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Pundit Roy Keane took a dig at Arsenal when he heard of the side's story with pickpockets. Speaking alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright, the former Manchester United player suggested sarcastically that it would help the Gunners win the league.
He said:
“Oh right, they’ll definitely win the league this year!”
The incident in question was reported on by The Athletic. They claimed that in a team meeting, manager Mikel Arteta had employed pickpockets to rob the players of their valuables. At the end of the meeting, he asked them to empty their pockets and showed that it was a lesson for them to stay alert at all times.
Arsenal have come close to winning the title in each of the last two seasons, eventually falling to Manchester City. The north Londoners were in pole position for most of the 2022-23 campaign until a late dip in form along with the Cityzens' surge saw them lose their hold at the top of the table.
Last season, the two sides along with Liverpool were involved in an enthralling title race which City won once again, making it four Premier League triumphs in a row. This season, Arteta will hope that his side will have the extra push to put them over the hill against their rivals, in the process getting one over his mentor Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal have first bid for Euros winning star rejected by La Liga club: Reports
Arsenal's initial offer for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has been rejected by the club. According to The Independent (via Spanish outlet Marca), the Gunners are keen to continue negotiations to secure the services of the 28-year-old.
The side reportedly offered slightly over €30 million, falling short of the La Liga side's €40 million valuation. They are still hopeful of getting €35 million, with the player entering into the last year of his contract. Sociedad have proven to be tough negotiators, unwilling to lose further talent after centre-back Robin Le Normand left for Atletico Madrid and rumors swirling around Martin Zubimendi.
He is keen on joining Arsenal, where he would join a talented midfield that already boasts the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Jorginho. He made 45 appearances for Sociedad last season, bagging eight goals and five assists.
Merino also played a key role for Spain in the Euros, mostly coming off the bench. He notably bagged the winner in La Roja's 2-1 win over Germany in the quarter-finals.
