Arsenal

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

What a week it has been at Arsenal.

On Wednesday, fans received news that Kai Havertz will be facing an extended period on the sidelines with a knee injury. A few hours later, news broke of the bid for Eberechi Eze, who was subsequently presented to a raucous Emirates Stadium crowd before the Gunners' 5-0 win over Leeds United.

Much of the attention was given to striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored twice, and an impressive performance off the bench by 15-year-old Max Dowman.

But there was another Arsenal player who made a quietly impressive debut at the Emirates.

Noni Madueke's arrival in July was met with confusion from some fans. Small but vocal parts of the fanbase even voiced their disagreement with the signing. There was a feeling the 23-year old would need to 'prove himself' to supporters.

Madueke's performance on Saturday, although without any goals or assists, showed perhaps what Mikel Arteta sees in him.

Throughout the first half, Madueke stayed wide, hugging the touchline but also having the confidence and skill to beat his man and put in a cross. His relationship with Riccardo Calafiori still needs time to develop, but there were flashes of brilliance.

Arsenal have been immensely reliant on the right flank but, as Madueke settles in, they will certainly appreciate a better balance on both sides of the pitch.

Bukayo Saka's injury in the 54th minute meant that Madueke spent the first 10 minutes of the second half, before his own substitution, on the opposite flank.

The versatility to cover for perhaps Arsenal's best player is to be admired. He has also spoken about welcoming the competition between himself and Dowman for a place in the starting XI.

Arsenal fans have longed for a squad with depth in each position for a while. Saturday's performance by Madueke shows what an intelligent signing he could be.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

The Gunners want a left-sided defender as a priority this summer, with Ecuador international Hincapie emerging as a strong candidate.

Arsenal's recruitment staff have watched the 23-year-old extensively, sources told BBC Sport.

Hincapie has a 60m euro (£52m) release clause and is keen to leave the German club before the transfer window closes.

He has made 166 appearances in all competitions for Leverkusen since joining in 2021 and was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga and German Cup in 2023-24.

Tottenham have also been linked with a move for Hincapie, but sources insist he is not a player Spurs are currently pursuing.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal have been given a boost after scans on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard suggested that neither have suffered long-term injuries despite both being substituted early in the Gunners' 5-0 win over Leeds United.

Captain Odegaard was withdrawn in the first half with a shoulder injury, while Saka left the field in the second half with a suspected hamstring injury.

The club have said neither player will be out for a substantial period, but former Premier League midfielder Nigel Re-Coker says "it is a bit of a worry" still.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, he said: "Creatively they are both a real threat so where is it going to come from now? Saka is 'Mr Arsenal' as he is the more influential player.

"Thankfully they have just signed Eberechi Eze, who is a special player, and he is going to have to go straight in at the deep end and take the burden of being the man that creates for Arsenal.

"He hasn't gone to Arsenal to be the main man, he has gone to show the talent that he has, and he is definitely capable of doing it."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Mo: It was so entertaining watching Arsenal. Impressive performance and total control of the game. This is a different Arsenal with a superior attack and a very diverse talent. I'd call this a confidence-building game for both our star players and our young talents.

John: A big statement win and goals from everywhere! Last season we would have either won 1-0, or drawn a game like this. I know it's only the second game but I'm very encouraged by what I've seen so far.

Rachel: It feels like a new dawn at the Emirates. The excitement was palpable as Eze strolled nonchalantly into the stadium. Then the match ramped it up another level. I'm so excited for the season.

Leeds fans

Dean: Outclassed in every department. Only two new outfield signings started this game, so it is hardy surprising we didn't compete. Can't understand Farke's thought process regarding this starting line-up. That was a tough watch.

Matthew: I can't think of one Leeds player that met the standard. We were always likely to lose, but to surrender like that and not fight at all was unacceptable. Piroe can't be the answer up front. He neither works hard enough nor is strong enough to battle top-flight defenders. Bijol can play in the next game and hopefully we've got more attacking options - definitely more than one - lined up to come in.

