Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have received a significant boost in the Premier League title race after a week that saw them reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. The Gunners moved back to the top of the table after Manchester City slipped up, and further developments have strengthened their position.
The Premier League could see an extra Champions League spot awarded if Aston Villa, currently fifth, win the Europa League. This scenario means that Brentford (seventh) and Bournemouth (sixth) will be highly motivated when they face City before the Europa League final on May 20, potentially making those fixtures more difficult for Pep Guardiola's side.
Crystal Palace, who have a Conference League final on May 27, also play City next Wednesday before hosting Arsenal on May 24. With Palace not yet mathematically safe from relegation, they may need to field strong teams against City, but could rest key players against Arsenal just days before their European final.
In transfer news, Arsenal have been handed a potential £21 million discount on Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt. The 20-year-old Dane has a £73 million release clause, but Porto are reportedly willing to accept around two-thirds of that sum. Arsenal and Newcastle are among the clubs monitoring the player, who has been ever-present for the Primeira Liga champions this season.
