HERE WE GO! Arsenal reached agreement with long-term transfer target as the attacker arrives on a five-years transfer deal

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dented with a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday while West Ham United lost their first league game since Graham Potter’s appointment as they were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace.

The Gunners led 2-0 but conceded twice in eight minutes, just hours after Liverpool had netted two stoppage-time goals against Brentford to increase their lead at the top of the table. The Eagles scored twice in the second half to beat the Hammers, who finish the game with 10 men after Konstantinos Mavropanos was dismissed after 80 minutes.

“In terms of the performance today, it wasn’t one that we’re so happy about and obviously the result we’re disappointed with because I don’t think we deserved to get anything from the game,” reflected Hammers boss Graham Potter. “We have to accept that as much as it’s not nice to hear, we have to be honest with ourselves and say ‘Okay, we need to do better, we need to find a way to be better’ and that’s where the process is, that’s where the work is and that’s what we need to do.”

Mikel Arteta issued praise for his side despite another disappointing result: “Incredibly proud of the team, I think it was an immense performance, immense. Against this team, what they’ve done, after playing three times in six days, with the same players, not having enough to change it, I cannot be prouder of that. Then, very disappointed with the result, obviously, we can fault ourselves as well because defending the way we did especially with one of the goals as well, it cannot be part of our game if we want to be at the highest level in this country because the rest is, what else can I ask the team to do against a really good side.”

Cornet set for another move

West Ham have reportedly reached an agreement with Serie A side Genoa to send Maxwell Cornet on loan to the club. The 28-year-old joined the Hammers on a five-year deal back in August 2022 but was sent on a season-long loan to Southampton in August. However, he has made just four appearances in all competitions for the struggling Saints with two of those coming in the Premier League.

Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend: “Genoa agree deal to sign Maxwell Cornet as new winger on loan from West Ham. Verbal agreement in place with #WHUFC for winger who’s set to work under Patrick Vieira.”

Cornet has made 37 appearances for the Irons, scoring one goal. Southampton manager at the time Russell Martin said after his move to Southampton was confirmed: “Maxwel is a very dynamic player and he gives us another exciting dimension to the group. He’s someone who can be a real threat to the opposition on the pitch and I’m delighted the ownership group and board have been able to get another attacking option in for us. He’s really excited to be coming here and I think it’s a move that can bring out the best in him and work really well for both him and us.”

Arsenal ‘turn attention’ to Victor Osimhen

Arsenal have reportedly looked to Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to solve their issues up front. The Gunners are short in the attacking department following a season-ending injury to Gabriel Jesus while Bukayo Saka is also set to remain out until March. Benjamin Sesko emerged as a target last week after there was interest in the RB Leipzig striker over the summer.

Football Insider reports that Osimhen could be an alternative to Sesko and Arsenal have already made contact over a possible move. Osimhen – who has scored 128 goals at senior level – is on a season-long loan at Galatasaray but that can be cancelled with the Nigerian international able to move to another club. He netted for the Turkish club on Friday night as they came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Hatayspor.

The Gunners are not the only club with an interest in Osimhen this month with Turkish media claiming Manchester United are eyeing a move.

Journalist Kagan Dursun told Haber Sarı Kırmız that United have made an offer of £59m to sign the player permanently but saw that bid knocked back. Up next for Arsenal is a Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb as they look to seal their place in the last 16 of the competition.