Arsenal face Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday with London derby bragging rights on offer.
Mikel Arteta knows the title is all but gone for his Gunners after recent failures and Liverpool’s ability to garner victories, but after teeing up a mouthwatering clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League, his side will be looking to head into the international break with a win.
Chelsea have won back-to-back games for Enzo Maresca, but the style of play in their wins over Copenhagen and Leicester City in the past seven days has seen them come in for criticism.
Nevertheless, off the field both clubs are seemingly very, very busy thinking about the future. Mirror Football takes a look at some of the latest news from the two London clubs and also Manchester City, where Pep Guardiola is eyeing a “huge success”…
Radical Arsenal change
Arsenal could become the latest Premier League side to expand their stadium with early discussions being held. According to reports, club chiefs are considering a number of options that would see the capacity of the Emirates increased.
The cost and length of any expansion project are the main factors being considered, while the impact on the local area would be a major consideration. Islington Council would likely have to grant approval to any project, while Transport for London would also have a major say.
Arsenal are following in the footsteps of a few current Premier League rivals. Manchester United and Newcastle have both recently unveiled plans for lucrative new stadiums.
Pep’s declaration
Pep Guardiola insists that if Manchester City qualify for the Champions League this season, then it will be a “huge success”.
After four successive Premier League titles, City currently lie fifth ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Brighton – who are just one point behind them.
“It’s a big fight. It’s not a disappointment to be here,” says Guardiola. “It’s a challenge. If we are able to qualify for the Champions League, it would be a huge success from my point of view.
“There are seasons that you have to live this but it is in our hands, it depends on us. We don’t have to look at any other things than our performance.”
Chelsea move for £60m double deal?
Chelsea are closing in on a double deal to sign Sporting Lisbon duo Geovany Quenda and Dário Essugo.
Quenda has agreed terms on a seven-year deal with a fee in the region of £40million heading to Sporting for the teenage winger, who this week was called into the senior Portugal squad. He had been interesting Manchester United, with boss Ruben Amorim believed to have been keen on a reunion with a player whom he gave his senior debut.
He is set to move to England in the summer and could potentially be joined Dario Essugo, who is currently on loan from Sporting at Spanish side Las Palmas.
According to CNN Portugal, he’s being eyed for a £20m move. Mirror Football understands that while he is of interest, a complete agreement among all parties remains to be fixed.
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