Steven: I was expecting Warnock-ball against one of the best teams in the league but it looks like we went back to Bielsa-ball, which simply didn't work. Let's hope this is a lesson.

Match of the Day's Alan Shearer analyses the performance of Arsenal's new striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored twice in the Gunners' 5-0 win over Leeds United.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have interest in signing Real Madrid and Brazil winger Rodrygo, but the Spanish club are yet to receive a bid for the 24-year-old. (Marca - in Spanish), external

Meanwhile, the Gunners have agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old Irish midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

The talent of Max Dowman is no shock to anyone who has been around Arsenal. He has been training with the first-team squad since he was 14.

He was taken on the team's warm weather training camp to Dubai in January and there were calls from supporters for him to be used during the last campaign when Arteta's squad was decimated by injuries.

Dowman played for England at the European Under-17 Championship in May, and became the competition's youngest scorer when he netted in a win over the Czech Republic.

He featured three years above his age group when playing for the Under-18s at Arsenal. Last season he scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 23 games, with 17 of those goal involvements coming in the last seven matches of the Under-18 Premier League South season (14 goals, three assists).

Age restrictions stopped him from making his Premier League debut last season but now he is eligible and with a potential hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka, the young winger could be about to be thrust into the spotlight more often.

Dowman replaced Saka in four of the pre-season matches before being given time off to rest against Athletic Bilbao, but the winger looks full of energy in what could be his breakthrough season.

Arteta also said that he needs to "protect" Dowman on his journey but that has not stopped his team-mates heaping praise on him.

"I think everyone can see the potential he has. Playing against grown men. He is a joy to watch, for the crowd too he is a joy to watch. Hopefully, he will have many amazing years here." Jurrien Timber said after the match.

And with injuries for Arsenal trio Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Saka, there may be more Premier League opportunities heading Dowman's way.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Sautrday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa

• Burnley 2-0 Sunderland

• Arsenal 5-0 Leeds

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It was nearly a perfect afternoon for Arsenal with a new signing unveiled, Viktor Gyokeres getting off the mark and a debut given to the highly rated Max Dowman.

Injuries derailed Arsenal's title bid last season and with Kai Havertz unavailable with a knee injury and now question marks over the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, Mikel Arteta will be hoping he won't have to contend with the same issues this season.

Arsenal came into this transfer window with the aim of increasing the depth and quality of the squad and Arteta will now have to use the £250m of resources that he has brought in during this summer window to bring silverware to the club.

When Eberchi Eze entered the pitch wearing his new number 10 shirt the noise inside the stadium was nearly as loud as the celebrations that followed each of the five goals that the Gunners scored. Eze's quality is going to bring a different dynamic to the Arsenal attack.

Dowman has been one of Arsenal's brightest sparks throughout pre-season and had already won two penalties against Newcastle and Athletic Bilbao.

He again showed why there is so much excitement about his potential when he came on against Leeds and the winger's ability to beat his defender was shown again when he won a penalty for Arsenal's fifth goal.

Arsenal are cautious about putting too much pressure on the 15-year-old but when he continues to impress at senior level, they will find it hard to stop the hype around him.

Mikel Arteta spoke to Sky Sports after Arsenal's victory against Leeds:

"A lot to be excited by. A really positive afternoon to start the season off at home, You could feel the energy immediately, that it had gone up a level and that is what we were looking for. The team played really well, really confident. The team created a lot and did not concede anything. Five goals and a clean sheet is a really good start.

On Max Dowman's debut, he added: On Dowman's debut and keeping a lid on the excitment: "We have to gather all the information. It's how he reacts and deals with the situation. What his teammates think about him, which is clear, because they kept on passing him the ball. It is great to be able to change the energy in the stadium by bringing him in and he had an impact. He won a penalty on his debut at the Emirates, that's incredible.

