Arsenal dealt blow as winger insists he is “happy” at Southampton

Arsenal and Everton played out a thrilling contest at Goodison Park on Monday evening, culminating in the Toffees netting a dramatic last-minute winner after Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah had missed a glorious opportunity to steal all three points. 

Demarai Gray’s last-gasp stunner prevented the hosts from feeling aggrieved, as Richarlison had seen two goals ruled out for seemingly questionable offside decisions, after the intervention of VAR.

Arsenal had gone into the break ahead courtesy of Martin Odegaard’s opener in first-half injury time, however Richarlison eventually got his goal 10 minutes from time, before Gray’s worthy winner in added time.

The result was Arsenal’s third consecutive defeat away from home in the Premier League, and it leaves Mikel Arteta’s side in seventh after a promising run of results had seen them break into the top four temporarily.

Now, there is more bad news for Arteta, as one of his top targets for the January transfer window has appeared to dismiss rumours linking him with a move to North London.

Arteta’s Arsenal have been inconsistent this season.

As per The Sun, Southampton winger Mohamed Elyounoussi has insisted he is ‘happy with life’ on the south coast, casting doubt over rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal.

The 27-year-old, who has been one of Saints’ standout players so far this term, has taken to the club’s match day programme to declare his happiness.

“I don’t know many players that have been sent out on two loan seasons and then came back to make it in the first team,” he said.

“It shows the belief that the manager and the club have in me to give me a second chance, I’m just glad that I took it.

“I remember, even though I didn’t play much, I had a really good time at Southampton, both inside and outside.

“My family enjoy it here. We’re settled down now and my daughter has just found a nursery, so we’re back where we belong.”

The Norwegian international spent the past two seasons on loan in Scotland with Celtic, but his parent club recalled him after scoring 18 goals last term.

He has since made the most of the opportunity handed to him in the Premier League, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 13 games across all competitions so far this term.

Arsenal, along with Leicester City, were linked with a potential January move for Elyounoussi who, before this season, had made just 19 appearances for Saints since joining in 2018.

Arsenal were linked with the player as they continued their search for attacking reinforcements, with both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to depart the club in January.

The attacking duo are both set to be out of contract in the summer, and the Gunners may opt to cash in on the pair in January, avoiding losing them for free next summer.