Mikel Merino scored and was then sent off as Arsenal came from two goals down to draw with Premier League champions Liverpool in an entertaining match at Anfield.

There was a celebratory atmosphere as Liverpool – who wrapped up the title two weeks ago – raced ahead with two goals in two minutes. They scored the first in the 20th minute when Arsenal’s defence switched off following a quick throw-in and Andy Robertson’s cross was headed in by Cody Gakpo. The Reds doubled their lead a minute later when Dominik Szoboszlai chased on to a forward pass and squared the ball for Luis Diaz to slide into an empty net. Arsenal looked as though they were heading for a heavy defeat but rallied after the break.

Gabriel Martinelli headed in a cross from Leandro Trossard to give them a lifeline in the 47th minute before Merino followed into the area to score after Alisson tipped a shot from Martin Odegaard on to the crossbar. Merino was then sent off for a second bookable offence when he lunged into a tackle on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area after losing possession – and the visitors played the final 10 minutes a man down. It was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first appearance for Liverpool since he announced he would be leaving at the end of the season and he was booed by supporters when he came on as a substitute. He almost turned those boos to cheers when his free-kick, following the red card for Merino, curled just wide of the post.

There was drama right at the finish as Robertson had a goal ruled out. The defender found the net after goalkeeper David Raya had parried Virgil van Dijk’s header – but there was a foul by Ibrahima Konate on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the build-up. The result leaves Liverpool 15 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who remain in control of their own destiny as they look to secure Champions League football next season.

Arsenal are looking ahead to a massive summer transfer window after another trophyless season following their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Martin Zubimendi is a done deal according to Fabrizio Romano, with Arsenal getting the ‘here we go’ on a deal for the Spanish midfielder. Also according to Foot Mercato, incoming Real boss Xabi Alonso wanted to sign Zubimendi. Alonso has quit Bayer Leverkusen and is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Santiago Bernabeu. The same source claims the Spanish tactician asked Los Blancos’ president Florentino Perez to sign the defensive midfielder and help Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah follow him to Spain.

Arsenal have opened talks with Leandro Trossard as clubs from the Saudi Pro League circle for the Belgian. He’s proved to be a big hit since moving to the Emirates and Mikel Arteta wants to retain the player. Trossard has come up with big moments since joining in January 2023 and his versatility has also been a huge plus. The north Londoners are ready to offer a new deal, which would run to 2029, reports the Daily Mail. Arsenal last summer turned down a bid from Al Ittihad but clubs from the Saudi Pro League are understood to be willing to return with a fresh offer as their interest remains. His current deal expires next summer, but there is a one-year extension clause to 2027. Trossard is currently 30 so being offered a new four-year deal is a huge show of faith from the Emirates hierarchy. His high fitness levels was a major contributing factor in Arsenal issuing such a lengthy deal.

Arsenal have opened contract talks with defender William Saliba, reports the Evening Standard. Saliba’s current contract will have two years left to run come the summer and the north Londoners are keen to reward him with a new deal and tie him down long-term. Real Madrid are interested in the Frenchman, but Saliba claimed in March that he was currently happy at the Emirates, but Florentino Perez is known to be a huge admirer.

Arsenal’s bid to reach the Champions League final ended in failure as they were beaten by Paris St-Germain on a night of drama at Parc des Princes.

The Gunners’ attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit ran aground on another magnificent display by PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian, outstanding in the first leg at Emirates Stadium, delivered a repeat performance with a series of stunning saves to keep Arsenal at bay early on. He made an outstanding stop from Gabriel Martinelli, then an even better save from Martin Odegaard’s low long-range drive as PSG were rocked back. PSG cashed in to take the lead on the night when Fabian Ruiz collected Thomas Partey’s headed clearance to flash a 20-yard finish past Arsenal keeper David Raya with the help of a slight deflection after 27 minutes.

