Arsenal will be looking to pick up where they left off in the Premier League when they return to action this weekend, but there are a number of off-field issues to address
Arsenal are set to resume domestic action this week, aiming to maintain their spot at the summit of the Premier League table.
The Gunners took over from Liverpool as league leaders last week following their 2-0 triumph against West Ham. Despite Arne Slot’s team having the chance to reclaim the top spot, the reigning champions suffered their third consecutive defeat in all competitions away to Chelsea, meaning the North London giants maintained a one point lead.
That ensured Mikel Arteta’s squad entered the second international break of the season as the side to beat in the top-flight. With a majority of the Gunners’ first-team players on international duty, supporters are concerned about Martin Odegaard, who pulled out of the Norway squad due to a knee injury sustained against the Hammers.
Viktor Gyokeres has been underperforming for Sweden, leading to doubts about his ability to succeed in North London following a goal drought. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates.
Update on Odegaard’s injury situation
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been plagued with injuries since the start of the season.
Having managed only 294 minutes of play so far, the Arsenal captain became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three successive league starts, reports the Mirror.
The 26-year-old established this unwanted record after being taken off in the first-half of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over West Ham. After dealing with two shoulder injuries earlier in the campaign, it was a knee problem that cut short Odegaard’s participation against the Hammers.
The injury, a problem with his medial collateral ligament (MCL), led to his withdrawal from the Norway squad, but he still accompanied the team during the international break.
He was in the stands to witness his side thrash Israel 5-0, maintaining their flawless record in World Cup qualifying with six victories from six matches.
Two own goals and an Erling Haaland hat-trick saw Norway dominate in the home match, leading to exuberant celebrations in the dressing room.
While a timeline for Odegaard’s return to action hasn’t been established yet, his behaviour during the celebrations wasn’t encouraging news for supporters.
With the squad and coaches in a joyful chaos, the Norway captain was not involved, instead he sat on the sidelines. Despite his frequent absences this season, the Gunners’ increased depth in midfield has meant they’ve continued to achieve positive results without the influence of their captain for much of the season.
Secret Gyokeres deal
Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres was one of the most protracted transfer sagas of the season but finally concluded after they officially signed him in late July. The Swede arrived at the Emirates Stadium with an impressive record of 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP.
His prolific goalscoring record caught the attention of Manchester United, where he would have linked up again with his former manager, Ruben Amorim. Despite reported approaches from the Red Devils following their pursuit of Gyokeres, it was understood his sole ambition was to join the north London outfit.
Nevertheless, it was alleged by the Swede’s representatives that an agreement to bring him to Old Trafford had been struck with Sporting – but without the player’s knowledge.
United were understood to have tabled a transfer fee surpassing the £64million Arsenal stumped up for his signature. Reports suggested Sporting were urging Gyokeres to accept the switch to Old Trafford but he stood resolute in his determination to sign for Arsenal.
Jonathan Chalkias, an aide to Gyokeres’ representative Hasan Cetinkaya, revealed to the Studio Allsvenskan podcast: “There were crazy amounts offered from Saudi Arabia. We’re supposed to act in our best interest.
“Do we have also have a percentage [of any fee]? Of course. It’s a lot of money. Maybe Viktor should respond to that some day. I don’t think we pressured him once to accept the offer.
“At the end of the day, money comes and goes and this move to Arsenal brings us a lot of marketing.
“They [Sporting] had concluded a deal with Manchester United behind our backs, that was a problem. United offered a higher transfer fee.”
#Arsenal #news #Viktor #Gyokeres #problem #deal #agreed #injury #fear
