Arsenal may be ramping up their preparations ahead of Saturday’s crunch North London derby vs rivals Tottenham - but there have been plenty of off-field distractions festering in the background.
Mikel Arteta has doubled down on his transfer stance following a fresh injury concern to midfielder Thomas Partey, who returned from international duty with Ghana early over the weekend. Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka has been told to leave Arsenal if he wants to win trophies, while Rio Ferdinand has made a William Saliba demand.
Here Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest news and updates coming out of the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta doubles down on transfer stance
Arsenal are poised to rekindle their interest in Aston Villa enforcer Douglas Luiz - as Arteta is becoming 'increasingly concerned' over Partey's fitness issues.
The Gunners failed with a last-gasp swoop to prise the Brazilian midfielder - who has less than 12 months remaining on his current deal at Villa Park - away from the Midlands outfit, with Aston Villa rebuffing a number of deadline day bids.
But Luiz, who has started just two Premier League matches this term for Steven Gerrard's side, is expected to be pursued by Arsenal again once the transfer window reopens in January. That’s according to The Sun, who claim that the Gunners are ready to launch a fresh bid to land the 24-year-old.
Read the story in full HERE .
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Getty Images)Saka told to leave Arsenal
Arsenal superstar Saka has been told he should look to leave the Gunners if he wants to add some trophies to his CV in the near future.
At 21 years of age, the versatile talent is now a fully-fledged England international, entrusted during the biggest games for both club and country. However, he is yet to play a starring role in a side that has lifted a trophy.
According to former England and Liverpool shot-stopper David James, Saka should up sticks to the Etihad and play for Manchester City amid interest from Pep Guardiola's side. Those at the top of the City hierarchy are thought to view the Arsenal star as the perfect replacement for the recently departed Raheem Sterling.
Read the story in full HERE .
Ferdinand makes Saliba demand
Ferdinand has once again called for people to be patient with Arsenal star Saliba after he was withdrawn at half time of France's recent 2-0 defeat by Denmark.
It marked a rare low for Saliba so far this season, after his stunning start with the Gunners three years after he first joined them on a permanent switch from Saint-Etienne, but his first-half showing was so poor in the eyes of national team boss Didier Deschamps he wasn't given the chance to redeem himself after the break.
Ferdinand has discussed the decision to take Saliba off so soon, demanding: "Give him [Saliba] a chance man, He is a young player."
Read the story in full HERE .
