Arsenal

Minute-by-minute report: It's the last game of 2022. Join Rob Smyth for all the latest updates.

63 min Nketiah appeals for a penalty after a challenge from behind by Dunk. 69 min There was an understandable concern that, when Graham Potter left Brighton, the whole thing might fall in a heap. [Arsenal](https://www.theguardian.com/football/arsenal) collapse? Martinelli was quick enough to stay in front of Lamptey, even with the ball at his feet, and once he got into the area he poked the ball impatiently through Sanchez. “A long way to go, but looks like there’ll be lots of squeaky-bum time at the top and bottom before the end.” [Arsenal](https://www.theguardian.com/football/arsenal) can win it,” says Rachel Clifton. 88 min The stylish Mitoma twists Saka one way and then the other before being brought down. He gained no advantage whatsoever, as he was running away from goal, but rules are rules. Mitoma cuts inside a defender in the area and is about to shoot when he slips over. 90+4 min Gabriel gets away with a shirt pull on Sarmiento in the area. Arsenal move S-E-V-E-N points clear at the top after a highly entertaining match. I just had to show some composure and try to put it in the far corner, and I’m glad I did.

Good afternoon, and welcome to The Athletic's coverage of today's game. Arsenal led the league at Christmas, and remained top after beating West Ham 3-1 on ...

The resulting free-kick is delivered deep into the box and Saliba connects well with a volley. Lovely team move again from Brighton, this time resulting in a goal. It's the seventh goal of the season for Martinelli but it's brilliant, brilliant play from Odegaard. What a moment for 18-year-old Evan Ferguson. Anthony Taylor isn't buying it and books the winger for simulation. But he can't keep his header down and the ball goes behind. •2h ago Pacesetters.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) We can't get distracted and will be taking each game as it comes. We can do better in some parts of the game but it was a great performance all round." He said: "It was another important goal and I'm happy to help the team with goals and assists. See below for a play-by-play of the last Premier League match of 2022, as well as highlights and post-game reaction.

football.london's live coverage of Brighton vs Arsenal as Premier League action continues at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton have the line-up that draws more attention, however. Mikel Arteta chooses his first choice left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko over Kieran Tierney as the Arsenal manager again leans on his favourite. Arsenal have an awful record here, fingers crossed they can overcome a weakened Brighton side. Oleksandr Zinchenko starts for Arsenal in their Premier League clash against Brighton at the Amex Arena. That means that Ben White continues at right-back on his return to the side where he came through as a youngster. That means youngster Amario Cozier-Duberry drops out from the matchday squad.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal take on Brighton with hopes of maintaining their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

[manager signed to a new deal](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/thomas-frank-brentford-coach-contract-latest-b2251025.html), beat Man City before the World Cup, produced a credible – first half, at least – display [to hold Tottenham to a 2-2 draw ](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-brentford-result-score-harry-kane-b2251596.html)on Boxing Day and are in the top half of the table. [Premier League clubs face crunch time in potential 11-team relegation fight](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-relegation-wolves-everton-southampton-b2252446.html) [Gabriel Martinelli](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/gabriel-martinelli) pulled the hosts ahead in the second half en route to the hosts’ 10th straight top-flight home victory, equalling their all-time record. Can a team be simultaneously sitting in the top half and doing the cliched nervous look back over their shoulder at the bottom three? [from shipping to the first goal against West Ham to cruise to a 3-1 victory](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-west-ham-result-premier-league-goals-b2251717.html) and maintain their four-game winning run. The Premier League leaders on 1st January have gone on to win the title in nine of the last 13 seasons. But they also have just that one win at City in their last seven and, if they do not beat West Ham before the turn of the year, will have only two league victories to their name in four months when they host Liverpool in their 2023 opener. [Mikel Arteta’s](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/mikel-arteta) men will need to win to keep themselves at least five points clear of the reigning champions, Manchester City. As is it stands Manchester City are being held to a 1-1 drew at home against Everton. The Seagulls come into the match seventh in the league but will keep up the pace with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United if they defeat the Gunners. [Mikel Arteta](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/mikel-arteta) hopes [Arsene Wenger](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/arsene-wenger)’s first trip back to the Emirates since leaving the club in 2018 was the first of many future visits by the former [Arsenal](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/arsenal) boss. [Arsenal ](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/arsenal)hope to maintain their lead at the top of the [Premier League ](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/premier-league)table as they travel to [Brighton](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/brighton-and-hove-albion) for the first of a few tricky upcoming fixtures for the Gunners.