In a thrilling encounter, Donnarumma produced another stunning save to deny Bukayo Saka, before Raya got in on the act by saving Vitinha’s poor spot-kick after Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for handball. Partey was the culprit when PSG extended their lead after 72 minutes, losing possession before Achraf Hakimi scored on the turn. Saka did finally beat Donnarumma with an angled finish four minutes later, but it was not enough to spark a comeback, although he then shot over an open goal, and PSG will now meet Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Munich.

Arsenal delivered a top-class display in Paris, but the bitter truth is they could not deliver enough of the “magic moments” manager Mikel Arteta had demanded and their barren run without a trophy now extends to five years. They stunned PSG and their supporters with a blistering early salvo, but Declan Rice headed a great chance wide before Donnarumma again broke their hearts and hopes of a comeback.  Arteta could not have asked for more from his players against this talented PSG team, who beat Manchester City in the league phase, then eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds.

Arsenal’s hopes of building momentum before their crucial Champions League tie with Paris St-Germain in midweek were hit as Bournemouth came from behind to win at Emirates Stadium and boost their own European ambitions.

The Gunners head to France on Wednesday looking to overturn a 1-0 loss in the first leg and reach the final of Europe’s premier club competition. Mikel Arteta resisted the opportunity to rest his key players for the game but despite naming a strong Arsenal side against the Cherries, they were undone by a second-half fightback by the visitors. Declan Rice had marked his 100th appearance for the Gunners with the opener in the first half, rounding Kepa in the Bournemouth goal before firing in.

But the visitors were always in the game and, after missing some decent chances in the first half, they turned the game on its head after the break. First, Dean Huijsen equalised in the 67th minute when he headed in from Antoine Semenyo’s long throw. The visitors then took the lead eight minutes later as Evanilson bundled in from a corner to seal a first-ever win at the Emirates for Bournemouth. Arsenal remain second despite the loss but third-placed Manchester City are just three points behind.

Meanwhile, the win for Bournemouth boosted their hopes of securing European football next season as they move up to eighth. Europe is very much the focus for Arsenal as they look to win the Champions League for the first time. But they face a difficult task after losing the first leg of their semi-final to PSG last week, meaning they will have to produce one of their biggest performances in recent years at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Arsenal must come from behind to reach the Champions League final after Ousmane Dembele’s early strike gave Paris St-Germain victory at Emirates Stadium.

Dembele stunned Arsenal when he swept home a low finish from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s delivery only four minutes into the semi-final first leg. PSG dominated the early stages with a relentless attacking assault, which saw Arsenal keeper David Raya make a superb save from teenager Desire Doue. The hosts survived without further damage to work their way into contention, and once again giant Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, as he was against Liverpool and Aston Villa earlier in the competition, was PSG’s hero. He saved brilliantly from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard either side of the break, while Arsenal saw Mikel Merino’s header from a Declan Rice free-kick ruled out for offside.

PSG had chances to extend their advantage late on, but substitute Bradley Barcola shot wide and Goncalo Ramos hit the bar. The hosts whipped the Emirates crowd into a frenzy with a spectacular light and pyrotechnics show before kick-off, only to see the thunderous atmosphere punctured almost immediately by that priceless early goal. Mikel Arteta’s side appeared to be stunned and could have suffered further damage as PSG poured forward in wave after wave of attacks in the opening phase. Arsenal never lacked for heart or effort, but PSG controlled Bukayo Saka superbly and when the chances came they ran into the same wall of defiance from keeper Donnarumma that broke Liverpool and Aston Villa’s hearts.

The Italy goalkeeper was the hero against Liverpool when PSG won on penalties at Anfield, while three superb second-half saves kept Unai Emery’s side at bay at Villa Park. Martinelli should have scored when clean through, but Donnarumma’s low save diving to his left from Trossard was high class. And when the Gunners thought they had made the breakthrough early in the second half, Merino’s smart header was ruled out for offside after a lengthy video assistant referee check, although the very deep starting position of Arsenal’s players at the set-piece was running that risk. Arteta will believe his side can turn the tie around after beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, but PSG are an entirely different proposition and this now looks like a mammoth task for Arsenal reach the final in Munich.

