Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League title have received several major boosts, following an already hugely positive week that saw Mikel Arteta's side reach the Champions League final. A 1-0 home win over Atletico Madrid secured a spot in Europe's showpiece event for the first time since 2006. Domestically, the Gunners have moved back into pole position for Premier League honours.
Triple Title Boost for Arsenal
Days after Manchester City dropped points in a 3-3 draw against Everton, Arsenal have received more promising news on the title front. Pep Guardiola's remaining fixture list has become more complicated due to recent developments in European competitions.
An English team will feature in each of the three European finals after Aston Villa and Crystal Palace reached the Europa League and Conference League finals respectively. This has serious implications: if Villa finish fifth in the Premier League but already qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, a sixth-place finish in England's top flight would also secure Champions League football next term. Two of City's next three league opponents, Brentford and Bournemouth, are currently seventh and sixth in the table. Both fixtures take place before the Europa League final on May 20, meaning Brentford and Bournemouth will fight hard to improve their chances of a shock spot at Europe's top table.
Another advantage for Arsenal concerns Crystal Palace, who travel to the Etihad next Wednesday before wrapping up their league campaign at home to the Gunners. Oliver Glasner's men have a Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27 but are not yet mathematically safe from relegation. With Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, and West Ham picking up points, Palace cannot afford to divert resources away from the league. This is potentially bad news for City ahead of their showdown next week. Palace may rest key players when Arsenal visit Selhurst Park on May 24, just three days before their European final, while City are more likely to face a full-strength Palace side.
Victor Froholdt Fee Slashed by £21m
Looking ahead to the summer, Arsenal have received news that Porto's Victor Froholdt could be available for a £21 million discount. The Denmark international has a £73 million release clause, but reports suggest he could be secured for around two-thirds of that sum. The Times reports that Porto are aware they are unlikely to receive such a steep fee for the midfielder. Arsenal are among several Premier League clubs monitoring the player, with Newcastle also said to be admirers.
The 20-year-old only moved to Portugal from Copenhagen last summer but is already tipped for another move. Froholdt has been a key figure for Porto, who have already wrapped up the Primeira Liga title. He has scored eight goals and recorded six assists in 50 appearances across all competitions. Arsenal could be in need of a midfielder of his calibre given the injuries that have affected the team this term. Danish outlet Bold recently reported that Liverpool are also showing interest in the midfielder, who has 10 caps for his country.
