Gossip: Gunners given Sesko boostpublished at 07:48 6 March
07:48 6 March
Liverpool are the latest club to show an interest in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, although the 21-year-old Slovenia striker is believed to prefer a move to London, with Arsenal and Chelsea keen. (TBR Football), external
Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich, 30, is not keen on joining Arsenal on a free transfer this summer with Paris St-Germain also interested. (Bild - in German), external
Arsenal announce rise in ticket prices for 2025-26published at 19:56 5 March
19:56 5 March
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal have announced season tickets and match tickets for the 2025-26 season will rise by 3-5%.
The Gunners said supporters have the option of buying either a 19-match season ticket, covering all of the club's Premier League matches, or a 23-match ticket including four additional league phase fixtures for European competition, subject to qualification.
The club said it will "maintain the investment in our concessions in all general admission areas of Emirates Stadium", while 1,000 free tickets will be made available to members of the local community across the season, as Arsenal In The Community celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The Gunners' financial results showed player wages rose by 40% last season, while the club lost £17.7m last year and £238m over the past four seasons.
In a statement, the Gunners said:, external "Following extensive engagement with our Arsenal Advisory Board and ongoing support and dialogue with members of our ticketing forum, we are offering more choice, flexibility and access to our men's first-team season tickets and match-by-match tickets from the 2025-26 season."
It later added: "Our priority is to continue competing at the highest level in all competitions and win major trophies. This requires investment in our teams in an environment where costs continue to rise.
"We thank our supporters for their continued support, and we thank the Arsenal Advisory Board and the ticketing forum for their feedback and collaboration on this topic in recent months."
What the numbers say about Arsenal's 7-1 mauling of PSVpublished at 16:00 5 March
16:00 5 March
Joe Bradshaw BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
After a month of negativity about Arsenal's toothlessness, Mikel Arteta's side duly let rip against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.
Six scorers, only one of eight shots on target not hitting the net and a hitherto unseen ruthlessness meant it was this Arsenal team - without a striker of course - that became their first to score seven away from home in the Champions League.
With 11 games left to try to put pressure on Liverpool in the Premier League and, perhaps more realistically, to compete for the Champions League, was Tuesday night a one-off or a sign of things to come?
Reasons to feel confident
One huge positive was the "changing of the narrative", as Jurrien Timber put it pre-match.
Instead of the furore around Arsenal's failure to put the ball in the net, suddenly they looked like scoring every time they attacked. Complaints about a lack of cutting edge can be sidelined - at least until the next game.
Indeed, in the Champions League, Arsenal have been more clinical this season. While they are averaging more shots and touches in the opposition box in the Premier League, their conversion rate is far higher in Europe.
In fact, three times they have had a shot-conversion rate over 30% - the same amount as they have managed in 27 league games. Always handy to have your best finishing when up against the better teams.
Against PSV, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri once again belied his age, having the most shots for Arsenal and the joint-most touches in the box, and became the third-youngest player to score in the knockouts, behind Bojan Krkic of Barcelona and Jude Bellingham when he was at Borussia Dortmund.
He was surpassed by captain Martin Odegaard, whose two non-penalty goals were the same as he had managed in his previous 33 games for Arsenal. Such form from him would do wonders for the Gunners' hopes of silverware.
Then there are the returning players. The Gunners will hope Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are back in time for the quarter-finals against one of the Madrid sides, instantly adding greater firepower and threat.
However, it is not all good news for Arsenal. The shot-conversion rate mentioned earlier was sky high against PSV (47%). Indeed, their expected goals of 1.9 was not actually much bigger than PSV's 1.4, despite the hefty score disparity.
Of course, putting the ball in the back of the net counts far more than an ethereal data possibility about whether a team ought to have done so - but underlying numbers do still count.
Arsenal's conversion rate was obviously poor in the previous two league games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest, but it is eight league games since Arsenal could boast an xG over 1.45 – the same length of time they have been without Saka.
They have also been averaging fewer shots in the past eight weeks than previously, albeit the 20 mustered against West Ham ought to have yielded something and they only had 15 against PSV with spectacular results.
