Arsenal
[Image] Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Southampton – Can the Gunners keep their top-four hopes alive against the Saints?
Arsenal vs Southampton Predictions: Predicted Arsenal line-up
Arsenal comfortably brushed aside BATE Borisov to qualify for the next round of the Europa League on Thursday. Mustafi and Sokratis headed home Granit Xhaka’s corner to give Arsenal a well deserved 3-0 win at the Emirates.
The focus returns to the Premier League as Arsenal look to close the gap against 4th placed Manchester United. The Gunners will be looking to overcome Southampton after Ralph Hasehuttl’s side shocked the Gunners 3-2 in the reverse fixture.
Team news
Skipper Laurent Koscielny is a major doubt for the weekend after he hobbled off the pitch against BATE on Thursday. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is expected to be back after recovering from illness.
Alexandre Lacazette missed the midweek game due to suspension but will return to the squad in the Premier League.Hector Bellerin, Danny Welbeck and Rob Holding remain long term absentees for the club.
Probable Arsenal XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Unai Emery
Bernd Leno (GK)
The German sat out the Europa League game on Thursday but should return to the Premier League fixture at the weekend.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RB)
The 21-year-old has been used at both full-back positions this term but should start on the right due to the injury to Hector Bellerin.
Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
The German will be on a high after a goal and a clean sheet in the Europa League on Thursday. He should retain his spot against Southampton at the Emirates on Sunday.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (CB)
The Greek returned from injury against BATE on Thursday and scored within minutes. His availability will be a massive boost for the Gunners and will bring in much-needed defensive stability.
Sead Kolasinac (LB)
The Bosnian sat out the game against BATE but should return to the starting line-up on Sunday in place of Nacho Monreal.
Lucas Torreira (CDM)
The Uruguayan has arguably been Arsenal’s most important player this term and should be back in the eleven after coming on as a substitute in the Europa League.
Matteo Guendouzi (CM)
The Frenchman has been a fan favourite at the Emirates so far and should continue in central midfield next to Lucas Torreira. Granit Xhaka could be rested, considering Arsenal play again on Wednesday.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RW)
The Armenian has been impressive since his return from injury and should start again on the right on Sunday. Mkhitaryan scored both the goals in the reverse fixture as Arsenal were beaten 3-2.
Mesut Ozil (CAM)
The German was back in the starting eleven on Thursday and had a good game for the Gunners. He has made his case for a start on Sunday.
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Alex Iwobi (LW)
The Nigerian has been a regular under Unai Emery but has often lacked composure in the final third.
However, his driving runs into the box and his excellent chemistry with Kolasinac on the left-hand side has been an important part of Arsenal’s attack this season.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman missed the game on Thursday after a red card in the first leg but has been in good form in the Premier League for the Gunners.
Lacazette should be preferred over Aubameyang, who has scored just twice since the turn of the year.
Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi Girlfriend: Personal Life, Family Background and Relationship Status
Category | Details |
---|---|
Born | San Sebastián, Spain |
Age | 26 years old |
Position | Defensive Midfielder |
International Caps | 19 appearances for Spain |
Major Honours | Euro 2024 Winner, UEFA Nations League 2023 |
Net Worth | Estimated $10 million (2025) |
Arsenal‘s newest signing Martin Zubimendi has captured headlines for his tactical brilliance and Euro 2024 heroics, but the Spanish midfielder’s personal story reveals a grounded individual whose values and family ties have shaped his remarkable career trajectory.
Personal Life and Relationships
The 26-year-old remains notably private about his romantic life, with no confirmed information about a girlfriend or spouse as of 2025. He is currently single and has not publicly disclosed any details about personal relationships, preferring to maintain focus on his football career rather than court media attention outside the sport.
Family Background and Support System
His close relationship with his parents and siblings has always been a source of strength, providing him with a solid support system as he navigates the pressures of professional football. The midfielder’s family has been instrumental in his development, offering stability during his rise through Real Sociedad‘s youth ranks to international stardom.
Zubimendi’s decision to turn down Liverpool’s advances in summer 2024 was influenced by family considerations, demonstrating how his personal values and family bonds continue to influence major career decisions. This commitment to family has been a defining characteristic throughout his journey.
