Premier League Live: Van Dijk Confirms Talks on New Deal, Arteta Updates on Saka’s Injury, and More

As the Premier League's gameweek eight comes to a close, talkSPORT is here to bring you the latest updates from around the league. Liverpool and Manchester City have capitalized on Arsenal's recent defeat, with Liverpool taking the top spot after a hard-fought victory against Chelsea.

Liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk in Contract Talks

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he is in discussions with the club regarding a new contract. The 33-year-old defender, whose current deal runs out at the end of the season along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, stated, "Discussions are ongoing... my full focus is on Liverpool." Van Dijk emphasized his commitment to the team and his desire to continue contributing to their success. Since joining from Southampton in 2018, he has won numerous trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League, and has become a key player under manager Arne Slot.

Mikel Merino Eyeing Champions League Glory

Arsenal's Mikel Merino, who recently made his first start for the club, expressed his ambition to win the Champions League. Following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Bournemouth, Merino acknowledged the challenge ahead but remains focused on the ultimate goal of lifting Europe’s most prestigious trophy. "Winning the Champions League here would be amazing... we have the basics, the players, we have the mentality," he said, urging the team to learn from past mistakes and aim for improvement in their upcoming matches.

Arteta Provides Injury Update on Saka

In his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, manager Mikel Arteta gave an encouraging update on Bukayo Saka's condition, stating he is progressing well. However, captain Martin Ødegaard remains sidelined. Arteta also addressed disciplinary issues within the squad, noting that they cannot afford to play with ten men as they have done this season. He remarked, "We need to eradicate that; it’s clear."

PGMOL Clears Up Speculation Surrounding Saliba's Red Card

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has addressed speculation regarding Howard Webb’s involvement in William Saliba's controversial red card during Arsenal's match against Bournemouth. PGMOL confirmed that Webb was not influencing the decision but was merely listening to the VAR communications. The organization emphasized that he has no direct input in officiating decisions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Shines Defensively

Despite previous criticism, Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered an impressive defensive performance against Chelsea, contributing to Liverpool's victory. Manager Arne Slot praised the right-back for stepping up his game this season, highlighting his effectiveness in duels, tackles, and clearances. Alexander-Arnold, who has evolved into a key midfielder for the team, seems to be silencing critics with his recent form.

Ally McCoist Ranks Aston Villa as Title Contenders

talkSPORT's Ally McCoist has named Aston Villa as surprise contenders for the Premier League title following their impressive start to the season. Unai Emery's side, which boasts a perfect record in the Champions League, recently came from behind to defeat Fulham. Villa's strong domestic and European performances have positioned them as serious challengers, trailing league leaders Liverpool by just four points.

As the final match of gameweek eight approaches, Nottingham Forest is set to face Crystal Palace, with both teams eager for crucial points in their campaigns. Stay tuned for further updates from the Premier League!