Micah Richards feels ‘sympathy’ for Arsenal star amid ‘extreme’ transfer demand

Arsenal are now preparing for a Premier League clash with Brighton this weekend as they keep up their title chase.

The Gunners kept up their end of the bargain on Sunday when they pulled off an impressive away win over Newcastle United. Martin Odegaard was on target, while a Fabian Schar own goal sealed the deal late in the game. For now, Manchester City have a stranglehold on the title, and Arsenal are going to need them to slip-up between now and the end of the season.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Odegaard claim

Micah Richards believes Martin Odegaard will be unlucky to miss out on winning the Premier League team of the season.

“It’s a strange thing to have sympathy for someone after you have watched them light up your Sunday but that was my first feeling for Martin Odegaard,” Richards told Sky Sports. “If it hadn’t been for Erling Haaland, Arsenal’s captain would be odds-on for Player of the Year.

“He reminds me of David Silva in so many ways, with his quiet authority and leadership. You wouldn’t know David was in a room sometimes, but on the pitch he made you follow him through his brilliance and that is what Odegaard is doing — 15 goals from midfield (and not one penalty) is just exceptional.

“Arsenal’s business in getting Odegaard on loan, restoring his confidence and then buying him outright was a masterstroke. He’s going to get even better.”

Rice demand

West Ham boss David Moyes has sent a transfer warning to the likes of Arsenal over the possible sale of Declan Rice.

“Yes, that’s why he is probably the best English midfield player around, and that is why he is going to be extremely expensive if anybody comes calling,” said Moyes after West Ham’s win over Manchester United.

According to the Daily Mail, Rice remains a prime target for the Gunners going into this season.