Arsenal are back in action tomorrow when they host Burnley in the Premier League at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners will be aiming to avenge their defeat away to Newcastle last weekend that saw their unbeaten start to the league season end.
Injury worries have been prominent for Mikel Arteta since the 2023/24 campaign began with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka joining Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah as doubts to feature this weekend. Elsewhere, an update on Thomas Partey has emerged which could see him miss the remainder of 2023.
As such, Arsenal look set to switch their January transfer priorities away from signing a new striker, with Brentford's Ivan Toney as one target, in favour of welcoming a midfielder. Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is one option liked by the Gunners, although interest from Bayern Munich in the midfielder, who has a €60million (£52.3m) release clause, may set up an interesting winter battle.
With that said, football.london has got you covered for all the latest Arsenal team news and transfer rumours with regular updates to come throughout the day!
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Good night
Thanks to everyone who joined us for today's Arsenal live blog.
Tune in tomorrow as we do it all over again!
Henry admission
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has opened up on his main frustrations with striker Gabriels Jesus. The Brazilian international delivered a hugely impressive performance against Sevilla last month.
The former Manchester City frontman provided an eye-catching assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s opener before scoring a stunning goal to secure the victory against the Spanish side. But he then picked up a hamstring injury late in the game, something that has kept him on the sidelines since.
Now, Gunners hero Henry has criticised the 26-year-old’s fitness record. Speaking to CBS Sports, the Frenchman said: “When you see that goal (Jesus’s against Sevilla), that’s a great strike.
“The only problem with Gabriel Jesus is that he often gets injured. Unfortunately for him and us.”
Next sale?
Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s biggest strength? His trust in his own players. His biggest weakness? The same answer.
At least that’s according to Gunners icon Patrick Vieira, who won three Premier League titles during his nine-year stay in north London. However, the current head coach at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta, has developed a penchant to be slightly more ruthless in his decision-making.
The most recent example of this comes with the current goalkeeping situation at Arsenal. Despite establishing himself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe, Aaron Ramsdale has found himself out of the team in recent weeks, with David Raya replacing him between the sticks.
Arteta has faced his fair share of criticism with his decision to drop Ramsdale to the bench but others have hailed his ruthlessness. It is a trait that is needed at the highest level and perhaps there is another player in his squad that needs to be replaced next.
Read who here.
Saliba needs new partner?
Former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zende has argued that William Saliba may need a new centre-back partner in order to reach the level of a John Terry or a Virgil van Dijk.
Speaking to Altindex, he said: "Does Saliba have the potential to be as good as Van Dijk? I always find it difficult to compare players because everybody has their own style and different roles in their team. Van Dijk has played at a very high level at Liverpool, but then he got injured and had to fight back. When you're out for six months, it takes you another six months to get back to your best. It hasn't been easy.
"You always hope that promising players can develop even further and learn from the best. When John Terry came to Chelsea at 18 years old, he was playing with Marcel Desailly, and that helped his progression. It's the same for any other youngster - you need someone alongside you that will guide you and make you a better player."
Arsenal lack tough players?
Ex-Arsenal captain William Gallas has argued that his old side lack a tough player to drag them through games like last week's 1-0 loss to Newcastle United.
"Arsenal are capable of winning important games, such as the one against Man City, but we expect them to drop points, and we don't know why," Gallas told Lord Ping.
"The Newcastle game was what it was. We all know how tough it is to play against Newcastle, but Arsenal had to leave with the three points."
"Arsenal have a good squad, but they need that player who will drag them out of tough situations. They don't have that player at the moment."
Ben White praise
Robbie Savage has been full of praise for the Arsenal man. "Would Ben White make Liverpool stronger in that position [right-back]?” he said on talkSPORT.
“I think he has played the majority at right-back for Arsenal. Ben White would be first-choice. How much would he cost?
