Arsenal

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Time stops for no man, as Kevin de Bruyne and Jamie Vardy are discovering right now.

Both are considered 'too old' for the teams they have graced for 10 and 13 years respectively. Both are arguably the most important - and maybe most-loved players - in their club's recent history. Both clearly have unfinished business as top players, even if Jamie is 38 years old and Kevin is 34 in June.

They had a few other things in common this week. First, they looked the most likely to score for their teams. Secondly, they both did.

The fire hasn't gone out for either player and both could doubtless still do some sort of limited, short-term strategic job for their teams going forward - but those ships have sailed.

Playing this well when they know they are leaving could be down to a number of reasons: professionalism and pride in their work is clearly on show.

Giving your best while still being paid considerable sums to turn out each week should be a given, but it isn't always.

There is also the consideration that, like other players nearing the end of their contracts, they are putting on a show for any prospective employees. If they 'downed tools', like some others have done to ensure they don't pick up any injuries, it wouldn't be a great look.

Vardy must be thinking that a top team in need of a natural scorer would be worth looking at him. Even if his role was as a substitute most weeks, he could come on when the defenders are tiring, space is opening up and desperation is kicking in.

With the chances Arsenal created this season, and them having no obvious natural scorer to add the final touch, would Vardy on their bench look silly or astute?

Arsenal took a chance on Raheem Sterling this season, which clearly hasn't worked, but would De Bruyne be a better bet, if they took a punt on him?

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be a daft move, even if the Gunners have a few decent players in that area. Mikel Arteta knows Kevin, so you never know.

Vardy and De Bruyne might be on the way out, but both still have something to give. It might yet be closer to home than some people think, rather than the expected pension booster jobs in the Middle East or - dare I say it - the good old USA.

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Arsenal are considering another move for Paris St-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, 24, after failing to strike a deal for the South Korea international in January. (Sun, external)

West Ham and Ghana winger Mohammed Kudus, 24, is the subject of fresh interest from Arsenal. (Talksport, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice says the team have "full belief" that they can beat Paris St-Germain and reach the Champions League final.

Having lost the semi-final first leg at home, the Gunners travel to Paris knowing they will need to overturn a 1-0 deficit if they are to reach a first final in the competition in 19 years.

They face a tough test against the side that has already knocked fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Aston Villa out of the competition.

"Us as a group of players know what we can achieve tomorrow night," Rice said.

"We can go out there and we can achieve something great for this club and that's what we want to do. We obviously know we're 1-0 down but we have full belief, full positivity that we're going to go out there and win tomorrow night.

"You need to have full belief. We certainly have that as a group. If we are the best versions of ourselves we know we can get to the final. You can't come to a semi-final without that belief.

"We're so close [to winning a trophy].

"We're in the semi-final now for the Champions League. The next step for us is to win trophies. I sense that we're close, but to get over the line you have to win that first one.

"Tomorrow is another step. We are a young team and if we want to take the next massive step we need to go through these nights.

"You're going to need a moment of magic to win a game, and as a team, we're going to need that."

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris St-Germain (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta confirmed Jurrien Timber will be assessed on Tuesday to determine his availability for the game, while Riccardo Calafiori is "ready to play if we need him".

• On what his side needs to overturn the 1-0 first-leg deficit: "Huge energy. We are a win away from being in the Champions League final. We are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world against a great opponent. Doesn't get much better. We are here to make history, we have a big opportunity tomorrow. We bring a result that gives us so much clarity in what we need to do."

• He added: "A lot of learnings to take from the first leg and how small margins are between two teams. The result should have been different to that one so tomorrow is another opportunity to do that."

• On if it feels like his biggest game as manager: "One of the most beautiful for sure. One win away from being in the final, we cannot ask for anything else. Let's not do talking, let's do tomorrow on that pitch. Show our best, best version and win the game."

• The Arsenal boss said players need to "embrace and take on the game to make something special" if they are to progress. He added: "To get to final you have to do something exceptional throughout the tournament. We have done a lot of great things, but tomorrow in Paris we need to elevate it. To make history, we have opportunity to do it."

• On how close the Gunners are to winning a trophy: "We are going to try to this season. Winning trophies is about being in the right moment, in the right place. Liverpool have won the title with less points than we had in the last two seasons. So you have to be in the right moment, in the right place. Hopefully here we are in the right moment and place in Paris tomorrow and earn the right to be in the final."

