Arsenal news LIVE: Gabriel blasted in VAR audio, Martin Odegaard omission revealed, Zubimendi transfer latest | The Sun

ARSENAL defender Gabriel's claim of being fouled during the Newcastle loss has been blasted in the released VAR audio.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that skipper Martin Odegaard missed the Gunners' recent matches against Newcastle and Sevilla due to suffering CONCUSSION.

Odegaard was reportedly struck in the face with a ball during a training session at London Colney.

And we have the very latest on the Gunners' January chase for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

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  • By Cosmo Teare

    Arsenal in race for wonderkid

    Arsenal are in a transfer tug of war for Corinthians wonderkid Gabriel Moscardo, 18.

    Barcelona and Liverpool also have a strong interest in the midfielder who could cost around £26million.

    Chelsea had an £18million bid rejected for the midfielder this summer.

    Credit: Getty
  • By Cosmo Teare

    'Arsenal can win the league this season' – Gary Neville

    Gary Neville has said that he believes that Arsenal can still win the title this season when speaking on Sky Bet's Stick To Football Podcast and said: "I think that Arsenal can win the league this season. Despite starting slow, the football will come, the football that we saw from them last season.

    "The fact that they’ve started a little bit slower, I never think is a bad thing, they’re sat there in the pack behind [top]. My worry with Arsenal is a centre-forward, I like [Gabriel] Jesus and [Eddie] Nketiah but for me they are a number two and three, they need a number one.

    "But I do think that when the football comes, and it could come after Christmas at March which is the right time, they could be the opposite of last season – a bit of a slow start and stronger finish.”

    Credit: Reuters
  • By Ian Tuckey

    Brutal VAR verdict released on Gabriel role in Toon goal

    Gabriel has been blasted in the VAR audio check of Newcastle's controversial winner against Newcastle.

    The Arsenal defender's claim of being fouled by Joelinton was brutally dismissed in just 15 seconds.

    The most damning assessment in the four-minute clip now released by refereeing chiefs was on Gabriel: "I don't see anything of a push that warrants him flying forward like that".

    Anthony Gordon went onto bundle the only goal of the game and inflict the Gunners' only defeat in the Premier League so far this season.

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta condemned the decision to allow the winner following THREE VAR checks as "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".

    Video replays assessed if the ball went out, if Joelinton had impeded the Gunners' defender and then if there was an offside.

    But the clearest verdict appeared to be on Gabriel leaping with Joelinton.

    The VAR analysis was: "I don't see a specific foul on Gabriel. I see two hands on his back, but I don't see anything of a push that warrants him flying forward like that. So I'm seeing that the ball comes off Joelinton with no specific foul there."

    Howard Webb, the PGMOL's chief refereeing officer, told Sky the triple check was an "unusual" situation but added: "The process was correct."

  • By Ian Tuckey

    Prem clubs battle for Benfica whizkid

    Manchester United and Arsenal are amongst Premier League giants linked to 19-year-old Benfica starlet Joao Neves.

    Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to be interested in the midfielder, 19, who made his Portugal debut last month.

    90min's Graeme Bailey reckons United scouted the Benfica academy product last weekeend.

    Bailey wrote on X: “Joao Neves impresses Premier League scouts as Benfica see off Sporting. Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal all checked on the Portuguese midfield starlet on Sunday.”

  • By Anthony Chapman

    Super Gran

    Ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is wowing for Bayer Leverkusen in a new role.

    And he’s top of the pile in Europe for one key midfield star.

    Xhaka, 31, was snapped up by Leverkusen over the summer after being targeted by boss Xabi Alonso.

    The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich superstar has since shown he’s as good in the dugout as he was on the pitch.

    Leverkusen are top of the Bundesliga table after winning 10 of their 11 matches this season.

    And former Arsenal skipper Xhaka has impressed in a new role thanks to Alonso’s 3-4-3 formation.

    An extra centre-back has given the Swiss ace more freedom to roam forward as a supporting midfielder.

    Surprisingly, he is yet to score or assist for Leverkusen.

    But Xhaka has instead transformed into the man playing the key pass before an assist, creating 12 chances in total.

    And as a result, he leads the way in Europe’s top seven leagues for most passes into the final third with 129.

  • By Dylan Terry

    Webb reveals two big VAR blunders vs Toon

    Howard Webb has confirmed VAR got TWO major decisions wrong in Newcastle's 1-0 win over Arsenal.