"They paid £50m for him, and he is playing in a team that challenged Man City last season and only lost one game in the league this season, how much would he cost?”
Title odds revealed
Odds from Betway place Arsenal as the third most likely team to win this season's Premier League title, behind both Manchester City and Liverpool.
Betway: Premier League Winner 2023-2024
Man City 4/9
Liverpool 13/2
Arsenal 7/1
Tottenham 16/1
Newcastle 40/1
Man Utd 100/1
Chelsea 150/1
Petit advice
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has urged the Gunners to try and recruit a prolific centre-forward in January.
Speaking to Betway, the Frenchman said: "Arsenal already have two very good strikers in (Eddie) Nketiah and (Gabriel) Jesus, but they are not typical goalscorers. If Arsenal want to go a step further, then they need a pure striker - someone who can get 30 goals in a season.
"Look at (Pep) Guardiola. He thought he could win the Champions League without a number 9. He then changed his mind, signed a goalscorer, and won it by the end of that season. I think Arteta wants to emulate Pep's success at City, and I think he'll be influenced by him to sign an out-and-out scorer. The aim of football is to score goals and win. I like Jesus, but he needs a few chances to score. Arsenal are lacking a prolific scorer.
"Evan Ferguson could be that striker, why not? He's a very young guy and he's already a great goalscorer. He's doing well at Brighton so far. If I were him, I'd look at how the team is improving with De Zerbi and I'd want to stay there for now. They're playing European football and aiming for the top-four. I think it could be a bit early to leave at the moment. I think Arsenal need a ready-made striker. Could that be by Ferguson? I have no idea."
Partey exit
According to The Sun, Arsenal holding midfielder Thomas Partey has told the Gunners that he wants to leave the club during the January transfer window.
Partey joined the north Londoners a little over three years ago, signing from La Liga side Atletico Madrid for a fee in the region of £42million.
Panel decision
The Premier League's Independent Key Match Incidents Panel has ruled the referee and the VAR were correct to award Newcastle United's winning goal against Arsenal on Saturday -- but the officials missed two red cards, as per ESPN.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was furious that Anthony Gordon's winning goal was allowed to stand by referee Stuart Attwell, with three separate VAR checks for the ball being out of play, a foul on Gabriel by Joelinton and offside against the goal scorer. On all three checks the VAR, Andy Madley, could not find conclusive evidence of an offence.
Arsenal as a club doubled down on their criticism of referee on Sunday, issuing a statement in support of Arteta.
Zubimendi interest
Arsenal have been tracking Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the January transfer window, football.london understands.
The Spain international was of interest to the Gunners and Barcelona in the summer but he ultimately made the decision to remain at Sociedad.
Martinelli revelation
Gabriel Martinelli has revealed how Bukayo Saka can repay him after the Brazilian assisted his goal for Arsenal in the Champions League against Sevilla.
Speaking after the game, Martinelli discussed the win and his partnership with Saka which continues to improve. "I think we did well today, and we deserved the win," the 22-year-old said, via Mirror. "Every game I want the ball as quickly as possible to have the advantage to go and take the full-back on one-on-one.
"This is what I like to do, and I think the team knows that. Me and B are good at that, and today it’s what you want. If you go one, two or three times and you beat your opponent, you get more confidence and that’s what happened today."
Martinelli was also quoted speaking to Arsenal's website, where he made it clear what he would ask from Saka in return for assisting his goal.
Read the full story here
Mikel Arteta robbed of Premier League award as Ange Postecoglou Tottenham praise continues
Ange Postecoglou was awarded the Premier League Manager of the Month award after securing three victories over Luton Town, Fulham and Crystal Palace. Yes, I know what you’re thinking and you’re absolutely right, something fishy is going on.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal beat treble-winning Manchester City, came back from two goals down away at Chelsea and smashed Sheffield United 5-0. When you look at the two sets of results side by side, just on paper, it raises some eyebrows.
