoy it until the end of the season."
Arteta also said he is "happy to see what Granit Xhaka is doing" at Sunderland though the former Gunners midfielder will not feature at the Emirates on Saturday because of an injury.
Listen to full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live at 15:00 GMT on Saturday
Follow all of Saturday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Scarlet Katz Roberts
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesI'm very glad I'm not an elite athlete. I dream about Pep Guardiola sometimes, and not in a good way. I missed a penalty for my college team in the cup quarter final. I'm superstitious. I dodge every single ladder or scaffolding in London. I make sure I speak to my dog before every game (he never replies), because if I don't then we might lose. Certain people I can't go for a drink with on match days anymore, because they're tainted by defeat, the list goes on.
But that's not the point. I'm not an elite athlete because of many more deficiencies than simply my fragile mind. But that's OK! Because I don't have to face the glare of tens of thousands of fans every week in stadiums, abuse, sharp intakes of breath when I fly too close to the sun against high presses, boos, phone torches etc. Not to mention online platforms which house some pretty unsavoury and negative football chat (naming no names). All those irrational things I do are because I am a fan, specifically of Arsenal Football Club, inching their way painfully, painstakingly towards their first league title in 22 years. I did all those things before our recent resurgence, because I care.
Arsenal as a club and a fanbase have been at the sharp end of criticism from some media outlets who tell us we want it too much, subs shouldn't be running onto the pitch after a League Cup semi final victory! Why is Arteta so animated on the sidelines? He must be a fraud. Why is Odegaard taking a photo of the team photographer? Etc etc.
To those who might describe Arsenal fans as "insufferable", I would say 1) Maybe you're right and 2) So what?
There's several kinds of police already in hot pursuit of the Gunners: Now the celebration police are joined by the decorum police, because Arsenal fans are annoying. To which I would say, whoever thought it was going to be pretty to watch a fanbase who have just missed out on the title three years in a row, after a period of ridicule that has stretched 20 odd years, is absolutely deluded. This is going to be a nightmare! I lose my mind every week. Though I bang the drum constantly about how fans can influence mood, something Mikel Arteta knows only too well, I'm not sure it's our responsibility to keep our heads. After all, we're not professional athletes! Perhaps it was ill-judged of Mikel to suggest we brought our boots and our shinpads, because we're not good at football, and we certainly aren't mentality monsters. But ultimately, that's what football fans are: fickle, reactionary, insecure.
Let us be!
You can hear more from Scarlet at the Goal Difference podcast, external
Newcastle United chief executive David Hopkinson says he has "no idea" if Sandro Tonali's agent offered the 25-year-old to Arsenal following rumours linking the Italy midfielder to the Gunners on transfer deadline day. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist
Mikel Arteta would not have liked the extra seconds played as his Arsenal team looked to see out their aggregate advantage over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. Until Kai Havertz scored, of course.
The Emirates Stadium was initially told there would be six minutes added time. It was only in the 97th minute, when Havertz sprung forward on the counter-attack to score the sole goal of the game, that their passage into the final was secured.
The scenes were naturally jubilant. Havertz, a former Chelsea player, pointed to the Arsenal badge in celebration. There was a pitch invasion from the Arsenal substitutes. Songs about Wembley were sung.
But in the cold light of day, Arteta will hope the moment can provide a springboard for his team and Havertz — and maybe even an answer to a transfer dilemma.
Can Havertz plug midfield gap after Merino injury?
On deadline day, Arteta surprised assembled journalists when talking about the team's need for a new midfielder following a potentially season-ending injury to Mikel Merino.
"We need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available," he said of potentially adding a new player on deadline day. "If we don't, OK, we keep what we have."
Merino is a valuable squad player. In midfield, he provides a thrusting presence and in recent years he has filled in as an emergency forward too. In one-and-a-half years at Arsenal, he has 15 goals.
