Arsenal news: Ex-Man City star urged to reject £86m transfer as Champions League blow emerges

Arsenal can still capture the two biggest trophies in club football despite recent disappointments

Arsenal are gearing up for perhaps their biggest game in over two decades as they take on Manchester City on Sunday. Sitting six points ahead of Pep Guardiola's side - who have a game in hand - a victory at the Etihad Stadium will not only give Mikel Arteta's team a sizeable lead but a huge mental advantage going into the final month of the season.

An EFL Cup final defeat and a shock elimination from the FA Cup left Arsenal fans worrying their campaign would potentially crumble but a 1-0 aggregate victory over Sporting CP to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League restored some belief that their season will result in silverware.

Ahead of the blockbuster clash in Manchester, Mirror Football delves into a former Premier League winning manager snubbing the Gunners as well as an ex-Manchester City star being told to ignore a potential transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Champions League blow

Yet to lose in Europe's premier competition this season, it's the second time in 140 years that Arsenal have reached the semi-finals in back-to-back seasons. However, their imperious form in the Champions League hasn't stopped Carlo Ancelotti - a five-time winner of the tournament - from rejecting them as potential winners.

When asked about the nature of the competition, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss said to Il Giornale: "The Champions League is an open tournament that leaves great teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City on the sidelines, but it’s still a tournament where you can grow."

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When pushed to pick his favourite from the final four teams, he answered: "I say Paris Saint-Germain." Having previously managed the current holders of the trophy from 2011 to 2013, the Brazil boss backs his former side to become the first time since Real Madrid to win the competition in consecutive years.

Alvarez urged to reject transfer

Despite the signing of Viktor Gyokeres last summer, rumours linking Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez with a move to Arsenal have yet to dwindle. With 18 goals across all competitions this season, the Argentina international has routinely been rumoured to leave the Spanish giants with the Gunners reportedly eyeing an £86million move for him.

Alvarez - who spent two years at Manchester City - has been told by compatriot Sergio Aguero that should he consider to leave Diego Simeone's side, he should look to join Barcelona over Arsenal. Speaking to Stake, the City icon said: "Julian would be a good signing for any team today.

"For Barca obviously everything depends on whether he feels comfortable. There is the player side and the club side. If things go well he’ll be a champion of the Champions League one day. It’s very difficult for the player there, very complicated.

"But if Barca are looking at him and he is doing well, he fits perfectly. He loves football and has something not many strikers have: a very dedicated defensive side. Julian is a very complete player."