#arsenal

#arsenal

And my feeling is that this is a deal that Arsenal would be prepared to advance and explore quite seriously if Tonali opens the door and says, 'I want to leave Newcastle and I'm prepared to stay in England.' This suggests Arsenal's interest hinges on Tonali's explicit commitment to the move and remaining in the Premier League.

A nonplussed Pep Guardiola dismissed a question from a reporter that related to Mikel Arteta chasing his first Premier League title as a manager, insisting that he had not attended his pre-match press conference to offer advice to the Arsenal boss.

The Gunners finished top of the table in the league phase, winning all eight fixtures, scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest of all 32 teams. A top two finish was then made official after a 3-1 victory in the San Siro, meaning Arsenal are now assured of hosting the second legs in all of their knockout matches.

Arsenal have relied heavily on White's versatility since his arrival from Brighton. Originally signed as a centre-back, he has adapted impressively to the right-back role, offering defensive solidity in Arteta's hybrid system. However, Arsenal's ambition to compete consistently for Premier League and Champions League honours requires constant renewal. White's form has fluctuated at times this season, and the club are believed to be assessing whether further competition, or eventual succession planning, is necessary.

Arsenal forward Olivia Smith was taken off on a stretcher during the Gunners' 3-0 victory over Bristol City in the Women's FA Cup. Smith, 21, was involved in a clash of heads early in the second half, which led to lengthy pause in play and 14 minutes of second-half stoppage time. She was carried off the pitch, having been fitted with a neck brace, to a standing ovation inside the Mangata Developments Stadium.

Image source, Getty Images Holders Chelsea edged past Manchester United into the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to an extra-time tap-in from defender Naomi Girma. The United States international prodded home from close range in the 99th minute to open her goal account for the Blues after the visitors had failed to clear their lines from a corner. It was a disappointing end to the tie for Marc Skinner's side, who had battled from behind to take the contest into extra-time.

Arsenal's progress under Mikel Arteta has been as much about structure as it has style. While the Gunners of old under Arsene Wenger cultivated a reputation as English football's most silky side, Arteta's Arsenal is more robust and more physical with particular importance placed on the Emirates engine room. Gilberto Silva played that role during the Gunners last title win and believes that Arteta was able to add the final piece to a title-winning jigsaw in the summer.