Arsenal are expected to be busy when the January transfer window opens as they aim to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal want to bring in a winger in January and Mudryk fits the bill perfectly. [He has also publicly stated how keen he would be on a move to north London.](https://www.goal.com/en/news/mudryk-addresses-arsenal-fans-social-media-persistence-as-he-talks-up-transfer/blt0e410c8510ca9471) All the talk as January approaches is centred around Mykhailo Mudryk.

Chelsea love a transfer hijack these days and are looking to beat Arsenal to the signing of Shakhtar winger Mudryk, according to The Guardian.

And ahead of the January window, they are interested in signing Enzo Fernandez from Benfica and seem to be willing to pay his €120m release clause. However, London rivals Chelsea are now said to be eyeing a move for Mudryk, and given their ruthlessness in the transfer market since Todd Boehly bought the club, this could be bad for the Gunners. Chelsea love a transfer hijack these days and are looking to beat Arsenal to the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to reports.

Arsenal transfer news: The Gunners are understood to extremely keen on adding the Shakhtar Donetsk forward to Mikel Arteta's squad and could secure his ...

[ the Gunners ](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/)will revisit the situation once the January window opens, with Shakhtar's representatives insisting they would sanction the deal should the right price be met. The Gunners have already had a [£55million bid rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/shakhtar-respond-arsenal-mudryk-bid-25844817) and are expected to return with a higher offer for the winger. The clips included his goals against RB Leipzig and Celtic, as well as a number of dazzling attacking runs. Mudryk hasn't put a stop to his cryptic messages and has showed Arsenal exactly what they will be getting should they sign him. We receive offers, but they are not the ones we would like to see on our table," [CEO Serhii Palkin said.](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/arsenal-mykhaylo-mudryk-january-transfer-25860795) This season, the forward has continued to impress with eye-catching performances in the Champions League against Real Madrid and Celtic.

Silent Stan, as he is otherwise known by supporters, is placed at the top of the sport-specific Forbes' 2022 sports rich list with a colossal net worth of £8.8 ...

He acquired a controlling stake in the Gunners in 2011 but has often been accused of not spending enough money to make them competitive in the Premier League. [Premier League](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/latest/premier-league) title in almost 20 years thanks to a superb start to the season which has seen them collect 40 points from 15 games. The top three is completed by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Kroenke is £40million ahead of Jones. Finishing in the top-four will also guarantee them a spot in the [Champions League](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/latest/champions-league) - and with it a healthy boost to the coffers. [Arsenal](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/latest/arsenal-fc) owner Stan Kroenke has joined the north Londoners at the top of the table after ending 2022 as the richest person in sport, according to Forbes.

Arsenal transfer news: Catch all the latest Gunners news including updates on Mykhaylo Mudryk's move to north London, Chelsea's attempt to hijack the deal ...

[Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/fixtures-results/arsenal-west-ham-martinelli-odegaard-25840909) all netted, one name that has previously been linked to the Emirates Stadium is former Chelsea striker Abraham. "We have a few of those that we are willing to extend the contract. We are trying to do that because we know he can be a really important part of our plans." [The Gunners](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/) showed great character to come from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 in their last outing, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah all getting on the scoresheet. Since Brighton's promotion to the Premier League in 2017, the Gunners have found it tough against the Seagulls, winning just three of their 10 meetings. Speaking ahead of the next match against Brighton, Arteta wasn't being drawn into speculating around the Shakhtar Donetsk player though. This is just me talking obviously, sort of looking at it on paper, and he’s not played that much senior football, he’s never played out of Ukraine," he stated. I actually spoke to Martin about it after the game now on Boxing Day. The clips included his goals against RB Leipzig and Celtic, as well as a number of dazzling attacking runs. Diego Simeone has left the door open for the Portuguese forward to stay at Atletico Madrid, but a move away is looking likely in January. Mudryk hasn't put a stop to his cryptic messages and has showed Arsenal exactly what they will be getting should they sign him. Arsenal rounded-off a sensational second half of 2022 with a 4-2 win over Brighton.

Can Arsenal see out 2022 with another win to maintain their surprise Premier League title challenge? Follow the action live.

India: Star Sports network has the rights to show Premier League matches in India. The Seagulls are bidding to record three consecutive wins over Arsenal for the first time. Arsenal win it back in the Brighton half and the goalscorer is played through in acres of space down the right, but Lewis Dunk gets across to block his cut-back. Brighton are a good match for Arsenal here — they just can't seem to pick their way through in the final third. Pacesetters.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) Bukayo Saka struck so early it seemed to shock Brighton out of their previous positive form, and Martin Odegaard has made the lead comfortable. It's a lovely piece of play from Brighton that ends with Pascal Gross playing in the Japan international, who produced a composed side-foot finish. Jeremy Sarmiento is trying to keep their hopes alive, but he goes to ground too easily on the edge of the Arsenal box and is penalised for diving. 88 mins: A few chants of 'off, off, off!' from the home fans as Bukayo Saya (on a yellow) trips Kaoru Mitoma. He's bringing on Rob Holding for Martin Odegaard to make sure of the result. FULLTIME: That's that for 2022 in the Premier League! Arsenal seemed in a mood to celebrate the new year on the south coast, Bukayo Saka giving them the lead inside just two minutes.

Arsenal transfer news: Mudryk shows his true feeling once more as teasing message is sent ahead of January window.

"I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d'Or in the future. [De Zerbi had already been extremely complimentary of the player ](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/mykhaylo-mudryk-arsenal-january-transfer-25869042)he used to manage, saying ahead of the game: "Mudryk is a fantastic player, but Brighton can't buy him. Mykhaylo Mudryk has sent another teasing message to Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window. I like him, because I like all my ex-players. It comes days after yet another social media message which he sent out during the 3-1 victory over West Ham. It doesn't look like convincing him will be a problem, though.

Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah grabbed early goals in each half for Arsenal as they won 4-2 away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in the final Premier ...

"We don't care about the other teams, three points was everything today and we did it. We are really happy," he told Sky Sports. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story

Arsenal head into 2023 with a formidable seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a 4-2 win at Brighton.

Coming in he was bright, lively, he scored a goal and that is the right reaction. "Of course (that is the end of the matter). Ten Hag added: "It's good after the decision. This is the right answer." "We draw a line under it and move on. I overslept but it can happen," Rashford said.

Arsenal transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk is once again watching the Gunners in the Premier League, suggesting he's seriously interested in a move.

Should Chelsea decide to lodge a bid for Mudryk, the Ukrainian may be in a situation where he needs to choose between the two London rivals. For the second time in less than a week, Mudryk has shown off how he's watching Mikel Arteta's side, who are cruising to a win over Brighton as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table. They might face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea, however, with the Blues also reportedly keen on bringing him to England.

Mykhailo Mudryk tuned in to Brighton's Premier League clash with Arsenal on New Year's Eve - and shared his admiration for both bosses.