With no midfielder signed on deadline day, the Gunners will need to go with what they've got. And what they've got, is Havertz.
While he has frequently played as a centre-forward at Arsenal, since his return to fitness from injury Havertz has been used in a more withdrawn role.
This season, the German has played 61% of his minutes as an attacking midfielder or a midfielder. With Viktor Gyökeres signed and Gabriel Jesus also recovered after a lengthy lay-off, Havertz is seemingly no longer required as often at the point of the attack.
What he should still be able to give Arteta, even from deeper positions, is goals. As his breakaway winner showcased on Tuesday night, Havertz has a composure in the final third and that's shone through since his return; he has two goals and an assist in his last three outings.
Since making his debut for Arsenal, only Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard have scored more in all competitions for the team than Havertz.
If he is going to be used in a more withdrawn role, creatively there will be more demands on him. Havertz only has 12 assists since joining the Gunners.
But if Arsenal need a physical, left-sided and versatile midfielder who can chip in with goals to replace Merino for the rest of the season, perhaps — for now at least — that man can be Havertz.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's semi-final League Cup game between Arsenal and Chelsea.
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Jerry: This is the mark of champions. With backs against the wall, find a way regardless. Arsenal made a good account of themselves matching Chelsea's funny tactics - how do you set up defensively while chasing a game?
Micky: It certainly was not pretty, but a calculated and methodical approach saw us handle the game superbly. We never looked under any serious pressure and that's testament to the players sticking to the process. Well done to Arteta and the boys for getting us to Wembley, now let's go and win what will hopefully be the first of many trophies!
Zyd: For all the negativity that surrounds the way Arsenal play, the reality is that what matters is the scoreline at the end of the 90 minutes. As much as we celebrate our wins because of our solid defence and laser-sharp focus, we need to bring the same focus to the end of the season. A League Cup trophy might give us a mentality boost; it is level heads that will bring us a quadruple.
Bruce: They used to say we 'bottled it'. Now we show grit, steel, concentration and organisation...and we're 'dull'. Bring on 'boring, boring Arsenal'
Rachel: An uncomfortable watch. Yes Arsenal won, but the intensity was lacking and I didn't feel we ever had total control. Can we win a cup final playing like this?
Chelsea fans
Stuart: Totally understand the requirement to frustrate and subdue Arsenal for an hour or so. The concern is that when we did go for it we looked toothless in attack.
Graham: It was always going to be a big ask playing against one of the best teams in Europe, but great to see (at long last) a change of formation that made us more solid and far more flexible. We always needed not to concede and take the game as far as possible and we managed to still be in the tie at 95 minutes. If rotation takes place v Wolves on Saturday, please not seven players but two or three max.
Marco: Well, that was both confusing and disappointing. I understand Rosenior trying something different in terms of formation, but I have no idea why Delap was on the right wing, for example. It felt like a tactic that should be employed when you are winning, not when you are chasing the tie. The lack of urgency and obsession with keeping the ball would make one feel that Chelsea were the team in the lead. This is not how you want to see your team get knocked out.
Nicholas: Arsenal certainly didn't deserve to win this game but maybe we didn't create enough chances to win it either. I really don't think they are that good a team. They only appear to be good because everyone else is so average and that applies to European football in general. It's just not of a high calibre at the moment.
Keith: Good effort from Chelsea. Unlucky to lose on the night really, although Arsenal deserved it over the two legs. Thought the referee was too quick to stop the play. Delap has to go though, just not up to it!
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Arsenal defender Lee Dixon speaking about a place in the Carabao Cup final on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: "It is a building process and we have seen steady progress until Mikel Arteta.
"Sometimes we have been left disappointed that they haven't fulfilled their potential but it takes time.
"You don't always get the results that you think you should get and you fall a bit short.
"As a player, I never got too excited [when in a final] because you have to win it but getting to that position in four competitions and potentially winning all four, that could be a stretch.
"You would like to think you would get two or three of those positions."