Crystal Palace twice came from behind to draw at second-placed Arsenal and leave Liverpool one point from being crowned Premier League champions for the second time in five seasons.

A draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday (16:30 BST) would now be enough for Arne Slot’s side, who lead Arsenal by 12 points, to clinch their 20th league title – equalling Manchester United’s record. Both Arsenal and Palace’s main focus is on their cup exploits, with the Gunners in the Champions League semi-finals and the Eagles at the same stage in the FA Cup – and both managers rested key players. Arsenal took an early lead at Emirates Stadium when centre-back Jakub Kiwior planted an excellent header past Dean Henderson from a Martin Odegaard free-kick in the third minute.

Palace looked dangerous on the attack but vulnerable at the back, and Oliver Glasner’s side equalised through a cleverly worked set-piece in the 27th minute. Adam Wharton clipped the ball to the edge of the area and Eberechi Eze volleyed his shot into the ground and the ball hit the post before making its way into the net. Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal the lead just before half-time when he picked up a pass from Jurrien Timber and squeezed a shot into the bottom corner. The Eagles continued to push for an equaliser and had good opportunities with headers from Justin Devenny and Ismaila Sarr but neither could get a good contact on the ball.

Palace did level for a second time through substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta, when William Saliba gifted him the ball with a dreadful loose pass 25 yards out and the striker produced an excellent chipped finish over stranded Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Gunners fans will be concerned by the absence of Ben White and Mikel Merino from the squad, with boss Mikel Arteta declining to comment on what their injuries were. When asked if they would be fit to face PSG on Tuesday, Arteta said: “We will have to wait and see as they were not able to be in the squad here.”

Arsenal denied Liverpool the chance to win the Premier League title this weekend as they comfortably beat 10-man Ipswich at Portman Road.

In their first match since seeing off Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals, the Gunners produced another excellent display against an Ipswich side on the verge of relegation. Arsenal dominated from kick-off and took the lead in the 14th minute when Bukayo Saka’s cross into the box was helped on by a slight touch from Martin Odegaard and turned into the net by Leandro Trossard. They doubled their lead after more good work by Saka, whose cross into the area was cleverly flicked on by Mikel Merino for Gabriel Martinelli to tap into an empty net.

Ipswich’s task was then made even harder when Leif Davis was shown a red card in the 32nd minute for a poor tackle on Saka. Trossard added his second of the game in the 69th minute when he finished smartly from inside the area after a well-worked Arsenal short corner. Substitute Ethan Nwaneri scored a fourth for Arsenal with a deflected shot two minutes from time. The Gunners had good chances to score more – one for Merino and two for Saka – and Mikel Arteta would have expected them to be taken. This was Ipswich’s seventh home defeat of 2025, which leaves them clinging on to their Premier League status for one more week. This victory delayed Liverpool’s inevitable title win but the focus for the Gunners is on their Champions League campaign.

Mikel Arteta is going to be without Thomas Partey for the first leg of their semi-final against Paris St-Germain on 29 April, and took the opportunity to trial a midfield that could take to the pitch for that game. Declan Rice, who has been so good in his number eight role in recent weeks, was pushed deeper to anchor the Arsenal midfield, while Merino – who has been playing as a makeshift striker – was used in his natural midfield role. They were joined in the middle by captain Odegaard, who linked up superbly with Saka on the right-hand side of the pitch. The Norway international was involved in both of Arsenal’s first-half goals. The only concern for the Gunners at Portman Road was that Saka required strapping to his ankle once he was substituted in the 57th minute, as a result of the tackle that led to Davis’ red card, as Arteta looked to protect his key man. Arsenal take on Crystal Palace next but these games feel like a build-up to their season-defining Champions League assignment.

Bukayo Saka scored a goal and missed a penalty as Arsenal held off Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals in an incident-packed match at the Bernabeu.