On the injuries to Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka: "Martin looks like a shoulder issue so we will have to scan tomorrow and understand how bad it is. And Bukayo had to come off after sprinting and when he was wrestling with the defender he felt something in his hamstring I think. It is the other side [to the previous injury] but it is still not good. I don't know [how long they will be out]

Goalscorer Viktor Gyokeres told Sky Sports: "Of course, I am really happy with the result. It was very nice to score two goals as well.

"It is always pressure. I know I'll take my chances sooner or later. We won 5-0 so it was a great day.

"It was a short pre-season for me and not too many weeks training and then, of course, playing 90 minutes in pre-season. It was important for me to get 90 minutes and get the rhythm and to get to know the team even more during this game.

"I felt more comfortable in how we're playing, and I think you can see that as well.

"I am comfortable when the ball is coming in-behind and then cutting inside. I know I'll take the chance when I have it like that.

"We have so many amazing players going forward. For me, it is important to be in the right place."

Did you know?

• Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last 43 Premier League home games against newly promoted sides equalling the competition's record set by Chelsea (also 43 games between November 2001-November 2015).

• Max Dowman (15y 235d) became just the third player to appear in a Premier League game before turning 16 years old after teammate Ethan Nwaneri v Brentford in September 2022 (15y 181d) and Jeremy Monga for Leicester City v Newcastle United in April (15y 271d).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Eberechi Eze's " mentality and ambition" make him a perfect fit for his squad.

The 27-year-old will wear the number 10 shirt and will hope to be in contention for Arsenal's trip to Anfield to face champions Liverpool next weekend.

"We are absolutely delighted to bring Eberechi to Arsenal," Arteta said in a club statement. "He is a powerful and exciting player who will give us a new dimension in our attacking game.

"What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player, is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today.

"His journey, his mentality and his ambition are exactly what we want in our team, and we love how much it means to him and his family to be joining our club."

Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta added: "Eberechi is a creative and explosive talent with huge technical quality – a big-game player, with his experience at international level with England also underlining his quality and character.

"We are very confident Eberechi will be an important addition to our squad as we continue to build for success."

Mikel Arteta has made two changes from the team that beat Manchester United with Noni Madueke and and Jurrien Timber coming into the starting line up. 15-year-old Max Dowman is on the bench.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Madueke, Gyokeres

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Martinelli, Kiwior, Trossard, Nwaneri, Merino, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman

Leeds are unchanged from the team that beat Everton in their first Premier League game of the season. They are looking to win their opening two Premier League games in a season for the first time since 2002-03.

Leeds starting XI: Perri, Bogle, Gudmundsson,Struijk, Rodon, James, Piroe, Stach, Tanaka, Gnonto, Gruev

Subs: Darlow, Longstaff, Aaronson, Nmecha, Bijol, Okafor, Harrison, Bornauw, Byram

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Manchester City v Tottenham (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Wolves

• Brentford v Aston Villa - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Burnley v Sunderland - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Arsenal v Leeds (17:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

I didn't feel Arsenal's performance was there against Manchester United, but at least they found a way to win.

All the talk in this game is going to be about Viktor Gyokeres and whether he can get off the mark. There was such an overreaction after he didn't score against Manchester United last weekend.

He has been written off as a dud in some quarters already! That's the modern game though - you can get written off after your first hour of playing in the Premier League. Not for me though, I think he will come good.

Leeds played with such intensity against Everton, although the penalty they won was slightly harsh.

Will Daniel Farke's side show that same level of bravery at the Emirates? Probably - and, if so, it will cost them.

Sutton's prediction: 4-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

The only two teams to register 1-0 wins on the opening Premier League weekend meet at the Emirates.

"One nil to the Arsenal" was the chant in the away end at Old Trafford last Sunday. All six of Arsenal's Premier League wins at Manchester United have been by that scoreline, but they were far from their best and allowed 22 shots on their goal – the most they have faced in a Premier League game against United since that famous 8-2 defeat 14 years ago.

