Arsenal fans are staring at the Premier League table today with a mix of genuine relief and that annoying, nagging sense of "what if."
Honestly, the 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday night was a slog. It was one of those matches where the ball just wouldn't go in the net, no matter how many times Viktor Gyökeres or Gabriel Martinelli tried to force the issue. But then, news filtered through from Old Trafford. Manchester City lost 2-0 to Manchester United.
Suddenly, a frustrating point away from home looks like a massive step toward the title. Arsenal are now seven points clear at the top of the table.
The Forest Deadlock and the Penalty That Wasn't
Mikel Arteta was visibly fuming after the final whistle. You could see it in his eyes during the post-match interviews. He was mostly hung up on an 80th-minute incident where the ball appeared to strike Ola Aina’s arm in the box. VAR took a look, cleared it, and moved on.
Arteta didn't.
"A clear penalty in the box that has not been given," he told TNT Sports. He’s right that those are the margins that usually decide a title race. But if we're being real, Arsenal’s wastefulness was the bigger story.
✨ Don't miss: El Paso Locomotive FC Standings: Why the 2025 Surge Changes Everything for 2026
Viktor Gyökeres, the big-money arrival from Sporting Lisbon, had a rough night. He’s been great overall, but he struggled to justify that hefty price tag against Forest’s low block. Sean Dyche basically turned the City Ground into a fortress. Murillo was immense for them, and Matz Sels pulled off a fingertip save from Bukayo Saka that felt like it defied physics.
Saka came off the bench for this one, which tells you everything you need to know about how Arteta is trying to manage his star man's minutes after those scary hamstring whispers earlier in the season.
Arsenal FC News: The Transfer Tussle with Chelsea
While the players are recovering, the recruitment team led by Andrea Berta is apparently in a dogfight. The big name circulating in the latest news from Arsenal FC right now is Jeremy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old Rennes defender is high on the list, especially since the Gunners missed out on Marc Guehi (who chose Man City). But here's the kicker: Chelsea are reportedly ready to blow the doors off the deal. Rumors suggest the Blues are willing to pay upwards of £52 million to bring the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge.
It’s a classic London rivalry play. Arsenal need defensive depth because, let's face it, the injury list isn't exactly empty.
🔗 Read more: Duke Football Recruiting 2025: Manny Diaz Just Flipped the Script in Durham
The Current Injury Situation
- Riccardo Calafiori: Still out with a muscle issue.
- Cristhian Mosquera: Nursing an ankle injury.
- Piero Hincapié: Dealing with a hamstring problem that kept him out of the Forest game.
- Kai Havertz: He’s back on the bench, which is a huge relief after those "surgery" rumors started floating around a few months ago.
The good news? Martin Ødegaard is playing, though he looked a bit leggy on Saturday. He got a 5/10 rating from most of the London papers, which is rare for the captain. He’s clearly carrying the weight of this title charge on his shoulders.
Why the Saka Renewal Matters More Than Any Signing
Amidst all the talk of new signings and January windows, the biggest piece of business happened off the pitch. Bukayo Saka has reportedly committed his future to the club until 2031.
That is massive.
He’s the face of the club. At 24, he’s already hit 77 goals and 77 assists for the Gunners. Keeping him through his prime years is a statement of intent that outweighs any £50 million panic buy in January.
Interestingly, while Saka is locked in, the club seems less rushed on a new deal for Ødegaard. It’s not that they don't want him—obviously, they do—but the priority list for Berta and Arteta is focused on the immediate depth of the squad.
💡 You might also like: Dodgers Black Heritage Night 2025: Why It Matters More Than the Jersey
Ben White and the Everton Rumors
You've probably seen the headlines about Ben White potentially heading to Everton. Let’s put that one to bed.
While David Moyes is reportedly desperate for a right-back, Arsenal have zero intention of letting White go this month. He’s fallen down the pecking order slightly because Jurrien Timber has been playing like a man possessed, but with the Champions League knockouts looming, Arteta needs every senior body he can get.
White played high up the right side against Forest, and while it didn't "click" structurally, his versatility is too valuable to lose for a cut-price fee mid-season.
What’s Next for the Gunners?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. Arsenal have a massive clash against Manchester United coming up on January 25th. That game at the Emirates will be a powderkeg, especially since United just did them a massive favor by beating City.
If you're following the latest news from Arsenal FC, keep an eye on the final week of the transfer window. Arteta has gone on record saying the club is "ready to act" if the right opportunity arises. They aren't looking for fillers; they want "top characters."
Essentially, if a deal for someone like Kenan Yildiz or even a late move for a midfielder opens up, don't be surprised if the club pulls the trigger. They know they are in a position of strength, but they also know how quickly a seven-point lead can evaporate in this league.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Hincapié updates: His fitness will determine if Arsenal can stick with their current backline or if they have to overpay for a defender in the final days of January.
- Monitor the Gyökeres form: He needs a goal against United to settle the nerves. If the goals dry up, the "we need a clinical #9" narrative will return with a vengeance.
- Check the United lineup: With the January 25th game approaching, see if Arteta sticks with the Zubimendi-Rice-Ødegaard trio or opts for more defensive solidity.
Arsenal are in the driver's seat. It's theirs to lose now.