Here’s a news roundup for Arsenal Football Club as of February 22, 2025, based on the latest available information:
Team News and Upcoming Match
Arsenal are gearing up for a Premier League clash against West Ham today, Saturday, February 22, 2025. Manager Mikel Arteta has previewed the match, acknowledging West Ham’s quality, organization, and flexibility under their “great manager.” Arteta emphasized the challenge ahead, suggesting a tough London derby is in store. Team news was set to be announced at 1:45 PM GMT, just minutes ago, so fans should check official channels for the latest lineup, though recent updates indicate key injury concerns persist (more below).
Injury Updates
Arsenal’s squad has been plagued by injuries this season. Kai Havertz is confirmed to miss the rest of the 2024/25 campaign due to a serious injury requiring surgery, with his rehabilitation extending into next season’s pre-season. Takehiro Tomiyasu also underwent successful surgery on a recurring right knee issue from pre-season, sidelining him for an unspecified period. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta provided updates ahead of the West Ham game, noting that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s return timelines remain uncertain, with five players potentially missing out today. However, Ben White could be back in contention after missing recent matches.
Champions League Draw
On the European front, Arsenal have been drawn against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League Round of 16, with the first leg scheduled for early March. Should they advance, they’ll face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals, setting up a potential blockbuster clash. Arteta expressed satisfaction with the PSV draw, indicating confidence in his squad’s ability to compete.
Transfer Rumors
Transfer speculation is heating up as Arsenal plan for the summer window. The club is reportedly targeting a marquee striker, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško as top candidates. Isak, a long-term target, could fetch around £80 million if Newcastle miss out on Champions League qualification, while Arsenal are also linked with Hugo Ekitike, Matheus Cunha, and even Roberto Firmino as a free agent option. A winger is also on the radar, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens a possible target amid competition from Chelsea. Despite Havertz’s absence, Arsenal have decided against signing a free agent now, opting instead for internal solutions until the summer.
Financial Health
Arsenal recently published their financial results for the 2023/24 period, revealing a £328 million figure that has raised eyebrows. However, experts suggest the club isn’t concerned, as they’re primed for growth and remain in stronger financial health compared to many rivals. Investments in the Emirates Stadium experience are under consideration to boost revenue further.
On the Pitch
Arsenal’s latest league outing saw Mikel Merino step up as an emergency striker, scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Leicester. His performance has sparked debate about his role against West Ham, with some suggesting he could start up top again. Meanwhile, the club received a £65,000 fine from an independent Regulatory Commission for an incident involving improper player conduct during a match against Wolves earlier this month, which Arsenal admitted to.
Title Race Context
In the Premier League, Arsenal sit second, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, who drew with Aston Villa midweek. With a game in hand, Arsenal’s title hopes remain alive, though fans lament the timing of injuries derailing their momentum. Today’s match against West Ham offers a chance to close the gap, especially with tough fixtures looming for their rivals.
This roundup reflects Arsenal’s current state: a mix of resilience amid injury setbacks, strategic planning for the future, and a critical push in the present across domestic and European competitions. Stay tuned for the latest from today’s match!
