Arsenal latest: Major advantage gained over Man City as £88m transfer warning sent

Arsenal news round-up as a huge price tag is slapped on an exciting talent and the Gunners discover their route to Champions League glory

Arsenal are enjoying form and fortune again ahead of Sunday's showdown with Chelsea.

The Gunners will aim to strengthen their position at the Premier League summit when they host the Blues, following last weekend's dominant 4-1 triumph against Tottenham. That north London derby success left them five points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand and travel to Leeds United for Saturday's late kick-off.

Chelsea haven't tasted victory in their previous eight league meetings with Arsenal, recording three draws and five defeats. The Blues are battling to secure Champions League qualification amid yet another tumultuous season at Stamford Bridge, with Liam Rosenior now in charge following Enzo Maresca's dismissal.

Here, football.london brings you a round-up of the latest Arsenal news ahead of the weekend's action...

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£88millon warning

Arsenal have been informed they would need to offer close to £100million before Inter Milan would even consider parting ways with rising star Pio Esposito.

Following a successful loan stint in Serie B with Spezia last season, the 20-year-old striker has excelled for Inter this campaign with 13 goal contributions across all competitions, including four in the Champions League.

His potential and clinical finishing have naturally sparked transfer speculation, with Arsenal reportedly holding significant interest in the striker. While Viktor Gyokeres appears to have finally settled, Gabriel Jesus could depart this summer, leaving the Gunners searching for attacking reinforcements.

Nevertheless, with Inter determined to construct their squad around talents such as Esposito, the Serie A giants will demand a premium fee from any prospective buyers.

According to L'Interista, Inter wouldn't entertain bids below €100m (£88m) for the promising forward. Given other positions require strengthening as well, it appears improbable that the Gunners would commit such substantial funds for an untested, albeit talented, young prospect.

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Gunners gain City advantage

The Champions League round of 16 draw has been more favourable to Arsenal than title rivals City. The Gunners will face Bayer Leverkusen and should they advance, they will meet either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting in the quarter-finals.

By contrast, City must navigate Real Madrid in the last 16 ahead of a possible quarter-final clash with another European giant in Bayern Munich, who face Atalanta next.

The draw has presented an intriguing situation that could work in Arsenal's favour as they chase Premier League success. The quarter-final matches are scheduled for April 7-8 and April 14-15.

This scheduling means the second-leg fixtures will take place just days before Arsenal and City meet in what could prove to be a decisive title clash. Facing Bayern immediately before welcoming the Gunners would create a punishing schedule for Pep Guardiola, forcing him into some difficult team selection choices.

In contrast, Arsenal will be hoping to establish a commanding lead in their first leg, which could allow Arteta the luxury of rotating his squad before the crucial City encounter.