• He feels the motivation "is within us" to get the result they need at the Parcdes Princes and added: "We need to use it – to channel that energy and emotion that we all have inside ourselves to deliver and perform at the best possible level tomorrow night and the level we need to reach that final."

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There is plenty riding on Arsenal's trip to Parc des Princes, so we asked you to describe your current emotions and predict whether or not Mikel Arteta's side will progress to the Champions League final.

Here are some of your replies:

David: Season-defining is an understatement to say the least. This is a test of the team and the manager's character. If they win, it will be the greatest victory for an Arsenal side in over 20 years. Should we fail, this season will be considered yet another mediocre effort by a team and manager that can't quite get over the line. Everything is crossed. Come on, you Gunners!

Kate: Mentality is everything. If we believe we can win, then we will win. The fans need to get behind them. Win or lose, we have had an amazing run. We can take lessons from this into next season, either way. Mikel should get Renee Slegers in to give the boys a pep talk. The women's team came from behind twice to make it to the final and the one-club mentality seems to be strong right now.

John: The main feeling for the game against PSG is trepidation. Last weekend's game just shows how fragile our defence is at the moment. Since Gabriel's injury, William Saliba's form has dropped and David Raya has become a liability when passing out. Coupled with Arteta's stubbornness, I can't see us being able to keep PSG out and taking the few chances we will be allowed. The season is just about over and I, for one, can't wait for it to be over.

Rob: It all depends on what Arsenal team turns up. The sweet, fast-flowing, attacking-minded masters or the 11 strangers wandering about who look like they have never kicked a football before. Fingers crossed for the first option.

Aquinas: I still have faith in this Arsenal team to overcome that one-goal deficit. However, they have to be clinical and defend well to have any chance of reaching the final.

Nigel: Usual feelings of anxiety, nervousness and trepidation. These feelings wouldn't normally be so forthcoming but it seems our clutch has gone and we can't kick-start into the first gear, let alone anything else. Our whole season seems to be written off now, and we haven't even started the second half of the semi-final yet. We are capable of magical moments and this is absolutely where we need to dig deep and find them.

Could the Champions League semi-final second leg at Paris St-Germain on Wednesday be the defining moment of Mikel Arteta's legacy at Arsenal?

Fans Alex Moneypenny and James Clark tell The Football News Show's Ben Croucher why this is "make or break" for the Gunners manager.

How are you feeling before the big night in Paris? Let us know here

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

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Arsenal's home defeat by Bournemouth at the weekend marked the 10th time this season they have dropped points from a winning position.

Only one win in five Premier League matches is further indication that the wheels of this already faltering campaign are fully coming off. And the timing could not be worse given the season-defining Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday against Paris St-Germain.

Saturday's display was worrying on many levels, not least because it drags Arsenal firmly back into the scrap for Champions League qualification. Having suffered lengthy spells on the sidelines, Ben White had a torrid day, while the speed at which Bournemouth were able to transition showed their quality.

Even so, Arsenal were bullied all over the pitch.

Most worrying, for me, is the psychological fragility that has crept back into this Arsenal side.

One of the areas with the most improvement under Mikel Arteta is how Arsenal have faced up to and overcome the sides that have previously caused so much trouble. It has been nearly two whole seasons since Arsenal lost to a so-called 'big six' side.

And yet the second half against Bournemouth was a disturbing throwback to a dark era for Arsenal - one during which they got beaten 6-0 at Chelsea and conceded four goals inside 20 minutes at Liverpool in 2014.

In the context of where Arsenal are now, that might seem an overreaction. But there was a real sense of being second best everywhere on the pitch on Saturday.

Add in the fact that we went 1-0 up with a brilliantly worked goal by Declan Rice, there is an obvious lack of belief from both fans and players that a one-goal lead can be converted into three points.

Perhaps that might be the only reason to believe Arsenal can get a result on Wednesday. They cannot throw away a lead if they do not already have one.

How are you feeling before Wednesday's game - excited, nervous, fearful? And how should the Gunners approach the match in Paris? Have your say here

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

An arguably season-defining game is on the horizon for Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final second leg - and we can imagine the nerves are setting in, as well as some excitement and anticipation.

There's a lot riding on this trip to Paris, so we'd like you to describe your emotions going into Wednesday night's game.

