According to reports, Iqbal was informed on Monday that his employment at the club would end with immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to a spell that began in February 2024.

The decision is understood to have come as a shock both to Iqbal and members of Arsenal’s medical department.

Chief executive Richard Garlick is reported to have delivered the news during a meeting at the club’s London Colney training ground.

No official explanation has yet been provided regarding the reasons behind the decision.

However, the development comes shortly after reports emerged that Arsenal had commissioned a review into their injury record during the 2025-26 season.

Spanish physiotherapist Joaquin Acedo, who has worked closely with Mikel Arteta throughout his coaching career, is understood to have been involved in assessing various aspects of the club’s medical and performance operations.

Whether that review directly influenced Iqbal’s departure remains unclear.

Arsenal endured a demanding campaign despite ultimately ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.

The Gunners also reached the Champions League final and the League Cup final, resulting in a schedule that stretched across 63 competitive matches.

Several key players spent lengthy periods on the sidelines throughout the season.

Club captain Martin Odegaard missed significant time through injury, while Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber also suffered setbacks that disrupted their campaigns.

Timber has since been ruled out of the World Cup after failing to fully recover from a groin issue sustained in March.

Within the club, there have reportedly been discussions around a number of factors behind the injury problems, including training intensity, player workload, rotation policies and medical management.

Arteta’s demanding approach is well known, with the Arsenal manager regularly insisting on high-tempo training sessions designed to replicate match conditions.

Despite the physical demands, Arsenal’s players delivered one of the club’s most successful seasons in recent memory by reclaiming the Premier League title and establishing themselves among Europe’s elite once again.

Iqbal leaves Arsenal with an impressive reputation in football medicine.

Before joining the Gunners, he spent almost eight years at Crystal Palace and previously held senior medical roles at Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

He also serves as chair of the Football Association Medical Society.

Arsenal are yet to announce who will replace Iqbal as head of sports medicine and performance, but his departure signals that further changes behind the scenes could follow as the club prepare for the defence of their Premier League crown next season.

The post Arsenal fire senior member of backroom staff after post-season review first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

The Gunners currently have Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus as their centre-forward options. Jesus’ contract expires in June next year, and Arsenal have quoted around £20 million to part ways with the Brazil international.

If he were to depart, the Premier League champions could place their emphasis on landing a young marksman, who could be prepared to play backup to Gyokeres and Havertz. Here are three possible candidates that the Gunners could target.

Nicolo Tresoldi – Club Brugge

The 21-year-old signed for Club Brugge from Hannover last summer and had a brilliant debut season with 23 goals across all competitions. Out of that tally, four came in the Champions League. He scored against Barcelona and Atletico to further build his reputation.

The German youth international was ‘very close’ to making the World Cup squad. Julian Nagelsmann described him as a ‘real‘ striker. Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly begun talks with Brugge, which suggests Arsenal could recruit the £26 million ace.

Christian Kofane – Bayer Leverkusen

Kofane had a decent debut season for Leverkusen, having signed from Albacete. The teenager notched up five goals and five assists in all competitions. The Cameroonian star had his best moments of the season during the double-legged round of 16 tie against Arsenal.

The 19-year-old got the better of William Saliba physically on multiple occasions, which is somewhat of a rarity. He proved a handful during the first leg at Leverkusen and impressed at the Emirates Stadium too. David Raya pulled off a world-class save to deny the youngster.

Leverkusen are set to demand at least £52m for Kofane’s sale. Arsenal have a good working relationship with Leverkusen, having signed defender Piero Hincapie on loan last summer with a conditional obligation to buy for £45m. A similar deal would suit the Gunners.

Junior Kroupi – Bournemouth

The Frenchman took the Premier League by storm last season. He started off as a regular substitute for the Cherries, but became a key figure from the starting XI after the mid-season exit of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City.

Kroupi played as either a centre-forward or an attacking midfielder behind Evanilson. He was equally good in both roles and made a huge impression, scoring some crucial goals en route to Europa League qualification for his club.