[Meanwhile, Arsenal went seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 4-2 win over Brighton at the AmEx in the final match of 2022.](/sport/live/article-11579585/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-Premier-League-2022-23-Live-Result.html) [Brighton](/news/brighton/index.html)'s Premier League clash with [Arsenal](/sport/teampages/arsenal.html) on New Year's Eve - and shared his admiration for both bosses. [Arsenal dominated, winning 4-2 away in the last Premier League clash of 2022](/sport/live/article-11579585/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-Premier-League-2022-23-Live-Result.html)

Arsenal transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk is once again watching the Gunners in the Premier League, suggesting he's seriously interested in a move.

Should Chelsea decide to lodge a bid for Mudryk, the Ukrainian may be in a situation where he needs to choose between the two London rivals. For the second time in less than a week, Mudryk has shown off how he's watching Mikel Arteta's side, who are cruising to a win over Brighton as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table. They might face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea, however, with the Blues also reportedly keen on bringing him to England.

Arsenal will end 2022 with a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a thrilling 4-2 win at Brighton. The Gunners were sensational at times ...

The Gunners were sensational at times at the Amex Stadium, with captain Martin Odeegard producing another sublime performance. Arsenal got off to a dream start when Bukayo Saka netted after just 66 seconds, and Odegaard doubled the lead with his seventh league goal of the season before the interval. Arsenal will end 2022 with a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a thrilling 4-2 win at Brighton.

Substitute Evan Ferguson, 18, scored his first league goal with 13 minutes remaining and Mitoma thought he had brought Brighton to within a one-goal deficit but ...

[Julio Enciso](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/20975/Julio-Enciso) 6. [Liverpool](/soccer/team?id=364) on Oct. [Mykhailo Mudryk](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/299911/mykhailo-mudryk) made it clear he was watching. Maybe we need to control the game a bit better, we let them in a couple of times, but they are a good team, good on the ball." [Erling Haaland](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/253989/Erling-Haaland) could enjoy five weeks resting up before continuing his devastating form with Manchester City. It was another test of their resolve in the pressurised environment of a title race, against a gifted Brighton side (albeit bereft of World Cup winning playmaker [Alexis Mac Allister](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/249299/Alexis-Mac-Allister)) who had already thrashed [Chelsea](/soccer/team?id=363) at home and won away at [Manchester United](/soccer/team?id=360) this season. Top of the league and playing such good football, why wouldn't a top player want to be part of something with this much potential? [Upcoming fixtures](/soccer/fixtures?league=eng.1) Odegaard now has seven goals and five assists from 15 league matches this season, more than his tally for the entirety of the previous campaign. After a man-of-the-match display against [West Ham United](/soccer/team?id=371) on Boxing Day, Odegaard was once again heavily influential here. [Best/worst performers](#bestworst) [Highlights and notable moments](#highlights)

Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah grabbed early goals in each half for Arsenal as they won 4-2 away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in the final Premier.

Mikel Arteta praised his players' reaction to their 4-2 win at Brighton on Saturday as they moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

That’s what we want that those players decide football matches when the team needs it and they’re doing it." The Gunners boss said: "He’s doing what we want him to do, which is decide football matches, work really had and deliver to the team what it needs in each moment of every game. "That means that they know that we can still play better and be better.

Arsenal are in negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk over the transfer of Mykhailo Mudryk – and it seems the Ukraine winger is a big fan of Mikel Arteta and ...

"I cannot talk about players that are not ours," he said in his press conference before the trip to Brighton. The 21-year-old winger is valued at [an eye-popping £85million](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-mykhailo-mudryk-man-utd-28831376) by Shakhtar, who have benefited from 10 goals and eight assists in all competitions this campaign. If we will not, then let it be another time. Yes, it would be hard to say no from my side, I can't say no but the transfer is not only my decision and my word." I'll speak again to Arsenal. "If we will agree, then let it be so. Murdryk has also used his Instagram to share a compilation video showing his best goals and skills of 2022. The Italian coached Mudryk during the 2021/22 season, but the post seems aimed at talking up Arteta, more than hailing his former manager. He recently told CBS: "I think every guy dreams about the Premier League. I like the way they play. It's believed the Gunners have already [Arsenal](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/arsenal-fc) after watching their [impressive win](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/brighton-arsenal-saka-odegaard-nketiah-28849047) over [Brighton](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/brighton-and-hove-albion-fc).

