Arteta makes attempt to snatch Guardiola favourite as suspension calls grow

Arsenal round-up as interest in a Barcelona star emerges and Gabriel Martinelli's referee push is assessed

Arsenal have had little time to lick their wounds as they prepare to face Sporting CP in the Champions League. The Gunners have travelled to Portugal for the first leg of their quarter-final following the devastating FA Cup defeat to Championship side Southampton on Saturday.

In the space of a fortnight, following last month's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, Arsenal's quadruple dream has been shattered, leaving the Premier League and Champions League on their schedule.

While the Gunners have a handy nine-point lead over City, who have played a game fewer, recent setbacks have left fans fearing another late-season collapse.

Having been in such a position of strength for most of the campaign, a trophy-less season will be disastrous for Mikel Arteta. Here's a round-up of the latest Arsenal news…

Arteta wanted Guardiola favourite

The Gunners reportedly showed interest in a player coveted by Pep Guardiola. Spanish title Sport has revealed Al-Qadsiah FC, the Saudi side managed by Brendan Rodgers, recently made a concerted attempt to sign the Barcelona star Dani Olmo with a £60m bid and an £8m-per-year contract.

The same report added that the Gunners were in the frame to sign Olmo, who was struggling for regular game time under Hansi Flick. However, Olmo is said to have rejected both clubs, preferring to fight for a place in the Barca team.

It's not the first time the 27-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League after Manchester City showed an interest last summer. At the time, Olmo's agent said his player wasn't thinking about leaving the Nou Camp but added: "You never know what the future will bring."

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will revive their interest in Olmo this summer, which could see the squad undergo a significant revamp.

Martinelli to escape

Gabriel Martinelli is set to escape further punishment despite shoving referee Sam Barrott during the loss at Southampton. That's according to ex-PGMOL chief and referee Keith Hackett.

The Brazilian was arguably lucky to escape with a booking following the incident, which occurred in added time with the Gunners chasing an equaliser. After Barrott awarded a free-kick to the visitors, Martinelli rushed in to take it quickly and pushed the official, who promptly issued a yellow card.

Former Premier League referee believes Mark Hasley should have dismissed Martinelli. However, Hackett has pointed out that the FA and FIFA are reluctant to re-referee incidents and does not expect the player to face further sanction.

Hackett told Football Insider: "Because the referee has issued a yellow card, it is unlikely that the disciplinary panel will review the decision.

"The FA, and FIFA in particular, want to avoid re-refereeing issues. In this situation, Barrott, who I think is outstanding, hasn't applied the law. He didn't bring the attention upon himself, but he's duty-bound to set an example for players and young referees down below.

"I'd like the disciplinary panel to re-referee this one and suspend the player who laid his hands on the official. Some will say that it wasn’t violent, but that shouldn’t matter."