He ended the campaign with 13 goals from just 1,683 league minutes. He showed his big-game potential, scoring against Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City. The Gunners are big admirers of him, but he won’t come on the cheap and will cost at least £80m. Kroupi could be reluctant to accept a rotational role too.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

The post Three strikers Arsenal could target including 23-goal German star first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

The Netherlands confirmed on Monday that the 24-year-old will leave their training camp in New York after their final warm-up match against Uzbekistan and will play no part in the tournament.

Timber had been included in Ronald Koeman’s World Cup squad despite concerns over his fitness, but Dutch medical staff have now determined that participation would carry too much risk.

A statement from the Netherlands national team explained the decision.

“The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner,” the KNVB said.

“In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan.”

The news comes as a major disappointment for the Arsenal defender, who worked tirelessly to return before the end of the club season after suffering the injury in March.

Timber spent around 10 weeks on the sidelines and missed a significant part of Arsenal’s run-in during their Premier League title-winning campaign.

His only appearance after the injury came in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, where he was introduced from the bench and played through extra time and the penalty shootout.

That cameo had raised hopes that he would be fit enough to represent the Netherlands this summer.

However, both player and country have now opted against taking any unnecessary risks with a problem that has clearly not fully healed.

The focus will now shift towards Timber’s recovery ahead of the new campaign.

Arsenal’s medical staff are expected to assess whether rest and rehabilitation will be sufficient or if further treatment is required before pre-season begins.

Timber enjoyed an excellent second season in North London despite the injury setback.

The versatile defender made 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing seven assists as Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years and reached both the Champions League and League Cup finals.

His absence is a significant blow for the Netherlands, who begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14 before facing Sweden and Tunisia in the group stage.

Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up as Timber’s replacement.

For Arsenal, the priority will now be ensuring that one of Mikel Arteta’s most important defenders returns fully fit and ready for the start of the 2026-27 season.

The post Champions League final gamble cost an Arsenal hero his World Cup dream first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

The 27-year-old had a difficult 2025/26 season with the Gunners due to numerous injuries and made his first international appearance since September last year.

Odegaard, like his teammates, struggled against Morocco in the scorching heat at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, but he eventually made his mark in the friendly.

Morocco had a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the final quarter of the game. Odegaard equalised in the 75th minute from a lovely cutback by Oscar Bobb from the right flank.

The Gunners skipper was soon substituted, but he had a good outing in the end. The midfielder came off the field with a passing accuracy of 90 percent (35/39).

After the draw, Norway’s leading outlet Verdens Gang (VG) said Odegaard needs more time to adapt, but he looked good physically and has a week to get better.

They wrote: “Odegaard’s comeback after nine months out showed that he needs more time to get into the team. The consolation is that he looked good physically, that he has about a week to get better and that he got a boost with his fifth international goal.”

Meanwhile, regional outlets Adresseavisen and Norsk rikskringkasting AS (NRK) were also appreciative. The former acknowledged that Odegaard saved Norway after a shock start against Morocco, while the latter described him as a leader who has so much quality.

“Odegaard saved Norway after a shock start in World Cup dress rehearsal: Fantastic learning. Martin Odegaard showed that World Cup form may be on the way and ensured a 1-1 draw in the tough match against Morocco, nine days before it breaks loose against Iraq.” – Adresseavisen

“Odegaard’s goal is important for both him and his teammates. He is a leader who has so much quality. That match today shows that he needed these minutes. He is running better.” – NRK

Odegaard managed less than 2,000 minutes of regular playing time for Arsenal last term. He was still influential with one goal and eight assists – the last of those was for the winning league goal at West Ham United.

Manager Mikel Arteta handled Odegaard cautiously in the latter part of last season due to a nagging knee problem, but he now appears fully fit as Norway return to the World Cup after a long wait of 28 years.

Odegaard and Erling Haaland are undoubtedly the star performers for Norway, and the understanding between the duo could be key if the country aim to progress beyond the group stage and spring a surprise.

Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com

The post "On the way": Norwegian press react to Martin Odegaard's performance vs Morocco first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

The Gunners currently have Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as their left-wing specialists, but the former has been touted to leave this summer. Besiktas are weighing up a ‘serious offer‘ for the Belgian, while Inter Milan and Juventus are keeping tabs.

