Mikel Arteta lays out Arsenal plan to avoid Leicester-style Champions League heartache

Arsenal remain confident Mikel Arteta will stay the club amid reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain.The Spaniard has overseen a remarkable resurgence from the Emirates side, who are now strong favourites to secure a top-four Premier League finish and a subsequent Champions League return. Despite sitting bottom the standings after three league matches this campaign, the Gunners have battled back, and are currently in fourth spot, a point above Manchester United with three games in hand.

Arsenal in the 2-0 win over Leicester, proving to club legend Martin Keown that he was wrong to criticise the playmaker after joining from Real Madrid.The Norwegian signed for the Gunners in January 2021 on an initial six-month loan deal before making a permanent move for around £35million in August.The 23-year-old was quietly impressive in his loan spell, scoring three goals and assisting two in his 16 appearances for the club. But after joining permanently, Odegaard has proved to be a hit with Mikel Arteta and has commanded the role as Arsenal’s chief creator, consigning Emile Smith Rowe to the bench.

Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey have reaffirmed their confidence in clinching a top four finish, as they overtook Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification.

Mikel Arteta’s free-flowing Arsenal side roared back into the top four with an almost faultless display against Leicester City.Thomas Partey’s classy header and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty saw the Gunners’ cruise past Brendan Rodgers’ side 2-0.It was a complete display from the confident Gunners who have now won five Premier League matches. But while there were many excellent aspects of the north Londoners’ performance, one cheeky moment from Ben White brought a smile to the faces of Arsenal fans.The incident came in the 73rd minute when Leicester, albeit huffing and puffing, were still in with a slight chance of turning the contest around.After Cedric Soares’ shot was blocked by Caglar Soyuncu, the ball fell kindly to James Maddison who instinctively looked to get his side up the pitch.In fact, the Englishman was one good pass away from triggering a two-on-one counterattack in the Foxes’ favour.And the former Norwich City ace’s pass would have been weighted to perfection if White had not already read the situation.

Arsene Wenger has shown just how much he still loves Arsenal as he analysed current Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal continued their charge towards securing a top-four finish in the Premier League after battling to a 2-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday.Mikel Arteta ’s side got off to a flying start when Thomas Partey took advantage of some poor marking to head home from Gabriel Martinelli’s corner Leicester responded towards the end of the half and Aaron Ramsdale had to be on top form to deny Harves Barnes from close range.Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the second half after Caglar Soyuncu was adjudged to have handled inside the area by VAR and Alexandre Lacazette doubled their advantage. The victory means Arsenal have climbed back up into fourth and have reinstated the one-point gap to Manchester United, with Arteta's men still having three games in hand on the Red Devils.

Mikel Arteta has been told to ensure that Bukayo Saka doesn't leave Arsenal this summer by handing him the armband following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure.The England international has been in fine form in the Premier League this season - and will have dreams of playing in the Champions League next time out.Although the Gunners look well-placed to secure a top-four finish, there could well be interest in Saka from European giants as a result of his increasingly impressive performances.Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has given his thoughts on the future of the 20-year-old, offering up some advice for his former Everton colleague Arteta.Speaking to LiveScore, Lescott said: "You need someone who is going to be playing every week, who can be accountable — and I think Bukayo Saka is that man."Though he’s still only young, he endured something in the summer with England that most wouldn’t face in their entire career."I think Mikel Arteta said it himself, that coming through that penalty miss has done wonders for his character and confidence and I think he’d relish that responsibility.Who should be Arsenal's next permanent captain? Give us your thoughts in the comments section"Also, from an Arsenal perspective, Saka is a player they have to keep hold of at all costs."He has aspirations to play in the Champions League next season, but by giving him the armband, I think he’d be far less likely to leave if they did miss out on the top four."He’s come through the ranks, he loves the club — he simply has to be a leading candidate."Joleon Lescott was speaking to LiveScore. To read his full column, click here.

Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is said to be weighing up a shock reunion with Kieran Tierney.

Neil Lennon says he was heavily tempted to take former captain Scott Brown to Cyprus in his new role as Omonia Nicosia boss.

