Arsenal Insider

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has reported to international duty carrying more than just a knock.

The 25-year-old was not his usual self against Brighton last week in the Premier League and was seen hobbling around on numerous occasions.

Odegaard suffered a knock in the first half of the game and never seemed to shake it off however, the midfielder reported to international duty as usual.

Mikel Arteta will hope now more than ever to see his players return from the international break ready to attack the North London derby although, there may be an issue for his captain.

Stale Solbakken says Martin Odegaard is carrying an injury

Odegaard had a relaxing summer as Norway did not qualify for Euro 2024 however, his national team are raring to achieve more in the coming months.

Stale Solbakken’s side will face Kazakhstan and Austria in the Nations League during the September international break, fixtures that Odegaard may not be a part of.

Speaking in a press conference, Solbakken shared an update on the Arsenal captain’s fitness, suggesting that the midfielder is carrying more than just the knock he sustained against Brighton.

When asked if Odegaard is still feeling the effects of the Brighton fixture, Solbakken said, “I don’t think that’s what it is, I think it’s another bang.”

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The Norweigan added, “I was about to say. I think it is something other than the bang, so to speak.”

It’s a concerning admission for both Norway and Arsenal, with Odegaard being at the heart of both sides.

Arsenal team news ahead of the North London derby

When the international break concludes, domestic action will resume in style for the Gunners, as a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium comes next in the Premier League.

Aside from Odegaard’s injury concerns, Declan Rice is suspended for the fixture and fellow midfielder Mikel Merino is also injured.

Arteta has a real problem to solve in the middle of the park based on the absences of his two deep midfielders, with Odegaard’s revelation not coming as welcomed news.

The severity of the skipper’s knock is yet to be known, with there hope that the playmaker is given some time to rest ahead of the critical clash with Spurs.

Norway are in action on Friday afternoon against Kazakhstan and again on Monday night against Austria, with Arsenal eyes set to be locked on both games to learn more about Odegaard’s status.

Arsenal’s first game after the international break will be against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

The Gunners are unbeaten against Spurs in the last four derbies and have only lost one game since the turn of 2021. That is a very good record and we’re sure Mikel Arteta will want to continue that.

Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back after dropping points against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates just before the international break.

Raheem Sterling is expected to make his Arsenal debut against Tottenham, and he can become an instant fan favourite if he delivers against Spurs.

Raheem Sterling is ready to play as Arsenal’s false-nine vs Tottenham

Arteta has a few problems with his squad ahead of the big game against Tottenham.

Declan Rice is suspended after his red card against Brighton, while it’s unclear if Gabriel Jesus will be back from his injury for the derby.

Mikel Merino is out injured as well and will definitely miss the game, which limits the Gunners’ options in the middle of the park.

Now, GiveMeSport claim that Arteta is toying with the idea of bringing Kai Havertz back to midfield to play as a left-sided number eight.

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That would leave a hole at the top end of the pitch, especially if Jesus isn’t back, and the report claims that Sterling is ‘open’ to leading the Gunners’ line as a false nine.

It has been claimed that the Chelsea loanee is ‘open-minded about how he can aid Arsenal in their push to be crowned the Premier League champions’ and insiders have revealed to the outlet that he would be ‘happy to feature in the false nine position’ in the derby.

That certainly gives Arteta a new option, but it remains to be seen whether he will opt to use Sterling up top at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

One pro and one con of Arsenal starting Sterling as a striker

Tottenham have had a poor start to the season, winning just one of their first three games in the Premier League. However, we’re sure they will be raring to go against Arsenal.

Rice’s red card complicates things for the Gunners, and that has led to the idea of deploying Sterling as a false nine in order to bring Havertz back to midfield.

The one positive if Arteta goes with that would be Sterling’s pace. Spurs play a high line, and Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both been caught out in the past.

Sterling’s speed combined with that of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on either flank could cause Tottenham all sorts of problems in the North London Derby.

The big concern, however, is Sterling’s physicality.

