What could be a shock is exactly which club might have been lobbing the most interest in Neuer — Arsenal FC. However, the German goalkeeping legend was not willing to take the risk and go abroad, which can be a tough journey for young netminders.

The January transfer window opens later this week and the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all expected to be active in the market with big moves likely

With Jurrien Timber out, Declan Rice filled in at right-back and it was from his whipped-in corner that Georginio Rutter scored an own goal. Despite Arsenal’s dominance, they conceded late on when Diego Gomez was first to react to a rebound. They needed a world-class save from David Raya to secure victory.

The Swede scored goals for fun at Sporting CP. But after a tough baptism of fire at Arsenal, things need to change to ignite his north London career.

Mikel Arteta has insisted Arsenal must be "actively looking" at the January transfer window. The Gunners spent more than £250million in the summer, bringing in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze in their latest bid to win a first Premier League title in more than two decades.

Hurzeler made three changes and changed the system to a back three following the pre-Christmas 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland. Skipper Lewis Dunk returned from a one-match ban. Dunk’s normal centre-back partner, Jan Paul van Hecke, was restored after illness. Gomez, also ruled out against Sunderland through suspension, started on the left flank.

Liverpool’s legendary former captain Steven Gerrard has been left to wonder “what could have been” when wistfully reflecting on Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal rather than Merseyside in 2023.

Mikel Arteta says he wants to use the nervous energy of crowd at Emirates Stadium to push Arsenal on in the title race, ahead of a huge game against Aston Villa. The Gunners beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday to stay two points clear at the top of the Premier League, but what should have been a comfortable win was anything but.