Arsenal face European champions Real Madrid in the quarter-final of the Champions League on Tuesday night as the Gunners attempt to better last term's performance in the competition
Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday evening as they look to keep alive hopes of silverware this season. The Gunners welcome the current European champions to the Emirates and will hope to find an advantage in their quarter-final first leg.
Even with Liverpool's weekend defeat, Mikel Arteta's side have close to no hope of securing a Premier League title and are out of the FA Cup meaning the Champions League remains their lone opportunity to find success. The final eight is where Arsenal were knocked out 12 months ago, against Bayern Munich, and they will hope to move further on this occasion.
There is also no shortage of attention on the upcoming transfer window. Mikel Arteta has already noted the club could see a significant summer.
With that said, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news and rumours around north London, as the Gunners take on Real Madrid.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid invitation
Viktor Gyokeres' representatives have been invited to spectate Arsenal's clash against Real Madrid, according to reports. The Sweden international is said to be among Arsenal's targets for the summer, with interest intensifying following the appointment of Andrea Berta as Arsenal's sporoting director.
Gyokeres appears set to be at the centre stage of the summer transfer window in the coming months, and is drawing interest from the Premier League and beyond. The player's agent, Hasan Cetinkaya is already said to have met with Berta over a possible move, with Gyokeres thought to be available for £62million.
Merino's Real Madrid decison
Arsenal midifelder Mikel Merino has revealed the Real Madrid star he would most like to play for is Rodrygo. The Spain international admitted it was a difficult choice but the Brazilian's all-round game stands out.
"It’s hard to pick one, but I’d probably say Rodrygo," Merino said. "I’m not saying he’s underrated, but he’s a player I really like: fast, physical, technical, he has great one-on-one skills, he’s good in space. Very complete.
"Their level is incredible, both physically and in terms of quality. At first, it was difficult for them to connect with everyone, but now they’re connecting.
"If you let your guard down for a second, if you don’t cover them properly, they can find an advantage and cause trouble. We have a lot of respect for them, but we’re not afraid."
Real Madrid absentees
Carlo Ancelotti is without six of his Real Madrid stars to face Arsenal. The La Liga giants have named their squad for the Champions League clash and Andriy Lunin, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and Aurelian Tchouameni are all unable to make the trip.
There had also been concern over the availability of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois but he has been named in the group to have made the trip to London.