Arsenal had a 3-0 aggregate lead to defend after their superb victory in the first leg last week – and they were given the chance to silence the noisy home support when they were awarded a 13th-minute penalty. Saka stepped up but his weak, dinked effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois. However, the England forward made amends for his miss when he effectively killed off the tie with a fantastic chipped second-half finish over Courtois after Mikel Merino’s clever pass. Real hit back just two minutes later when a terrible mistake from William Saliba gifted Vinicius Junior with an open goal to score.

But Real were not able to capitalise on that glimmer of hope and Gabriel Martinelli capped off a glorious night by making it 2-1 in stoppage time with a breakaway goal, again set up by Merino. It is just the third time Arsenal have reached the semi-final stage of the Champions League and they will face Paris St-Germain in the last four. Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 at Emirates Stadium in the league phase but Luis Enrique’s French champions are much improved since then. The home crowd in Madrid, who had built an excellent atmosphere and were hoping to spark a comeback that would be remembered for years to come, thought their side had a way back into the tie shortly after Saka’s spot-kick miss when they were awarded a penalty of their own.

But a lengthy check with the video assistant referee overturned the referee’s decision after Kylian Mbappe had thrown himself to the floor following minimal contact from Declan Rice. It was hard to imagine that Arsenal were going to be able to produce a performance that would be better than the first leg – but this game comes close. The Gunners had a clear remit to not get dragged into the emotion created by the Bernabeu crowd. Saka had the perfect chance to silence the home support after Raul Asencio pulled down Merino but made an uncharacteristic poor choice from the spot which allowed Courtois to save his chip with ease. But Mikel Arteta’s side were never in serious danger of losing the match by such a margin that would see them knocked out.

Yoane Wissa scored late in the second half as Brentford and Arsenal played out a drab draw that leaves the second-placed Gunners 10 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta made five changes from the side that so impressively beat Real Madrid 3-0 midweek in the Champions League, and this game at Emirates Stadium lacked quality from the off. It took until the 20th minute for the first effort on target when Kristoffer Ajer had a shot saved by David Raya after Bryan Mbeumo played him into the area. Arsenal thought they had taken the lead minutes later when Kieran Tierney headed in Ethan Nwaneri’s cross, but a video assistant referee (VAR) check showed the left-back was offside.

Leandro Trossard produced the Gunners’ first effort on target just before half-time when his low drive was pushed away by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Thomas Partey scored the opening goal in the 61st minute after excellent work from Declan Rice, the England midfielder carrying the ball from deep in his own half and setting up Partey who shot powerfully past Flekken. Brentford equalised 13 minutes later when Nathan Collins headed the ball back across the Arsenal penalty area for Wissa to cleverly hook it into the net on the turn from six yards out.

Liverpool can move 13 points clear when they host West Ham on Sunday (14:00 BST), but Arsenal’s focus now turns to their Champions League second leg in Madrid on Wednesday. With such a big game in Madrid looming, Arteta made changes to his side as he looked to rest players. The Gunners struggled to create chances without captain Martin Odegaard and key threat Bukayo Saka in the starting line-up, and only produced three shots on target. Arteta was able to bring off Rice and Partey, whilst making sure several of his key players did not play the full match.

Declan Rice stunned Real Madrid with two brilliant free kicks – the first scored in his career – as Arsenal took a commanding 3-0 first leg lead in their Champions League quarter-final.

Mikel Arteta had asked the Arsenal fans to arrive early to create an impressive atmosphere inside the stadium, and the team responded by starting the game quickly with a number of dangerous crosses into the Madrid penalty area. It took until the 20th minute for Madrid to have their first real chance, when Vinicius Jr curled an effort wide. But Rice took control of the tie for Arsenal in the second half. The Gunners were the better side all evening and took the lead in the 58th minute, when Rice curled the first of two excellent free-kicks round the Real Madrid wall into the corner of the net past Thibaut Courtois.

Rice scored his second of the night with a free-kick of equal quality 12 minutes later, bending another long-range effort into the top right-hand corner to leave Madrid stunned. Mikel Merino then made sure it was a memorable night for Arsenal when he curled a shot into the bottom corner from inside the area just five minutes later. Things only got worse for Madrid when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in stoppage time for picking up a second yellow card. Arsenal have not reached the semi-finals stage of the Champions League since the 2008-09 season, but they have given themselves a huge chance of progressing to the last four with this result.

