BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal is planning to target a forward valued at €70 million in January, a player who has posed significant challenges for Pep Guardiola.

Arsenal have moved closer to securing automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stages after a determined victory over Monaco.

With two group-stage fixtures remaining in 2025—against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona—the Gunners are aiming for a strong finish to cement their place among Europe’s footballing elite.

Bukayo Saka was the star of the night, opening the scoring in the first half by calmly converting Gabriel Jesus’ precise low cross at the back post.

Despite Jesus missing several chances and Martin Odegaard wasting a clear opportunity, Arsenal avoided any consequences for their lack of clinical finishing. Saka later capitalized on a defensive mistake to double the lead and secure all three points.

Currently third in the standings with 13 points from six games, Arsenal are behind group leaders Liverpool and Barcelona. However, tougher challenges await in the knockout stages, with formidable sides like Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, and Lille strengthening their bids for top-eight finishes with crucial wins.

Elsewhere, Barcelona edged past Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a thrilling encounter, while Juventus took advantage of Manchester City’s struggles with a 2-0 victory.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Real Madrid, stuck in 20th place, revived their campaign with a narrow 3-2 win over Atalanta. Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, both shockingly near the bottom of the table, now face a decisive showdown as they fight to avoid elimination.

Despite Arsenal’s four wins in six games, the competition remains intensely competitive. Just three points separate eighth place from 19th, meaning the final group-stage fixtures in January will be critical. Arsenal could confirm their top-eight spot if results favor them on the next matchday, but any lapse in concentration could derail their progress.

As the knockout rounds approach, Arsenal fans will hope their team’s resilience and quality can withstand the challenges ahead. The road to European glory is anything but straightforward, but the Gunners have shown they belong among the continent’s best and are ready to compete at the highest level.