Arsenal are preparing for a major transfer overhaul this summer and are reportedly planning to bring in at least six players.The club are prioritising two new strikers and a midfielder, but have also set their sights on a new centre back, a right back and a left back.Following an unsuccessful approach for him in January, Arsenal are planning another move for Real Sociedad striker Aleksander Isak, while Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lille's Jonathan David also remain targets.It's understood the Gunners are big admirers of Chelsea's Armando Broja, who is currently on loan at Southampton, though they know doing business with their London rivals won't be easy.In midfield, the club is considering moves for Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz, Wolves' Ruben Neves and Leicester City star Youri Tielemans.Luiz and Tielemans will both have just a year left on their respective contracts at the end of the season, and neither are expected to sign an extension.As for defenders, Middlesbrough right-back Djed Spence, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, is believed to be high on the club's wish-list, but they're likely to face stiff competition for his signature from other Premier League sides, including arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.If Arsenal land all they targets they want in the summer, can they challenge for the title next season? Let us know what you think in the comments section...They remain open to the idea of bringing in a new centre back, but the return of William Saliba, who has impressed on loan with Marseille this season, means it's low on their list of priorities.Mikel Arteta's side are in pole position to finish in the top four this season after racking up four consecutive league victories, and are in with a

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has won the club's player of the month award for February - despite only giving himself a rating of 4/10 for his Gunners career so far. Partey, 28, joined the north Londoners in October 2020 following a £45million deal with Atletico Madrid but has struggled with consistency due to injuries.However, the Ghanian star has enjoyed a good run of games of late, forming a solid partnership with Granit Xhaka at the base of the midfield.

Arsenal stars are set to be rewarded with an eye-watering £500,000 bonus if Mikel Arteta ’s side are successful in their bid to finish in the Premier League top four this season. The Gunners stretched their winning run to four games with a 3-2 victory over Watford on Sunday to put them firmly on course for Champions League qualification.

Former Celtic head of recruitment Lee Congerton appears set to be appointed as Atalanta's new transfer chief.

Manchester United might have to contend with an unhappy Marcus Rashford this summer, who is looking to leave.The England international is said to be considering his options ahead of the transfer window and has grown concerned with life under Ralf Rangnick.Though the German coach will leave his interim role as manager at Old Trafford at the end of the season, the Guardian report that Rashford has fallen down the pecking order.Anthony Elanga is now a preferred option to the 24-year-old, while Jadon Sancho now comfortably owns a spot in the starting XI.But where could Rashford end up in the summer if he does leave United?Perhaps the most favourable destination for Rashford would be Arsenal, a club that appear to be on the up under Mikel Arteta and are desperate for a striker.The Gunners have been in fine form in recent weeks and are the most likely to finish in the top four from the rest of the teams below Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.Arteta has made signing a forward a priority in the summer, though Rashford is seen more of a winger these days, but Arsenal’s fluid frontline would be suitable for a player that likes to drift in from out wide.There is plenty of speculation that there could be some changes to Chelsea’s attack this summer with Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku all linked with moves away.The Blues are blessed with plenty of striking options but could see Rashford as an ideal replacement for anyone that is thinking of leaving Stamford Bridge.However, whether Thomas Tuchel can promise the United ace the game-time he would demand is another matter with the German fond of rotating his options.Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?Well then sign up for the brilliant

Daily Star Sport takes a look at the some of the more peculiar demands.The Brazilian superstar signed a new deal with French giants Paris Saint-Germain in May of last year.Neymar’s bumper contract is worth a reported £26 million a season and includes a very lucrative clause.According to El Mundo the PSG forward earns over £400,000 a month for being ‘friendly, and available to fans.’The clause also requires Neymar to ‘have the courtesy to greet fans before and after each game’.The Italian’s antics made him something of a cult hero during his Manchester City days, and eyebrows were certainly raised when Brendan Rodgers brought him to Liverpool at the start of the 2016/17 season.Balotelli found himself without a club after his contract with Marseille expired in the summer of 2019, and according to Spanish publication Marca he was close to signing for Brazilian club Flamengo.However, in order to put pen to paper the former City striker reportedly wanted Flamengo to sign his younger brother Enock and allow him to play for affiliate club Boavista.After he left AC Milan in 2011, Ronaldinho signed for Brazilian club Flamengo.However, according to beIN Sports the former Ballon d’Or winner insisted that a ‘nightclub clause’ be inserted into his contract.The clause enabled Ronaldinho to enjoy Brazil’s nightlife twice a week, amazingly Flamengo agreed to it.But despite an impressive record of 19 goals and 13 assists in 44 appearances he cancelled his contract in May 2012, citing a dispute over unpaid wages.After Eto’o left Inter Milan in the summer of 2011, he joined Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.However, Eto’o wanted to live in Moscow rather than Makhachkala and the two cities are separated by more than 1000 miles.As a result the