Havertz is capable of physically dominating both Romero and Van de Ven while also linking play up with his back to goal. That brings his teammates into play.

Sterling cannot do that, which is why we think he should only be used out wide in the big game against Spurs.

Arsenal face a huge dilemma for their next game after their 1-1 draw at home to Brighton, as Declan Rice is now suspended.

Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded Rice a second yellow card in astonishing circumstances, as the midfielder was booked after Brighton defender Joel Veltman kicked him after the ball touched Rice’s foot during a stoppage.

Mikel Arteta has slammed the inconsistency of the refereeing decisions on display, which saw Joao Pedro unpunished for the same offence earlier on in the same game, and he will now be without his record signing for the next game.

The problem is that the next game is a tough away trip to Tottenham Hotspur, and with Arsenal already dropping points, they cannot afford to lose if they are to keep pace with Manchester City.

Summer signing Mikel Merino picked up an injury in training, which now appears to have come at the worst possible time, and Arteta now has a problem in midfield.

Arsenal face midfield problem against Tottenham Hotspur without Declan Rice

Although Rice has not been at his best in the last few games, he is still a crucial figure in midfield, and especially in tough away games.

The upcoming North London derby promises to be a fiery one against an intense attacking side, and legs are needed in midfield.

Although Thomas Partey has impressed on the ball in the last two games, his physicality is not what it used to be before his injury issues last year, and Jorginho is also not suited to more physically intense games.

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Jorginho and Partey have also never started together in midfield, and with both more suited to a deeper midfield role, there may not be balance with both in the lineup.

Mikel Arteta could finally try Oleksandr Zinchenko in Arsenal midfield

Questions have constantly been raised about Oleksandr Zinchenko’s defensive abilities at left-back, and many Arsenal fans are keen to see him tried in midfield, where he plays for Ukraine.

However, Mikel Arteta has previously shut down the idea of moving Zinchenko futher up the pitch, but this could be a surprise solution to Rice’s absence.

Zinchenko would bring technical composure to the middle of the park, and could also tuck in next to Partey to try and provide extra support.

With the main number eight options in Rice and Merino absent, this could be the opportunity he has been waiting for. Any option Arteta goes with would be a risk, but if Zinchenko thrives in midfield, it could open up further opportunities for him in the position.

Tottenham Hotspur hate doing any favours to Arsenal, but they may have just done one unintentionally this summer.

The North London rivals share a very fierce rivalry. The two sets of fans just don’t like each other, and the last thing either club would ever want to do is be helpful to the other.

Both Arsenal and Tottenham have had a decent window so far, but it’s Spurs who have splashed more cash having signed Archie Gray and Dominic Solanke.

One of those deals could now help Mikel Arteta’s side make some good money before the transfer window shuts at the end of August.

Tottenham deal could help Arsenal cash in on Eddie Nketiah

Arsenal still have a few players they would like to sell this summer.

The Gunners have already cashed in on Emile Smith Rowe, who joined Fulham and is flying. The likes of Mohamed Elneny, Reuell Walters, Mika Biereth and Amario Cozier-Duberry have all moved on as well.

The next player who could be out of the door is Eddie Nketiah.

The Englishman was heavily linked with a move to Marseille, but Fabrizio Romano revealed on X that the deal is ‘100 per cent collapsed’ because the French side went with Elye Wahi instead.

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That is a blow for Arsenal, but luckily for them, a Premier League club have joined the race.

That news emerged after many journalists including Romano revealed on X that Bournemouth have started talks with Arsenal over a move to sign Nketiah before the summer window shuts.

The Cherries are on the lookout for a replacement for Solanke, and they have plenty of cash to spend having received a fortune from Tottenham for the England striker.

Arsenal are demanding £30 million for Nketiah, and if Bournemouth meet those demands to sign him, Edu Gaspar may have to send some flowers to Spurs as it wouldn’t have happened without them.

