ARSENAL have been handed a huge boost as Bukayo Saka AND Gabriel Martinelli are in contention to play against Man City, according to reports.
Saka, 22, limped off during the Gunners' defeat to Lens on Tuesday night while Gabriel Martinelli hasn't played since Arsenal's 1-0 win over Everton last month.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are monitoring Wolves winger Pedro Neto ahead of a potential January move according to talkSPORT.
Elsewhere, talks over extending Ben White's contract are reportedly progressing.
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Follow ALL of the latest from the Emirates Stadium below…
- By Jon Boon
Vlahovic battle
Chelsea could offer Juventus £70m to sign Dusan Vlahovic, according to reports.
The Bosnian forward, who is a target for the Blues and their London rivals Arsenal, could be made available in January.
And according to a report by Fichajes, they are willing to offer a staggering amount to bring the striker to West London.
That fee could be too much for the Gunners to match.
- By Jon Boon
Partey boost
Thomas Partey is fit enough to be in the Arsenal squad for the game against Man City, according to his manager Mikel Arteta.
"He is ahead of schedule, that’s for sure," Arteta revealed.
"We wanted to have him in the squad if we needed to, the way the game panned out we had other necessities and didn’t use him. He will be in the squad."
- By Jon Boon
Invincibles part 2
Arsenal and Spurs are the only two teams not to have lost in the Premier League this season.
Incredibly, Betfair are offering odds for the pair to match The Invincibles and go unbeaten for the season.
Betfair: To go unbeaten in the Premier League 2023/2024:
Arsenal 66/1
Tottenham 125/1
- By Jon Boon
Carragher backs the Gunners
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal can break their Man City hoodoo.
"I'm going to go for Arsenal. I think Arsenal just might do it," he said.
"With home advantage and Rodri not playing – who's a huge player for Man City."
Last time Arsenal beat Man City in the league was 2015.
- By Jon Boon
Guardiola gushes about Arteta
“We worked together for two or three years with a lot of success. I said many times I learned a lot. And I was pretty convinced that he would be good for Arsenal because I knew him here, how he communicated with the players, his ideas. I was convinced.
“He’s proof that when a club believes in something, when the board and sporting director decide the way they want to play and keep the manager to play that way, and sign the right players, it works. Sometimes you see it immediately and sometimes you need time.
“It happens when the people above you really believe in you and have patience and look at the training sessions and how things are building rather than just rely on results.
“If clubs only look at the result, that is the first step to being down. You have to rely on what the manager is doing rather than the results. Results will always be a consequence.
“Arsenal trusted him and the results are here. At the end, they have a manager for many years. He knows the club. He loves the club. Better than that is impossible.”
- By Jon Boon
Guardiola on Rice move
Pep Guardiola believes rival Mikel Arteta did a better job convincing Declan Rice to sign for Arsenal instead of Man City.
“For sure everybody knows City wanted him, we wanted him. He could play not just when Rodri could not," Pep said.
“At the end, Arsenal pushed more and wanted him more, maybe Arteta was more convincing than me, or the club itself, or their offer…”.
- By Jon Boon
Gooner in goal for Milan
Olivier Giroud was forced to go in goal for AC Milan in their dramatic win at Genoa.
And fans hailed the striker as "better than Andre Onana" after he made a wonder save at the death.
Giroud, 37, is still playing at the top level after successful spells at Arsenal and Chelsea.
- By Jon Boon
Saka fitness
Arsenal are hoping to reach a compromise with England over Bukayo Saka’s involvement over the upcoming international break.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions have a friendly against Australia at Wembley next Friday before a crunch Euro 2026 qualifier with Italy.
Arsenal still believe that Saka will benefit greatly from a lighter workload and have “communicated” that message to England staff ahead of him reporting for international duty.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who state that Southgate could rest the ace against Australia.
They state talks are planned between the respective medical teams that will “centre around a potential agreement that would see Saka report to St. George’s Park as normal next week but undertake a significantly tapered training programme”.
- By Jon Boon
Martinelli in contention
According to reports, Gabriel Martinelli could be in contention for the Man City game.
Connor Humm, founder of the AFC Newsroom, revealed on X, formerly known as Twitter, the astonishing revelation.