Watch the best of the action from the Amex Stadium as we ran out victors in a six-goal thriller.

You can see how important it’s going to be, and it’s definitely going to be important going into the next few fixtures.” “I think it’s important that I can try and affect my team, that’s why I’m picked - to obviously try and be the difference. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I think we just need to continue that in the new year.”

Arsenal will make an improved offer for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk. Chelsea are also keen, with Arsenal's first offer of £45m short of ...

[Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to step up their push to get Benfica's World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez](/sport/football/article-11588921/Chelsea-plan-talks-Benfica-Enzo-Fernandez-106m-deal-aid-January-games.html), who has a valuation of around £106m. [Chelsea](/sport/teampages/chelsea.html) have also posted interest as Arsenal's initial £45m offer is well short of Shakhtar's desired £85m valuation. Mudryk, who turns 22 on January 5, would definitely fit that mould.

Arsenal are expected to be busy when the January transfer window opens as they aim to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal want to bring in a winger in January and Mudryk fits the bill perfectly. [He has also publicly stated how keen he would be on a move to north London.](https://www.goal.com/en/news/mudryk-addresses-arsenal-fans-social-media-persistence-as-he-talks-up-transfer/blt0e410c8510ca9471) All the talk as January approaches is centred around Mykhailo Mudryk.

Arsenal transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk is once again watching the Gunners in the Premier League, suggesting he's seriously interested in a move.

Should Chelsea decide to lodge a bid for Mudryk, the Ukrainian may be in a situation where he needs to choose between the two London rivals. For the second time in less than a week, Mudryk has shown off how he's watching Mikel Arteta's side, who are cruising to a win over Brighton as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table. They might face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea, however, with the Blues also reportedly keen on bringing him to England.

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's 4-2 win at Brighton proved the Premier League leaders have the "desire" required to lift the title for the first time since ...

"You can't expect to not concede anything with the way they play. "This is what we want to continue, to improve as a team and play better, to dominate all the areas like today. "It's a big win against a really good side.

Arsenal will end 2022 with a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a thrilling 4-2 win at Brighton. The Gunners were sensational at times ...

The Gunners were sensational at times at the Amex Stadium, with captain Martin Odeegard producing another sublime performance. Arsenal got off to a dream start when Bukayo Saka netted after just 66 seconds, and Odegaard doubled the lead with his seventh league goal of the season before the interval. Arsenal will end 2022 with a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a thrilling 4-2 win at Brighton.

Eddie Nketiah made it two goals in as many Premier League starts as Arsenal beat Brighton and Hove Albion.

However, with the Brazil striker out injured, the Ghana prospect is stepping up to the plate. THE BIGGER PICTURE: Nketiah started upfront for Arsenal in back-to-back league matches for the first time this season, having had to deal with spells on the bench with Gabriel Jesus preferred. - It was just the second Premier League start for the Ghana prospect

Arsenal drew motivation from Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Everton before their against Brighton match Saturday, according to Bukayo Saka.

WHAT THEY SAID: "We just try and focus on ourselves but when we heard that result it gave us extra motivation to try and press on and get a result today," said Saka to the BBC after the game. No club that's been seven or more points clear at the top of the Premier League at New Year's - where Arsenal currently stand - have gone on to lose the title. Arsenal and England wonderkid Bukayo Saka said that Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Everton earlier on Saturday gave them the needed motivation to go and beat Brighton.

Arsenal news: Catch all the latest Arsenal news, rumours and gossip including updates on the Gunners' Premier League title chase, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Martin ...

