Arsenal

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Former Arsenal and West Ham defender Matthew Upson says the Gunners progressing to the Carabao Cup final is another result of the "foundations" created by Mikel Arteta over his six years as manager.

It will be their first final under Arteta since he guided them to FA Cup victory in 2020 - and just their second in his time at the club.

"It's massive for Arsenal, there were big celebrations and the dressing room would have been absolutely buzzing," Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"I think there was also an element of relief because it never felt like they could relax at any point of the game, there was jeopardy all the way through.

"Even though Arsenal had the upper hand, you always felt like something was about to happen.

"Arteta was his usual energetic, on the edge self, but it's cup football so it has a different feel to it.

"You could sense that and his reaction when the goal went in - he just turned to his bench and they were all up and on the pitch running over and the celebrations began.

"This has been a few years in the making. There's been a steady build up to this place for Arsenal and there has been some difficult times.

"I think the supporters are just as keen and eager as the players and manager to win a serious trophy. They want a Premier League, but this is a big part of achieving that goal.

"It is important that they win a semi-final. It is important that they win a trophy again because they're not winning enough, given they have been amongst it for quite a while.

"That is what this season is all about. If you go all the way and do it. What that will do for the Premier League boost, then it is massive. The momentum and the feel of the stadium at the end is great for Arsenal.

"Arteta has been there a while now, building foundations, the ethos of the team and the togetherness they have. That's a strong part of what he's built.

"Adapting is big and maybe you only learn that through failure and getting things wrong.

"Arteta is a young coach who is always developing and learning and this is his first time pushing at the top level for all these trophies."

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Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka, 30, who is out of contract at Bayern Munich in the summer, could be on his way to Arsenal on a free transfer. (Bayern Insider), external

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Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

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The noise from the home supporters as Kai Havertz's late strike rolled into the net signalled the significance of this victory for Arsenal.

The Gunners have not won a major trophy since they lifted the FA Cup in Mikel Arteta's first season in 2020 and, after three successive second-placed finishes in the Premier League, reaching a final feels like an important step in the grand plan to secure silverware.

Arteta was part of Pep Guardiola's backroom staff when Manchester City won their first trophy and saw the impact it had has they started a period of dominance.

Arsenal have built a squad packed with quality and are having an excellent season. They are top of the Premier League, are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup, have a clean sweep of eight victories in the Champions League so far - and now a place in the Carabao Cup final.

Arteta has high demands on his side and now any dreams of winning silverware feel well within reach.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to ITV1: "Did I enjoy it? Very much - especially at the end. We knew it was going to be a real battle out there. That resilience, that clarity to understand what kind of game we had to play... we did that so well.

"There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes such a difference. We've been waiting a few years to get into this position and we're certainly going to enjoy it [the final]."

And speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was a big night and it ended in a perfect way. We knew it was going to be a really tough one - the conditions made it a real battle. We competed so well and we understood what he had to do. It was a game of very, very fine margins."

Arsenal's Declan Rice, speaking to ITV1: "Credit to Chelsea to be fair. Since their new manager has come in they've been really, really good.

"They changed the formation and gave us problems. On another night they could have scored - but credit where it is due, our defence was incredible.

"We have a group who really want it. Whatever team comes at us, we're ready for it. When you play a team like Chelsea they throw so many things at you physically and mentally.

"You've got to have that resilience to stay strong and keep going.

"We deserve it. The past three or four years we've been at the top of the Premier League competing and got really close but haven't been good enough.

"That's why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. There's a long way to go but to be in a cup final with this club is amazing."

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "The atmosphere at the end just makes me smile. On to Wembley! First of all, I didn't know if he [Kai Havertz] was going to pass. He went around the keeper and he did amazing.

"For Kai being out for so long and coming back, the love he gets from the fans says a lot. You could feel it coming - he goes around the goalkeeper, and you know everyone is going to go crazy. Chelsea are a great team. They have some amazing players. They also have amazing players coming off the bench. When you win over two legs twice, I think you have done an amazing job, so credit to the team. The desire is there - we are very hungry. We are in an amazing position."

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Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Arsenal make three changes from the 4-0 win over Leeds on Saturday as they look to protect their 3-2 lead in the second leg at Emirates Stadium.

Injury doubt Bukayo Saka is not involved, neither is captain Martin Odegaard.

Kepa Arrizabalaga retains his place as the cup goalkeeper in place of David Raya.

Arsenal XI: Arrizabalaga, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.

Subs: Raya, Mosquera, White, Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Havertz, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly.

Chelsea make four changes from the 3-2 comeback win over West Ham on Saturday.

Liam Rosenior plays a back five for the first time as Chelsea manager in a team with wing-backs instead of wingers.

Estevao Willian makes the bench having been in Brazil on compassionate leave over the weekend.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Enzo, Delap, Joao Pedro.

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Badiashile, Holland, Palmer, Estevao, Garnacho, Guiu, Mheuka.

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

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It was never going to be a big-spending January window for Arsenal, given the activity in the summer window that saw the arrival of no fewer than eight players. The Gunners' only January signings of Evan Mooney and Jaden Dixon for the academy are both moves for the future.

