Burnley transfer news: Clarets-linked defender speaks out on exit speculation, Bundesliga boss denies Norwich player interest
The last time the two sides met, back in March, the Clarets held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor, in a highly-entertaining game full of controversial VAR calls and player errors on the field.
Speaking after the side's 3-1 loss to Everton, talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan spoke out in defence of the club, and contended: “Is it treading water or is it being among the elite clubs in the Premier League? It depends which way you want to look at it. They are in the top 20 clubs in English football and that in their own right there is something elite about it.
“I'd rather be a lesser-run Premier League club that survives every season than a brave Premier League club that gets it wrong and perhaps gets relegated back to the Championship and sees all the nature of football that - while it's still meaningful - isn’t quite the same excitement, quite the same exhilaration or quite the same feel.
“Burnley's main benefit is their association with the Premier League.
“They're very valuable to Burnley and they are very valuable to the community of Burnley and are a very valuable football club full stop. But the Premier League wouldn't be a poorer place if Burnley weren't in it.”
Take a look at the latest news round-up from the Premier League, as the build-up to the weekend's action begins:
1. Wolves wanted Boateng
Wolves are said to have made an attempt to sign 76-cap Germany international Jerome Boateng in the summer, but were ultimately "outplayed" Lyon, who landed him from Bayern Munich instead. He spent the 2010/11 season with Man City, joining the Bavarian giants. (Sport Witness) Photo: JEFF PACHOUD
2. Rudiger stalls over new deal
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is still no closer to agreeing a new contract at the club, and could leave in the summer to maximise his earning potential. It has been suggested that interested parties could double the £100k-per-week he currently earns. (Telegraph) Photo: Michael Regan
3. Ex-Magpies ace set for new challenge
Former Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa is believed to be close to sealing a move to Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis, following his release from Bordeaux at the end of last season. The 34-year-old spent three Premier League campaign with the Magpies between 2011 and 2014. (L'Equipe) Photo: THIBAUD MORITZ
4. Gunners could lure in Aouar with Champions League
Arsenal have been tipped to move again for Lyon's Houssem Aouar in the summer, but his willingness to join is said to hinge on whether the Gunners secure Champions League football. They haven't been involved in the elite competition since the 2016/17 season. (Fichajes) Photo: PHILIPPE DESMAZES