{"id":992,"date":"2026-04-07T16:39:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:39:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=992"},"modified":"2026-04-07T16:39:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:39:13","slug":"arsenal-news-arteta-makes-attempt-to-snatch-guardiola-favourite-as-suspension-calls-grow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=992","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal news: Arteta makes attempt to snatch Guardiola favourite as suspension calls grow"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_09e96c\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Arsenal round-up as interest in a Barcelona star emerges and Gabriel Martinelli&#8217;s referee push is assessed<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36974972\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (left) and Gabriel Martinelli\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36974972.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Chelsea-v-Arsenal-Carabao-Cup-Semi-Final-First-Leg-Stamford-Bridge.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36974972.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_Chelsea-v-Arsenal-Carabao-Cup-Semi-Final-First-Leg-Stamford-Bridge.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36974972.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_Chelsea-v-Arsenal-Carabao-Cup-Semi-Final-First-Leg-Stamford-Bridge.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36974972.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Chelsea-v-Arsenal-Carabao-Cup-Semi-Final-First-Leg-Stamford-Bridge.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Mikel Arteta may have feared an extra punishment for Gabriel Martinelli\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Mikel Arteta may have feared an extra punishment for Gabriel Martinelli<cite aria-label=\"Image: PA\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: PA)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arsenal have had little time to lick their wounds as they prepare to face Sporting CP in the Champions League<!-- -->. The Gunners have travelled to Portugal for the first leg of their quarter-final following the devastating <!-- -->FA Cup <!-- -->defeat to Championship side Southampton on Saturday.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">In the space of a fortnight, following last month&#8217;s Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, Arsenal&#8217;s quadruple dream has been shattered, leaving the Premier League and Champions League on their schedule.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">While the Gunners have a handy nine-point lead over City, who have played a game fewer, recent setbacks have left fans fearing another late-season collapse.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Having been in such a position of strength for most of the campaign, a trophy-less season will be disastrous for Mikel Arteta. Here&#8217;s a round-up of the latest Arsenal news\u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mirrorfootballarsenal#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_f9ba33\">Arteta wanted Guardiola favourite<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Gunners reportedly showed interest in a player coveted by Pep Guardiola. Spanish title <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"http:\/\/sport.es\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><u>Sport<\/u><\/a>  has revealed Al-Qadsiah FC, the Saudi side managed by Brendan Rodgers, recently made a concerted attempt to sign the Barcelona star Dani Olmo with a \u00a360m bid and an \u00a38m-per-year contract.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The same report added that the Gunners were in the frame to sign Olmo, who was struggling for regular game time under Hansi Flick. However, Olmo is said to have rejected both clubs, preferring to fight for a place in the Barca team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It&#8217;s not the first time the 27-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League after Manchester City showed an interest last summer. At the time, Olmo&#8217;s agent said his player wasn&#8217;t thinking about leaving the Nou Camp but added: &#8220;You never know what the future will bring.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will revive their interest in Olmo this summer, which could see the squad undergo a significant revamp.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36966624\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36966624\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024\/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy.\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36966624.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_FC-Internazionale-Milano-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Champions-League-202425-Semi-Final-Second-Leg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36966624.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_FC-Internazionale-Milano-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Champions-League-202425-Semi-Final-Second-Leg.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36966624.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_FC-Internazionale-Milano-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Champions-League-202425-Semi-Final-Second-Leg.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36966624.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_FC-Internazionale-Milano-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Champions-League-202425-Semi-Final-Second-Leg.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Dani Olmo has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester City\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Dani Olmo has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester City<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_f9ba33\">Martinelli to escape<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Gabriel Martinelli is set to escape further punishment despite shoving referee Sam Barrott during the loss at Southampton. That&#8217;s according to ex-PGMOL chief and referee Keith Hackett.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Brazilian was arguably lucky to escape with a booking following the incident, which occurred in added time with the Gunners chasing an equaliser. After Barrott awarded a free-kick to the visitors, Martinelli rushed in to take it quickly and pushed the official, who promptly issued a yellow card.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Former Premier League referee believes Mark Hasley should have dismissed Martinelli. However, Hackett has pointed out that the FA and FIFA are reluctant to re-referee incidents and does not expect the player to face further sanction.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36973082\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36973082\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.78\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli pushing referee Sam Barrott\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36973082.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Martinelli-referee-1.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36973082.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Martinelli-referee-1.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36973082.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Martinelli-referee-1.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36973082.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Martinelli-referee-1.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Gabriel Martinelli was booked for pushing referee Sam Barrott\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Gabriel Martinelli was booked for pushing referee Sam Barrott<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Hackett told <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.footballinsider247.com\/gabriel-martinelli-pgmol-expert-wants-arsenal-star-suspended-but-review-panel-unlikely-to-act\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><u>Football Insider:<\/u><\/a>  &#8220;Because the referee has issued a yellow card, it is unlikely that the disciplinary panel will review the decision.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;The FA, and FIFA in particular, want to avoid re-refereeing issues. In this situation, Barrott, who I think is outstanding, hasn&#8217;t applied the law. He didn&#8217;t bring the attention upon himself, but he&#8217;s duty-bound to set an example for players and young referees down below.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I&#8217;d like the disciplinary panel to re-referee this one and suspend the player who laid his hands on the official. Some will say that it wasn\u2019t violent, but that shouldn\u2019t matter.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><em><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/KLOUWbmSQd86jj7ZbbVOHa\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><u>Join our new WhatsApp community<\/u> <\/a>and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don&#8217;t like our community, you can check out any time you like. 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