Arsenal news LIVE: Zinchenko injury latest, Gunners 'missed out' on Erling Haaland, Brentford build-up | The Sun
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO is INJURED for Arsenal's return to Premier League action against Brentford with a calf injury.
The Ukrainian, 25, has also missed the wins over Fulham and Aston Villa in August.
Top-of-the-table Gunners will still play Brentford on Sunday, looking to get back to winning ways on the domestic front before an international break.
Mikel Arteta's side have had the perfect start to the Premier League season before their 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.
And there is regret that the Gunners missed out on prodigious striker Erling Haaland who was available before exploding on to the scene – he is now scoring for fun for new club Manchester City.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
- Anthony Chapman
Merson backs Arsenal for Europe
Paul Merson is confident Arsenal can finish in the top four… as long as the players don't lose confidence themselves.
He explained: ‘Arsenal’s top-four chances look a lot better this season. They need to believe in themselves more and in all honesty, Arsenal didn’t play badly despite losing to Manchester United.
"If Gabriel Jesus gets injured, they have massive problems. Eddie Nketiah is a good lad, but playing and scoring every week is a different ball game.
"I don’t want to say too much, but Arsenal are in a good position to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and I hope they can make it count this time."
- Anthony Chapman
Derby in doubt over strikes
Next month’s North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham has been plunged into chaos due to rail strikes.
Train drivers at 12 rail companies are planning to walk out on October 1 and 5 amid a long-running dispute over pay.
Arsenal are due to host their neighbours the day the planned strikes start at 12:30pm at the Emirates.
And that could mean that the Premier League, police and safety chiefs could be forced into moving the fixture.
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal 'too strong' for Brentford
Mikael Silvestre believes Arsenal will not crumble against Brentford due to their new strength in power.
He told Bettingexpert: "I think Arsenal should come on top of that game (vs Brentford). They’ve shown that they can travel.
"At Old Trafford, they were imposing their football and I think that they won’t be afraid to do the same against Brentford.
"What they have to answer is the physical aspect of the game. I don’t expect Arsenal to get into too much trouble over there."
- Anthony Chapman
Gunners legends reunite for picture
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reunited with some club legends earlier this week for a night out in London.
The Frenchman, 72, was pictured with Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell, Martin Keown, Gilberto Silva and former Gunners chief David Dein.
Each member of the group played an integral role in Arsenal's InvincibleS era during the 2003-04 Premier League campaign.
Wenger's side went on an incredible run of 49 games unbeaten and they are still the only team in Prem history to achieve such a feat.
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal made attempt for Tammy
Arsenal wanted to sign Tammy Abraham before the ex-Chelsea striker quit for Roma.
Abraham was part of a shortlist drawn up by the club last summer – but they did not make an approach.
Speaking to Caught Offside, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also shut down rumours linking Abraham with a move any time soon.
He said: "Abraham is more than happy in Rome, with the club, the city, and with Jose Mourinho."
- Anthony Chapman
Zinchenko ‘out of Brentford game’
Fresh reports from Ukraine claim Oleksandr Zinchenko has picked up an injury in training.
And he will therefore miss Arsenal’s clash against Brentford this weekend.
Zinchenko has already informed his national team he will miss their upcoming Nations League matches.
And the left-back will stay in London over the international break to focus on his recovery.
- Anthony Chapman
Liverpool backed for Tielemans deal
Glen Johnson reckons Liverpool should be moving for Leicester's Youri Tielemans ahead of Arsenal in January.
He told Bettingodds.com: “I’d definitely be looking to sign him. If it’s safer to secure it now and pay a small fee then I’d do that.
"I wouldn’t run the risk of allowing anyone else to have him for free.
"I think he’s the sort of player that could fit into any team relatively straightforwardly.”
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal predicted XI vs Brentford
Mikel Arteta is set to have a full-strength squad at his disposal for this weekend's game against Brentford.
Thomas Partey could make a return in midfield after recovering from injury.
And Oleksandr Zinchenko is also in line to start.
Is this how Arsenal will look against the Bees?
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning Arsenal fans
Mikel Arteta is set to have a fully fit squad to choose from against Brentford this weekend.
Thomas Partey is back from injury and could slot straight into midfield.
And versatile left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is fit and ready to go too.
In other news, Arsenal are set to go back in for Mykhaylo Mudryk after being put off by Shakhtar Donetsk’s asking price in the summer, according to reports.
Personal terms had reportedly been agreed as Arteta looked to secure a potential star of the future, but the move never came about – and it seems price was an issue.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told CBS’ Football Podcast: “I think in the future there is a chance for Arsenal, but not only Arsenal.
“In August, they had some conversations with the agents of Mudryk, but then, when they knew about the price tag, way more than €30m [£26m], they decided not to bid.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal could look to make a move to sign Palmeiras midfielder Danilo in January.
