Arsenal's League Cup quarterfinal with Crystal Palace went the distance - as so many of their recent matches have done

Arsenal could finally wrap up a transfer saga that's been three years in the making this January, by setting their sights set on a soon-to-be free agent. The Gunners have been in scintillating form this season, currently topping the Premier League table and holding a two-point lead over closest rivals Manchester City.

Arsenal were dealt a fresh blow before their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace as Piero Hincapie was absent from the squad. Hincapie, a summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, has become an important figure in Arsenal’s defence amid the absence of Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera.

A swollen tally of 97 goals in 102 appearances with Sporting CP saw Gyökeres earn a reputation as one of the most-feared strikers in the world, with Arsenal battling to secure a deal worth £63.5 million ($85.4 million) to bring him in during the summer window.

Arsenal have enjoyed a memorable 2025, reaching the Champions League semi-finals before making a fast start this season in the Premier League, and one man has stood out

For example, in his 67 minutes of action, he completed just one dribble, misplaced 50% of his crosses, completed just 14 passes, lost the ball 14 times, and the fact that he took five shots without scoring a goal is a problem in and of itself.

Mikel Arteta believes that Arsenal have reached “another level” this season thanks to improved depth and maturity within the squad as the Gunners target a first Premier League title in 22 years. But it will take even more to realise that ambition.

Injury-plagued former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is finally set to return to football after finding a new club following his exit from the Emirates Stadium. The Japan international left the Gunners in July this year after the Premier League giants agreed a contract termination with the full-back,

The backlash contrasts with praise from some football business commentators, including former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, who described Deel as a “credible” company and said Arsenal should be commended for quickly replacing Visit Rwanda with a financially comparable sponsor.