What is more, while the identity of Arsenal's goalscorers in Eindhoven was a real fillip for Arteta, is it realistic to expect converted midfielder Mikel Merino, teenager Nwaneri, Odegaard and full-backs Riccardo Calafiori and Timber to offer sustained threat?
It is a stretch.
Finally, as the pie chart above shows, they have actually had more goals from currently available players than those on the sidelines - but those numbers are seriously massaged by Tuesday's heavy lifting.
This graph would have looked quite different 24 hours ago.
'If you don't think you can win it, it's better not to come and play'published at 14:59 5 March
14:59 5 March
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino says the Gunners are in contention to win the Champions League this season.
The Spain international moved to five goals for the season with his contribution at PSV in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
"Whenever you start a competition like this, if you don't think you can win it, it's better not to come and play," Merino said. "It has to be the goal of every single team in this tournament and it is ours, for sure.
"We are here to win, to win every single game. If we do what we know we can do, in the end we will be close to winning it - but we don't have to focus too much about it.
"We have to be proud but at the same time think about the next game. It is coming real soon and we need to show the same mentality."
'Arsenal can win the Champions League' - Henrypublished at 14:29 5 March
14:29 5 March
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes his former club can win the Champions League this season.
"Yes, they can [win the Champions League]," he said. "I do believe that, this is why I called it.
"I'm just saying now, show us that you can do that against a good team, with people that are coming back.
"No disrespect to Eindhoven, I really thought it was going to be difficult, especially away from home - but they made it look easy. I think they had an outstanding game."
With Mikel Arteta's side all but confirming their progression to the quarter-finals, Henry says the Gunners will take confidence from Tuesday's performance in the Netherlands into their last-eight match against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
"We all know the Premier League is over, apart from if something crazy happens," he added.
"This game can help them maybe to be confident in this competition and the game that you have after - Real Madrid or Atletico.
"The path to the final can at times help or not, but if you want to win the competition you have to go through these teams."
Nwaneri 'going to be key player for a long time'published at 12:31 5 March
12:31 5 March
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Once again, Ethan Nwaneri showed why he is going to be such a crucial part of Arsenal's team for a long time.
The 17-year-old scored his eighth goal in 28 games in all competitions in the thrashing of PSV. Not only is it impressive that this is his first proper season of senior football but he has been tasked with filling the void left by Bukayo Saka.
The biggest compliment Nwaneri is paid by his team-mates is that they constantly look to give him the ball. Such is their faith that the youngster will create something for the team.
The next question, once Arsenal get over their injury crisis will be how he fits in once Kai Havertz, Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are back fit and available.
Bukayo Saka will take the right side of attack Nwaneri is currently holding once he is fit but that does not mean the teenage will be out of the picture.
One huge positive is that Nwaneri is able to play in a number of positions both in attack and in midfield.
Arteta has also spoken about how he has been considered as a central striker - but that may be a position he takes on once he matures. Given his lethal finishing, it is not hard to see why Nwaneri taking up that role could be such an attractive option.
Captain Martin Odegaard occupies the right side of Arsenal's midfield but the Gunners have had a problem with their 'left number-eight' spot and have deployed Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in that position.
Nwaneri is going to grow and develop and write his own future but the fact that there are a few places in the team he could make his own is exciting for supporters and those around the club.
'When you are that age, you don't feel any pressure'published at 12:23 5 March
12:23 5 March
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Sport expert Chris Sutton cannot believe how well 17-year-old winger Ethan Nwaneri has adapted since breaking into the Arsenal first team.
"You think with young players at times they will come into the team and hit the ground running and then they'll take a dip but he looks an absolutely phenomenal player," said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"He can drive the inside and can give that little step and go the outside."
At 17 years and 348 days old, Nwaneri is the third youngest player to score in the Champions League knockout stages and his goal was assisted by fellow teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Former Tottenham winger Andros Townsend offered his take on why the duo are so dangerous for Mikel Arteta's side.
"When you are that age, you don't really feel pressure," he said. "You have confidence and you don't think about how it is a Champions League away fixture in the knockouts.
