Here is your morning Arsenal digest on Sunday, May 21.
Gunners to be unchallenged in Kimmich chase
Arsenal could be given a free run in the chase for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich despite reports also linking the Germany star to Liverpool and Barcelona.
A report from Marca claims that multiple teams across Europe, including Arsenal, are keen on adding Kimmich to their ranks, with Barca boss Xavi said to view the 28-year-old as a successor to Sergio Busquets, who will leave Camp Nou as a free agent this summer.
READ MORE: Arsenal gave huge Joshua Kimmich transfer chance as midfielder makes clear admission on move
With the Blaugrana's financial situation extremely well-documented, such a price tag could prevent them from making a move for Kimmich, while they have also been strongly rumoured with signing Wolves star Ruben Neves.
Liverpool, meanwhile, appear to have set their sights elsewhere. Following an underwhelming for the Merseyside club, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all departed Anfield as Jurgen Klopp aims to rejuvenate his ranks.
Argentinian journalist Gaston Edul suggests that Alexis MacAllister is the player that they will aim to sign, with a deal apparently close to conclusion.
Barcelona's financial situation and interest in Neves, combined with Liverpool's preference for World Cup-winner MacAllister, could well put Arsenal in pole position to sign Kimmich.
Arteta makes brutal admission following Forest defeat
Mikel Arteta has admitted that it is "a very sad day" for Arsenal after they were defeated by Nottingham Forest and Manchester City were crowned Premier League Champions.
Despite sitting top of the table for a great majority of the Premier League campaign, a combination of late-season pressure and immense consistency shown by Pep Guardiola's side saw the Gunners surrender their lead and fail to earn it back.
While the season has been jam-packed with progression and positivity, all Arsenal fans will have experienced a degree of pain upon the final whistle at the City Ground, where Taiwo Awoniyi's goal separated the two teams.
Arteta admitted as much in his post-match interview with Sky Sports but remained classy by congratulating his formal club on securing a third consecutive title and taking responsibility for such a disappointing display.
"First of all congratulations to City for winning the championship and it is a really sad day for us after everything we have done in the season.
Nelson absence explained
Arsenal were without academy star Reiss Nelson for their trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
The 23-year-old was left out of the side due to illness, football.london understands. His admission from the matchday squad left a place for young trio Mauro Gomes Bandeira, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters.
Nelson has played an important role for Arteta this season, scoring some crucial goals along the way in an impressive and unexpected title charge. He scored three goals with two assists along the way including a dramatic last minute winner against Bournemouth.
The former academy player has not feature too regularly, though, and has also remained unused on the bench for 11 games as well as missing 13 with injury before the trip to Forest.
Arteta drops major hint over Tierney future
Kieran Tierney was benched for Arsenal's trip to Nottingham Forest, with Mikel Arteta's selection decision, potentially, suggesting that the Scottish international does not have a future in North London.
Tierney joined the Gunners from Celtic three years ago, in a deal thought to be worth around £25 million. Since then, the 25-year-old has made 121 appearances across all competitions for Arteta's side despite struggling with injuries
It had been expected that Arteta would stick with Tierney due to the lack of viable alternatives in the position, with Granit Xhaka having only operated their sparingly in the past.
Though, eyebrows were raised at 16:30 when Arsenal released their line-up into the public domain. While the club's official social media graphic suggested that Xhaka would play at left-back, it was in fact Jakub Kiwior that lined up in that position with Thomas Partey at right-back and Ben White in the middle of defence.
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