Arsenal continue their Premier League title charge nine points clear at the top while being linked with to a top teenage talent
09:38, 09 Apr 2026
Mikel Arteta could be set to sign a top talent
Arsenal are gearing up to restart their title charge as the club return to Premier League duty. Mikel Arteta’s squad will welcome Bournemouth on Saturday as the Gunners aim to stretch their advantage at the summit.
The side currently sit nine points ahead of rivals Manchester City, who have contested one fewer fixture than Arsenal. The forthcoming clash with the Cherries could boost the team’s confidence following their dramatic victory over Sporting CP.
It proved a particularly emotional occasion for Viktor Gyokeres as the Swedish forward faced his former employers. Meanwhile, Arsenal will be scheming their strategy ahead of the summer transfer market and have been connected with a highly-regarded Brazilian youngster. Here, Daily Star Sport examines some of the stories surrounding the Gunners.
Viktor Gyokeres’ emotions evident
Viktor Gyokeres signed for Arsenal from Sporting CP last summer(Image: Bruno de Carvalho/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres flourished during his time with Sporting CP, netting 97 goals in 102 appearances, which prompted a high-profile switch to Arsenal last summer, reports the Mirror.
The 27-year-old swiftly won over supporters in Lisbon but the circumstances of his eventual departure might have shifted that relationship.
The striker was at the centre of a summer-long transfer saga that reportedly saw Gyokeres down tools in a bid to force through his switch to the Gunners.
Despite his spell in Portugal concluding on a rather bitter note, Gyokeres showed that he harboured no grudges towards Sporting during Arsenal’s Champions League encounter.
Social media footage revealed the forward choosing not to celebrate Kai Havertz’s late winner alongside his teammates, apparently out of respect for his former club.
Following this respectful gesture, Gyokeres posted on social media: “Great feeling being back to this special place with a lot of memories. Thanks for the reception, on to the next one.”
Brazilian transfer target emerges
Sao Paulo’s Lucca Marques has been linked with Arsenal(Image: NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal have been linked with a swoop for Sao Paulo teenager Lucca Marques. The 18-year-old has started turning heads after breaking into the Brazilian giants’ senior squad.
German publication Sport Bild reports that the Gunners face rivalry from Borussia Dortmund for Lucca’s services. He is rated at around £2.6million, though Sao Paulo would seek a considerably higher sum.
Despite interest from other European clubs, Sport Bild claims that Arsenal are most advanced in talks.
The Brazil U20 international remains tied down until 2028. Currently, he’s out of action due to a thigh injury, which has restricted him to just six appearances this season.
In total, Lucca has turned out 16 times for Sao Paulo, netting his first senior goal against Libertad in the Copa Libertadores last May.
