Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Real Madrid want Raya EXCLUSIVE, Zubimendi a ‘done deal’, Bynoe-Gittens and Leao ‘options’

Match report: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with already-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield.

Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz scored twice in 87 seconds before Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino struck in the second half.

The Gunners have now been dragged into a race for second and the draw put them two points above Newcastle, who beat Chelsea 2-0.

There was a celebratory atmosphere as Liverpool – who wrapped up the title two weeks ago – were given a guard of honour by their closest chasers.

The champions scored the first in the 20th minute when Arsenal’s defence switched off following a quick throw-in and Andy Robertson’s cross was headed in by Gakpo.

Arne Slot‘s side doubled their lead a minute later when Dominik Szoboszlai chased on to a forward pass and squared the ball for Diaz to slide into an empty net.

Real eyes Arsenal’s keeper

Real Madrid has considered Arsenal’s Spanish keeper David Raya, 29, as they look for a long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois.

They could be selling Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin, 26, who has been happy to cover for Courtois over the last five years.

However, they are targeting Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen as their first choice.

The deal with Arsenal could be harder to pull off for Real.

Matheus race hots up

Manchester United are tipped to beat Arsenal to Matheus Cunha – as the Red Devils hold “advanced” talks over the Wolves attacker.

The 13-cap Brazilian, 25, could cost his whole £62.5million release clause.

And amid reported interest from a string of top clubs, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes Old Trafford chief Ruben Amorim is in pole position.

Romano wrote in GIVEMESPORT: “I’m still told that Manchester United are leading the race and the negotiation is advanced.

“Talks are ongoing between Cunha and Manchester United.”

Liverpool eyeing Arsenal target

Liverpool are targeting Lyon star Malick Fofana, who is also eyed by Arsenal.

Due to financial struggles, the French outfit have to listen to offers for their top stars – Fofana being one – and are looking to secure his signature for less than his €50million (£42m) asking price.

The Gunners are prioritising their attack in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams all on their radar for the summer. 

Fofana has impressed with 11 goals and six assists in 39 appearances this season, and is one to watch if the Gunners fail to land their top targets.

However, the Reds have stepped up their efforts in acquiring the signature of Fofana, with the future of their key stars in doubt.

Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota’s futures at Anfield are in serious doubt at the moment, so the Merseysiders will need to strengthen up top.

Trossard in contract talks

Arsenal have reportedly opened contract talks with Leandro Trossard.

The Belgian is set to agree a new deal that will run until 2029.

Trossard, 30, sees his current contract end in the summer of 2026.

There are no concerns around handing him a new long-term deal thanks to his fitness levels and belief he can play deep into his 30s.

Arteta on Guard of Honour

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Liverpool “deserve” their Guard of Honour.

Arne Slot’s champions were BOOED by Chelsea fans as they walked through the tribute of Enzo Maresca’s team last weekend.

Arteta doubled down on his assertion that Arsenal were “the best team” in the Champions League and should have now been preparing for a Munich Final against Inter Milan.

But the Spaniard, who admitted his side had taken a “step backwards” this term, promised his team would show Anfield a display of dignity and use it as “motivation” for next term.

Liverpool deserve that. They’ve been the best team, they’ve been the most consistent. What Arne Slot and the coaching staff have done has been fascinating, it’s been really good and they fully deserve it.

And that’s the sport, when somebody is better you have to applaud and accept and try to reach that level. Something that has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use.

When you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, usually it is a motivation for next season.

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal legend to replace Alonso?

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas are the leading candidates to replace Xabi Alonso as Bayer Leverkusen boss this summer.

Alonso announced on Friday he is leaving Leverkusen at the end of the season having led the club to an undefeated Bundesliga title last term and is now expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

Now Leverkusen are out to find the Spanish tactician’s replacement and it appears that Ten Hag and Como boss Fabregas are their top targets.

The Dutchman has been without a job since he was sacked by United in October, while the Chelsea hero has impressed during his maiden season in charge of the Serie A minnows.

According to Kicker, the pair are “neck-and-neck” for the vacancy as things stand.

It’s thought Ten Hag would command a higher wage packet than Fabregas, but Leverkusen would have to fork out in excess of £10million to convince Como to let go of the Spaniard – given his current contract runs until 2028.

The former midfielder is understood to have a long list of suitors, while the ex-Ajax boss has been waiting to find the right job.

Mikel Arteta admission

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits his squad was “super short” to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title.

There are a lot of factors. We knew from the beginning of the season that our squad was super short. Being super short we had some players that had a high probability of getting injured, because that’s what they had in the last few seasons.

So we knew that and we cannot do anything about it. But we will do everything that we can to improve the team and especially improve the players that we already have.

That is not something we have just started to talk about now. If we were only having those meetings now we would be doing it very late. Whatever the market offers to give us a better chance to win for sure we will try to do it.

Over the season there are many things you need to go your way. In the clinical moments, does the ball hit the post and come out, or go in? That’s the fine margins.

What we have to try to do is to amplify the margins. The bigger the margins are, even if those things happen, then it will be very difficult for the opposition.

We have to do it our way. We have to be authentic with ourselves and what we believe, what we can do and what we’ve been doing. That’s it.

Mikel Arteta

Liverpool eyeing Arsenal target

Liverpool are targeting Lyon star Malick Fofana, who is also eyed by Arsenal, ahead of the summer transfer window.

Due to financial struggles, the French outfit have to listen to offers for their top stars – including Fofana – and are open for a deal for less than his €50million (£42m) asking price.

The Gunners are prioritising their attack in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams all on their radar.

Fofana has impressed with 11 goals and six assists in 40 appearances this season, and is one to watch if the Gunners fail to land their top targets.

However, the Reds have stepped up their efforts in acquiring the signature of the winger, with the future of their key stars in doubt.

Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota’s futures at Anfield are in serious doubt at the moment, so the Merseysiders will need to strengthen in the final third.