20 May 2023 , 03:00
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Just a few weeks ago, Arsenal fans didn't want the season to ever end. Now the conclusion can't come quick enough.
Mikel Arteta's side did their best to try and prevent Manchester City from winning a third successive Premier League title, but the trophy looks all but certain to be heading back to the Etihad after this weekend. The Gunners need to at least draw at Nottingham Forest on Saturday in order to make City wait a tad longer for their taste of glory, as defeat for Arsenal would confirm second place.
So, the focus turns to the summer transfer window. Arteta and co are intent on improving the squad, with outgoings perhaps as important as new arrivals. The Gunners have cash in reserve but will have to spend wisely, knowing that they can't afford to stall on their return to the Champions League.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
Arteta confirms injury fears
Mikel Arteta has reluctantly confirmed that both Gabriel Martinelli and Oleksandr Zinchenko won't play again this season due to injury. Ukrainian defender Zinchenko has been out side March while Brazilian forward Martinelli came off during last Sunday's crushing 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton which rocked their title hopes.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
"They are both out for the rest of the season," Arteta declared at a press conference on Friday. "It's different. Gabi's is a pretty nasty injury. We need to assess next week how long he will be out for, but it will be weeks at least. With Alex, it's a calf issue. He won't be available to play in the next few games."
Full injury news HERE.
Both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Martinelli's seasons are over (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/REX/Shutterstock)Have your say! How should Arsenal line up against Nottingham Forest? Give us your XI in the comments section.
Three clubs eye Saliba
William Saliba's future at Arsenal is slowly growing more uncertain, with a trio of major clubs now circling for a transfer swoop, according to RMC Sport. Although Mikel Arteta insists that the Gunners are confident over the prospect of Saliba, 22, putting pen to paper on a new contract, the French outlet claim that three unnamed major clubs are lining up a move.
The Arsenal centre-back has previously been linked with European giants such as Real Madrid and AC Milan. Saliba's contract had been due to expire at the end of this season, but the Gunners triggered a 12-month extension clause which will keep him at the Emirates until June 2024.
Read the full story HERE.
William Saliba could leave Arsenal if he can't agree a new contract (James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)Arteta acknowledges transfer problem
Mikel Arteta knows that Arsenal must get their transfer business right this summer if the Gunners are to build on what's been season of outstanding progression. "When you get closer to the top then the margins are smaller," Arteta declared ahead of Sunday's trip to Nottingham. "Whether it makes you win or lose, it's minimal, and it changes.
"It's a penalty that goes in or out, and then the decision changes in that moment. Having three or four injuries or having a full squad in key moments defines a season. So what we have ahead of us in the summer is extremely important and we have to absolutely nail it."
More from Arteta HERE.