European Leagues

Arteta explains Arsenal’s £200m finance approach with “more difficult” confession

Mikel Arteta has admitted life will be much harder for Arsenal this season as he opened up on the decision to spend heavily again this summer.

Kai Havertz joined from Chelsea for £62million, with Jurrien Timber arriving from Ajax for £40m. But the biggest deal by far has been the club-record move for Declan Rice, with the Gunners paying West Ham a fee of £105m for their captain.

Arteta could yet add to his squad further, with the Gunners’ summer spending already blowing past the £200m mark. But the Arsenal boss has insisted such a high level of spending was necessary, with the challenge from rival teams in the title race set to get even harder

Mikel Arteta didn’t speak to William Saliba for a week in ‘cold shoulder’ approach

Martin Odegaard gives first impressions on Arsenal’s new signings including Declan Rice
“It will be more difficult for sure, because the league is going to go to a different level again, which is already incredible. And obviously playing the Champions League, which we haven’t played in many years at the club,” he told ESPN.

“That’s why we need a different squad from what we had last year, I think what we’ve done this summer is related to that, and more quality as well, for sure. [Havertz] is a player I have admired for a long time and we had the possibility of bringing him to the club.

“We had a few chats about how he was feeling about it, and I was convinced he was the player and type of personality that we want in the team and to take us forward. [Rice] brings leadership, an aura and he brings special qualities that we didn’t have in our midfield.

“Obviously, he has good experience in the league, he’s already done a lot at 24 years old, but he has something – I saw that for a long time with him – he has that personality, that way of thinking, the way he plays for his teammates and the way he’s capable of controlling matches.”

Arteta is confident that the summer of spending can put the Gunners in a good position to win silverware this season. They last won a trophy in 2020, with the FA Cup, and Arteta knows the pressure is on to add to the trophy cabinet.

““We know that, but at the end it will be about playing better and earning the right to win every single match the way we play. In order to do that there are things we have to improve and work on in pre-season and that’s what we are doing,” the Arsenal boss said after signing Rice.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Raphael Onyedika reflects on first UCL Goal

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika expressed his excitement after scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite Brugge’s 3-1 loss, Onyedika couldn’t hide his pride in the achievement. “I don’t know how to put it, but it’s an amazing feeling to score my first goal in City’s stadium. I’m so proud,” the Nigeria international told Flashcore.com.

Onyedika acknowledged that while Brugge took the lead, they struggled after conceding. “We knew it would be difficult after we got the first goal; we were a bit sloppy. And when we conceded the first goal, they had more momentum and energy, so it was much more difficult for us because of our mistakes.”

The goal will surely be a memorable moment for the young midfielder as he continues his Champions League journey.

Premier League

David Raya doubtful for Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that goalkeeper David Raya may miss the Gunners’ crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday.

Raya was absent from Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League, with Neto stepping in for his debut after joining on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

Although Neto conceded the opening goal to Arnaut Danjuma in the 28th minute, Arsenal responded with Jorginho’s penalty and a spectacular goal by rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

Arteta did not provide specific details on Raya’s injury but noted, “He certainly could not play, and he’s injured, and that’s it. We’ll see how it improves.”

When asked whether Neto could continue in Raya’s absence, Arteta expressed confidence in the experienced goalkeeper, stating, “That’s why he’s here, to do that job… I’m very happy that he played and we won again.”

Arsenal will be hoping Raya recovers in time for the vital clash as they look to maintain their strong position in the league.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Tella celebrates first Champions League goal in Bayer Leverkusen win

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has joyfully celebrated his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal after netting in his team’s 2-0 triumph over Sparta Prague on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international struck in the 64th minute, sealing the victory and helping Leverkusen advance to the Round of 16. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the former Burnley star, who was playing in England’s second-tier league just two years ago.

Taking to social media after the match, Tella shared his excitement with a heartfelt message accompanied by a photo from the game:

“Dreams come true,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised Tella’s performance as the team comfortably secured their place in the next stage of Europe’s elite competition. Tella’s rapid rise continues to inspire fans and players alike as he establishes himself on the European football stage.