His parents, while maintaining privacy themselves, have been supportive of his career progression from his early days at Real Sociedad’s academy. The family’s Basque heritage has clearly influenced Zubimendi’s strong connection to his regional identity and club loyalty.
Career Highlights and Personal Milestones
The Making of a Professional
Zubimendi made his La Liga debut on 28 April 2019, coming on as a late substitute for Rubén Pardo in a 2–1 home win over Getafe. He has made 180 appearances for Real Sociedad in La Liga, scoring 5 goals, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most consistent defensive midfielders.
A Spanish international, Zubimendi started all five games in the 2020 Olympic Games as Spain claimed silver in Tokyo and has gone on to make 19 senior appearances for La Roja, winning the 2023 UEFA Nations League as well as helping his country defeat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024.
The Arsenal Chapter
Zubimendi joined Arsenal for a fee of €65m (£56.1m) after they negotiated a fee higher than his release clause to be able to pay in instalments. The midfielder has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, explaining it was “the move I was looking for”.
Zubimendi also snubbed Liverpool in the summer of 2024, showing his selective approach to career moves. His decision to join Arsenal reflects both sporting ambition and personal readiness for a new challenge after years of loyalty to his hometown club.
The midfielder’s journey from a quiet San Sebastián youth to Arsenal’s marquee signing demonstrates how personal values, family support, and professional dedication can coexist. His story resonates beyond football, showing how maintaining authenticity and strong personal relationships can complement rather than hinder professional success.
As Zubimendi begins his Premier League journey, his grounded personality and strong family foundation suggest he’s well-equipped to handle the pressures of English football while remaining true to the values that shaped his remarkable rise.
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Arsenal
Arsenal’s Christian Norgaard Signing: A Practical 7/10 Addition
Arsenal‘s completion of the Christian Norgaard transfer (announcement imminent) represents a shrewd, if unspectacular, piece of business. The £10 million deal, with up to £2 million in add-ons, brings experience and reliability to Mikel Arteta’s midfield rebuild. While it may not excite supporters craving marquee signings, this move deserves a solid 7/10 rating for its tactical logic and financial prudence.
The Case for Christian Norgaard
The Danish captain’s Premier League pedigree cannot be questioned. With 122 appearances for Brentford since 2021, Norgaard has consistently performed at the highest level, culminating in his career-best 2024-25 season where he scored 5 goals in 34 appearances. His defensive statistics are particularly impressive – ranking third in the Premier League for tackles won (189) since his top-flight debut, averaging 2.8 per game compared to departing Thomas Partey’s 2.4.
Norgaard’s set-piece prowess adds another dimension to Arsenal’s attacking arsenal. His aerial ability and positioning at corners could prove crucial in tight games, addressing a long-standing weakness in the Gunners’ play. The 31-year-old’s leadership qualities, demonstrated through his Brentford captaincy, will be invaluable in a squad that has sometimes lacked vocal leaders in key moments.
From a tactical perspective, Norgaard fits perfectly into Arteta’s system. His ability to shield the defense while contributing in possession also makes him an ideal replacement for Jorginho’s experience. The Dane’s Premier League adaptation is already complete, eliminating the usual settling-in period that accompanies foreign imports.
The Pragmatic Concerns
However, several factors prevent this from being a higher-rated signing. At 31, Norgaard offers minimal resale value, representing a short-term solution rather than a long-term investment. His age profile contradicts Arsenal’s recent strategy of targeting younger, developing talents who can appreciate in value.
The fee structure, while reasonable, still represents significant expenditure for a player who may only contribute for 2-3 seasons. Former Arsenal defender William Gallas publicly questioned the logic of spending £10 million on a player “a year younger” than the departing Partey, highlighting concerns about the club’s transfer strategy.
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Norgaard’s goal return, while improved this season, remains modest for a player who will occupy a crucial midfield position. His discipline record – nine yellow cards and one red in 34 Premier League appearances last season – suggests he may struggle with the intensity of Arsenal’s high-pressing system.