    PGMOL chief Webb revealed on the programme "Match Officials Mic'd Up" that both Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes should have been sent off – as previously stated by the Premier League's Key Match Incident Panel.

    However, he insisted the process was followed correctly for Anthony Gordon's controversial winner – which Gunners boss Mikel Arteta described as an "absolute disgrace".

    Havertz's lunge on Sean Longstaff in the 37th minute was deemed to be a yellow card.

    Meanwhile, Guimaraes' forearm struck the head of Jorginho in an off the ball collision, but he did not receive any punishment.

    Speaking about the two incidents, Webb said: "Quite a busy game wasn't it?

    "A couple of situations, that in the cold-light-of-day analysis that we go through, going forward, we would expect red cards in both of those situations."

  • By Joshua Hall

    Alex bows out with 'great sadness'

    Alex Song – with Arsenal from 2006-2012 – has explained hsi tough decision to stop playing.

    The Cameroonian posted on Instagram: "It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my boots.

    "My journey that began in Yaoundé as a child, playing with no boots, in bare feet and on hard gravel, gave me the strength and courage to succeed.

    "When I moved to France, playing for Bastia I thought I had achieved a miracle. However, this was only the start as my journey continued to Arsenal and Barcelona, two of the greatest clubs in the World.

    "So many people have helped me along the way, my wife, my kids, family, friends, my agent, coaches and of course all my teammates whom I will forever be grateful.

    "Of course Charlton, West Ham, Rubin Kazan, Sion and Arta/Solar 7 will always remain in my heart.

    "Having the honour of representing my country also filled me with great pride. I feel blessed with so many great memories that will remain with me forever.

    "Lastly, I would like to thank all the fans who have supported me along the way, I will treasure everything. I hope to see you all again soon."

  • By Joshua Hall

    Alex bows out with 'great sadness'

    Alex Song – with Arsenal from 2006-2012 – has explained hsi tough decision to stop playing.

    The Cameroonian posted on Instagram: "It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my boots.

    "My journey that began in Yaoundé as a child, playing with no boots, in bare feet and on hard gravel, gave me the strength and courage to succeed.

    "When I moved to France, playing for Bastia I thought I had achieved a miracle. However, this was only the start as my journey continued to Arsenal and Barcelona, two of the greatest clubs in the World.

    "So many people have helped me along the way, my wife, my kids, family, friends, my agent, coaches and of course all my teammates whom I will forever be grateful.

    "Of course Charlton, West Ham, Rubin Kazan, Sion and Arta/Solar 7 will always remain in my heart.

    "Having the honour of representing my country also filled me with great pride. I feel blessed with so many great memories that will remain with me forever.

    "Lastly, I would like to thank all the fans who have supported me along the way, I will treasure everything. I hope to see you all again soon."

  • By Joshua Hall

    Song quits playing

    Former Arsenal star Alex Song has announced his retirement from football.

    The 36-year-old has called time on his career that saw him make 49 appearances for the Cameroon national team.

    Song had spells with Arsenal, Barcelona and West Ham as well as briefly spending time in Russia with Rubin Kazan.

    But he has hung up his boots at Djibouti Premier League side Arta Solar 7.

    The defensive midfielder moved to the club in East Africa three years ago in 2020 after leaving Swiss outfit FC Sion.

    And he captained Arta Solar to their first league title in 41 years in his first season at the club.

    Song took to Instagram to announce his decision and thank everyone who helped him along the way.

  • By Ian Tuckey

    Vieira nets but U-21s slump 5-2 at Reading

    Fabio Vieira bagged a penalty as Arsenal Under-21 lost 5-2 at Reading in the EFL Trophy tonight.

    The Portuguese midfielder lined up alongside frontman Reiss Nelsonaway to the League One side, although understandably both were taken off.

    Fabio Vieira tucked home a first-half penalty

    Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Caylan Vickers put the Royals 2-0 up before Vieira replied, only forEhibhatiomhan to make it 3-1 on 35 minutes.

    Arsenal striker Khayon Edwards, 20, cut the deficit again in the 53rd minute.

    Vieira couldn't rescue the Gunners against a more experienced Reading side

    But Harvey Knibbs made it 4-2 and Gunners defenderAyden Heaven, 17, saw red on 89 minutes.

    Reading sub Sam Smith then struck deep in stoppage time.

    Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson were both taken off in the EFL Trophy tie
  • By Ian Tuckey

    Arsenal linked to Benfica's Neves

    Manchester United and Arsenal are amongst Premier League giants linked to 19-year-old Benfica starlet Joao Neves.

    Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to be interested in the midfielder, 19, who made his Portugal debut last month.

    Credit: Getty

    90min's Graeme Bailey reckons United scouted the Benfica academy product last weekeend.

    Bailey wrote on X: “Joao Neves impresses Premier League scouts as Benfica see off Sporting. Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal all checked on the Portuguese midfield starlet on Sunday.”

  • By Ian Tuckey

    Brutal VAR verdict released on Gabriel role in Toon goal

    Gabriel has been blasted in the VAR audio check of Newcastle's controversial winner against Newcastle.

    The Arsenal defender's claim of being fouled by Joelinton was brutally dismissed in just 15 seconds.

    The most damning assessment in the four-minute clip now released by refereeing chiefs was on Gabriel: "I don't see anything of a push that warrants him flying forward like that".

    Anthony Gordon went onto bundle the only goal of the game and inflict the Gunners' only defeat in the Premier League so far this season.

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta condemned the decision to allow the winner following THREE VAR checks as "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".

    Video replays assessed if the ball went out, if Joelinton had impeded the Gunners' defender and then if there was an offside.

    But the clearest verdict appeared to be on Gabriel leaping with Joelinton.

    The VAR analysis was: "I don't see a specific foul on Gabriel. I see two hands on his back, but I don't see anything of a push that warrants him flying forward like that. So I'm seeing that the ball comes off Joelinton with no specific foul there."

    Howard Webb, the PGMOL's chief refereeing officer, told Sky the triple check was an "unusual" situation but added: "The process was correct."

  • By Anthony Chapman

    Super Gran

    Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is shining in a new role at Bayer Leverkusen.

    And he’s top of the pile in Europe for one key midfield star.

    Xhaka, 31, was snapped up by Leverkusen over the summer after being targeted by boss Xabi Alonso.

    The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich superstar has since shown he’s as good in the dugout as he was on the pitch.

    Leverkusen are top of the Bundesliga table after winning 10 of their 11 matches this season.

    And former Arsenal skipper Xhaka has impressed in a new role thanks to Alonso’s 3-4-3 formation.

    An extra centre-back has given the Swiss ace more freedom to roam forward as a supporting midfielder.

    Surprisingly, he is yet to score or assist for Leverkusen.

    But Xhaka has instead transformed into the man playing the key pass before an assist, creating 12 chances in total.

    And as a result, he leads the way in Europe’s top seven leagues for most passes into the final third with 129.

  • By Ian Tuckey

    If you can't stand the tweet, get out of the kitchen

    Ex-Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has told footballers to expect abuse as well as praise if they use social media.

    The Frenchman, 40, believes players should be aware of the "positives and dangers" of such online exchanges.

    He told Paddy Power: “Social media wasn’t as much of an issue when I was a player.

    "Tweeting after the game was sometimes forbidden but the world has changed.

    "If they have social media, they have to be able to take the criticism on it when they’re not performing.  

    “Players are old enough to understand the positives and the dangers of social media but it’s part of the game now. When they use it, they have to be ready for the critics.” 

  • By Ian Tuckey

    'Keane a hypocrite for Fernandes blast'

    Arsenal cult hero Bacary Sagna claims Roy Keane is a hypocrite for slating Bruno Fernandes' captaincy of Manchester United.

    The ex-France defender, 40, not only reckons Fernandes' "temper" makes him an ideal choice, he also believes Keane was a legendary United skipper for identical reasons!

    Former Manchester City star Sagna told Paddy Power: “When it’s not going well, the captain has to speak up and Roy Keane was the same.

    "He would always argue before games so I'm not sure he’s the best person to talk because I've seen him arguing with his own players and with people like Patrick Vieira. 

    “Roy Keane was a top captain and leader, but he was also not always great towards his players. I would back up Bruno Fernandes because you need someone with a bit of a temper!” 

    It follows ex-midfield hardman Keane saying of Fernandes: "The first thing I would do is take the captaincy off him.

    "I know it's a big decision but Fernandes is not captain material.

    "He's a talented player, but what I saw today – he's whingeing, he's moaning, he's throwing his arms up in the air constantly – it really isn't acceptable."

  • By Joshua Hall

    Seaman spotlights regular Onana error

    Arsenal goalkeeping legend David Seaman has highlighted a mistake that both Manchester United stopper Andre Onana and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez continuously mae.

    The legendary goalkeeper knows a thing or two about keeping the ball out of the net and has identified where the two Premier League shot-stoppers are going wrong.