Viktor Gyokeres' hotly anticipated debut became a mere footnote in the match - he had 22 touches and lasted an hour before he was withdrawn. He also failed to have a shot for the first time since April 2023, ending a run of 69 consecutive league appearances in which he registered at least one attempt at goal.

Much more will be expected of the 27-year-old Swede in the coming months and he will be required to step things up immediately after Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury this week.

Arsenal drew a whopping 14 matches in last season's top flight – a number only surpassed by Everton with 15 and a total which ultimately cost them the title. Six of those league draws came at home, with points dropped against the likes of Brentford and Crystal Palace. However, they did beat all three newly promoted sides at the Emirates in 2024-25 - and the same will be expected this season.

The Gunners are flat-track bullies when it comes to hosting teams to have come up from the Championship and are unbeaten in 42 such Premier League home matches, winning 37 and drawing five. Avoid defeat on Saturday and they will equal Chelsea's long-standing Premier League record.

Leeds United travel south seeking to win their opening two Premier League fixtures for the first time since 2002-03 under Terry Venables.

Last season, it took until October for one of the promoted trio to register a win. This season – for just the third time – two from three did so on the opening weekend.

Daniel Farke's side became the first Championship title-holders to take maximum points from their opening top-flight game for 17 years on Monday with a narrow victory over Everton.

The Toffees were toothless, but Farke's men deserve credit as they limited their opponents to 14 touches in touches in the box and one shot on target – the fewest allowed by any side in the opening round.

Their defensive mettle will be tested in this weekend and Leeds tend to suffer in the capital - they have endured seven successive top-flight defeats in London since a 2-1 triumph at Brentford in May 2022.

They have also failed to win any of their previous 14 meetings with Arsenal, losing the past six in a row.

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Leeds United at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta confirmed Kai Havertz has sustained an injury, though the full extent is not yet known and "we need more time". Havertz will miss Saturday's match but is "mentally in a good place". Arteta described the forward as a "strong boy and very committed", adding that he expects Havertz "to deal with it in the best possible way".

• Midfielder Christian Norgaard will be unavailable, while defender Ben White remains a doubt. The Spaniard noted that Jurrien Timber's "load" will need to be carefully managed due to his past injuries and explained that they have decided to "take training down". On a more positive note, he confirmed forward Gabriel Jesus is doing "super well and looks in a really good place".

• On Eberechi Eze's expected arrival from Crystal Palace: "Nothing to comment, and I cannot talk about any player that is not part of our group."

• The Spaniard reiterated that the decision to take Victor Gyokeres off after an hour against Manchester United was contingent on "how the game developed", adding: "The game was very demanding physically, and at the moment, he did enough." The Arsenal manager also said Gyokeres is "very enthusiastic and looked in a really good place".

• On set-pieces: "The creativity comes from different angles. At Old Trafford, we had many situations where we should have exploited the situation to be much more efficient to finish actions. That is a big resource we have, and it brings confidence as well that the team can score goals from any situation."

• Arteta labelled the first game at the Emirates as "very special" and "it builds a different energy around the stadium". He said "that connection" will ensure the players will be at it from kick-off and "we are going to have a good game".

• The Spaniard complimented Noni Madueke as someone who can "unlock situations and create uncertainty in and around the goal", while also acknowledging his ability to bring a "different profile" on the pitch in different stages of the game.

• On having Leeds back in the Premier League: "Incredible club, incredible history, one big city that is so passionate, and you know what happens when you go there and play. Great to have them back - apart from tomorrow."

• More on Leeds: "Very impressed in watching them what they did in pre-season, in what they did on Monday [in their 1-0 win over Everton], what they did last year and the manner that they did it as well. Big compliments to the way they play and the coach. I am sure it is going to be a difficult match against us tomorrow."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Arsenal v Leeds on Saturday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news