Arsenal came into this match as the less-experienced side in European competition, compared with serial winners Madrid, but showed a ruthlessness and quality which Carlo Ancelotti’s side could not match. Arteta has been dealt a series of blows this season with injuries to key players and the focus before the game was on who would partner William Saliba at centre-back, with Jakub Kiwior ultimately getting the nod. But those issues seemed trivial once the game got under way as Arsenal started the match so impressively. Bukayo Saka caused David Alaba all sorts of problems and one of his crosses should have been turned in during the first half. Rice’s two free-kicks nearly lifted the roof off of the Emirates before Merino added a third to seal the win, taking on the mantle of striker in the absence of Kai Havertz.

Merino has now scored five goals in his past nine appearances for Arsenal. In a season where injuries have robbed Arteta of many key players, he has managed to lead his team to a place where they can start dreaming about a Champions League semi-final.

Arsenal’s faint Premier League title hopes suffered a potentially fatal blow as they were held to a draw at Everton.

The result means leaders Liverpool require only 11 points from their remaining eight games – starting with Fulham on Sunday – to guarantee themselves the title. The first half an hour was a tetchy, stop-start affair but Arsenal broke the deadlock on 34 minutes with the first shot on target of the contest as Leandro Trossard drilled home a cool finish on the counter following Raheem Sterling’s pass. Goalscorer Trossard could have doubled his tally on the stroke of half-time but his toe-poked effort was scrambled away by Jordan Pickford, while Declan Rice’s follow-up was blocked.

Everton equalised when they were awarded a penalty a minute into the second half – Myles Lewis-Skelly bundling over Jack Harrison inside the box and Iliman Ndiaye nervelessly stroking in the spot-kick. The Toffees were rejuvenated after a poor first half showing and Abdoulaye Doucoure forced David Raya into a sharp save low down while at the other end, Rice’s thunderous free-kick was batted away by England team-mate Pickford. Neither side were able to find a winning goal as Everton provided a boost to local rivals Liverpool by claiming a point.

It was no real surprise this contest ended as a stalemate between two sides who have conjured up a combined 25 top-flight draws this season. With Tuesday’s monumental Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid at the forefront of his mind, manager Mikel Arteta’s line-up gave indications that Arsenal’s priorities lie away from the Premier League as he started the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey on the bench. Though the sun was out, the Gunners failed to shine in a fractured affair on Merseyside, not helped by a series of free-kicks and corners.

Bukayo Saka scored just seven minutes into his return after 101 days out injured to help Arsenal beat Fulham at Emirates Stadium.

The England forward came off the bench in the second half, with the score at 1-0, and showed Arsenal what they have missed during his absence, heading in Gabriel Martinelli’s flick at the far post on 73 minutes. Mikel Merino had given the Gunners the lead in the 37th minute when his shot was deflected into the corner after Ethan Nwaneri’s cut-back. Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back for Fulham in stoppage time when his shot was deflected by William Saliba and wrong-footed goalkeeper David Raya.

The win moved Arsenal to within nine points of runaway leaders Liverpool. It was a mixed night for the Gunners though who, despite the positive of having Saka back from his serious hamstring injury, lost centre-back Gabriel early in the first half, which is a worry for manager Mikel Arteta with a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next week. Fulham defended deep throughout the match but should have pulled one back much earlier when substitute Muniz headed wide from six yards out with the goal gaping. Arsenal take on Everton on Saturday in the Premier League before preparing for the first leg of their quarter-final against Real at home on Tuesday.

All of the talk before the match was of Saka’s return after Arteta had said that the forward was “ready to go” after his lengthy injury. The Gunners have suffered without him in the side and their failings in attack are one of the reasons they have not kept touch with Liverpool in the title race. In the 16 games that the 23-year-old was available in the Premier League for Arsenal, they scored 34 goals at a rate of 2.1 per game. In the 13 that he missed, the Gunners scored 19 at a rate of 1.5 per match – highlighting Saka’s importance to the side. His presence lifted the stadium and he received a standing ovation when he went out to warm up in the first half.