I do not think many Arsenal fans would be surprised by the lack of signings. The team currently sits top of the Premier League, qualified first in the league stage of the Champions League and remain in contention for both domestic cups. This time last year, fans were crying out for a January striker who never arrived.

This year, I am confident in the squad we have to get the job done. Sometimes, no business is good business.

The injury to Mikel Merino, who is set for a long spell on the sidelines with a broken foot, is certainly a worry. However, sporting director Andrea Berta has proven his worth as a canny operator. If there was no suitable cover available for Merino, I trust his judgement.

There is a small irony in the fact that last year's lack of business and the injury sustained by Kai Havertz led to Merino's breakthrough into the team. This time, there is no such desperate need.

As a fan, you might dream of a flashy deadline-day signing, but that was never going to be the case for Arsenal this time around. The reality of the current squad is better than a dream and their stability might be exactly what is needed to secure the title.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

The Monday Night Club's Rory Smith and Chris Sutton discuss why Arsenal look destined for Premier League glory after their "completely flawless" 4-0 win over Leeds United.

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali is "very happy" at the club after the midfielder was linked with a move to Arsenal.

A report emerged on deadline day suggesting the Gunners were exploring a move for Tonali, but Newcastle said the midfielder was not for sale and that there had been no contact.

Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, denied speaking to Arsenal but, in an interview with Sky Italia, he was asked about the club's valuation and said "that's something we will do in March or April if Newcastle are open to it".

Howe spoke to Tonali on Monday and said the Italian was "absolutely focused on the here and now and playing for us", adding: "His only focus was on Manchester City and trying to win that game so there's absolutely no issue with Sandro himself.

"He's very happy and committed so I find it difficult to talk about things I don't know too much about.

"I can only talk about Sandro as the person and player, and his mindset here and now. Having discussed things with him yesterday, he's absolutely fine."

Tonali made it clear he was "happy" at Newcastle, in November, but said it was "difficult" to think long-term.

The Italian initially signed a five-year deal when he joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023.

Tonali was keen to repay the faith Newcastle showed in him during his ban for breaching betting rules - when he was unable to play for 10 months - and went on to sign a one-year extension.

Newcastle also have an option to trigger an additional 12-month extension to 2030.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Against Leeds, Arsenal showed the perfect mix of laptop-led, number-crunching football with old-school artistry on top. The usual set-piece success was there but also human skills, best shown by Noni Madueke.

With Eberechi Eze and the now-returned Kai Havertz to call on, they have the best of both styles in abundance, even on the bench.

Apart from Manchester City slipping again at Tottenham and Aston Villa blowing it against 10-man Brentford, this is the biggest reason they are still favourites - not just for the Premier League title, but the Champions League too.

Until now, I have thought they will win one of the trophies, but the odds of them grabbing both are shortening. Just don't mention it in front of Mikel Arteta who wants to take pressure off his players.

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Arsenal have done the following business on deadline day:

• Arsenal have signed 18-year-old St Mirren forward Evan Mooney for what the Scottish club call a "substantial fee with potential for significant future add-ons and a sizeable sell-on clause".

• Forward Osman Kamara, 19, has left the Gunners for Blackburn Rovers.

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Watch Total Sport's transfer deadline day special for London, discussing the business done by Arsenal, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham, plus the capital's EFL sides.

The show, which runs from 18:00-20:00 GMT, will offer the latest updates and analysis on the done and rumoured deals.

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Alex Howell
Football reporter

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The news that Mikel Merino needs to undergo surgery on a foot injury is a blow to Arsenal fans and manager Mikel Arteta.

Merino has emerged as an important player for the Gunners and in his pre-match news conference before Arsenal's second leg semi-final tie against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, Arteta has said that the club are looking at potential replacements.

"We are actively looking at options," Arteta said. "We will continue to do that. If I find a solution, we will do it, and if we don't, we will continue.

"Of course, when you lose a big player like this in the squad, you need to look and we need to do everything we possibly can to see if there's a player which is available."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium (20:00 GMT).

The Gunners lead 3-2 from the first leg.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta confirmed he has no fresh injury concerns but the club "have to wait" to determine the severity of Bukayo Saka's injury after he limped out of the warm-up before Saturday's win over Leeds with a groin problem.

• On Saka, he added: "Today he was better, but we have to see how he responds and make a decision. It doesn't look like something too serious, whether he's available for tomorrow or the weekend we will see."

• Arteta also confirmed Mikel Merino has suffered a foot fracture: "He needs to go through a procedure which is never positive. He is a big player for us. It's a big blow. Let's see, it's a very rare injury. We will have to keep monitoring it."

• He said the club are trying to explore the market after news of that injury: "When you lose a big player in the squad when you're in four competitions you need to do everything you can to see if someone is available. We are actively looking at options. We will continue to do that. If I find a solution, we will do it, and if we don't, we will continue."

