Arsenal latest: £35m 'next Robert Lewandowski' eyed as Declan Rice problem called out

The 2025/26 campaign keeps getting better for Arsenal. The Gunners continue piling up victories with clinical regularity, pulling further ahead of their Premier League title rivals, many of whom are still struggling to find consistency.

Arsenal aren't just winning - they're controlling matches at both ends of the field. Mikel Arteta's men have let in only three goals across 14 fixtures in all competitions and are on track to beat Chelsea's long-held Premier League record of 15 goals conceded from the 2004/05 season. Their 2-0 triumph over Brighton in the Carabao Cup during midweek marked eight consecutive wins and six straight clean sheets. With a quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace lined up, plus strong positions in both the Premier League and Champions League, Arsenal are thriving on all fronts. The schedule also gives them every opportunity to stretch their impressive streak. A Champions League tie with underdogs Slavia Praha falls between league meetings with newly promoted Burnley and Sunderland - all before next month's final international break of the year. Here's a summary of the latest Arsenal headlines.

Scholes doubles down on Rice criticism

Paul Scholes has repeated his opinion that Declan Rice isn't among the world's best midfielders. The Manchester United icon caused debate earlier this month when he left Rice out of his 'top five' list, which included fellow Premier League players Rodri and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Vitinha.

Explaining his reasoning on the , Scholes said he omitted Rice and Chelsea's Moises Caicedo because he favours midfielders capable of dictating the tempo of matches. "I get slagged off for this, but I did a top five the other week, and because I don't put people like [Moises] Caicedo and Declan Rice, because I like a different type of midfielder," Scholes said.

"I like a Vitinha at PSG, I think he's brilliant - he's amazing. I thought [Alexis] Mac Allister last year, at Liverpool, was brilliant - now he's not started great this year. But I like that more, not so much attacking midfielder, but maybe that more controlling one who can do a bit of everything, not just the defensive one who just gets around it and might score the odd goal here and there, I like the more progressive type."

He added: "People say, 'You didn't have Declan Rice in your top-five,' [that's] because he's not my type of midfield player."

Lewis-Skelly sends defiant message

Myles Lewis-Skelly has dropped down the Arsenal pecking order this season but insists he's relishing the competition for the left-back position against Riccardo Calafiori, who has started every league game so far, boldly stating: "I'm never going to back down."

The 19-year-old made a big impact last year, breaking through with several standout displays that hinted he was ready to become a first-team regular for club and country. However, after totaling just 85 minutes of league football in the past three months, the England prospect now faces a serious fight to reclaim his spot in Arteta's plans.

Despite limited minutes, Lewis-Skelly - who assisted Ethan Nwaneri's opener against Brighton - says he's embracing the challenge, describing himself as driven and determined, while acknowledging the high standards within the squad. "I'm enjoying it," he said. "It's a different experience for me, not playing as much at the moment, but I'm enjoying being part of the team.

"It's important to compete for places and I'm a competitive person, so I'm never going to back down. I enjoy the challenge. Being with these boys is a joy. The standards are high and everyone wants to play. Because the levels are so much higher this season, places are short, but you've just got to compete.

"At the end of the day, I just want to express myself. Football's what I love and I'll never make excuses if I am playing or not. I just want to go out there and express myself. As long as I'm doing that, I'm giving the gaffer a choice to make."

Arsenal targeting 'next Lewandowski'

Even after securing Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal continue to assess potential additions for their attacking options - whether as future replacements or strike partners for the Swede. One emerging name linked with them is Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong, who's been catching the eye in Spain this season.

The 22-year-old Cameroonian has been likened to Robert Lewandowski for his intelligent movement and clinical finishing, scoring six La Liga goals so far - a tally exceeded only by Kylian Mbappe's 11.

Arsenal aren't alone in showing interest. Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be monitoring Etta Eyong's progress, with Barca reportedly viewing him as a possible heir to their own 37-year-old Lewandowski.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the striker's contract includes a buyout clause valued around £26.5million for La Liga sides, while Premier League clubs would need to pay closer to £35m.