Saliba provides Saka insight as Arsenal loanee tipped for Barcelona transfer

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Saliba provides Saka insight as Arsenal loanee tipped for Barcelona transfer
Saliba provides Saka insight as Arsenal loanee tipped for Barcelona transfer

Arsenal know that despite title rivals Manchester City facing a particularly tough test against Liverpool, the Gunners must simply focus on their own task against Leeds.

Mikel Arteta's men have been in fine form this season, particularly at home, which is where they meet Javi Gracia's side on Saturday afternoon. While Leeds will be aiming for the three points to boost their chances of survival, Arsenal will hope they have one eye on Tuesday's clash at Elland Road against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners have been dealt an injury blow, with William Saliba still nursing the same back injury that saw him limp out of action against Sporting in the Europa League just over a fortnight ago.

It is not all doom and gloom for the league leaders, as Thomas Partey is expected to be deemed fit for the game of 10 that stands between Arsenal and a first title for 19 years.

With that in mind, here are some of the main headlines and talking points centred around Arteta's troops on Saturday, April 1.

Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer eiqduidqqiqqxinvPep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer

Saliba praises Saka

Saliba provides Saka insight as Arsenal loanee tipped for Barcelona transferWilliam Saliba has spoke glowingly of Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka (AFP via Getty Images)

HAVE YOUR SAY! Where will Arsenal finish this season? Comment below

While Arsenal will be without Saliba against Leeds, they are expected to have Bukayo Saka in their attacking armoury once again.

The 21-year-old is enjoying a sensational season so far and Saliba has shed light on why he feels Saka will be among the elite for years to come.

"You can say already, he is a very, very good player. Even if he is young, he is already a top, top player,’ the Gunners centre-back told Stadium Astro.

"I want and I think he will stay like this because he is a good person and he is humble. He doesn’t have a big head.

"He always works and he is a good guy, he’s always happy. It’s a pleasure to play with him. This club is a family and we have to keep going like that."

Tavares tipped for loan

Saliba provides Saka insight as Arsenal loanee tipped for Barcelona transferNuno Tavares has shone for Marseille so far this season (Getty Images)

Marseille head coach Igor Tudor believes that Nuno Tavares has the talent to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid after working with the Arsenal loanee this campaign.

The 23-year-old full-back joined the Ligue 1 titans on a season-long deal last summer after falling out of favour at the Emirates within a year of his arrival from Benfica in an £7million deal.

Tudor said of Tavares: "He is a boy who is still young. He has high level physical qualities. He has extraordinary explosiveness; he could play at Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester City.

"There are other things he needs to improve. He must progress, we often talk. There’s always room for improvement, we’re here to help. We make him see concrete things to improve.

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"He has always been important to us even if he has not had continuity. He is still participating, he is an important player for us."

Read Tudor's assessment of Tavares in full

Supercomputer predicts Arsenal's fate

Saliba provides Saka insight as Arsenal loanee tipped for Barcelona transferMikel Arteta is predicted to win the league with Arsenal (Getty Images)

Mirror Football's supercomputer has predicted that is will be a nervy finish to the season for Arsenal - but the Gunners will hold their nerve to claim the title.

With 10 games left to play, the Emirates faithful would have expected a few thrills and spills along the way, but the fact that City will close the points gap will be sure to spark nerves.

City were of course second, closing the gap to five but failing to take the title race to the final day.

Click to see how many points Arsenal are predicted to finish the season with.

Josh O'Brien

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