Arsenal’s latest win over Bournemouth fired the Gunners six points clear at the Premier League summit, with one player in particular impressing as Mikel Arteta’s men stayed on course
Arsenal’s assault on the Premier League crown went undisturbed following a 3-2 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. There’s little rest for Mikel Arteta’s men, however, as their title claim faces another stiff test at home to Liverpool on Thursday.
Declan Rice delivered a timely double on the south coast as the Gunners came away from the Vitality Stadium with all three points. The England midfielder was briefly out of the squad due to a knee injury, but has already underlined his importance to the squad once more.
With five Premier League wins in a row under their belt, Arsenal are well-positioned to finally end their top-flight hoodoo. However, it’s not all good news for the Gunners after learning one rumoured target may soon be taken off the table.
Ivan Toney bowled over by Rice
Having been linked with a move to the Emirates himself in the past, Ivan Toney was clearly keeping watch during Arsenal’s win at Bournemouth. And the England striker was blown away by the impact Rice had in attack as he converted two goals.
Toney, who’s currently playing for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, even suggested his compatriot may have a future in a more attacking capacity. So much so that he jokingly suggested Arteta should modify Rice’s role to maximise his talents.
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Toney instructed Arsenal to “get him up front” on Instagram after being left impressed with Rice’s scoring nous at the Vitality Stadium. And he added two hearts-eye emojis for good measure to underline his admiration for his England team-mate.
Rice, 26, scored twice from as many attempts on goal but was his usual all-action self across the park. In addition to his tide-turning offensive efforts, he also succeeded in all three of his tackle attempts, recovered the ball eight times and completed 84 per cent of his passes.
Team-mate Marin Zubimendi and Bournemouth defender Marco Senesi were the only players on the pitch to have taken more touches. However, neither of those players can profess to having the same incisive effect in front of goal.
It’s not the first time Rice has earned calls to be deployed in more attacking positions, having displayed his finishing in the past. And if Toney isn’t careful, he could have even more competition for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s attack.
Gunners ‘used’ by Yildiz’s entourage
One of the hot tickets emerging in the transfer market over the past six months if Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz. However, just as quickly as rumours appeared to suggest a move could be on the cards, it seems the prospect has now been snuffed out.
Gazzetta dello Sport has in recent weeks linked the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich with a move for the player. However, it’s now been suggested that the Turkey international was only dangled in front of those teams to encourage movement from the Bianconeri.
That’s according to Sport Witness, which has corroborated reports that Yildiz is seemingly now set to sign new terms in Turin. And the 20-year-old will supposedly join Jonathan David as the club’s joint-highest earner on a deal that could run until 2031.
It’s reported that Yildiz’s father, Engin, has played a key role in these discussions. However, super agent Jorge Mendes is also mentioned as playing a key role in the negotiations as the picture becomes clearer.
Arsenal may have struggled to truly contend for the player’s services after splashing out on frontman Viktor Gyokeres in the summer. However, any hopes Arteta may have had to recruit one of football’s brightest emerging gems now look to be dimming fast.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