He wrote: "Bukayo Saka expected to start against Manchester City. Gabriel Martinelli in contention to be in the squad also."
Would be a huge boost for the Gunners.
- By Jon Boon
Arteta's striker stance
Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal are not considering a move for a striker in January.
"We believe in the players that we have first of all," the Spanish coach said when asked if a new forward will be targeted when the window opens.
"Because we have the resources that we have secondly, and at the moment we feel we are covering that position."
- By Jon Boon
Bowen or Mitoma?
Jermaine Pennant has admitted he would like to see Kaoru Mitoma or Jarrod Bowen at Arsenal.
"I know Mitoma plays on the left, but I'm sure they could make him work on the right," Pennant told Lucky Block.
"I'd love to see him in the side if they get the right price. He could play on either wing, and he'd light up the Emirates. You've got to be looking at a £60million starting bid. Mitoma is the only one that comes to mind as Arsenal already have good backups, like Trossard.
"But Jarrod Bowen would be a good one too. I was excited to see him linked with Liverpool. Bowen or Mitoma would do a great job. Two solid replacements for Saka, if he’s rested.
"With Mitoma aged 26 and predominantly a left winger, Bowen could certainly be the better option, despite also being the same age, his versatility to also play as a false 9 will be seen as a great attribute to Arteta."
- By Jon Boon
Stance on Neto
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Arsenal target Pedro Neto's future
"Things are going to happen in 2024 with Pedro Neto. Wolves were able to say no to proposals in the summer, but between January and summer, let’s see what happens," he said.
"We will see what happens. In 2024 clubs will arrive. Arsenal wanted Neto a year and a half ago, and they keep tracking the player, they are keeping an eye on Neto, but there are other clubs following the situation.
"There is interest, things can happen, clubs know he is very good and probably underrated. Keep an eye on Neto because at the moment nothing is concrete, but Arsenal interest is there and other clubs are following this fantastic Portuguese winger."
- By Jon Boon
Premier League results
Luton 0-1 Tottenham
Fulham 3-1 Sheffield United
Burnley 1-4 Chelsea
Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Everton 3-0 Bournemouth
- By Jon Boon
Clichy backing City
Gael Clichy is backing Man City to defeat the Gunners on Sunday.
He told Genting Casino: "It's too early in the season for Arsenal vs Man City to be a crucial game because there will still be points to be dropped and won for the next few months.
"Man City and Arsenal have been the best two teams in the Premier League for the last 20 months, but this fixture was always a game that people thought Arsenal would struggle in because of the experience of the squad.
"After coming up short last season, Arsenal will want to show the fans in the Emirates that they can match Man City. From a Manchester City perspective, I'm not worried about Rodri being out because that midfield has so much quality.
"It will be an amazing game with a very high intensity. Mikel Arteta is a copy of Pep Guardiola, you can see he's a mini-version of him in his tactics, on the touchline and in his press conferences.
"I do think Manchester City will win the game, they have so much quality and still have Erling Haaland, who complicates how to defend against the whole team when he's so dangerous. All Man City need to do is get the ball in the air to Haaland and he can hurt Arsenal."
- By Jon Boon
'Arsenal are back'
Pep Guardiola has been glowing about his assessment of Arsenal – insisting they are back amongst the best.
Ahead of their clash, the Man City boss said: "They are a good team, second they make man marking sometimes, allow you to do some process but after they are so aggressive,.
"They have a clear pattern and really good team.
"They fought to be champions and now they're here again. Arsenal are back. When I was a young boy and at Barcelona, Arsenal always were there I saw them fighting with Fergies (Sir Alex Ferguson) teams but now they're back. When you look at the calendar, going to the Emirates is one of the toughest ones."
- By Jon Boon
Gallas verdict
Arsenal have to beat Man City if they want to be taken seriously as title contenders, according to William Gallas.
The France defender told Gambling Zone: "There is no choice. If Arsenal want to be taken seriously by Manchester City, if they want to worry City, they have to win. This is a great opportunity for Arsenal.
"This is a great opportunity to show that they have learned from last season. Last season Arsenal finished second. To improve, they have to finish first this season."
- By Joshua Hall
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- By Joshua Hall
White contract update
Arsenal ace Ben White has been holding talks with club chiefs over a new contract to secure his long-term future at the Emirates.