The Gunners considered a deal to bring the Brazilian to the Emirates in the summer, but decided against a transfer.
Dean Jones said: “I think we can expect Arsenal to maintain their interest in Danilo, who they had set as a top tier target heading into the summer window.
“There was a temptation to try for him but they are content they will lead the way for him next year.”
And finally, Newcastle have reportedly entered the race to sign Leicester contract rebel Youri Tielemans.
According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle could sneak ahead of Arsenal and secure Tielemans’ signature in thd New Year.
They claim that the Toon are readying a £17m bid for the highly-rated star.
- Jake Lambourne
Ground designs
Jonas Eidevall wants more WSL games hosted at bigger stadiums with surging fan interest in matches following the Euros.
The Arsenal chief, 39, hopes postponed top-tier fixtures can take place on the same rescheduled date with the FA in talks with clubs.
The Gunners’ home duel with Brighton on Friday kicks off the new WSL term with Eidevall’s side targeting a first title win since 2019.
The 7:30 pm Meadow Park fixture will be the first top-tier game held following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last Thursday at Balmoral
Matches were postponed last week in honour of the passing of the nation's longest-serving monarch.
The clash comes eight days before Arsenal play Tottenham at the Emirates with a WSL record-breaking crowd expected with 40,000 tickets sold.
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
Lac of a voice
Former Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette is set to undergo surgery on his vocal cords after being "speechless" since the start of summer.
The Frenchman, 31, was mocked earlier this week for a post-match interview he gave where his voice appeared to sound different.
But now it has been confirmed that the ex-Gunner is suffering from a vocal cord polyp.
According to L'Equipe, this issue has left him unable to speak for several months.
However, he was reluctant to get any form of surgery as he did not want to miss any matches for Lyon – who he re-joined for a second spell after his Arsenal contract expired.
But now the international break is looming, Lacazette is set to go under the knife in the middle of next week.
- Jake Lambourne
Ben White continued
Ben White has lauded Mikel Arteta where he has hailed the belief the Spaniard has put in him.
He remarked: "Him bringing me here showed the belief that he had me.
"I'm not really someone that needs to be told when I've done something rubbish, or told when I've done well – I kind of know.
"But it was it's nice for the manager and the staff to always be around me last season when things weren't so good.
“It’s exciting [working under Arteta]. I think you come into training not knowing what's going to happen, which is nice. It breaks up your week.
"Coming in each day, you don't know if you're going to have a meeting or not, or what type of thing he is going to do in the meeting. Then when you get outside, you have no idea what's coming.”
- Jake Lambourne
Ben White on Arsenal start
Arsenal defender Ben White has opened up on the club's fine start to the season compared to last year's horror opening three games.
Reflecting on how much he has grown, he told the club's website: "A lot as a person; I think more as a person than a player. When you come to such a big club like this, there's a lot more to it than you'd think.
“As a player, I’ve become more confident and been showing the confidence put in me, and trying to perform to the level that the manager wants every week is something that I'm looking forward to.
“This season has been very different. There's a lot more togetherness, and the way we train is completely different. What we do off the pitch, the attitude and the spirit that we're all together is completely different.
“For me personally, it was a tough start when I first joined. I played in the Brentford game and didn't have a good game. I was getting battered by every person in the media and it's rubbish to hear that.
“I don't have social media or anything like that, so I don't actually see any of it but you get told about it and sent it. It's one of those things; everyone has their opinion. Some you listen to it, and some of you don't.”
- Jake Lambourne
Wenger predicts Arsenal title challenge
Arsene Wenger has broken his Arsenal silence and backed Mikel Arteta’s team to launch an unlikely title challenge.
He said: “I would say they are moving in the right direction. I honestly think there is no weak position in the team.
"They are young, promising players and they have bought well this year.
“There is no completely dominating team this season and Arsenal has a chance with the potential that is there.
“We used to be in the top four and why not again? You cannot even rule out the fact that they can fight for the title and hopefully they can do it.”
- Jake Lambourne
Ian Wright in Iwobi praise
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has hailed ex-Gunners ace Alex Iwobi's form for Everton while also praising his manager Frank Lampard.
Wright said on his podcast: "I'm so pleased with the way it's going for him [Iwobi].
"I remember Arsenal fans, it's the same thing they did with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, they ridiculed him."
He added: "His ball progression and work rate, Frank has now recognised him and put him there, listen to the Everton fans when he's doing his work, they are adoring him now.
"I'm loving the way it's working out for Iwobi. Everton fans are now starting to realise that if they get the right players in and around him, he's going to be a force for them.
"You look at his work rate, it's unbelievable. It's the kind of intensity that Mikel [Arteta] wants now and needs now, we need that, we need somebody who can press like that."