    Onana has faced a barrage of criticism for a number of high profile errors since joining Manchester United for £47m this summer.

    World Cup winner Martinez came under fire for failing to keep out a savable effort from Orel Mangala during Villa's 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

    And Seaman thinks the Argentina international could have done much better if he'd used two hands, citing Onana as another keeper that regularly makes the same mistake.

    In an exclusive interview with LuckyBlock.com, he said: "I saw that goal and I'll tell you who else has been getting away with it is Andre Onana.

    "He did a couple over the weekend and got away with it. You could easily get two hands there. Control the direction of where you're going to actually push the ball as well, not just knock it back into play.

    "It's a big thing that I have at Arsenal

  • By Ian Tuckey

    Raphinha 'boost for Arsenal & Chelsea'

    Barcelona could be willing to sell reported Arsenal and Chelsea target Raphinha – for around £61million.

    Fichajes claim Barca are prepared to consider selling the Brazil winger as he's failed to reproduce his Leeds form since arriving in Spain in July last year.

    The astonishing rise of Lamine Yamal, 16, is another reason the LaLiga giants might be ready to offload the 26-year-old.

    Ex-Sporting Lisbon star Raphinha was Leeds' stand-out player from 2020-2022.

  • By Ian Tuckey

    Pep's men 'still class above Gunners and Liverpool'

    Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Prem champs and leaders Manchester City are still a "level above" Arsenal and his old club.

    City are a point above those two clubs, with Spurs a further point adrift in fourth place.

    But pundit Carragher told Sky Sports: “I do think City are still a level above Liverpool and Arsenal right now.

    "That might change over the next four or five months as those teams grow, certainly Liverpool, they’ve got a lot of new players.

    “But it feels like we haven’t seen the real City this season and they’re still top of the league. When you look at that league table, it’s a great league table.”

  • By Alex Smith

    Making his Marq

    Arsenal have no plans to recall Marquinhos in the January window despite a difficult start to life on loan at Nantes, according to reports.

    The Brazilian winger, 20, has played just five times for the French side this term.

    He has featured just six times for the Gunners since joining from Sao Paulo in the summer of 2022.

    Marquinhos was loaned out to Norwich for the second half of last season.

  • By Alex Smith

    Lions roar

    Arsenal stars were put through their paces ahead of England's games against Malta and North Macedonia.

    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Getty
  • By Alex Smith

    Want to coach Bergkamp Jnr?

    A Football Manager player has been offered the chance to take up a role at a real life club.

    Bromley FC have joined up with Football Manager and Xbox to give one fan the opportunity to swap the console for the pitch.

    The National League outfit have launched the 'The Everyday Tactician' campaign to find a player of the manager simulator to assist boss Andy Woodman.

    The winner would join up with the gaffer's coaching staff on a five-month stint as they aim to win promotion to League Two for the first time in the club's history.

    Son of Arsenal hero Dennis, Mitchel Bergkamp, plays for Bromley.

    STAR BROMANCE

    Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp's son Mitchel signs for National League Bromley

  • By Alex Smith

    Gunners target wonderkid

    Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona are all in the race for Brazilian starlet Gabriel Moscardo.

    The 18-year-old Corinthians midfielder has already made 16 senior appearances.

    He admitted in a recent interview that Chelsea made an approach for him some months ago but he has been advised to stay in Brazil for the time being.

  • By Alex Smith

    VAR audio released tonight

    A reminder that Arsenal fans will finally get to hear what was said between officials before they decided Anthony Gordon's controversial goal for Newcastle against the Gunners will stand.

    Fans can watch PGMOL chief Howard Webb breakdown the decision on TNT Sports tonight.

    The Mic'd Up show is on at 7pm.

  • By Alex Smith

    Happy birthday

    Former Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen turns 38 today.

    The Belgian centre-back played for the club 150 times and scored 15 goals.

    He won the FA Cup with the Gunners in 2014.

    Vermaelen went on to play for Barcelona and Roma before retiring two years ago after playing for Japanese club Vissel Kobe.

  • By Alex Smith

    Inside Zinchenko's celebration

    Oleksandr Zinchenko scored a stunning scissor kick goal to wrap up a 3-1 victory for Arsenal against Burnley.

    The Ukrainian celebrated by forming a heart with his hands and he pointed to the stands.

    His message was in the direction of his wife Vlada, who did a heart symbol back to him on the pitch.

    Credit: premier league
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