Arsenal stated that they are delighted to announce that Andrea Berta is joining the club as Sporting Director. Andrea is a hugely respected figure in football and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has worked in technical roles for Italian sides Carpenedolo, Parma and Genoa and, most recently, for Atletico Madrid.

He spent almost 12 years with Atleti and played a major role in shaping the squads which won La Liga titles in 2013/14 and 2020/21, and the Europa League in 2018. They also won the Copa Del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup and Supercopa de Espana during his time at the club, as well as reaching two UEFA Champions League finals.

Andrea said: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.  “I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.  “The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters.”

Co-Chair Josh Kroenke added: “Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.  “Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.

“We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out. “We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.” Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Andrea and his family to the club.

Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal beat Chelsea to move 12 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Both of these sides came into the match without their first-choice striker, with Kai Havertz ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury for Arsenal and Nicolas Jackson missing for Chelsea. Chelsea were also without their most important player in Cole Palmer, who was out of the squad with an injury, and it was the first time the Blues have to had to play without him since they lost 5-0 to Arsenal in April last season. Arsenal, again naming Merino as a makeshift striker, dominated the game early on and Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice all went close.

Merino’s winner came in the 20th minute when he flicked on a curling corner from Martin Odegaard past a stretching Robert Sanchez. Chelsea’s best opportunity to take something from the game came when Marc Cucurella’s powerful effort slipped through David Raya’s hands but the ball rolled just past the post. Robert Sanchez, recently restored as Chelsea’s first-choice keeper, had some shaky moments as the Blues were put under pressure with a number of crosses into the area and he was jeered by the home crowd when he had the ball at his feet. Sanchez produced an excellent save to deny Merino in the second half, but Chelsea could not find the goal to get something from the game.

Liverpool are not playing in the league this weekend as they are involved in the Carabao Cup final. Arsenal are really well organised under Arteta but they did not do enough with the ball when they were in good positions. That has been the theme of their season and a large reason why they have dropped away in the race for this season’s title. Merino’s goal, Arsenal’s 11th in all competitions from corners this season, shows that Arteta is justified in his continued work with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, as their threat from set-pieces gets them crucial points, particularly in tight games.

The iconic North West London Derby between Arsenal and Chelsea is one of the oldest rivalries in English football dating back to 1907 when the two teams met each other for the first time. Over the years, the rivalry has grown manifold and since Chelsea’s rise in stature in the early 2000s, it has become one of the biggest ties in the Premier League. Several star players have played for both Chelsea and Arsenal, with Kai Havertz the latest to make the move ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Lassana Diarra : The French midfielder played at Chelsea for two seasons from 2005-2007 where he won an FA Cup and a League Cup title. In 2007 he moved to Arsenal where he spent one season but did not win a title.

Emmanuel Petit : Petit joined Arsenal in 1997 and spent three seasons at the club where he won a Premier League, an FA Cup and two Community Shields. After spending a season at Barcelona, the Frenchman returned to London in 2001 to Chelsea where he spent another three seasons but did not win a single trophy with the Blues.

David Rocastle : The English midfielder began his professional career at Arsenal in 1985 and played for seven seasons winning the English league twice, one League Cup and a Community Shield. He joined Chelsea in 1994 and was there at the club until 1998 but spent the last three seasons of his contract on loan spells.

Willian : The Brazilian winger played at Chelsea for seven seasons from 2013 to 2020 where he won two Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, one League Cup and a Europa League title. Since the 2020/21 season, he has been playing at Arsenal but is yet to win a title with the Gunners.

Nicolas Anelka : The French forward played at Arsenal for two seasons from 1997 to 1999 where he won a Premier League, an FA Cup and a Community Shield. In 2008, he joined Chelsea and played there for four seasons. With the Blues, he won a Premier League, two FA Cups and one Community Shield title.

