The Gunners are four points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who beat champions Liverpool 3-0 on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s squad conceded ground in the title race after Brian Brobbey’s last-minute goal levelled the scores at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Players are now off to represent their respective countries, with a north London derby against Tottenham next on Arsenal’s agenda. Despite strengthening their squad this summer with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, given the current injury issues, signing a forward in January is not out of the question.
The club have been linked with an AC Milan star valued at £85million for some time, and there has been a new development regarding his future. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates.
Portuguese winger Rafael Leao has reportedly been on Arsenal’s radar for some time. He was linked with a move to the Premier League this summer but has stayed put in Italy.
The 26-year-old has scored four goals in his last five Serie A appearances, but new information suggests that although a new contract has been hinted at, the club remain open to a sale, reports the Mirror.
Matteo Moretto reports AC Milan could offer Leao a new two to three-year contract extension soon. His current deal runs out in 2028.
However, they maintain that if a substantial offer is made for their star striker, they would be open to discussions.
Recent valuations suggest Leao could fetch around £85m, leaving the door open for a potential bid from Arsenal.
One point of contention from Arsenal’s draw with Sunderland was the placement of the advertising hoardings.
The Black Cats had moved their boards closer to the Stadium of Light pitch than usual, reducing the space available for Arsenal players to take long throws.
This change has sparked concerns about its potential impact on player safety. Speaking on BeIN Sports, Richard Keys claimed that Arsenal will hold a meeting to discuss these risks.
He said: “It’s very clear the purpose of having done that, as long as there’s a metre between the touchline and the hoarding.
“But that might be endangering the well-being of those on the football pitch. I know there’s a meeting at Arsenal tomorrow to discuss.
“No rules have been broken, Sunderland are well within their rights, but I’m not sure.
“On the one hand it’s very smart, it’s a talking point and it did go unnoticed by Arsenal and it was a subject of conversation after they’d left the ground yesterday so we’ll wait for developments on that.”
The Gunners did lose ground in the title race following their Sunderland stalemate.
City sent out a powerful message on Sunday with their emphatic 3-0 demolition of Liverpool, leaving them trailing Arsenal by just four points.
Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane both believe Arteta’s squad will be sensing the heat after City’s commanding victory.
Keane told Sky Sports: “I think Arsenal will have looked at that and thought: ‘Do you know what, the signs are good for Man City’.”
Rooney commented on his podcast: “I know Arsenal dropped points at the weekend but you look at their form overall and the way Man City are coming into a great run, it will be difficult for Liverpool.
“But it’s still early in the season so you never know. I just think Arsenal and Man City are the two favourites now. Arsenal will be a little bit nervous about Man City coming up but I think it will be one of them two.
“I still probably edge towards Arsenal. I have Arsenal as slight favourites.”
