Arsenal

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Arsenal midfielder Jorginho says it is "a privilege to be a part of this family" after signing a short-term contract extension with the club.

"It's been really positive, because I felt part of something big straight away," the former Chelsea player told the club website, external. "I felt involved and really in a good place. It's not always like that, so when you feel something like this, it's something important.

"I'm really happy to stay, because it's a privilege to be a part of this family. My family is happy, we are really well settled and there's more to come.

"There was not much to discuss [with Mikel Arteta and Edu] to be honest, because I feel really good here. Just to know that they appreciate me and want me to stay longer as well, it's a big thing for me. I feel that I have more to do, so that's the reason why I'm staying."

Despite winning some of the biggest titles during his career, including the European Championship, Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and Coppa Italia, the 32-year-old has yet to win the Premier League trophy.

Arteta's side are currently top of the table, one point above holders Manchester City who have a game in hand.

"That's missing [the Premier League medal]. It's something that definitely I would like to add to that list and it would mean a lot to me," he said.

"I want to win as much as I can, and enjoy the moment because that's really important for me. If you are somewhere where you are not enjoying it, or you are not happy, then it's difficult. So moving forward is trying to be happy and achieve as much as we can."

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Arsenal have announced midfielder Jorginho has signed a short-term extension to his contract at Emirates Stadium.

The 32-year-old signed on an initial 18-month deal from Chelsea in January 2023 and has made 51 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side.

This season, he has played a key role alongside Declan Rice in anchoring Arsenal's title challenge.

"We’re delighted that Jorgi has signed a new contract with us," boss Arteta said. "He is such an important part of our team, a role model with great leadership skills and a unique playing style ability which makes everybody better around him on the pitch.

"We’re very pleased that Jorgi and his family have committed with us and we’re all excited to continue this journey together.”

Sporting director Edu added: "Jorgi represents what we stand for here at Arsenal with his professionalism and success. I know everyone at the club will be very excited that Jorgi will continue to be with us."

Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas spoke to the Planet Premier League podcast about Manchester United's game with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday: "They have always been special games. It's true that Manchester United aren't at the level they were in the past, and I see Arsenal too strong for them at the moment.

"Arsenal play by memory. They are confident and believe they have the experience. They've grown over the last year and improved.

"I do think Arsenal will win that game comfortably. I will not say 'easily' because United are United and the history [they have]. At the end of the day, we need to respect the badge on the chest and Old Trafford is Old Trafford.

"But again I consider Arsenal too strong at the moment."

Listen to the full episode here

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Nominees for the Premier League's manager of the season have been revealed:

• Mikel Arteta - Arsenal

• Pep Guardiola - Manchester City

• Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool

• Unai Emery - Aston Villa

• Andoni Iraola - Bournemouth

Voting is open now on the official Premier League website, external with the winner to be announced on Tuesday, 21 May.

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The Premier League have released their nominees for the young player of the season and fans can vote for their favourite on the official website, external.

Here is the list of eight players:

• Bukayo Saka - Arsenal

• William Saliba - Arsenal

• Erling Haaland - Manchester City

• Phil Foden - Manchester City

• Destiny Udogie - Tottenham

• Alexander Isak - Newcastle

• Kobbie Mainoo - Manchester United

• Cole Palmer - Chelsea

The winner will be announced on Saturday, 18 May.

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The eight-man shortlist for player of the season has been released and supporters can vote on the Premier League website, external.

Here are those in the running:

• Declan Rice - Arsenal

• Martin Odegaard - Arsenal

• Phil Foden - Manchester City

• Erling Haaland - Manchester City

• Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool

• Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa

• Alexander Isak - Newcastle

• Cole Palmer - Chelsea

The winner will be revealed on Saturday, 18 May.

Here are the key facts and figures before Sunday's game between Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League.

• Manchester United have lost just one of their past 16 Premier League home games against Arsenal, a 1-0 defeat in November 2020.

• Arsenal are looking to complete the league double over Manchester United for the first time since 2006-07. Plus, they have not won three in a row against the Red Devils between November 1997 and September 1998.

• Manchester United have lost 18 games in all competitions this season - they last lost more in a single campaign in 1977-78 (19).

• Arsenal have lost their final away league game in three of their four previous seasons under Mikel Arteta - the exception a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace in 2020-21. However, the Gunners are unbeaten when facing Manchester United in their final Premier League away game (won one, drawn two) and secured the title with a 1-0 win in 2001-02.

• Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has been involved in six goals in his past four Premier League starts against Arsenal - scoring four and assisting two. His 10 goal involvements against the Gunners (six goals, four assists) is his most against a single opponent in the Premier League.

• Bukayo Saka has been involved in five Premier League goals against Manchester United (three goals, two assists), registering a goal (three) or assist (one) in each of his past four against them. Only Thierry Henry (12) has had a hand in more goals against the Red Devils for Arsenal in the competition.

Listen to full commentary of Manchester United v Arsenal from 16:30 BST on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Aston Villa are confident they can beat Arsenal and Manchester United to the signing of French winger Michael Olise, 22, from Crystal Palace. (Football Transfers), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Regular readers will know that I have been a stalwart fan of Kai Havertz, even when others had given up on him.

During the second half of the season, he has shown just what he is capable of, and he still is not being played in his favoured position behind the striker.

Along with Declan Rice, he is now pivotal - not just in open play, but crucially at set-pieces too.

The Gunners have improved again this season, but I believe it is only the start of something extra special.

The defence is settled and all the key players are the right age, each just coming into their prime.

Havertz is 24, Rice 25, Martin Odegaard 25, Bukayo Saka 22, Gabriel 26 and William Saliba 23. There is a minimum of five years' improvement to come from that core group.

This summer, I expect Mikel Arteta to add more quality. When they replace the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zincenko, I am sure they will get an even better return from who they bring in.

‌Arsenal fans live in hope that fellow Londoners Fulham and Tottenham will mug Manchester City in the capital over the next eight days. And they might - but the longer view is more important.

‌This is the best Arsenal squad since Arsene Wenger’s halcyon days.

There may be no trophies this season, but huge success could and should be just around the corner.

Pat Nevin was writing for the BBC Football Extra newsletter

Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund want Rennes' 18-year-old France midfielder Desire Doue. (TBR Football), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

At the heart of Arsenal’s convincing 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday was Declan Rice.

His goal and assist in a more advanced midfield role highlighted both his and Arsenal's progression.

Rice has now contributed seven goals and eight assists in the Premier League, as well as making consistent considerable defensive contributions.

His arrival has clearly taken Arsenal up a level and his personal development in his first season under Mikel Arteta highlights the Spaniard’s ability to develop top calibre players.

This will help the Gunners go and find another level-raiser in the transfer market in the summer.

Arsenal Football Club, with all it offers at the moment, must be considered one of the most attractive destinations for the world's best players right now.

Considering where this club was just a few years ago, the progression in performance and reputation is clear and exciting.

Oli Price-Bates can be found at The Fresh Arsenal podcast, external

Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres, 25, has refused to commit his future to Sporting Lisbon amid interest from Arsenal. (Standard), external

Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk's £65m-rated Ukraine midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, 21, who is also being monitored by Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

Vijay asked: Arsenal missed out on the league last season due to a poor run of form. If they miss out again this year, is it just sheer bad luck due to Manchester City's strength? In what areas do you think they should improve next year to win the league next season?

Phil answered: If Arsenal miss out this year it will be because you have to be pretty much perfect to be above Manchester City, as they discovered last season and Liverpool have discovered before them.

They had that slip at home to Aston Villa, which may yet prove decisive. And yes, City's squad strength is also a factor.

Don't rule them out yet, though. They are still right in it.

I think they have shown great improvement this season, with so many top-class individual campaigns from players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

If there was one area they really need to improve, I still think they need a high-class, reliable central striker. That could make a huge difference.

We asked for your reaction to Saturday's match between Arsenal and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your answers:

Arsenal fans

Ian: The atmosphere at Emirates Stadium is becoming a 12th player - all season long the crowd has lifted the players. The game at times was on a knife edge because the ball just wouldn't smash the back of the net, but this season Arsenal have showed resilience not just at the start, but throughout games. Whether we win the league or not, this has been a fantastic season.

Bob: I was at the game and I thought it was one of the most controlled and dominant performances by Arsenal. There was no serious threat from Bournemouth in the first half and only fleeting moments in the second. Arsenal’s control and skills were on full show including fighting for the ball and snuffing out any opposition attacks. Fabulous on the ball.

