Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Major Saka update, Defender seeks exit, Romanian Mbappe linked

All the latest news and transfer rumours from Arsenal in JoriPress' live blog on Tuesday

Nov 30, 2021 - 18:54

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Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Major Saka update, Defender seeks exit, Romanian Mbappe linked

The Gunners returned to winning ways on Saturday, beating relegation-threatened Newcastle United 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. The win put Mikel Arteta's side level on points with West Ham in fourth, heating up what could be a great battle for the final Champions League spot.

They will now be gearing up for a visit to Manchester United, who will be under new management for the game on Thursday.

There will also be a focus off the pitch on the upcoming January transfer window, which could be important in the Gunners making a push for a European place come the end of the season.

With all of that said, stick with us at football.london throughout the day as we update you on all things Arsenal as and when they happen.

Solskjaer tribute

Manchester United are planning to pay former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a tribute on Thursday as the Red Devils host Arsenal, according to Rob Dawson of ESPN.

Flores called up

Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores has been called up for Mexico's national team to play in a friendly against Chile next week.

The Hale End star has been in impressive form for the Gunners' Under-18 side this term, notching six goals and providing a further two assists in nine league outings.

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Marcelo Flores of Arsenal during the U18 Premier League match between Arsenal U18 and Birmingham City U18 at London Colney on September 25, 2021 in St Albans, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Henry and Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain frontman Kylian Mbappe posted a picture on his Twitter alongside Arsenal icon Thierry Henry on Sunday afternoon.

Top four claim

Chris Sutton has predicted that Manchester United will finish above Arsenal in the battle for top four.

Sutton wrote in his column for The Daily Mail: “I’m saying Manchester United will finish fourth.

“The fact that Arsenal don’t have Europe this season is a massive advantage for them. Mikel Arteta and his players have got no excuses — no Thursday night games in Baku to hide behind.

“They’re even on the verge of having Arsene Wenger back at the club, and he knows a thing or two about finishing fourth.

“But Ralf Rangnick is a super-manager, a visionary of the game, the godfather of gegenpressing, and I believe United are capable of sneaking into the Champions League places at the expense of fellow European hopefuls Arsenal and West Ham.”

Gabriel Martinelli and Bruno Fernandes battling last season. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Saka injury update

Goal journalist Charles Watts has admitted that it seems unlikely Bukayo Saka will be fully fit to face Manchester United on Thursday.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts said: “You have to think he’s a big doubt for the Manchester United game if it is something muscular.

“Even if he came off as a precaution, the turnaround before the Man United game on Thursday might be difficult. So you’d think he’s a doubt.

“Certainly not going to rule him out just yet, we’ll have to wait and see. Hopefully, fingers crossed, the scan won’t show anything because we need Bukayo Saka fit, absolutely.”

Arsenal are still yet to confirm the severity of Bukayo Saka's injury (Image: Getty Images)

Ramsdale verdict

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has hailed Arsenal summer signing Aaron Ramsdale.

Ferdinand said on his Youtube channel: “Ramsdale has been an inspired signing. There were a lot of people doubting him, he has had two or three relegations in his career already, in his young career, but the saves that he is making on a regular basis, he is actually enabling you lot (Arsenal fans) to keep clean sheets.

"Six clean sheets in 10 games is phenomenal.”

Aaron Ramsdale impressed again for Arsenal against Newcastle United on Saturday (Image: Getty Images)

Defender considering exit

Flamengo are weighing up a January move for Pablo Mari with the Arsenal defender expected to consider his options, football.london understands.

The 28-year-old centre-back has found his game time limited this season with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta preferring the partnership of Gabriel and summer signing Ben White in defence.

Pablo Mari struggled during Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Edu admission

Arsenal technical director Edu has admitted he has spoken to Arsene Wenger about returning to the club.

Wenger is currently working as FIFA's chief of global football development, but has been linked with taking a role on the Gunners' board in recent months.

When writing in the matchday programme for Saturday's win over Newcastle United, Edu said:

"It was great to see Arsene Wenger the other day at the screening for his new documentary. We had a good conversation, and I said to him that he cannot realise how important he is for my career. I told him I would like to see him a bit closer to the club and to myself as well in the future. That would be a real, real pleasure and special for everyone here."