Arsenal are preparing for their trip to the north east to play Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners put an end to their four-game winless run by beating Chelsea 3-1 on Tuesday night, but face a very difficult test against the Magpies. The title race is now in the hands of Manchester City, who have won nine league games on the spin.
The season unravelled at St James’ Park last season, with a 2-0 defeat ending Arsenal’s chances of finishing in the top four. Mikel Arteta will be hoping to avoid a similar disappointment this time around.
While the club are focused on the upcoming match, they also have one eye on the summer transfer window. With that in mind, here are the latest headlines from the club.
Rice needed to replace Xhaka
Declan Rice should be signed this summer so he can replace Granit Xhaka, says Shaka Hislop.
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Mirror Football understands that Mikel Arteta will try to hold talks with Rice as soon as the season is over – and Hislop thinks he should be signed as an upgrade on Xhaka.
"Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka hold those positions right now, and the latter, while he's been good this season, I think at times he's cost Arsenal, particularly against Liverpool a few weeks back,” he told Ladbrokes Fanzone. “Maybe it's time to move away from Xhaka, in which case Rice is a good fit."
Read more here.
Holding decision “unfair”
Rob Holding was dropped for the Chelsea game (Getty Images)Ian Wright thinks the criticism of Rob Holding has been a bit unfair recently and he felt he was unlucky to lose his place in the side.
Arteta dropped Holding to the bench, giving Jakub Kiwior a Premier League debut in the 3-1 win over Chelsea.
“I think he has been a bit unfair on Rob Holding,” said Wright on Premier League Productions. “He is somebody who hasn’t had a lot of minutes. He was someone who came in to replace William Saliba – and he is fantastic.
“Yes, in certain instances, Rob has been done for pace. We have seen him isolated and it has caused a bit of a problem. I think it has been unfair, some of the stick he has got.”
Read more here.
Saka and Saliba message
William Saliba and Bukayo Saka have been urged to sign a new contract (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)William Saliba and Bukayo Saka have been urged to sign new contracts at Arsenal so the club can go from strength to strength next season.
The young duo have been central to the Gunners’ success this season, but neither have signed new deals yet. Former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu believes they need to put pen to paper to provide the club with some clarity over their futures.
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Speaking to bettors.ng, Kanu said: "If this team remains as a whole, with the addition of some experienced players, it will remain competitive and continue to grow. Stay together to grow together."
Read more here.
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