Arsenal are preparing to host Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night with one hand on the Premier League title. The Gunners are two wins away from Premier League glory as they lead Manchester City by two points with two games remaining.
Arsenal's Title Charge
Mikel Arteta's side have been forced to play the bridesmaid for three consecutive top-flight seasons but now have the crown within their grasp after a 1-0 win away at West Ham last weekend. They will face Burnley at home before travelling to Crystal Palace on the final day, knowing that if they win both games, they will be Premier League champions. Less than a week after facing Palace, they will fly to Budapest to contest the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
This season may go down in history and the Gunners could bring momentum into the summer transfer window, as it has been reported the club have their eyes on a £62 million midfielder.
Gunners Join Race for Mateus Fernandes
The Times report Arsenal are one of a handful of clubs showing an interest in West Ham star Mateus Fernandes. Gunners fans will be familiar with the Portuguese midfielder, who missed a golden chance to put the Hammers ahead when they faced them on Sunday. Fernandes only arrived at the London Stadium last summer from the relegated Southampton but has been a major hit. The report claims that PSG are interested and other English clubs such as Manchester United have been linked with him.
Crucially, it is alleged that West Ham do not want to sell Fernandes and will endeavour not to do so if they remain in the Premier League. However, if they are relegated, they supposedly will have little choice in the matter. They currently occupy 18th position in the top flight. As per the CIES Football Observatory, Fernandes is worth anywhere between £54 million and £62 million. Though his club may not be able to ask for such a fee if they are relegated to the Championship next season.
Pep Guardiola Takes Action After Win
City kept the pressure on the league leaders when they faced Palace on Wednesday evening, coming away convincing 3-0 winners to ensure that the title cannot be won on Monday. Oliver Glasner's side will welcome Arsenal on the final day and it seemed that after the clash at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola had some words for the players who could help his team snatch away the league trophy.
Cameras caught Guardiola going around the Palace cohort after the full-time whistle. Pundits on Sky Sports joked he was giving them advice for their final game against Arsenal. The Spaniard appeared to converse with Chris Richards, Jefferson Lerma, Maxence Lacroix and Adam Wharton. He was asked about the title race afterwards and said: "It depends on them [Arsenal]. If they win two games, nothing to do, nothing to talk. All we can be is in there just in case. The last two games are tough."