It is difficult not to think that perhaps Arteta’s conduct during his post-match Newcastle press conference and television interview might have had some part to play in him missing out on the award. Should we necessarily care as Arsenal supporters if he isn’t given the credit that we all know he deserves for what was another unbeaten month which included the milestone league victory over Pep Guardiola for the first time in Arteta’s career? Maybe not.
Mikel Arteta delivers Bukayo Saka injury update amid worries over Thomas Partey future
Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Burnley in the Premier League. The Spaniard was expected face questions on all the latest team news considering the spate of problems that the squad has endured over recent weeks.
Thomas Partey is the latest to join the list of long-term absentees with the midfielder undergoing a procedure after a training issue has seen him miss the last few weeks. Gabriel Jesus has also been missing since his injury against Sevilla in Spain in the Champions League.
The return fixture on Wednesday saw the substitutions of both Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu too. Mikel Arteta said the winger was too uncomfortable to continue whilst the Japanese international “felt something” before halftime and wasn’t risked for the second half.
On Saka, Arteta said: “We want our players to play for their club and national team. B[ukayo] didn’t train yesterday. Let’s see if he can make it tomorrow.”
Bukayo Saka injury latest as Mikel Arteta offers worrying Arsenal training update
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is facing a race against time to be passed fit for the Premier League clash against Burnley this weekend. The England international limped off against Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night - sparking fears that he could have suffered yet another injury.
Saka scored and grabbed an assist against the Spanish outfit before being replaced by Jakub Kiwior with 15 minutes left to play. The 22-year-old has now joined the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey on the sidelines.
Speaking ahead of the game against Burnley, Mikel Arteta revealed that Saka is yet to return to training and will be assessed in the next 24 hours to see if he can be passed fit. "We want out players to play for their club and national team," Arteta said after the Hale End graduate was selected for England duty ahead of the November international break.
"B [Saka] didn’t train yesterday. Let’s see if he can make it tomorrow."
Is Martin Odegaard fit to start for Arsenal vs Burnley? Injury news latest and FPL update
Arsenal supporters will be desperately hoping for the return of captain Martin Odegaard ahead of their Premier League clash against Burnley this weekend as the Gunners try to climb back up the league table with their good momentum from midweek.
The Gunners are all but confirmed for the Champions League knockout stages after Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka handed them a 2-0 win over Sevilla in Group B, with Mikel Arteta's side moving to the top of the group - four points in front of PSV Eindhoven. The result provided a much-needed bounceback from domestic defeats against West Ham and Newcastle which have seen the side slip down to fourth.
However, Arsenal have been consistently held back all season by injury problems, with many of their key attacking options still on the sidelines. Eddie Nketiah is a doubt for the weekend after he was ruled out of action ahead of the Sevilla match following a knock on his ankle he suffered against the Magpies last weekend.
Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe are two more options for Arteta to cross out on top of a dramatic late injury to Bukayo Saka on Wednesday night. The star was withdrawn after landing awkwardly following a challenge for a header and has now been an injury concern over the past few weeks.
James Maddison injury update provides Arsenal context to £65m Tottenham transfer plan
“Why, Arsenal, did you not sign James Maddison? He was available for a very reasonable fee and you chose to sign Kai Havertz instead.”
These words, or similar ones to its effect, have surely been spoken, read or written by many of you or at least someone else you know since the season got under way. Maddison has utterly outclassed Havertz in goalscoring, assists and chance creation and is a major reason why Spurs were leading the league for so long.
Mikel Arteta already has exciting Thomas Partey replacement that could save Arsenal millions
Arsenal could save millions in the January transfer window by recalling Charlie Patino from his loan spell at Swansea City. The Gunners are set to be without Thomas Partey until February 2024 after the 30-year-old underwent a procedure following his ongoing injury issues, football.london understands.
Partey is now set to miss the remainder of 2023 before heading off on international duty for Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Arsenal are also expected to lose Mohamed Elneny with the 31-year-old likely to be selected for Egypt duty in January.