• Arteta is anticipating an eventful rest of the day: "We had the departure of Ethan [Nwaneri] to Marseille for the right reasons, and then the news of Mikel was very surprising. My day will be a bit busier than usual."

• On the challenge posed by Chelsea: "We go day by day and competition by competition. Tomorrow we have the home advantage, but we have a lot to do to beat a really good Chelsea side. Every team has their own things. I think Liam is doing an incredible job. The tie has a context, a very specific one. We need to make it very concrete to win it. The next one is the most important one, and it's the closest, to reach a final. With our people we need to create the energy and the atmosphere."

• On Viktor Gyokeres finding the net in recent weeks: "His all round play and performances - he has been much more consistent in actions - his movement, understanding his runs, his presence inside the box. He has been more prolific."

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Mikel Arteta has the experience to win Arsenal the Premier League title this season, says Wayne Rooney.

The former Manchester United star said on The Wayne Rooney Show that Arteta seems different to previous title races.

"It's been a good couple of weeks for Arsenal," Rooney said.

"I thought the point against Nottingham Forest was really good for Arsenal and then Man City and Aston Villa dropped points and then for them both to drop points again this week, I'm finding it difficult to see anyone but Arsenal winning the title from this stage.

"The squad and the belief they seem to have - I thought Mikel Arteta, how he communicated this week in the media and the messages he was putting out there and to his players, I thought was absolutely brilliant.

"I think that's the big difference from maybe how he was two or three years ago, he's got that experience and seems calmer."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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Arsenal responded to the negative outside noise with a thumping win at Leeds on Saturday to put them back in the driving seat in the title race.

Confidence didn't look to be an issue at Elland Road, despite going into the game on a three-match winless run, and they lost Bukayo Saka to injury in the warm-up.

Up stepped Noni Madueke, who former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker was impressed by.

"Arsenal definitely have the strongest squad in the Premier League and they are going to need that squad effort because they are competing on four fronts," said Reo-Coker on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Credit to Mikel Arteta because he has kept every player focused, whether they play or don't play, and has created the environment he has always wanted there.

"They are very much united and together, and ready to compete. You have to rely on your squad and every player has to play their part.

"The players are seeing and listening to things about them not being mentally strong enough, so they have to stay focused for the task at hand. It's tunnel vision time.

"I don't think people want Arsenal to fail but because they have been in this position before and they haven't got over the line people look at that and remember what happened."

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal are working on a deal to sign teenage striker James Wilson from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on an initial loan deal.

The 18-year-old has already been capped by Scotland and has scored eight goals in 21 starts for the Edinburgh club.

Initial discussions are over a proposed loan deal for the remainder of the season, with a view to signing the forward on a permanent basis should he impress during his time in north London.

The teenager, who has scored twice in 10 appearances for Hearts this season, is expected to compete for a spot within Arsenal's U21s side and is not considered a first team signing.

"There was conversation with Arsenal yesterday, they called and spoke to Graeme [Jones, sporting director] but there's been nothing since," Derek McInnes told Sky Sports Scotland.

There have also been rumours of Arsenal's rivals Tottenham Hotspur entering the race for Wilson, but McInnes added: "I've heard Tottenham as well but Tottenham have had no discussions with us directly."

"He's been restricted with minutes this season. It's tough to get into the first team at this age. Would we see the benefit of a loan? Yes, to get some minutes. But this one was a wee bit left-field."

Arsenal are considering a move for St Mirren forward Evan Mooney, 18, as they ponder a £400,000 plus add-ons bid. (Sun), external

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Arsenal did their transfer business this summer and brought in eight new players for about £250m - so not much is expected on deadline day.

The Gunners have let youngster Ethan Nwaneri join Marseille on loan this month to aid his development and give him game time, and a large part of that is down to the depth that they have in their squad.

The only thing that could lead Arsenal into the market, although it seems unlikely at this stage, is if they want to add another squad option now Mikel Merino is due to have surgery on a foot injury.

Merino is a trusted member of the squad and his physicality and ability to also play as a number nine is a useful tool for the Gunners.

That said, it would be have to be a great market opportunity, and although Mikel Arteta said the club are always ready in the market, it seems as though there is no plans for a new face to join a squad top of the Premier League by six points.

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We asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Roger: I can't see any reason to bring in any extra players now. This is a brilliant squad, with just about everyone fit and performing well. The end of the season will be the right time to reassess the situation, possibly with a top striker being the main priority.

Nanpon: Just get Julian Alvarez in. What difference will it make anyway if you are prepared to get him in the summer? Why wait when he can guarantee us trophies?

Curtis: Nothing needs to happen in this window. We have the squad, we just need to have faith and start having fun again - both on the pitch and in the stands.

Jack: We need to strengthen the squad as we have been hit with injuries a lot this season. We need a good midfielder and a defender or two. We won't win the league without strengthening the squad. Please, Mikel Arteta, just make a signing.

Mike: I don't think we need to add anyone. Let's keep the current ones as fit as possible.

Ali: Nothing. We already have the best squad in the league. We can look for a world-class striker in the summer.

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