Arsenal will be determined to return to winning ways when they face Chelsea this weekend. Mikel Arteta will lock horns with Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, knowing a win could prove decisive in the Premier League title race.
On Wednesday evening, the Gunners suffered defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League, with only a penalty from Hakan Çalhanoğlu separating the two sides. Then, the following night, Chelsea stormed past Noah in the Conference League, scoring eight goals.
The North Londoners’ extra day of rest could be game-changing, with Declan Rice in a race against time to return from the treatment room. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.
Rice injury update
Mikel Arteta has been given a Declan Rice injury update ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Chelsea. The 25-year-old midfielder, who suffered a broken toe in the Gunners defeat to Newcastle last weekend, has been called up to the England squad to face Greece and Republic of Ireland later this month.
Rice was absent from first-team training at London Colney earlier this week before missing the tie against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night. According to the Mirror, Arsenal are hopeful that the former West Ham captain will be available for selection on the Chelsea bout on Sunday.
Brighton star shuts down Arteta plan
Carlos Baleba has brushed off speculation linking him with an exit from Brighton. The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his option in the middle of the park.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Baleba said: “I don’t really think like that: playing for two or three years and then leaving. Me? I just work. In my head it’s all about working and helping my club. If I can help a team-mate, I will.
“If they can help me, I’ll accept that help to push forward and develop. So I just work to help my team and for myself, to progress for the future. In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it’s not something that worries me or gets me excited.
“I just need to work hard and keep a cool head. I don’t know if I’m going to be the star or the next big thing. For me, being the star is quite a lot. Everyone talking about you, singing your name? That just doesn’t do it for me. It’s not something that gets me running. I just prefer getting my head down and working on the pitch.”