This will leave Mikel Arteta's options in midfield slightly short with reports claiming the Gunners are plotting to sign another central midfielder when the winter transfer window opens. Arsenal have been tracking Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, football.london understands.
The Spain international was of interest to the Gunners and Barcelona in the summer but he ultimately made the decision to remain at Sociedad. Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz has also emerged as a candidate on Arsenal's shortlist - as per Fabrizio Romano - but Unai Emery would be reluctant to sell the Brazilian given his importance to the team at Villa Park.
If Arsenal were to sign either Zubimendi or Luiz, it would cost them a significant transfer fee. Following their £200million-plus spending spree in the summer, Arteta will need to sell some players in order to raise funds and abide Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations if he wants to sign a new midfielder in January.
However, the North London outfit already have the perfect replacement for Partey in their ranks. Charlie Patino has been tipped as one of the most exciting and talented youngsters at the Emirates Stadium as he continues to impress on loan with Swansea this season.
Arsenal and Man City sent surprise Champions League outcome after supercomputer prediction
Mikel Arteta watched his Arsenal side move one step closer to qualifying for the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday night. The Gunners picked up a 2-0 win against Sevilla thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.
A slight conern emerged for Arteta as Saka limped off the pitch with 15 minutes left to play. The England international is hopeful of being involved against Burnley this weekend but Arsenal won't risk the 22-year-old given the other injury concerns they are facing.
Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey are all currently sidelined with injury problems. Arteta will be desperate to secure qualification as Group B winners as soon as possible - with Arsenal needing just a single point to book their place in the Champions League last-16.
Premier League title odds
Betway: Premier League Winner 2023-2024
Man City 4/9
Liverpool 13/2
Arsenal 7/1
Tottenham 16/1
Newcastle 40/1
Man Utd 100/1
Chelsea 150/1
Is Bukayo Saka fit to start for Arsenal vs Burnley? Injury news latest and FPL update
Arsenal are hoping to have Bukayo Saka available for the Premier League clash against Burnley this weekend. The Gunners are looking to return to winning ways in domestic competition following defeats to West Ham and Newcastle.
Mikel Arteta's side moved one step closer towards qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds after winning 2-0 against Sevilla on Wednesday night. However, Arsenal were dealt with yet another injury concern ahead of the November international break.
Eddie Nketiah was ruled out of action after suffering a knock on his ankle, before Saka - who registered a goal and an assist against Sevilla - had to be withdrawn as he limped off at the Emirates Stadium. The England international had been subjected to a physical approach from the Spanish outfit, getting kicked and fouled numerous times.
With just minutes remaining, the 22-year-old went down after an awkward landing following a challenge for a header. After initial treatment from physios he tried to carry on before eventually having to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior a few minutes later.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta revealed that he was hopeful of positive news on the Saka's fitness. "It was just a kick and I was told by the physios on the radio he wasn't happy to continue," he said.
Mikel Arteta Arsenal dilemma for Burnley made easier by £27m audition to unleash lethal duo
Mikel Arteta should already know one member of his starting XI to face Burnley in the Premier League this weekend. Injury issues have been prominent for the Gunners already this season with Eddie Nketiah and Martin Odegaard both missing Wednesday's Champions League win against Sevilla.
The club captain was on the bench nearly a fortnight ago for the visit of Sheffield United before returning with a cameo against West Ham in the Carabao Cup. However, he was then absent for the trip to Newcastle and the home clash against Sevilla with Nketiah also not involved because of a minor ankle knock.
In place of Nketiah to face off with Sevilla was Leandro Trossard, making just his fifth start of the season in all competitions. The Belgian's versatility is extremely valuable for the north Londoners with Trossard able to play off the left, in midfield and as a false 9, with the latter as his chosen role in mid-week.
