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Arsenal face Leicester City at the Emirates on Sunday in the Premier League. Manager Mikel Arteta will hope to continue his team's recent good form - four-game winning streak - and climb back to fourth place with a win over the Foxes. The Gunners trail fourth-placed Manchester United by two points but have four games in hand.
Meanwhile, Ray Parlour has advised the Gunners to sign a Manchester United attacker. Elsewhere, Kevin Campbell has tipped the north London side to offer William Saliba a new contract this summer.
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On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on 13th March 2022:
Ray Parlour urges Arsenal to sign Marcus Rashford
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has urged his former club to dive for Marcus Rashford if he becomes available. The 24-year-old has struggled for form this season and has dropped down the pecking order at Manchester United. His lack of game time under interim manager Ralf Rangnick has given rise to speculation about his future.
Rashford has been indispensable for the Red Devils in the last few seasons. However, he has been relegated to the bench recently. The Englishman is unhappy with the situation and could be forced to consider his future at the club. Parlour believes the Gunners should go all out for the 24-year-old if he becomes available.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Parlour said that he would love to see Rashford at the Emirates.
“Marcus Rashford is going through a bit of a bad spell, but he’s a top player. I am sure lots of clubs will be enquiring about Marcus Rashford if he was available in the summer. Certainly Arsenal, I would love him to come to Arsenal,” said Parlour.
He continued:
“That’s the position Arsenal need to look at this summer; it’s vital for the club. If Rashford’s available – and I don’t think he would be because United would be mad to sell him – but if he is available, then Arsenal would definitely be interested."
Rashford has made just nine league starts this season. He has scored only five times in 25 appearances across competitions this campaign.
Kevin Campbell tips Gunners to extend William Saliba contract
Former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell thinks the Gunners would extend William Saliba's contract this summer. The Frenchman has earned rave reviews for his performances on loan at Marseille, and the French side are eager to sign him permanently.
However, speaking to Football Insider, Campbell said that Saliba could return to the Emirates next season.
“Let’s not even go there. He is an Arsenal player. He has gone out on loan because he is young, is learning and needs game time. What is going to happen is this; he is going to come back; Arsenal are going to hand him a new contract, and he will be in and around the first team next season,” said Campbell.
He continued:
“Could he break into the XI? Maybe. We might see Arteta adapt his system at times to incorporate him. He is an Arsenal player, and he will be given his chance. He is a brilliant young defender who is the future. I’m adamant that he is going nowhere. 100 per cent."
Saliba, 20, has made 37 appearances across competitions this season.
Alexandre Lacazette waiting for Champions League qualification to decide future, according to Noel Whelan
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Alexandre Lacazette wants the Gunners to qualify for the UEFA Champions League before deciding on his future. The Frenchman is in the final few months of his current contract, and there have been no talks of a renewal yet.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan praised Lacazette for leading from the front.
“I think because it’s run down to a certain point, he’ll be holding out for Champions League football. You’ve got to take into consideration his age as well. This could be his last chance to secure a big contract. If he can help Arsenal to that top-four finish, then his bargaining position looks a lot better. It’ll be a difficult conversation to have, I imagine. But what he’s shown is that real leadership skill,” said Whelan.
He continued:
“Despite the fact he’s not got left on his contract and his future is up in the air – he’s still putting in a real shift and putting his body on the line. It’s commendable. We see so many players down tools at this point in their contract, but he’s still giving 100% to the cause. He’s leading by example. Right now you’d be silly not to give him a new contract with the way he’s playing."
The Gunners captain has bagged 70 goals and 36 assists across competitions for the club. However, that includes only five goals and eight assists this season. Lacazette registered two assists in the Gunners' thrilling 3-2 win against Watford last Sunday.