What approach do you want to see Mikel Arteta take? And what result do you think you are going to get?

Let us know your thoughts here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is nearing a move to Brazilian side Flamengo.

The 33-year-old, who was born in Brazil, is out of contract with the Gunners this summer.

Jorginho, who is currently injured, has featured 26 times for Arsenal in all competitions this season but talks for his move to Flamengo are at an advanced stage.

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We asked for your views on Martin Odegaard's form this season after criticism in some quarters.

Here is the case for his defence:

Ned: Unfairly treated. Odegaard has not been at his best this season, but he was injured for a significant proportion of it. Arsenal have lost the league because they keep dropping points from winning positions (10 times so far). In other words, our defence is the problem. Worrying, as in the past two seasons, this has been our greatest strength. But Arteta has really dropped the ball in the league this season.

Tom: Honestly, Odegaard looks like he's low on energy and confidence. He is missing passes and taking fewer risks, not being the creative abundance we've got used to. Maybe he just needs a rest? We have no depth, and as the captain, he will feel the most pressure.

James: I would say that Odegaard may not be performing at 100% but he has just had a newborn baby and become a dad for the first time at a young age. We are very quick to judge someone without factoring in any other variables about someone's life. These players are all human, yet we expect them to perform like robots and think that because they get paid a vast amount of money, it negates the rest of their life!

Joe: Odegaard has set such a high bar with his performances for Arsenal. He hasn't been back to his best since his injury, and he bears a lot of the pressure to make things happen, along with Bukayo Saka. There are bigger issues on and off the pitch, and the rest of the team needs to help him out.

Mandy: His flow and confidence this season has been disrupted by injuries to himself, Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Kai Havertz. The team has consequently appeared disjointed during quite a few Premier League games. No one person is to blame for this and Odegaard is a very good captain, who always tries to lead from the front.

• Not an Arsenal fan? Find and follow your club here

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Many of you disagreed and said you think Martin Odegaard has not been good enough this season.

Here are some of your comments:

Jarvis: Odegaard is performing well against the big clubs like Real Madrid in the quarter-final of the Champions League, but when it comes to the Premier League games, he doesn't rise to the occasion.

Alan: I've never seen him as captain material. Has had some great seasons, but not this one. Declan Rice is an obvious choice; he has all the qualities demanded and should take the armband next season, leading us to victories. Martin has not fully come back from injury. Maybe he will in August, but in my opinion, not as captain when there is clearly someone with better credentials right there on the pitch with him.

Simon: Yes, he is underperforming. Definitely talented, but when really required to make a difference in the big games and big moments, he doesn't seem to have the confidence. It's not a talent thing - it's a mental thing. Having the continued support of his manager is important, but the club should get another similar player in, and having competition and someone to perform in tandem with him will help. A great example of his lack of confidence is his shooting. It's been pretty woeful this season and last. A player of his ability should be scoring 15 goals a season. It often opens up for him, but he won't pull the trigger.

Michael: Odegaard is a wonderfully gifted footballer, but not the captain that Arsenal need. Increasingly, we hear from Arteta after another disappointing performance how we were lacking intensity or energy, like he's just an observer. What we need is a Patrick Vieira-style general on the pitch, driving the team to make sure it doesn't happen. Don't just analyse it - fix it there and then.

Ryan: As the skipper, he doesn't seem to handle the pressure too well. Since he has returned, he takes far too many touches and has become afraid to shoot. All his free-kicks are hit the wall every time. I would seriously consider dropping him for Wednesday.

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Martin Odegaard has provided an assist in each of his past three Premier League matches, and yet we are hearing plenty of criticism from Arsenal fans over his performances.

After the Gunners fell well short of the Premier League title and are up against it in the Champions League, some have suggested Odegaard needs to do more - with a few even arguing he ought to be stripped of the captaincy.

But where do you stand? Is the criticism valid?

Or is Odegaard being unfairly made a scapegoat when actually there are bigger issues afoot?

Let us know

Arsenal may have a Champions League semi-final second leg to focus on at Paris St-Germain on Wednesday, but their league form has taken a significant downturn in the process.

They have won just one of their past five games in the Premier League, dropping points from winning positions in the other four with three draws and a defeat.

Mikel Arteta's side drew three games in April, with Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace all coming from behind to earn a point.

Saturday's defeat against Bournemouth made it a staggering 21 points coughed up this season when ahead - converting just half of those into victories would have Arsenal still a viable contender in this season's title race.