"You are just in the moment, and you could see with those guys, they were just in the moment and enjoying being on that stage.
"It is amazing to see those guys perform so well."
'We've been playing like this all season' - Ricepublished at 11:05 5 March
11:05 5 March
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Declan Rice was one of the players singled out for his performance at PSV Eindhoven and he said the result was the reward for their hard work in recent weeks.
In his opinion, Arsenal were "fluid" and possessed the "enthusiasm, drive and hunger" that the knockout stages demand. He had a goal disallowed for offside as well.
"We've been playing like this all season," he said. "We feel we've been playing well as a team. Sometimes we score five, sometimes two, sometimes we don't score but [on Tuesday] we did well. It all clicked."
Arsenal's lack of a recognised striker has been well documented, but six different players contributed to the rout.
The emphatic win means that Arsenal can start planning for a trip to Madrid, as they are set to take on the winner of the tie between Real and Atletico, which finished 2-1 to Carlo Ancelotti's side. Next week's second leg takes place at Atletico.
'Seven-sational' - fans' verdict on convincing win at PSVpublished at 08:53 5 March
08:53 5 March
Image source, PA Media
We asked for your thoughts after Arsenal thrashed PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
Here are some of your comments:
Sam: Our best performance in a long time! When teams don't sit back and it is end to end, Arsenal are a very strong outfit and it showed. Martin Odegaard being back to his best as well is a massive confidence boost.
Nigel: Simply seven-sational. Hopefully this will provide that rocket we need in the league. Seven goals and seven well-worked plays.
Mike: Fantastic all around. Great to see the team not sitting back. Just need everyone to not expect Arsenal to come out and beat Manchester United like that. If the players take that into the weekend, they will have a great chance.
Naz: Great result away at a tough venue, but have we used up all of our goalscoring "luck" for the next few matches?
Steve: Can't mask the fact that we are missing a lethal striker, but it's a massive testimony to character and resilience to go to PSV and hit seven with six different scorers.
Rehan: That was one of the best performances I've ever seen from Arsenal - a great way to get back after their depressing performance in the Premier League. People who thought Arsenal didn't have a chance of winning the Champions League should start doubting themselves now, as Arsenal have shown great enthusiasm in this tournament and came third in the table.
Guy: Great performance, so different to what we've seen recently where we have looked lethargic with no ideas. Good to see so many different players contributing as well. Declan Rice was outstanding - he ran his legs off and constantly offered an option. Also good to see Ben White get a few minutes late on in the game.
'No reason why Arsenal can't go all the way'published at 08:31 5 March
08:31 5 March
Media caption,
Chris Sutton speaks to BBC Radio 5 Live's Ian Dennis about Arsenal's 7-1 win
Chris Sutton believes Arsenal can win the Champions League this season, after the Gunners demolished PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday.
Despite the lack of a recognised striker for Mikel Arteta's team, Sutton says there is no way PSV are coming back from the first-leg defeat.
"Arsenal were ruthless, absolutely ruthless and that is the tie over," he said. "PSV aren't coming back.
"Mikel Arteta wouldn't have seen this type of performance coming in terms of the goals that were scored but he will be mightily pleased that they are back in goalscoring form.
"There is no reason why Arsenal can't go all the way in this competition. I think it is very open.
"Whether they play Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid [in the quarter-finals], they will feel they have a chance."
'All guns blazing' - Wednesday's back pagespublished at 07:43 5 March
07:43 5 March
Wednesday's back pages capture Arsenal's joy after Mikel Arteta's side eclipsed PSV Eindhoven 7-1 away on Tuesday to all but seal their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The Daily Mail says Arsenal are in "dreamland" after stunning their hosts with goals from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard (two), Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori.
The Daily Express riffs off Arsenal's nickname describing them as "all guns blazing" in dispatching PSV.