Toby: Harsh penalty decision on Bournemouth. Dominic Solanke had no eyes for the ball for the disallowed goal. Arsenal look tired, but luck seems to be with us. And Declan Rice too. Looked out on his feet but still managed a run from inside his own half in the 97th minute. I want whatever he's having!

Davey: Doing all they have to do and doing it well. Great performance under what must have been stressful conditions. Full of admiration for Bournemouth - came to do a job and never gave up. Wish other teams would do the same in this title race.

Bournemouth fans

Lee: Couldn't believe the ridiculous penalty. Aren't goalies allowed in the area now? Havertz was dragging his foot anyway. Bournemouth were the victims of a flawed system that possibly has its favourites. The Bournemouth goal that was ruled out also should have stood.

Tom: They were cheated with that penalty decision.

Shaun: A good result for the Premier League run-in. Arsenal have a great team but we were on the wrong end of two very debatable decisions. It always seems to be the case with the smaller clubs. Nonetheless, very excited about our prospects for next season.

Simon: Score flattered Arsenal. Battery onslaught in the first half but we showed great commitment to defend and block the ball. It could have been avoided by simply playing higher up the pitch and getting rid off too many short passes at the back as that led to constant loss of possession with Arsenal’s high pressing. In the second half, it was a much better attacking performance. The VAR was also very poor.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright says Declan Rice is thriving in his role alongside Thomas Partey as it allows him to move forward more with the ball.

Rice scored and assisted in Saturday's win over Bournemouth with a player-of-the-match display in a game which kept alive the Gunners' dream of a first Premier League title in 20 years.

"He is the difference for Arsenal in respects of being able to play any of those positions in the midfield," Wright told Match of the Day. "He finds himself in any situation and is able to deal with it.

"He was all over the place. People were talking about whether he can play in a possession-based midfield - of course he can.

"Will he score enough goals? We're seeing that now. Especially playing with someone like Thomas Partey - it releases Rice. Partey stays back and Rice moves forward, progressing the ball.

"When you see where Kai Havertz is you need someone attacking the box because that's one of the big problems for Arsenal. With Declan playing where he is in that 8 position to get into the box, to crash the box - he's getting in there, he's trying to get his goals.

"He's got the capability, the skill, the strength, and is exceptional at running with the ball. He's proper box-to-box.

"What Arsenal are doing is a lot down to Rice. He has been unbelievable this season."

Watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

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Pep Guardiola believes Arsenal's excellent form means Manchester City have to take maximum points from their final three games to retain the Premier League crown.

The destiny of the title is currently in City's hands - if they win their remaining three matches, they will be champions of England for an unprecedented fourth successive season.

However, any slip-ups will open the door for Arsenal, who are chasing a first league title for 20 years.

Guardiola said: "If we win the games we will be champions, so the players know it, feel it, and have the experience of doing it in the past. But they have to do it again.

"It's going to be easy? No. It's in our hands but everyone knows you cannot make one little mistake because you will lose the Premier League. They know it, we know it.

"You see their [Arsenal's] level of consistency since the winter break, the way they are playing. It's not the fact that they are winning, it's the way they play. You smell that they are not going to lose in the games they have left. They are not going to."

Image source, Reuters

West Ham were "never going to be the same" without Declan Rice following his £105m move to Arsenal last summer, says QPR goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Without the England midfielder, who captained West Ham to Europa Conference League victory last season, the Hammers have conceded 70 goals in their 36 Premier League games this season.

David Moyes' side, beaten 5-0 at Chelsea on Sunday, are now unlikely to qualify for a European competition next season.

Begovic told the BBC's Football Daily podcast: "We've talked about Brighton and some of the other teams who lose such key players that are just irreplaceable.

"You try to do it as a collective, but when you lose a player of that calibre, it has a massive effect on a team and they were never going to be the same."

Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards added: " A £105m bargain - he's made that price tag look such good value for money."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Friday and Saturday's six Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games on Match of the Day 2 here.

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full:

• Burnley v Newcastle United

• Manchester City v Wolves

Arsenal are ready to listen to offers to sell 27-year-old Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus this summer. (Football Insider), external

Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus are said to be on the radar of several clubs in Saudi Arabia, with lucrative contracts being lined up for the Arsenal duo. (Express), external

Stuttgart and Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, 28, has emerged as a target for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column