Martinelli’s future is likewise hanging in the balance. The Brazilian’s contract expires in June next year, similar to Trossard, but there is a 12-month extension clause. The Gunners may opt to keep the 24-year-old, provided a contract renewal is sorted.

Regardless, Arsenal desperately need a fresh solution on the left wing. Here are five possible candidates that the Gunners could target this summer.

Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa

The 23-year-old had a brilliant 2025/26 season with the Villans, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists. Nine of those goal contributions came as a left winger. Rogers primarily operated as an attacking midfielder last term, but has played more games as a left-sided winger during his career.

The Englishman likes to take on defenders with his raw pace and good dribbling skills. He has the knack of cutting inside from the left flank to score or create chances. His tendency to shoot from long range is something that Arsenal lack from out wide. We have already covered a detailed opinion on why he should be signed. It could take around £100 million to prise him away from Unai Emery’s side.

Bradley Barcola – Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain are currently exploring a transfer for RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande, a move that could coincide with Barcola’s exit. The Frenchman has two years remaining on his PSG contract and could pursue a new challenge, having been a regular substitute in big matches under manager Luis Enrique.

Barcola made a sublime 42 goal contributions in 2024/25, but his tally dropped to just 20 last campaign, having played second fiddle to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left wing. Desire Doue likewise got the nod ahead of him on the opposite flank. Arsenal seem open to capitalising on any opportunity to land the Lyon graduate.

Marcus Rashford – Manchester United

The Red Devils graduate spent the previous season on loan with Barcelona, where he scored 14 goals and bagged 14 assists. The Catalan giants have the option to sign him for around £26 million by June 15, but they are only willing to pay £13m for his services, having recruited Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United recently.

Arsenal are one of the clubs prepared to bring him back to the Premier League this summer, and we believe the 28-year-old would be a no-brainer signing due to his track record and proven credentials in the division. The big stumbling block would be his stance as Sport claim that he is holding out for a return to Camp Nou.

Mika Godts – Ajax

If Arsenal consider a young winger with immense potential, the focus could turn to Ajax star Mika Godts. The Belgian ace played exclusively from the left wing for the Eredivisie giants last season. He contributed 17 goals and 15 assists from 44 appearances across all competitions.

The 21-year-old has exceptional dribbling skills and completed an average of almost three take-ons. He works hard off the ball too, with five duels won and four recoveries per outing. He is said to be ‘very open’ to joining the Gunners if an opportunity arises this summer.

Rafael Leao – AC Milan

The last on our list is Leao. The Portugal international has made it clear that he is prepared to pursue a ‘new chapter’ after seven seasons in Serie A. He ‘dreams‘ of moving to the Premier League this summer with Arsenal among his preferred destinations.

Leao played out of position as a second striker for Milan last term and made just 13 goal contributions. However, he was much better in 2024/25 with 25 goal involvements from the left wing. Despite this, we don’t see the Gunners making an approach.

The 26-year-old can be signed for a reasonable fee of around £43 million, but his poor defensive work rate and languid playing style off the ball are a big drawback. He is more of a luxury player and would not suit manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical demands.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

The post Five left wingers Arsenal could target including 17-goal Belgian star first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

Gibbs-White had a fabulous 2025/26 season with the Trick Trees despite them finishing 16th in the Premier League. He scored 18 goals and provided seven assists.

19 of his 25 goal contributions came in the English top-flight, but he still failed to make England’s 26-man World Cup squad as Thomas Tuchel preferred other compatriots.

The Sun now report that Arsenal are keen on landing the services of Rogers, but they face stern competition from European champions Paris Saint-Germain for him.

Gibbs-White has been earmarked as the fallback target by the Premier League holders.

Arsenal unlikely to make an approach for Gibbs-White

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers ace had a brilliant individual season with Forest despite the constant managerial changes.

He came close to joining Tottenham Hotspur last summer before putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract with the Tricky Trees.

However, Forest may find it hard to convince him to stay this time after the club failed to qualify for any European competition next term.

Arsenal have been mentioned as admirers, but a move seems unlikely in our opinion due to Gibbs-White’s positional preference.