David Luiz : The Brazilian defender played at Chelsea in two stints from 2011 to 2014 and 2016 to 2019. With the Blues, David Luiz won a Premier League, a Champions League, two FA Cups and two Europa League titles. He joined Arsenal in 2019 and spent two seasons where he won an FA Cup and a Community Shield title.

William Gallas : The French international defender played at Chelsea from 2001 to 2006 and then joined Arsenal where he spent four seasons from 2006 to 2010. He won two Premier Leagues, a League Cup and Community Shield at Chelsea but did not win anything with the Gunners.

Olivier Giroud : Olivier Giroud joined Arsenal in 2012 where he spent six seasons before joining Chelsea in 2018. He left the Blues in the summer of 2021. At Arsenal, the French striker won three FA Cups and three Community Shield titles and with Chelsea, he won one FA Cup, one Europa League and a Champions League title.

Cesc Fabregas : The Spanish midfielder began his professional career with Arsenal in 2003 and spent eight seasons at the club where he won a Community Shield and an FA Cup title. He joined Chelsea in 2014 and played for five seasons where he won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and a League Cup title.

Petr Cech : The legendary goalkeeper played at Chelsea from 2004 to 2015. He played 494 matches for the Blues and won four Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, three League Cups, two Community Shields, a Champions League and a Europa League title.He joined Arsenal in 2015 and spent the last four seasons of his professional career with the Gunners winning two Community Shields and an FA Cup title.

Ashley Cole : The legendary English full-back began his professional career with Arsenal in 1999 and remained at the club until 2006 after which he joined Chelsea where he spent the next eight seasons.At Arsenal, he won two Community Shields, three FA Cups and two Premier League titles. With Chelsea, Cole won a Premier League, four FA Cups, one League Cup, one Community Shield, one Europa League and a Champions League title.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang :  After winning an FA Cup with Arsenal in his four year stint, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang left the club by mutual consent and moved to Barcelona in the January transfer window of 2022.However, the Gabonese striker could only survive seven months at the Camp Nou as Chelsea signed him on a two-year deal in September 2022.

Kai Havertz : Havertz was widely regarded as one of the most exciting youngsters in the world while at Bayer Leverkusen, but never really managed to live up to the high expectations at Chelsea after his move to Stamford Bridge. That being said, the Germany international did have a tendency to rise to the occasion when it really mattered, most notably when he scored the winner in Chelsea’s Champions League final win over Manchester City. His transfer to Arsenal in the summer of 2023 came as a bit of surprise, although there was no denying the Gunners desperately needed to add some depth to their squad and Havertz could prove to be a shrewd signing in the end with his versatility.

Arsenal completed a resounding 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven to set up a mouthwatering Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Holders Real beat capital rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties – and Arsenal will likely have to find top gear against the Spanish giants in the last eight after cruising past their Dutch opponents. Leading 7-1 from the first leg in the Netherlands, the Gunners took the opportunity to make wholesale changes to their starting XI. While there were also huge swathes of empty seats around a subdued Emirates Stadium, those in attendance were treated to a sumptuous opening goal from one of three left-backs selected by manager Mikel Arteta. Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has found himself on the periphery at times, picked up possession from Raheem Sterling’s touch inside and whipped a superb effort into the left corner.

However, any thoughts of the floodgates opening and Arsenal eclipsing Bayern Munich’s record 12-1 thrashing of Sporting over two legs at the same stage of the competition in 2008-09, did not come to fruition. Instead, a distinct absence of jeopardy to the tie only appeared to contribute to a dip in Arsenal’s intensity, with the overall outcome never in any doubt. Former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic expertly found the top-right corner from Guus Til’s pass to give the visitors a deserved equaliser. And while Myles Lewis-Skelly hit the post for the home side at 1-1 and a brilliant Sterling run and cross from the right allowed Declan Rice to head Arsenal back in front, they were unable to pull clear.

