As Arsenal head into another international break, the team will be eager to resume their impressive run of form once club football returns. The Gunners have been on a hot streak, winning their last four matches across all competitions and netting 14 goals. After the break, they’ll face Bournemouth on October 19, followed by crucial home clashes against Shakhtar Donetsk and Liverpool.
Although many of Arsenal’s stars are away with their national teams, there’s still plenty of buzz surrounding the club. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments from the Emirates.
Real Madrid Targeting Saliba
Real Madrid have set their sights on Arsenal’s William Saliba, reportedly making him a “top priority” for next summer’s transfer window, according to French outlet Le10Sport.
The 23-year-old defender has become a standout in the Premier League, forming a rock-solid partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal’s defense. Madrid, in need of defensive reinforcements, are said to have already contacted Saliba’s representatives. After losing out on young French prospect Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United, the Spanish giants now have their focus squarely on Saliba.
Odegaard’s Injury Status
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with an ankle injury, and according to Norway manager Stale Solbakken, his return to action is still some way off.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet Dagsavisen, Solbakken offered an update: “There is great progress in relation to pain and injury, but he is a long way from playing matches.” He also emphasized that Odegaard’s recovery is largely in Arsenal’s hands, adding, “I don’t think anyone knows that [when he will be back], and I don’t think he knows it himself either.”
Odegaard sustained the injury during international duty last month and has been gradually working his way back to full fitness, but it seems fans will have to wait a bit longer to see their captain back on the pitch.
Arteta’s Goalkeeping Decision Under Scrutiny
Former England goalkeeper David James has weighed in on Arsenal’s recent goalkeeping dilemma, suggesting that Mikel Arteta may have made a mistake by letting Emiliano Martinez leave the club in 2020.
Martinez has since excelled at Aston Villa, winning the World Cup with Argentina and being crowned the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in 2022. On the Seaman Says podcast, James reflected on Arsenal’s current situation: “When you look at the Raya and Ramsdale situation at Arsenal, and obviously Martinez was allowed to go because of Bernd Leno, who’s a decent goalkeeper.”
“But I think Martinez would have been the perfect goalkeeper for Arsenal right now. I think he’s a monster. Weirdly, there’s not a lot of goalkeepers in the Premier League these days who are capable of getting to the top corner.”
With Arteta juggling between Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya, James’ comments add another layer of intrigue to Arsenal’s goalkeeping conundrum.
As Arsenal fans eagerly await the return of domestic football, the club will be hoping to maintain their recent form despite the uncertainties surrounding key players and ongoing transfer rumors.