• Not an Arsenal fan? Find and follow your club here

The noticeable trend is the Gunners' inability to push forward for a second goal once they have taken the lead.

Chances are wasted, shots are not taken and this allows the opposition to get back into games that Arsenal could have put to bed.

For instance, on Saturday, the Gunners only had two shots on target after Declan Rice's opener and were unable to muster any once Dean Huijsen had levelled for the Cherries.

In mitigation, that 2-1 was the first time Arsenal have actually lost when leading at half-time in 63 occasions - winning 53 and drawing 10 previously since a 2-1 defeat by Manchester City in January 2022.

However, if any more points are thrown away after going in front, it will be the worst in Arsenal's Premier League history - and with five teams in the race for the Champions League below them, it is crucial they get the points they need to qualify.

Arsenal's final three games are against champions Liverpool, Newcastle and already-relegated Southampton with the main focus on securing a Champions League place for next season.

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We asked for your views on Arsenal's defeat at home against Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Martin: Arsenal have the same problems every season. They start the season with the smallest group of top players possible. Then they get a few injuries (not as many as this season) and by the end of the season they have nothing left to give. They lose half a yard and run out of ideas. In the Premier League, other teams can see that and take full advantage. When Arsenal have a full squad, they are one of the best in Europe and teams don't really want to play them. But when they lose two or three players everyone wants to play them. Hopefully, they will strengthen in the summer and don't lose any top players.

Rachel: Same old, same old. Seriously worrying Arsenal performance. Another pathetic display from Martin Odegaard who didn't bother to turn up. It doesn't fill me with optimism for remaining games and looks like we're going to fade away yet again.

Brian: Yet again Arsenal play in this overly regimented style making lots of pretty passes that go across and backwards and is clearly easy to defend against if you're as resolute as Bournemouth were. It's too pedestrian and predictable. Somewhat ironic that Arsenal get undone from set pieces now that their own overly choreographed set plays at corners have been sussed out by the opposition.

Dan: Simply pathetic, again. If Arteta had rested the first team, I wouldn't be as mad, but well done Mikel, you've tired your starters, with the most important game of the season just days away. Given we're almost guaranteed to fail to beat PSG, I think we have to focus on qualifying for the Champions League. We'll struggle to finish top five in this form.

Terrence: Pitiful, clueless, effortless and so on. We played like a tired bunch that have never seen a football match. As I said weeks ago, Arsenal will be lucky to finish in the top four. They deserve the criticism, sad end to the season.

Wendy: There is no room for negativity now. We who are proud Arsenal supporters over many years just have to keep on believing that the team will do the best they can. Keep up the fight, all of you, let's win, next week and to the end of the season!

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Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Arsenal have lost momentum at a crucial time of the season with the game against Paris St-Germain looming on Wednesday.

"You want your players to go into a game confident with that winning feeling," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "When you look at how Arsenal lost to Bournemouth, they are going to be very disappointed. It was not a heavily rotated team - it was a strong a team as Arsenal could put out.

"I think they were probably thinking about the Champions League game during this game. There was too much of that in the back of their mind, which probably caused them to lose to Bournemouth. They have made it difficult for themselves."

Former striker Clinton Morrison added: "Arsenal have been poor. I thought this was the greatest opportunity this season for Arsenal to challenge Liverpool because the other teams will be back and competing next season.

"Mikel Arteta definitely had one eye on PSG but he wanted to win the game for confidence. They didn't perform. They went 1-0 up and they didn't put the ball in the back of the net. There were opportunities to shoot - they want to score the perfect goal. It probably frustrates the Arsenal fans as well. They are frustrating to watch.

"At the end of the season, if they end up finishing third and get knocked out by PSG, what is that season? That means they have gone basically gone backwards."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Arsenal have enquired about signing Brazil forward Rodrygo from Real Madrid, while Manchester City are also interested in the 24-year-old. (Relevo - in Spanish), external

Arsenal and Aston Villa are eyeing 25-year-old Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with the Serie A club expected to ask for around £42m for the Serbian. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Finally, Real Madrid are targeting 24-year-old Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, who is under contract with the Gunners until 2027. (L'Equipe - in French), external

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

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Highlights and analysis from Saturday's Four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Manchester City and Wolves.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 2-2 Ipswich

• Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth