#arsenal

#arsenal

Arsenal are world champions. It's a weird thing to say about the team fourth in the WSL, albeit with a game in hand, and who failed to qualify automatically for the Champions League quarter-finals and face a two-leg knockout phase playoff. However, the 3-2 defeat of the Copa Libertadores champions, Corinthians, by the Uefa Champions League holders secured their global title.

Wilson's versatility is a major factor behind Arsenal's interest. Comfortable operating both as a central striker and on the right wing, he offers tactical flexibility Mikel Arteta wants. The Gunners value forwards who can interchange positions, press intelligently, and contribute in multiple phases of play, qualities Wilson has already shown flashes of despite limited senior exposure. This season, the teenager has scored two goals in ten appearances for Hearts.

Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, picked up an injury in the warmups and has been replaced in the starting XI by Noni Madueke. Saka appeared to be holding his groin as he limped off the pitch prior to kickoff. Arsenal are aiming to build on their four-point lead at the top of the table on Saturday and Arteta has reinstated Viktor Gyökeres to his starting striker role, in place of Gabriel Jesus.

The defender recently made his first-team debut with Real Madrid, and he's highly rated across Europe. He has a bright future, and Valdepenas could prove to be an excellent long-term investment for Arsenal. The player is versatile enough to play as a central defender or a full-back. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can get the deal done. Several clubs are interested in the defender.

I sometimes joke that I'm not sure I actually like football, just Arsenal. Hate-watching rivals aside, if a game doesn't concern the Gunners it probably doesn't concern me, such is my one-club tunnel vision. Even then, there are occasions where my love of Arsenal appears debatable. As a friend recently put it to me: I've watched Arsenal games with you. I'm not sure you like Arsenal and yet you're possibly the most fervent Gooner I know. Ah, the torturous dance between joy and torment.

The Gunners have enjoyed a quiet January window, largely thanks to a frenetic summer in which they welcomed eight new signings to the. club, including Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. But while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to the summer when it comes to incomings, there may yet be an outgoing or two before the winter transfer window closes.

Arsenal are hoping for positive news on the fitness of key defender William Saliba. The colossal France international didn't play at all in midweek against Kairat Almaty and with a huge clash against Leeds United to come this weekend, Mikel Arteta will hope to have him available. FourFourTwo brings you the latest on Saliba and what we know so far regarding his latest injury setback.

The Gunners sit four points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the summit despite a recent blip that has seen them claim just two points from their last three league games. Mikel Arteta's side has attracted criticism for an over-reliance on set-pieces with a league high of 15 goals via that route. They have scored 42 in total - second only to City - but rank 17th for their percentage of goals from open play.