Arsenal Transfer News Latest Today: Pep Guardiola Reveals Reaction to Disallowed Goal Controversy
The Premier League title race has reached a fever pitch as we enter the final stretch of the 2025/26 season. Today, May 12, 2026, the footballing world is buzzing with Arsenal transfer news and the fallout from a weekend that could define Mikel Arteta's legacy. As the Gunners fight to maintain their slim lead over Manchester City, a controversial VAR decision during their recent clash with West Ham has sparked a war of words between the league's top managers.
In this comprehensive update, we dive deep into Pep Guardiola’s candid reaction to the disallowed goal that saved Arsenal’s skin, the first official summer departure confirmed by the club, and the ambitious £100m targets being discussed behind closed doors at the Emirates.
Pep Guardiola Breaks Silence on Arsenal’s Disallowed Goal
The most talked-about moment of the week involves a dramatic late equalizer by West Ham’s Callum Wilson, which was ultimately chalked off by VAR. Had the goal stood, Arsenal would have dropped two points, handing the title initiative directly to Manchester City.
"Forget What You Can't Control"
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Crystal Palace, Pep Guardiola was asked for his reaction to the incident. While some expected a fiery response, the Spaniard opted for a more stoic, focused approach.
“As I always learned from my career as a manager, what you can't control, forget about it. [Focus] and do better what we have not done better this season to fight for the Premier League. We are still fighting,” Guardiola stated.
Despite his "shout out" to West Ham earlier in the week where he jokingly said "Come on you Irons," Guardiola refused to be drawn into the refereeing controversy. His focus remains on City’s game in hand, which could see them move level on points with the Gunners. However, sources close to the City camp suggest that privately, the coaching staff viewed the foul on David Raya as "soft," adding further spice to the upcoming title deciders.
Arsenal Transfer News: First Summer Exit Confirmed
While the title race dominates the headlines, Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, is already hard at work shaping the squad for the 2026/27 campaign. Today, Arsenal officially confirmed their first permanent sale of the summer window.
Jakub Kiwior Joins FC Porto Permanently
In a move that has been expected for weeks, Jakub Kiwior has officially completed his permanent move to FC Porto. The Polish international, who spent the last season on loan at the Estádio do Dragão, was a key figure in Porto’s recent Liga Portugal title win.
The Deal Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | €17 Million (Fixed) |
| Add-ons | €5 Million (Performance-based) |
| Sell-on Clause | Arsenal retain €2m from future transfer |
| Contract Length | Valid until June 2030 |
This sale provides Mikel Arteta with immediate reinvestment funds as the club eyes a "transformational" summer in the transfer market.
The Julian Alvarez Pursuit: Arsenal vs PSG
One of the biggest rumors circulating today is Arsenal's interest in former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez. The Argentine forward, currently at Atletico Madrid, is reportedly looking for a fresh challenge, and the Emirates is a potential destination.
However, the Gunners face stiff competition. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly in "eye-watering" talks to bring Alvarez to the Parc des Princes. Reports suggest Luis Enrique has personally held talks with the player. Arsenal, led by Berta, are monitoring the situation closely, viewing Alvarez as the perfect versatile forward to complement Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard.
Targeting the Title: Who is Arsenal Signing?
With a reported budget of over €800m discussed in recent board meetings (as hinted by Galatasaray officials), Arsenal are linked with several high-profile names. Today's latest targets include:
- Victor Osimhen: Interest has been confirmed by Galatasaray vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu. Arsenal are weighing up a move that could exceed €100m.
- Piero Hincapié: The Bayer Leverkusen defender is expected to become Arsenal’s first major signing, with the club likely to trigger his permanent buy option.
- Andrea Cambiaso: The Juventus wing-back is the subject of a three-way battle between Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
- Newcastle Trio: Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Valentino Livramento remain high on Arteta's wishlist as he looks to add Premier League-proven grit to his midfield and wings.
Current Premier League Standings (Top 2)
As of May 12, 2026, the race is tighter than ever. Here is how the front-runners stand:
| Position | Team | Played | Points | Next Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Arsenal | 36 | 82 | vs Newcastle (Home) |
| 2nd | Manchester City | 35 | 79 | vs Crystal Palace (Away) |
*City have a game in hand. Goal difference remains significantly in City's favor.
Analysis: Can Arsenal Hold On?
The disallowed goal against West Ham was a massive slice of luck, but champions often need fortune on their side. Pep Guardiola’s reaction shows a man who is calm, perhaps because he knows City have been in this position many times before. For Arsenal, the focus must shift from the controversy to the pitch.
The sale of Kiwior and the pursuit of Osimhen or Alvarez signal a club that is no longer content with just "competing." They want to dominate. But to do that, they must survive the remaining fixtures of 2026 without any further VAR-induced heart attacks.
FAQs - Arsenal Transfer News Today
Who is Arsenal's first summer signing for 2026?
While Jakub Kiwior is the first official sale, Piero Hincapié is widely expected to be the first permanent arrival, transitioning from his loan spell.
What did Pep Guardiola say about Arsenal's win?
Guardiola stated he focuses on what he can control and is looking ahead to the Crystal Palace match, ignoring the VAR controversy surrounding the disallowed West Ham goal.
Is Julian Alvarez coming to Arsenal?
Arsenal are interested, but PSG are currently the frontrunners with direct talks already underway between the French giants and the player's camp.
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