Arsenal could receive huge PSR boost

Every club in the English top flight has had to be careful to be on the right side of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Arsenal haven’t had any real issues on that front, and Edu deserves a lot of credit for that. Now, they may get an even bigger boost now.

The Gunners have already made a pure profit on Emile Smith Rowe after selling him to Fulham in a £34 million deal. Nketiah’s sale would be considered as pure profit too because he is also an academy graduate.

Around £60 million combined from the sales of Nketiah and Smith Rowe that can be declared as pure profit will help Arsenal out massively on the market.

That could put them in a really strong position towards the end of the window, and Tottenham will be the ones to thank for about half of that money if Bournemouth do sign Nketiah in the coming days.

Arsenal will have one clear objective this season; to finally overcome Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

In each of the last two seasons, Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League, behind Manchester City.

However, year on year, Mikel Arteta’s side have been making progress. Last time around they amassed 89 points, and were able to take the title race down to the wire, forcing the Cityzens to have to win their final match in order to confirm their triumph.

After the disappointment of finishing as runners up yet again, Arteta promised Arsenal fans that glory is on the way. Now is the time for the Spanish coach and his players to deliver.

There are plenty who believe that the North London club will go all the way this time around. Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor has Arsenal down as title favourites.

Meanwhile, three ESPN pundits have backed Arsenal to steal Manchester City’s crown, too.

Harry Redknapp tips Arsenal for title over Man City

Now another voice, belonging to Harry Redknapp, has joined this chorus of support for Arsenal.

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The former Tottenham Hotspur manager, speaking on talkSPORT, said: “I fancy Arsenal this year. I just think Arsenal now, they look like they’ve got one or two new faces coming in just to strengthen the squad even more, and they’ve been so close the last couple of years.

“I just get a feeling for Arsenal this year, I know Spurs fans wouldn’t like that.”

It goes without saying that Tottenham supporters would hate to see their bitter local rivals crowned champions. They likely don’t appreciate Redknapp predicting such an outcome either.

However, Arsenal supporters have plenty of reasons to believe that their time is now. Martin Odegaard has vowed that Arsenal will push harder than ever before this time around. Arteta’s players will have learned from their recent disappointments too, and will use that pain to fuel them.

What Arsenal must do to win Premier League title

The Gunners need to do two things in the coming weeks to set themselves up for a successful title charge.

First, they must continue to strengthen their squad via the transfer market. Riccardo Calafiori has already arrived at the Emirates Stadium, but upgrades are also required in other areas the pitch. Arsenal have been linked with many transfer targets, now sporting director Edu must start getting deals over the line.

talkSPORT pundit and former Liverpool forward Dean Saunders has now hailed Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, above the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal will be heading into the new Premier League season full of confidence. Whilst they narrowly missed out on the title last time around, they cemented their reputation as a top team with a second successive push for the crown.

Many have now tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League this season. That will certainly be Mikel Arteta’s main objective.

Arsenal director Josh Kroenke is confident the title will be won, whilst former Aston Villa winger Gabby Agbonlahor has called Arteta’s side the favourites.

Of course, many will still have reigning champions Manchester City down as the team to beat, and whilst Liverpool are now something of an unknown quantity following the departure of Jurgen Klopp, the Reds can’t be ruled out.

As for the rest of the traditional ‘big six’, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, few would have them down as title contenders.

What sets Arsenal above Man United, Chelsea, and Tottenham?

Former Wales international Dean Saunders has now explained why Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool are so far ahead of the rest in the Premier League.

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Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Arteta has got Arsenal, there’s no lazy players at Arsenal. There’s no lazy players at Man City. There’s no lazy players at Liverpool. That’s why they’re the top three.

“Start going down, there’s a few lazy players at Spurs. There’s a few at Man United, there’s a few at Chelsea. The Arsenal manager has got most of his lazy players out of the club.”

Mikel Arteta’s ruthlessness at Arsenal

Arteta has certainly been ruthless in his time as Arsenal boss. The Spanish coach has made big, and sometimes unpopular decisions, taking big name players out of his plans and out of the club.