The 26-year-old has played most of his career as an attacking midfielder with occasional appearances upfront or on the right wing.

Arsenal have the number 10 role well covered with Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri among options.

Odegaard had an injury-plagued spell with the Gunners last season, but there is no indication whatsoever that he will head for the exit door.

Arsenal’s main point of weakness has been the left wing. This is a position Gibbs-White has hardly played with just seven appearances thus far.

Rogers, on the other hand, has managed over 100 games as a specialist left winger and has proved his credentials with key goal contributions.

If Rogers can’t be signed this summer, Arsenal are more likely to look elsewhere than Gibbs-White, who is a specialist attacking midfielder by trade.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola could emerge as a possible solution for the Gunners.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

The post Arsenal are interested in signing 18-goal star as Morgan Rogers alternative first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

The Gunners are poised to strengthen their attacking department ahead of next season, and Alvarez has been a top target for some time.

However, a deal for him appears unlikely. Alvarez has no plans to move to London and is not considering a potential switch to Arsenal.

In that case, Mikel Arteta’s side must quickly switch their focus to a proper alternative. We believe Rogers would be a perfect solution.

Arsenal currently have a weak link on the left wing.

Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli were pretty good during the first half of last season, but the duo barely impressed during the back end.

Trossard, in particular, went on a four-month run without a goal contribution. He eventually made his mark with a winner at West Ham United.

The Belgian’s current deal expires in June next year, and he looks poised to depart with Besiktas, Inter Milan and Newcastle United all interested.

Gabriel Martinelli has a 12-month clause in his contract that expires next year. He could yet stay with the Gunners if a renewal is agreed soon.

Regardless, Arsenal need a marquee solution on the left wing. Rogers would be an ideal upgrade. He is comfortable playing in multiple roles, which manager Mikel Arteta likes.

The 23-year-old made 26 goal contributions for the Villans in the recent campaign, with nine of those coming from the left wing in 17 outings.

Rogers, hailed as ‘fantastic‘ by manager Unai Emery, has predominantly played as a number 10 for Villa, but he has a slight bias towards the left flank, as evidenced by his season heat map.

Rogers has played more games as a left winger than anywhere else in his career and looks perfectly suited, as he is comfortable cutting inside to create and score goals.

Premier League-wise, Rogers created 13 big chances last season, compared to a combined 12 from Trossard and Martinelli. He missed just four clear-cut scoring opportunities.

The Gunners duo, on the other hand, squandered 15 big scoring chances. Rogers scored more league goals than the pair (10 to seven), but also caught the eye for another reason.

His long-range shooting produced three goals for the Villans. Overall, the former Middlesbrough attacker had 35 long shots, significantly more than the Gunners’ left wingers (17).

With Alvarez unlikely to join, it makes sense for the Gunners to prioritise a deal for Rogers to reinforce the left wing. Journalist Ben Jacobs recently said that Villa could sanction his sale for £80m plus.

The Athletic have since added that the Midlands outfit could look at £100m as a starting figure. Either way, Arsenal have the funds to spend and should seek to finalise a deal as soon as possible.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

The post Arsenal must now sign "fantastic" £80m star after Julian Alvarez snub, 26 goals/assists last term first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

The 18-year-old has declined a new contract from PSG, and he is now ready to leave the French giants.

With Mbemba unwilling to sign a new deal, Arsenal made an early approach for the teenager.

They outlined their plans for him, referencing William Saliba’s progression at the club.

He favours a move to Arsenal, having seen the progress made under manager Mikel Arteta. The club’s data team are also said to be keen on the youngster.

The north London side would pay over £150,000 as training compensation to PSG if the deal goes through.

He would be sent on loan to a European team until January 2027, giving him time to secure a work permit in England.

Mbemba is a centre-back, although he is expected to develop into a left-back in the long run.

He has featured in 47 games across all competitions for PSG U19s, five of which were in the UEFA Youth League. He is the captain of the side, underlining his leadership qualities.

Mbemba represents France at the international level. He made four appearances at the last U17 World Cup, and has now been promoted to the U19s.

Arsenal are keen on building a youth dynasty that will secure their future.