White already has three years left on his £120,000-a-week deal and the Gunners are sure they can reach a swift agreement with the 25-year-old.
The versatile defender will follow teammates, such as Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard, in extending his stay.
Last month it was reported the North Londoners were in line to start a discussion over the ex-Brighton star’s future at the club – and now those talks are underway.
- By Joshua Hall
Carragher backs Arsenal over City
Jamie Carragher has said he thinks that Arsenal will come out victorious when they fact Man City tomorrow.
The Gunners have lost all of their last 12 Premier League matches again City, but Carragher thinks missing stars for the treble winner will give Arsenal the edge.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I’m going to go for Arsenal. I think Arsenal just might do it. With home advantage and Rodri not playing – who’s a huge player for Man City.”
And the former Liverpool man is hoping that an Arsenal win will lead to an exciting title race.
“Hopefully that will give us a title race between now and the end of the season. I want Liverpool to be involved.” He explained.
“I think we want this title race to go as long as it could possibly go – and last season it did. I thought it was brilliant between Man City and Arsenal. So, hopefully Arsenal can get the three points.”
Credit: Getty - By Joshua Hall
Arsenal’s next five
The Gunners face HUGE challenge when they take on Man City tomorrow afternoon.
And there’s some more tough tasks ahead once club football returns after the international break.
- Man City (H) – Sun, Oct 8
- Chelsea (A) – Sat, Oct 21
- Sevilla (A) – Tues, Oct 24
- Sheffield Utd (H) – Sat, Oct 28
- West Ham (A) – Wed, Nov 1
Merson loses it with Mike Dean
Arsenal hero Paul Merson has completely lost it in an on air argument with ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean.
Merson blew his top on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday when discussing VAR’s shortcomings so far this season.
The former Gunner was making a passionate argument following Luis Diaz’ disallowed goal for Liverpool last weekend.
He said: “You've got Liverpool against Tottenham, one of the biggest games and you are saying for the sake of it!
“Come on, there is no law. No one is going to die. So stop the game! You're all scared!
“You are all like 'oh my god I am going to get in trouble!’”
VARCICAL Watch Merson lose it with Mike Dean in 'box office' VAR clash on Soccer Saturday
- By Joshua Hall
Guardiola full of Arsenal praise
Pep Guardiola has waxed lyrical about Arsenal ahead of his side’s visit to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.
The Man City boss knows just how hard it’ll be to get all three points on the road against the firing Gunners.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “They are a good team, second they make man marking sometimes, allow you to do some process but after they are so aggressive.
“They have a clear pattern and really good team. They fought to be champions and now they're here again. Arsenal are back.
“When I was a young boy and at Barcelona, Arsenal always were there I saw them fighting with Fergie’s [Sir Alex Ferguson] teams but now they're back. When you look at the calendar, going to the Emirates is one of the toughest ones.”
Arsenal handed boost ahead of City
Arsenal look like they won’t have to face John Stones when Man City travel to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.
Stones has been sidelined since the start of the season, but returned to the treble winners’ bench midweek in the Champions League.
But Pep Guardiola has revealed that he’s still not ready to come in and face the Gunners on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of the matchup, he said: “John Stones is not ready to play. Maybe for the national team but not for us.”
Arteta not worried about City record
Mikel Arteta isn’t concerned about Arsenal’s dismal record against Man City ahead of the heavyweight clash tomorrow.
The Gunners have lost every single one of their last 12 Premier League matchups with City and will be hoping to change things this weekend.
But despite history going against them, Arteta has said his team won’t think about it.
He said: “We aren’t looking back for sure because there were different players participating in those games, but we know one thing for certain, that we’re going to have to be at our best.
“We have to be at our best in every department for 100 minutes. Then we have a chance.”
Gibbs calls for Saka rest
Former Arsenal star Kieran Gibbs has called for Mikel Arteta to rest Bukayo Saka this weekend.
The Gunners face Man City tomorrow in a HUGE clash at the Emirates Stadium.
But with Saka nursing an injury from Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Lens, Gibbs reckons the England international needs some time on the sidelines.
Speaking to ESPN FC, he said: “I would have to leave him out. I agree with Stevie. If it is a muscle injury, then you have got to leave it.”
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