- Jake Lambourne
Arsenal face Tielemans battle
Newcastle have entered the race to sign Leicester contract rebel Youri Tielemans, according to reports.
The 25-year-old has shown no indications of wanting to sign a new deal and will look to end his Leicester stay.
Arsenal have held a long-term interest in the midfield ace, while Manchester United have also been linked.
But neither opted to meet the Foxes' £25million valuation in the summer.
According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle could sneak ahead of both and secure Tielemans' signature in January.
They claim that the Toon are readying a £17m bid for the highly-rated star.
- Jake Lambourne
Arsenal retain interest in Danilo
Arsenal could look to make a move to sign Palmeiras midfielder Danilo in January.
The Gunners considered a deal to bring the Brazilian to the Emirates in the summer, but decided against a transfer.
However transfer guru Dean Jones has stated that Arsenal remain keen on the 21-year-old.
He said: "I think we can expect Arsenal to maintain their interest in Danilo, who they had set as a top tier target heading into the summer window.
"There was a temptation to try for him but they are content they will lead the way for him next year."
- Jake Lambourne
Arsenal still keen on Mudryk
Arsenal are set to go back in for Mykhaylo Mudryk after being put off by Shakhtar Donetsk's asking price in the summer, according to reports.
Personal terms had reportedly been agreed as Mikel Arteta looked to secure a potential star of the future, but the move never came about – and it seems price was an issue.
Fabrizio Romano suggested Shakhtar were asking for more money than Arsenal were willing to pay.
Speaking about the Ukrainian player, he told CBS' Football Podcast: "I think in the future there is a chance for Arsenal, but not only Arsenal.
"In August, they had some conversations with the agents of Mudryk, but then, when they knew about the price tag, way more than €30m [£26m], they decided not to bid."
- Jake Lambourne
Henry questions Sterling sub decision
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes Raheem Sterling looked unhappy after being taken off in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against RB Salzburg.
He said on CBS: “First and foremost, I don’t know why [Potter] took Sterling off because he scored and he can maybe score another goal.
“But it will be interesting to see how he deals with that tomorrow morning because he didn’t look happy.
“Maybe we’re going too much into it but when [the cameras] showed him on the bench… I wouldn’t have liked to come [off] after a goal so let’s see how he’s going to deal with that one.”
- Jake Lambourne
Petit backs Arsenal title tilt
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit believes Arsenal CAN challenge for the Premier League title this season.
Speaking to Lord Ping, Petit said: "Right now, Arsenal are first in the league so I would say they are genuine title contenders.
"They have improved over the last few seasons, but they still need to improve against the top teams. They need to learn to convincingly beat top teams.
"We're seeing things in this Arsenal squad that we haven't seen before.
"Maturity, character and personality and so for them to be able to beat the best teams in the division is the last stop for Arsenal."
The Gunners currently sit top of the table after the opening six Premier League matches.
- Anthony Chapman
Marquinhos backed for starting spot
Former Arsenal star Kevin Campbell reckons Marquinhos can become an Arsenal regular if he maintains his strong early form.
Campbell told Footy Insider: “He has far exceeded expectations already though. Let’s be honest, if he performs like he did against FC Zurich regularly he is going nowhere. I can tell you that much.
“Mikel Arteta will need him to play in the cup games and be a deputy for [Bukayo] Saka.
“We’ve seen that he can come on and be that spark of lightning. He can bring in electricity to the game.”
- Anthony Chapman
Shakhtar snubbed Arsenal target bid
Shakhtar Donetsk admit they rejected a mega-money offer from Everton for Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk this summer.
Director Darijo Srna confirmed: "We received an offer of €30million [from Everton].
"And when our president doesn't sell a player for €30m, especially in such difficult times, he is sending a message to everyone that he wants to progress in the Champions League and to win the championship.
"Mudryk is a serious talent. After Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, he's the best player in Europe in his position. If someone wants to buy Mudryk they must spend a lot, a lot, a lot of money and respect our club and our president."
- Anthony Chapman
Southgate announces latest England squad
Brentford star Ivan Toney is in line to make his Three Lions debut after getting his first England call-up.
Meanwhile, Eric Dier is back in the fold after impressing with Spurs.
But several players have been dropped, while others miss out with injury.
SEE THE ENGLAND SQUAD HERE
- Anthony Chapman
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brentford
Mikel Arteta is set to have a fully fit squad to choose from against Brentford this weekend.
Thomas Partey is back from injury and could slot straight into midfield.
Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko is fit and ready to go too.
Is this how Arteta will line up against the Bees?
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal failed in Abraham swoop
Arsenal reportedly tried to sign Tammy Abraham from Chelsea last year.
CaughtOffside claims Mikel Arteta made his move after learning the striker was on his way out at Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea resisted selling Abraham to one of their fiercest rivals.
And the Cobham product ended up joining Jose Mourinho’s Roma for £34million instead.
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