They already have Max Dowman, who is widely considered one of England’s best youngsters. Dowman set several records last season after breaking into the first team.

The Gunners have also reached an agreement with Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga. He made 30 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes last term.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

The post Mikel Arteta in dreamland as French defender gives green light to Arsenal move first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

The Portugal international has been a key performer for the Rossoneri over the past seven seasons, but he has revealed his ambition to pursue a ‘new challenge‘ away from Serie A.

The former Lille man ‘dreams‘ of playing in the Premier League with Arsenal or Manchester United, but ‘no concrete steps’ have been taken by either club to purchase him thus far.

Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have made contract proposals to the 26-year-old, who is likely to decide on his future after his involvement with Portugal at the World Cup this summer.

Arsenal should avoid an approach for Leao

Leao had a frustrating 2025/26 campaign with the Rossoneri. The left-sided winger was asked to play out of position as a second striker by manager Massimiliano Allegri and struggled to make a big impact.

He mustered only 10 goals and three assists across all competitions. In comparison, the attacker had a far better 2024/25 season with the Serie A giants, making 25 goal contributions as a specialist left winger.

Despite Allegri’s sacking, Leao has opted to pursue a new challenge. He has his sights on a Premier League move, but we don’t believe he would be a good acquisition for the Gunners this summer.

Leao can torment defences on his day with his direct running and quick dribbling skills, but he can be a liability when not in form. He has a poor defensive output and a languid style off the ball.

This won’t go down well with manager Mikel Arteta, who demands a good defensive work rate and eagerness to track back when out of possession. It is a reason why Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have proved solid signings for the club, though an upgrade is now required.

Leao is more of a luxury player who likes to hold the line and lead counter-attacks. He is available for a reasonable price of £43 million, but we would be surprised if Arsenal were to make an approach for him. Arsenal need a marquee left winger to progress to the next step and win regular trophies.

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers would be a perfect addition to the club’s ranks in our opinion. The Englishman is coming off a season with 26 goal involvements, with 35 per cent of those from the left wing. He has shown his ability to cut inside from the left flank and can score long-range goals.

Trossard and Martinelli are not necessarily known for scoring attempts from outside the box. Even while playing as a number 10, Rogers has a slight bias towards the left flank. He created 18 big chances in the Premier League and Europa League last term, and would be an ideal acquisition for the Gunners.

Arsenal have the money to spend this summer, and it could take £100m plus to land Rogers.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

The post £43m winger wants to join Arsenal, Gunners stance on signing him revealed first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.

The 26-year-old had a good second season with Diego Simeone’s side, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions.

The Argentine has his sights on joining Barcelona this summer, but Atletico are ‘very unlikely’ to do business with the Catalan giants.

Atletico CEO Gil Marín does not want to sell Alvarez to Barcelona after the Blaugrana falsely reported a formal transfer bid for the striker.

Arsenal are the ‘only realistic option’ for Alvarez, but he is not considering it. The player ‘does not want’ to go to London.

Hence, Atletico are ‘confident’ that the 26-year-old will remain at the club and are already planning for next season with him.

Arsenal must move on from Alvarez

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has been a big admirer of Alvarez. Sporting director Andrea Berta also knows him from his time at Atletico.

Berta played a major role in bringing the World Cup winner to Atletico from Manchester City in 2024, and the reported interest is unsurprising.

However, it does not make sense for the Gunners to follow up their pursuit if Alvarez has no desire to move to the English capital this summer.

Alvarez would be a good addition to the Arsenal ranks. He is primarily a centre-forward, but can also operate behind the number nine or out wide when required.

Arteta likes to work with players who can comfortably operate in multiple roles. Alvarez fits the bill with his goals and knack for creating chances with his link-up play.

The Gunners were unsuccessful with a £104 million bid for the versatile forward last summer, and they have the financial capacity to pay even more this time around.

However, the hierarchy must move on from the player, given his clear priority to join Barcelona. It does not seem worthwhile to pursue a deal after learning Alvarez’s stance.

Instead of Alvarez, the Gunners should go all out to sign Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who would provide a good upgrade on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

The post Julian Alvarez makes Arsenal transfer decision after Atletico snub Barcelona approach first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.