Arsenal news; Gunners make transfer decision as trio miss training ahead of Man City clash
Arsenal news; – A few weekends will be as pivotal in the Premier League this season as Arsenal makes the trip north to take on Manchester City. The Gunners sit one point ahead of their title rivals going into the trip to the Etihad Stadium and will hope to hit the ground running following the international break. The mammoth clash will see Arsenal hope to continue their 100 percent record against Pep Guardiola’s side this term after their wins at the Emirates and in the Community Shield.
Liverpool will hope to pounce on any slip-ups that emerge on Sunday with the possibility that the faintest of gaps open up. Last season’s top two intend to deny that opportunity and Mikel Arteta’s men will want to avoid the defeat they suffered last April as their title hopes ended. Arsenal will attempt to do something they’ve not done since 2015 and claim three points at the Etihad. Saturday offers their final day of preparation to be successful in that endeavor.
Injury update
Mikel Arteta confirmed there was an opportunity for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Malghaes, and Gabriel Martinelli could all feature against Manchester City. Saka pulled out of the England squad to face Brazil and Belgium during the international break, while Gabriel did not feature at all for the Selecao. Martinelli has been out of action since March 4. The trio have not trained but Arteta remains hopeful in their availability. He said: “Yeah there is a chance [all three could play]. They haven’t trained. Tomorrow we have another session, but there is a chance they can be available.”
Arteta on White’s England absence
One of the talking points of the international break was Ben White’s decision to make himself unavailable to be called up by England. Amid injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Reece James, and now, Kyle Walker, White was set for a big opportunity to show his value on the right side of defense heading into EURO 2024. Arteta believes there could still be a future where White represents the Three Lions but fully respects his defender’s decision.
“I think he has received a lot of love and you just have to see what his teammates and everybody in football think of them, especially the ones that have been close to him,” said Arteta. “I think people have respected his decision and hopefully one day he will be prepared to represent his country in the best possible way, but that’s completely up to him.
Arteta added: “As his manager, I want the best for him personally and professionally, and he needs to feel it. If one day he does, and that’s the case, I think that will be the best option for everybody, but you’ll have to respect that.”
Transfer decision
Arsenal have already made the decision not to sell youngster Mika Biereth this summer according to reports. The 21-year-old forward is currently on loan at Sturm Graz after making a second loan move of the season having started this term at Motherwell. After managing six goals and five assists in the Scottish Premiership, Biereth has settled just as quickly in Austria on his way to four goals and one assist in his opening six appearances. Last season, the youngster spent time on loan with Waalwijk in the Netherlands where he scored two goals in 13 appearances. Biereth has yet to feature for Arsenal’s first team but has thrived this term, thrusting him into the spotlight.
Sturm Graz are said to be already interested in making his move permanent while the prospect of the former Fulham youth star making the first team’s pre-season tour has been raised.