The Verdict: Sensible but Uninspiring
This signing epitomizes Arsenal’s pragmatic approach to squad building. Norgaard provides immediate Premier League quality at a reasonable price, filling a specific tactical need without breaking the bank. His experience and leadership will prove valuable during the crucial adaptation period following Jorginho’s departure.
The 7/10 rating reflects solid, sensible recruitment rather than transformative business. While supporters may have hoped for a more exciting addition, Norgaard’s signing demonstrates Arsenal’s commitment to building a balanced squad rather than pursuing glamorous names.
In the context of Arsenal’s broader transfer strategy – which includes the £51 million signing of Martin Zubimendi – Norgaard represents the type of intelligent, low-risk addition that complements bigger investments. His role as a reliable squad player who can step up when needed makes this a thoroughly reasonable piece of business.
The real test will be whether Norgaard can maintain his Brentford form in Arsenal’s more demanding tactical system. If he adapts successfully, this signing could prove to be one of the summer’s shrewdest moves. If not, it risks becoming another expensive short-term fix in Arsenal’s ongoing midfield evolution.
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Arsenal
Arsenal’s £55M Nightmare: Why Losing Ethan Nwaneri Would Be Catastrophic
Arsenal face a contract standoff that could define their next decade. With Ethan Nwaneri’s current deal expiring in summer 2026 and negotiations stalling, the Gunners risk losing their most promising academy graduate since Bukayo Saka. The 18-year-old’s reluctance to commit amid concerns over guaranteed playing time has placed several elite clubs on red alert.
1. Losing a Generational Talent at His Peak Development Stage
Nwaneri represents the type of once-in-a-generation academy product that clubs build their future around. His breakthrough 2024-25 season demonstrated exceptional maturity beyond his years, including his first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest in November and a memorable brace against Bolton in the Carabao Cup. The England Under-21 international’s ability to seamlessly transition between central midfield and right wing positions makes him invaluable in Mikel Arteta’s tactical system.
At 18, Nwaneri is entering the crucial phase where raw talent transforms into elite performance. His current market valuation of €55 million reflects his immense potential, but more importantly, his understanding of Arsenal’s tactical nuances and pressing systems cannot be replicated by any external signing. The young attacker’s technical ability, combined with his physical development and tactical intelligence, suggests he could become Arsenal’s next superstar.
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2. Strategic Implications for Arsenal’s Long-Term Planning
Arsenal’s entire academy philosophy centers on developing players who understand the club’s DNA from youth level. Nwaneri embodies this perfectly, having progressed through every level of the system. His departure would signal a fundamental failure in the club’s talent retention strategy and could encourage other promising youngsters to question their long-term prospects at the Emirates.
The timing is particularly damaging given Arsenal’s recent investment in youth development infrastructure. Losing Nwaneri would undermine the credibility of the pathway from academy to first team that Arteta has worked to establish. His contract situation has already created uncertainty, with reports suggesting his camp has expressed reservations about Arsenal’s plans to sign two new forwards, potentially limiting his opportunities.
3. Financial and Competitive Ramifications
From a financial perspective, allowing Nwaneri to leave would represent a catastrophic loss of asset value. The club invested significant resources in his development, and losing him for minimal compensation would be economically devastating. More critically, strengthening a direct competitor – with Chelsea reportedly circling – would compound the disaster.
Arsenal’s title ambitions depend on squad depth and tactical flexibility. Nwaneri’s versatility across multiple positions provides Arteta with crucial options during fixture congestion. His pace, creativity, and ability to press from advanced positions make him ideally suited to Arsenal’s high-intensity style. Replacing these specific attributes in the transfer market would cost significantly more than retaining him.
The Road Ahead
The club’s reluctance to sell, as confirmed by recent reports, demonstrates their recognition of Nwaneri’s importance. However, with his current deal entering its final year, time is running out to secure his long-term future.
The resolution of Nwaneri’s contract situation will serve as a litmus test for Arsenal’s ambitions. Failing to retain their brightest prospect would represent more than just losing a talented player – it would signal a failure to capitalize on years of academy investment and potentially derail the club’s long-term strategic vision. For Arsenal, keeping Nwaneri isn’t just important – it’s essential for their continued evolution as a title-contending force.
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