Martinelli makes Real Madrid admission as Arsenal given Saliba injury scare

Mikel Arteta will be eager to strengthen his Arsenal squad this summer. The Gunners continue to be linked with some big names, like Nico Williams and Alexander Isak, but, for now, it’s unclear whether or not Edu will wheel out the war chest.

Last year, the Gunners forked out almost a quarter of a billion pounds on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber alone. After heavily investing in two midfielders and a defender, Arteta may look to finally beef up his frontline.

Joshua Zirkzee, Dominic Solanke and Artem Dovbyk are just a few strikers who have been mooted as potential targets lately. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip on Thursday, June 20.

Saliba injury scare and Mbappe update

Arsenal may have just been dealt a major injury blow. According to French publication L’Equipe, William Saliba was absent from France training as Didier Deschamps’ side stepped preparations for their clash against the Netherlands on Friday night.

The Gunners defender helped his country win their Euro 2024 opener against Austria on Monday. L’Equipe claim Dayot Upamecano was sidelined due to muscle pain, while Saliba was reduced to running laps around the pitch and Theo Hernandez was given bike exercises.

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Saliba recently revealed that Kylian Mbappe is feeling a ‘bit better’ after suffering a nose injury. Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Paderborn, he said: “I saw him this morning, he was a bit better. I think he was off to do more tests. I don’t know anything more. But when I saw him this morning he was a bit better.”

football.london says: “It would be a real shame if William Saliba were to miss France’s clash against the Netherlands on Friday. While he struggled in some aspects on Monday, he’s still a superb centre-half so he just needs to find his feet. As for Kylian Mbappe, hopefully he returns to action in Les Bleus’ final group stage game. Big tournaments need the best players on display!“

Wright lauds Saka consistency

Ian Wright has insisted Bukayo Saka must be considered ‘undroppable’ for England by Gareth Southgate. Speaking on ITV Sport, the former Arsenal striker said: “What we’re seeing with Saka, with 27 goal involvements in 24 games, this guy is undroppable for England and Arsenal.

“When people are talking about whether he’s world-class, is he this or that, it’s irrelevant. He’s going to continue to do his talking on the pitch like he says and that’s what we want.

“His consistency is off the charts even playing with injuries during the season he had to be nursed through I’m so proud of him and so pleased for him.”

football.london says: “I agree. While Cole Palmer was hugely impressive in his debut season for Chelsea, Bukayo Saka must be considered undroppable by Gareth Southgate. The Arsenal winger is just so reliable.“

Martinelli makes Ronaldo admission

Gabriel Martinelli has revealed he idolised Cristiano Ronaldo as a child. In an interview with Spanish publication Diario AS, the Arsenal winger said: “I always liked Cristiano Ronaldo.

“As a child he watched his games at Real Madrid. He is a player who always inspired me. I liked him for his mentality and for everything he conquered and continues to conquer today.”

A few years ago, Martinelli was heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. When quizzed on the Spanish giants’ interest by Marca in February 2020, the Brazilian replied: “No, nothing has come to me. I am focused here doing my job at Arsenal and my head is here.”

football.london says: “Mikel Arteta will be hoping Gabriel Martinelli takes a leaf out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s book and returns to his goalscoring ways next season. Last term, the winger struggled to build any momentum, forcing the Arsenal boss to call on Leandro Trossard. Martinelli must improve – six goals in a Premier League campaign is not good enough for a player of his calibre.”