Gossip: Gunners offered Coman at discount pricepublished at 07:34 5 March
07:34 5 March
Bayern Munich have reduced their asking price for Arsenal target Kingsley Coman, 28, as they look to offload the France forward in the summer. (Bild - in German), external
Meanwhile, Barcelona, Paris St-Germain and Juventus are all interested in Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, 31, whose contract expires at the end of the season. (Caught Offside), external
'A really special night for us'published at 22:41 4 March
22:41 4 March
Image source, PA Media
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to Amazon Prime after Tuesday's 7-1 win at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League:
"I'm so happy for the boys because in the past two games we haven't scored a goal and we know the noise around that."
On whether this performance was coming: "No, but this is the beauty of football. Focus on what you are doing and do your best. Anything can happen. It's a massive result away from home in a competition that we love, that we missed for so many years. Today is a really special night for us."
On teenagers Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly: "To be doing what they are doing at 17 and 18 years old shows incredible maturity. They are doing that because of how the other players support them and make them better. They have a lot of courage. Myles makes an assist, that's the team that I want to see, they take initiative and they want to make things happen."
On taking off Lewis-Skelly in the first half when he was on a yellow card: "I haven't seen the second action but you are 2-0 up away from home and I didn't want to risk it. He is very young so we have to protect him."
'Tonight, it all clicked' - Odegaard on 7-1 victorypublished at 22:30 4 March
22:30 4 March
Image source, PA Media
Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard, speaking to Amazon Prime after the 7-1 win at PSV:
"Especially after the past few games, we needed this performance. We were brilliant from start to end; really good going forward, creating chances, scoring goals. Unfortunately we conceded one goal but it was a top performance.
On what has been worked on in the past few days: "Not too much. We work hard every day and especially after performances like West Ham and Forest. We've been working on a lot of finishing but the same as always. We always work hard. Tonight, it all clicked. We've had a bit extra focus on it [finishing] after the past few games. We know we have quality. We created so much, so it was good to get everything out."
On scoring more goals himself: "Every player in my position want to influence the game with goals and assists and it's something I haven't been good enough at this season, but two goals and one assist tonight is a good step."
On Arsenal's youngsters: "They play like they have been here for many years. They have so much quality and confidence, they're ready for it. I'm not worried about them, we enjoy having them in the team and they have a great attitude."
'We've been playing like this all season'published at 22:29 4 March
22:29 4 March
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, speaking to Amazon Prime after Tuesday's 7-1 win at PSV in the Champions League:
"A massive performance, I'm proud of the guys, we showed we are capable of a lot and put ourselves in a good position for next week."
On his goal: "Amazing cross, good header. It was nice to open the scoring. I had to win here, they're rivals of Ajax [Timber's former club] so I had to win here."
Image source, PA Media
Gunners midfielder Declan Rice added:
"We've been playing like this all season. We feel we've been playing well as a team - sometimes we score five, sometimes two, sometimes we don't score but tonight we did well. We had the opportunity to score more, in the second half especially."
On Ethan Nwaneri: "He's 17 years old and he's on the biggest stage. We've taken them [younger players] under our wing and they deserve to be playing. You should see them train, the way they have no fear and want to perform.
"Even if [Bukayo] Saka was here, Ethan would be still getting minutes because he's that good and works so hard in training. The same with Myles [Lewis-Skelly], despite having to come off for the yellow card tonight. We have so many top young players."
'After that, no one will want to face Arsenal'published at 22:19 4 March
22:19 4 March
Image source, PA Media
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live after Arsenal's 7-1 win against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League:
"It couldn't have gone any better for Mikel Arteta. Excellence in Eindhoven. Right from the start, Arsenal had control of the game.
"In the second half, Arsenal got out of the traps and [scored] two quick goals. They've put themselves in a marvellous position.
"It is such an emphatic victory. The second leg will be a formality. They just have to turn up and get the job done.
"This will give them great confidence for the rest of the season."
Ex-Gunners forward Theo Walcott, speaking on Amazon Prime:
"That is a statement win for Arsenal. All the talk before was about PSV and how dangerous they are, they took out Juventus. But, after that, no one will want to face Arsenal.
"In the Champions League, the games are that bit slower and they are well equipped to play with such pace and energy. They were ruthless."
