Erling Haaland has once again been linked with a move to Real Madrid after a downturn in form at Manchester City, who are locked in a title fight with Premier League leaders Arsenal

Arsenal fans are enjoying life at the moment, with Mikel Arteta’s side currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners find themselves five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who have also played an extra league match this term and the two sides will battle it out at the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday. The Citizens haven’t been as imperious as in years gone by, becoming extremely reliant on striker Erling Haaland for goals.

Haaland, who joined City in the summer, is well on his way to breaking the record for most Premier League goals scored in one season, already notching 25 league goals – just seven shy of the record held by Mohamed Salah’s 2017/18 campaign. However, his form in recent weeks has come into question, with one Spanish publication, Defensa Central, going as far as saying the Norwegian international has not ‘tuned in’ to the methods deployed by City manager Pep Guardiola as of yet.

Jamie Carragher openly said on Sky Sports last week that he felt Haaland had “joined the wrong club” after a blank against Tottenham. He said: “You think of the goal he got vs West Ham when there was space in behind and he gets in behind. I know that’s not there every time due to the way City play. He’s come from a counter-attacking league [the Bundesliga] where it’s end to end. You saw his blistering pace there – we don’t see it here. He might have picked the wrong club to actually get the best out of him.”

Spanish giants Real Madrid have long been linked with a move for the prolific frontman and they are likely to be linked again this summer, particularly given their current first-choice centre-forward Karim Benzema is now 35 years old.

Speculation surrounding Haaland’s future will certainly excite Arsenal fans, considering they could remain one of City’s title rivals for the next few years, not just this season. Arteta’s squad is one of the youngest in the English top flight, with stars Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli all still only 21 years old and constantly improving.

Brazilian forward Martinelli recently signed a new long-term contract to the delight of technical director Edu. “It’s great that Gabi has signed a new contract with us,” said the transfer chief. “The foundations of our squad continue to be built on young talent, so it’s great that Gabi has signed a new contract.

“Gabi is still just 21, and a player with big ability and personality. He is an important part of our future and we’re delighted that we have agreed a new contract.”

Source: football.london