PSV, who were backed by a spirited away following, restored some pride when Couhaib Driouech collected Isaac Babadi’s incisive pass to chip over the oncoming home goalkeeper David Raya and ensure they left London with a merited draw. While the low-key nature of the contest is unlikely to leave Arteta overly pleased, the Spaniard will take some satisfaction from guiding the Gunners into the last eight in successive seasons for the first time since 2010. Arsenal were losing finalists in 2006 and have not won a European trophy since the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994. With his team trailing leaders Liverpool by 15 points in the Premier League, Arteta will be acutely aware the Champions League is the most realistic chance of lifting silverware this season – with Carlo Ancelotti’s 15-time European Cup winners next up in the last eight.

Declan Rice’s powerful strike gave Arsenal a point at Manchester United but did little to help their pursuit of Premier League pacesetters Liverpool.

Arsenal dominated the opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford but lacked any cutting edge and were punished in first-half stoppage time when United captain Bruno Fernandes curled a 25-yard free-kick past a badly positioned David Raya in goal. Raya made amends with fine second-half saves from Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee before Arsenal finally found the end product with 16 minutes left. United failed to clear and Rice sent a superb rising drive past Andre Onana at the Stretford End to give Arsenal a point – but it did little to dent Liverpool’s seemingly unassailable lead at the top of the table as they stand 15 points clear of the Gunners, having played a game more.

It could have been worse for Arsenal as it took a miraculous double stop from Raya to keep out Fernandes in the dying seconds to prevent United taking all three points. Arsenal’s failings in front of goal and the lack of recognised striker have holed their Premier League title challenge below the waterline. In reality, they are only playing to ensure a place in the top four while training their sights on the Champions League. And they were in evidence again here as Arsenal dominated possession – which was 68.2% to 31.8% in their favour – but failed to apply any sustained, serious pressure on a United side short of quality and shorn of confidence. Utilising midfield man Mikel Merino as an emergency striker, Arsenal had 17 shots but only six on target – the same as United. Too often pointless passing in front of the home side’s defence fizzled out on the edge of the penalty area.

They ended up relying on Raya, who must take his share of responsibility for United’s goal, to avoid defeat with those three crucial second-half saves to make amends for the error of judgement in the first half. Arsenal surely know in their heart of hearts that the title pursuit is over and the Premier League is Liverpool’s, but they must somehow find a way to repeat the potency of the stunning 7-1 win at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in midweek rather than the blunt instrument they were here. The Gunners got a point in the end, but it is a meaningless one in title terms.

Andrea Berta has reached an agreement with Arsenal to become their new sporting director. Berta became available in January after more than a decade at Atletico Madrid — where he was central to the Spanish team’s progress. The Italian was among multiple options Arsenal considered during a thorough process to replace Edu Gaspar after his resignation in November. It was driven by managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis, with Josh Kroenke involved throughout on behalf of the ownership and input from manager Mikel Arteta. Berta prioritised Arsenal above a number of other top-level opportunities and those suitors have been told about the 53-year-old’s decision.

Jason Ayto, previously Edu’s assistant, has been occupying the role on an interim basis and was a contender to step up permanently. But it is the more experienced Berta who will take over in what is a major appointment for Arsenal and contracts are now being finalised. Berta spent 12 years at Atletico Madrid before leaving the club in January. He has built a strong reputation during his time in the Spanish capital and helped sustain a team that regularly challenges Barcelona and Real Madrid for the title, winning two La Liga titles, the Europa League and finishing as runners-up in the Champions League twice. He was initially appointed technical director at Atletico in 2013 before becoming sporting director in 2017. He previously held roles at AC Carpendolo, Parma and Genoa.

On January 3, The Athletic reported that Berta was preparing for a possible move to the Premier League by studying English in London. Berta is accustomed to dealing with major transfers, having bought and sold players such as Antoine Griezmann and Rodri for large sums. The summer window of 2024 demonstrated Atletico’s ability to regenerate their squad, spending £180million on Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth, and this has put Diego Simeone’s side in the La Liga title race mix this season.