AFTV News

How are Arsenal's players getting on at the Africa Cup of Nations?  By Jonny Bray Arsenal have had a very strong cohort of players competing at this year's Africa Cup of Nations. The Gunners had five players called up to their respective national squads for the competition, and it's been a roller-coaster for all of them. As the tournament draws to a close, let's take a look at how they are getting on in Cameroon. Mohamed Elneny Mohamed Elneny has had an outstanding tournament in the heart of Egypt's midfielder. He's been a crucial part of their side for many years but has been particularly influential in Cameroon. He was named Man of the Match in the 0-0 against Côte d'Ivoire that ended with his side advancing after a penalty shootout. He was also a big part of Egypt getting out of Group D in second place behind Nigeria. His place at Arsenal may be under constant scrutiny, but he never disappoints on the international stage. He's also the Arsenal player ...

Player Profile: Omar Rekik By Oli Dickson-Jefford Omar Rekik is not the first name on Arsenal fan’s lips when talking about their team, but things could be different a few years from now. The 20-year-old is highly fancied by many within the club and has impressed in the U23 since he joined the club a year ago.  A first team debut may be a little while off just yet, but he is someone people hope will make a huge impact at the Emirates in the future. Here’s all you need to know about the Tunisian defender. Background Rekik was born in the Netherlands to a Tunisian father and a Dutch mother, and he ultimately followed in the footballing footsteps of his older brother. Karim Rekik currently plies his trade for Sevilla in La Liga and Omar followed his 27-year-old brother across Europe, spending time in several youth sides. He has been part of youth academies at Feyenoord, Manchester City, PSV, Marseille and Hertha Berlin across the past decade. However, the brothers went their separate ...

  Five academy prospects who could make an impact this season By Josh Graham It’s not always headline-grabbing big name summer signings that go on to deliver the goods for Arsenal on the pitch the following season. Often it is the unsung and relatively unknown youngsters that complete their journey from academy hotshots to genuine Premier League superstars. But who out of the current crop of Gunners starlets can make an impression in Mikel Arteta’s first team during this campaign? Folarin Balogun Striker Folarin Balogun is set to hit the ground running after being promoted to Arteta’s senior side ahead of the 2021/22 season. For months it looked like the 20-year-old would leave the Emirates before finally putting pen to paper on a bumper four-year deal in April.  The highly promising striker has been at the club since he was nine and made his first senior appearances last season, scoring twice in six games. The England youth international appears to have what it takes to make ...

Rating Arsenal's January transfer business By Peter White After such a turgid start to the 2020/21 season, Arsenal have enjoyed a fruitful January with Saturday’s goalless draw at home to Manchester United ensuring they completed the month unbeaten in the league.   Rewind to December 22 and the Gunners had just endured a 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, while a run of no wins in seven in the Premier League had them looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.   Boss Mikel Arteta has emphatically turned things around since then though, with an eyebrow-raising 3-1 win over Chelsea just four days later proving the springboard for a rapid upturn in fortunes that has seen Arsenal emerge as real contenders for a top-four place.   A valuable point against the Red Devils - without the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the Arsenal ranks - means they head into February unbeat...

The midway mark: how good has Arsenal's January transfer window been so far as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in new faces to improve the Gunners' Premier League season? By Adam Le Roux The month of January never goes by in the football world without plenty of drama, with comings and goings all over the shop, and non-stop rumours circulating about the latest player to be linked with a big move.  And in that respect, Arsenal are no exception, with plenty of hearsay about ins ands outs at the Emirates throughout the month, as Mikel Arteta looks to revitalise a squad that started the season so badly.  At one stage, the Gunners looked like they needed a complete overhaul,, and while victories over Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom after Christmas have changed the mood around the team somewhat, the need for a new arrival or two is still clear for all to see.  And as we reach the halfway mark of the January transfer window, we take a look at the done deals, the doubtful ones, and th...