Dream Arsenal XI vs Burnley as Odegaard returns, Saka recovers and Trossard starts
The first of what should be a favourable run for the Gunners although I have felt like I’ve said and written these words so much now that fate has been tempted to make sure to touch wood at the earliest opportunity. Burnley are the immediate threat and if we’re being brutally honest despite all the hype around Vincent Kompany’s side they have seriously disappointed.
Arsenal dispatched their first newly-promoted opponent Sheffield United just a couple of weeks ago comfortable at the Emirates with a 5-0 win and Eddie Nketiah scoring a hat-trick. However, the striker is a serious doubt for the game having picked up a knock at Newcastle to join the long list of Gunners on the treatment table.
The international break follows the clash with Burnley this weekend. It is yet another gap in the domestic season that perhaps comes at another fortuitous time for Arsenal as they hope to have players benefit from further rest and recovery.
Arsenal handed Martin Odegaard injury hint ahead of Burnley clash as Norway decision made
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been called up for Norway's upcoming international fixtures against Faroe Islands and Scotland. Mikel Arteta continues to face a growing injury list at the Emirates Stadium as Bukayo Saka limped off against Sevilla on Wednesday night.
Eddie Nketiah was ruled out of the win against the Spanish outfit after picking up a knock on his ankle earlier this week. Odegaard had been struggling with a hip issue and was an unusued substitute in the 5-0 win against Sheffield United at the end of October.
The Arsenal captain returned to action off the bench against West Ham as the Norwegian playmaker scored a consolation goal with the Gunners crashing out of the Carabao Cup. It appears Odegaard returned to quickly as he then missed the controversial 1-0 defeat against Newcastle, before being absent once again for the Champions League clash against Sevilla.
football.london reported last week that Odegaard's injury is not thought to be serious despite the Norway international failing to return to action on Wednesday. However, The Mirror have revealed that the Gunners hope to have Saka fit to face Burnley on Saturday, while Odegaard is likely to miss international duty with Norway.
Ivan Toney transfer decision
Arsenal are ready to put their search for a new striker on hold in favour of signing a defensive midfielder, according to The Daily Mail.
Brentford's Ivan Toney was one option being looked at by the Gunners but that looks set to be paused ahead of the winter window, thus handing Chelsea a significant boost of obtaining his signature.
Thomas Partey Arsenal injury setback
Arsenal star Thomas Partey has undergone a "procedure" after missing the last few weeks with an injury, football.london understands.
The midfielder has been plagued by injuries over the last few years with two separate issues already keeping him out for over six weeks since the 2023/24 season began.
This latest setback will see him miss the remainder of the year with participation for Ghana in AFCON next year possibly meaning he will not play a prominent role again until February 2024.
Martin Zubimendi move
Arsenal have been tracking Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad in recent weeks ahead of the January transfer window, football.london understands.
The 24-year-old was of interest to both the Gunners and Barcelona in the summer with Bayern now targeting his services.
Arsenal may face a challenge to sign him from the Spanish club as they prepare for the winter window with a tight budget after spending close to £200million ahead of the 2023/24 season. Nonetheless, a move for the midfielder could certainly be on the cards, especially with the release clause in his contract.
Read the full story here
Good morning
Hello and welcome to today's dedicated Arsenal live blog on football.london. Stay tuned to this page throighout the day for regular updates ahead of the Premier League clash with Burnley this weekend.
The Gunners will be hoping to put back-to-back defeats firmly behind them on Satuday, just a few days removed from the Champions League triumph over Sevilla. Mikel Arteta may have to navigate the upcoming game without a number of key players after Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu picked up knocks in the week.
Elsewhere, the injury setback for Thomas Partey has seen Arsenal make a huge Martin Zubimendi decision with their change of plans also expected to have an affect on Brentford striker Ivan Toney. Here are the latest Arsenal headlines:
- Partey blow and double injury update
- Toney transfer plan changes
- Zubimendi decision made
- And much more