The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil, and arguably even Aaron Ramsdale, thought he remains at the Emirates Stadium as a back up option, have fallen foul of the manager in this regard.

It would be harsh to call Ramsdale lazy, and perhaps the same could be said of Ozil and Aubameyang, but in each case they no longer fit the style Arteta wanted and the manager didn’t hesitate to act. In each case, his decision has ultimately been vindicated.

Per Guardiola, and Klopp prior to his Anfield exit, share this ruthless streak.

Arsenal have been linked with several strikers in this transfer window, including Sporting Club De Portugal star Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres was outstanding for Sporting last season, establishing himself as one of the deadliest goalscorers in Europe and leading his side to the title.

Arsenal are in the market for another forward, as they aim to add speed and extra goal threat to their front line, but Mikel Arteta may be more keen on a winger.

However, the sheer quality Gyokeres possesses, as well as his speed as a centre-forward, may make him an appealing option. There is a problem though, and Arsenal are now eyeing up a much less exciting alternative.

Arsenal handed blow in pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres

CaughtOffside have now reported that Arsenal have “baulked” at the price of Gyokeres, not just in terms of the fee Sporting want.

The agents’ commission and Gyokeres’ wage demands have seemingly put Arsenal off a move for the Sweden attacker.

With this in mind, Arsenal have several alternative targets they have been considering, and one is now coveted by both Arteta and Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur.

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Arsenal now consider move for Dominic Solanke

The report also revealed that Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke is now on Arteta’s radar for the summer window.

Solanke will cost around £65m, and is also being targeted by Spurs as they seek out a true replacement for Harry Kane.

The 26-year-old had failed spells at Chelsea and Liverpool earlier in his career, but thrived at Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola last season, scoring 19 Premier League goals in 38 matches.

A move for Solanke would be a surprise. At £65m, he is not a level-raising striker, and arguably would not start at centre-forward ahead of Kai Havertz.

Although he brings physicality and an aerial threat, Solanke does not solve Arsenal’s speed issue, where they need another game-breaking attacker who can offer pace in transition to reduce the reliance on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

At 26, Solanke is coming into his prime years, but is not a long-term signing, and despite his strong campaign, there would be huge question marks over how long he can sustain his form.

Arsenal supporters have rushed to the defence of Declan Rice who was just slammed by a former Tottenham Hotspur player.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice started for England as they fell to defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin last night.

Rice was not at his best in the final, or throughout the tournament in general. The 25-year-old still performed an important function for Gareth Southgate’s side, and provided a screen to protect the back line, but his game lacked the progressive dynamism that has become the hallmark of his play under Mikel Arteta for Arsenal.

Southgate’s tactics have hindered Rice at times. However it was equally true that there were moments against Spain when the former West Ham United man lacked the conviction to be more aggressive on the ball and instead opted for more conservative, safe options.

England fans were hugely frustrated by Rice’s performance in the final, and the player himself will know that he fell short of his own high standards. His display has also drawn criticism from elsewhere.

Rafael van der Vaart slams Arsenal ace Declan Rice after Spain 2-1 England in Euro 2024 final

Rafael van der Vaart did not hold back in his criticism of Rice after the final.

The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker, speaking to Dutch media outlet NOS, as quoted by Sport Bible, said: “€100M for Declan Rice. What does he do? He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless. If you are truly worth €100M, then you should be able to play a ball forward.”

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Arteta encouraged Rice to take up a more advanced role for Arsenal last season. This decision proved successful, as the England man delivered 7 goals and 10 assists, proving that he can make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Certainly, though, England did not see enough of that side of Rice’s game in Germany this summer. Due to a dip in form from the player himself, and the way that the Three Lions were set up and instructed to play, the Arsenal man was not able to showcase the full range of his skills.

In any case, though, van der Vaart’s assertion that Rice is in any way useless is, of course, wildly over the top.

Since the Duchman made his statement about Rice, Arsenal fans on X have been vocal in their defence of the player.