His decisions, he is also a leader in the team. The Gunners have already had a [£55million bid rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/shakhtar-respond-arsenal-mudryk-bid-25844817) and are expected to return with a higher offer for the winger. You see that Norway is now getting more top-class players, and I hope they can do well internationally in the years to come." The way he analyses the game. I like him and the way he makes football look so easy. He really is like a young Cesc Fabregas. I actually spoke to Martin about it after the game now on Boxing Day. Fortunately, he is here now. The clips included his goals against RB Leipzig and Celtic, as well as a number of dazzling attacking runs. The hints keep coming. The forward posted a video over a minute long full of goals, skills, assists and impressive play on his private Instagram page. Martin Odegaard also continued his fine form with a goal and splendid assist as the Gunners made it 14 wins in 16 games.

Saka, Odegaard, Nketiah and Martinelli all on target as Gunners begin 2023 seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Teenager Evan Ferguson scored a second for the home side, but Mikel Arteta’s side saw out the the final Premier League fixture of 2022 to record another victory. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring after just 65 seconds before Martin Odegaard doubled Arsenal’s advantage with Eddie Nketiah adding a third shortly after the interval. Arsenal begin the new year with a seven-point lead at the summit of the Premier League following a

Arsenal head into 2023 with a formidable seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a win at Brighton, while champions Manchester City dropped ...

"Of course (that is the end of the matter). Ten Hag added: "It's good after the decision. This is the right answer." "We draw a line under it and move on. "It's a big win against a really good side," Arteta said. I overslept but it can happen," Rashford said.

Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah grabbed early goals in each half for Arsenal as they won 4-2 away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in the final Premier ...

We are really happy," he told Sky Sports. "We don't care about the other teams, three points was everything today and we did it. However, a Kaoru Mitoma goal in the 65th minute threw Brighton a lifeline and though Gabriel Martinelli netted a fourth for Arsenal from a stunning Odegaard pass, Evan Ferguson made it 4-2 to set up a grandstand finish.

Arsenal transfer news: Catch all the latest Gunners news including updates on the Gunners' pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk, William Saliba's future and the ...

Despite snubbing the Gunners for Juventus last January, the Serb's future in Italy is unclear [with interest arriving from the Premier League for his services.](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/dusan-vlahovic-arsenal-transfer-chelsea-25776238) The attacking duo's current deals expire in 2024 and it's understood that the club are in the process of tying them down to extended deals. [Arsenal's ](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/)attackers got on the scoresheet in the Gunners' thrilling victory over Brighton on New Year's Eve. Mykhaylo Mudryk has sent another teasing message to Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League last night with a 4-2 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion after Manchester City failed to defeat struggling Everton earlier in the day. It comes days after yet another social media message which he sent out during the 3-1 victory over West Ham. “But saying that, this is a new Arsenal. [ Bukayo Saka](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/saka-arsenal-contract-man-city-25767820) and [ Gabriel Martienlli](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/gabriel-martinelli-new-arsenal-contract-25805512) as players Arsenal remain keen on keeping hold of. [Arsenal ](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/)may have been given a route to sign [Dusan Vlahovic](https://www.football.london/all-about/dusan-vlahovic) from Juventus in January but it would likely involve the departure of a key first-team star. This is a team that’s top of the league and a team that we do actually have to take seriously again, a club we have to take seriously again.” [Mikel Arteta's side](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/fixtures-results/mikel-arteta-martin-odegaard-martinelli-25871651) and once again there was a player pulling the strings magnificently who has been told Arsenal would not be able to replace him. How does it feel waking up as league leaders?

Arsenal and Chelsea could be embroiled in a couple of January transfer battles.

So Arsenal could attempt to offer Chelsea a dose of their own medicine if they go in for Vlahovic. There is no date set yet for his return to action. Shakhtar publicly want up to £86m for the 21-year-old. The Gunners have been linked with the striker before and could make a January raid on [Juventus](/latest/juventus-fc). It hasn't gone quite to plan for him in Turin so far and he is already linked with a move away from the club. The Shakhtar Donetsk winger is Arsenal's top January target.