Roy Keane has picked out a "problem" with Arsenal during their win over Watford on Sunday despite Mikel Arteta's side moving into the top four of the Premier League with games in hand.The Gunners took all three points following classy goals from Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, taking them into fourth for the first time since January 1.Having said that, it wasn't the perfect performance from Arteta's men with Cucho Hernandez scoring a screamer and Moussa Sissoko ensuring it would be a nervy finish for the visitors.Keane has picked out that late goal as a reason for Arsenal fans to feel slightly concerned, especially in relation to how easily Ben White was beaten.Keane, who was on punditry duty for Sky Sports, said: "This is Arsenal, poor defending, White has to do better there and it’s a problem for them (Arsenal)."Speaking to BBC Sport, Arteta admitted that the opposition deserved credit, but now has eyes on securing their place in the top four.He said: "Credit to Watford, they are fighting for their lives. They changed their team and it is hard to beat them.Where will Arsenal finish in the Premier League this season? Give us your thoughts in the comments section"We are getting better and better, the understanding between the players is getting better and we should have scored more today."Before adding: "We are there now and we'll go game by game.

Mikel Arteta was seen ‘providing the assist’ for Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal beat Watford 3-2 at Vicarage Road.In the Premier League clash, the Spaniard was seen being the ultimate ballboy, quickly chucking the ball back to Bukayo Saka for a throw-in, with Martinelli scoring the Gunners’ third of the match.And fans online reacted to the actions of their fast-thinking boss.One wrote: “Arteta has gotten a huge moment for the amazon documentary. My gaffer.

Arsenal took a huge stride towards playing Champions League football next season as they beat Watford 3-2 away from home to move into the top four.It was an electric start at Vicarage Road as Martin Odegaard calmly slotted his effort past Ben Foster inside six minutes, before Cucho Hernandez equalised with an acrobatic effort just six minutes later.After assisting Odegaard, Bukayo Saka grabbed a goal of his own with a fantastic strike that ended a move of his own making, as he won back the ball before being set up by Alexandre Lacazette.Lacazette was again the provider but this time for Gabriel Martinelli shortly after the break, as Arsenal continued to look dangerous on every attack.But Watford did grab a late consolation through former Tottenham star Moussa Sissoko to make the end of the game uncomfortable for Arsenal, but they held on to secure all three points.Here Daily Star Sport take a look at what Mikel Arteta got right, and what he got wrong as Arsenal jump above Manchester United into the top four.What Arteta got right...Saka has been a revelation for Arsenal since coming through the academy, and he has quickly become one of the most senior players in the squad, even though he is only 20-years-old.His start against Watford was his 99th under Arteta, and the England international was clinical from the off as he provided a brilliant assist for Odegaard's opener, before putting Arsenal ahead before the break.His pace and energy continues to be a menace for defenders, and Watford's January signing Hassane Kamara was torn apart all game by the youngster.Saka's future is bright, but he is a star already, and he is usually involved in anything positive that comes Arsenal's way, and his performance against Watford was

Arsenal - but he has left the door open for a switch to Real Madrid or PSG.

Rio Ferdinand has suggested Arsenal should raid Manchester City for their Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replacement.The Gunners failed to replace the now Barcelona striker after they allowed him to leave the Emirates in the January transfer window.They were linked with the trio of Dusan Vlahovic, Alexander Isak and Dominic Calvert-Lewin - but none of those moves materialised.Mikel Arteta's need is only going to grow greater in the summer when Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah walk away at the end of their contracts.So the Spanish manager has been told to look to his former club in the transfer window by pundit Ferdinand.Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, the ex-Manchester United defender said: "If I was Arsenal, I would go and buy Gabriel Jesus."Jesus has been linked to the exit door at the Etihad with just over a year left on his contract.The Brazilian has shown a keen eye for goal at City, netting 88 times in 222 games.That is an impressive return for a man who has constantly been in and out of the side under Pep Guardiola.Arsenal fans - who do you want signed? Let us know in the comments section.Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox - don't miss a thing.It only takes a matter of seconds.Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'.And that's it, job done.

Rio Ferdinand has suggested Arsenal should go after Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus in the summer.