Premier League release official statement on William Saliba penalty incident during Arsenal draw against Brighton 

Premier League has issued an official statement regarding William Saliba's controversial penalty incident following Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. The Gunners had to settle for just a point at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, January 4.

Mikel Arteta's side went ahead in the 16th minute through Ethan Nwaneri. However, they were pegged back by Brighton in the second half as Joao Pedro equalized from the spot in the 61st minute.

Pedro won the penalty on controversial circumstances as Saliba appeared to have accidentally headbutted the forward inside the box. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and VAR did not overturn the decision as Pedro stepped up to beat David Raya from 12 yards out.

Shortly after the incident, the Premier League released a statement stating that there was sufficient contact for a spot-kick. The statement read, as quoted by SPORTbible:

"The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty."

The dropped points will be a major blow to Arsenal's title aspirations as they are now five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. Arne Slot's side have two games in hand and will take on their bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday, January 5.

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Arsenal join the race to sign former Real Madrid star in January: Reports

Arsenal have reportedly joined Aston Villa and Newcastle United in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain attacker Marco Asensio. The former Real Madrid star is available for €30 million this month, per reports from Caught Offside via The Hard Tackle.

Asensio has been a squad player for PSG since joining the French giants on a free transfer in 2023. He has two goals and four assists in 15 appearances across competitions this season but has only started 10 games.

The 28-year-old is understood to be considering his future at Parc des Princes and has no shortage of interest. Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa are all reportedly keen on the Spaniard.

Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka for the foreseeable future after the England international picked up a hamstring injury last month.