One said: “Declan Rice is not useless. Gareth doesn’t know how to use Declan Rice.”

Another claimed: “This is so not true. Declan Rice with Arsenal is at the heart of the midfield. Most players just didn’t find their rhythm playing for England. It is down to the coach. Look at Foden . I couldn’t believe that was the same Foden of Man city.”

One stated: “This is just his Spurs affiliation talk if he never joined spurs he won’t be talking.”

Another supporter added: “More forwards passes than any other England player. Meanwhile Foden has more passes to Pickford than Kane.”

Arsenal have now joined Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Liverpool in the race to sign one Premier League star.

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen the Arsenal midfield contingent in this summer transfer window.

Signing a midfielder to complement Declan Rice is now a priority for Arsenal this summer. The Gunners certainly lack depth in this part of the pitch. Mohamed Elneny has already left the Emirates Stadium as a free agent, whilst Jorginho is in the twilight years of his career. On top of that, Arsenal are seeking to cash in on Thomas Partey.

Arteta will want an injection of energy and quality into his ranks at this stage. Arsenal have been linked with a number of potential midfield signings. Now a new name has been mentioned in connection with the North London club.

Arsenal amongst host of Premier League clubs chasing Joao Gomes

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, reporting on X, Arsenal have “shown interest” in signing Wolves ace Joao Gomes, along with top flight rivals Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Midlands outfit are “open to letting him go” this summer, on the proviso that they receive a “suitable bid” for the 23-year-old.

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The 8-cap Brazil international was a key player for Wolves last season, as he featured 38 times across all competitions. He impressed Wolves manager Gary O’Neil too, being described as “fantastic” by the coach after netting a brace against Tottenham Hotspur, as quoted by BBC Sport.

Gomes would represent an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad, as he boasts plenty of potential, and has already shown that he can impress in the Premier League. However, there is an argument that he would not necessarily take Arsenal to the next level.

What Arsenal need from a midfield signing this summer

It is vital that the Gunners bring in a player who can help to bring the best out of Rice. This likely means sourcing someone who can match the former West Ham United man’s versatility, which allows him to operate as a No. 6, protecting the back four, and a No. 8, taking up a more advanced position and seeking to make an impact in the final third.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has revealed who he believes is faster between himself and Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka.

The Dutch international joined Spurs last summer, with Van de Ven quickly becoming a fan favourite in the white half of north London for his defensive performances alongside Cristian Romero, with the youngster winning plaudits for his speed.

Whilst the defender did struggle with injuries, it’s pretty obvious that Tottenham have landed quite a talent in Van de Ven, who in his first year in the Premier League impressed under Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.

And the defender has now shared if he thinks Saka is faster than him.

Van de Ven says ‘the data’ shows he is faster than Saka

Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, the former VfL Wolfsburg man smugly said that the data would show who is faster between himself and Saka, with Van de Ven registering one of the fastest top speeds in the Premier League last season.

Van de Ven said: “As a substitute you can be a permanent asset. The role I now have is a substitute. I know Saka from Arsenal. It is up to the national coach whether I start. Who’s faster? Saka or me? If you look at the data, you already know the answer.”

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With the two rivals set to face one another on Wednesday in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, Van de Ven might want to bite his tongue when it comes to beating Saka in a foot-race, given that the Arsenal man scored twice against Tottenham last season.

Moreover, the 22-year-old Arsenal man is coming off the back of arguably his best performance yet for England in an international tournament, with Saka looking like a man possessed in Saturday’s dramatic win against Switzerland.

Van de Ven might have unleashed something scary that Holland will regret

Saka is very much a man for the big moments, with the Arsenal winger turning up last season in huge games against the likes of Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

And after Van de Ven’s comments, there’s a real chance that the Spurs defender might have just unleashed something quite scary for the Netherlands heading into Wednesday’s quarter-final.

Indeed, England fans will want to see Saka build from his incredible match-winning performance on Saturday, and the Arsenal winger now has the motivation to do just that after Van de Ven’s interview.