Balogun makes Arteta claim and Chelsea star doubtful for clash with Arsenal
The international break has come at the wrong time for Arsenal following last Sunday's statement win over Manchester City.
But with a number of his squad now away with their countries, Mikel Arteta will be satisfied with progress with his team currently unbeaten in the Premier League and level on points with leaders Tottenham. And the Spaniard's focus now will be on the London derby clash at Chelsea on October 21.
To his relief, Bukayo Saka has been withdrawn from England duty rather than risk aggravating his current injury, but he'll also be desperate for the likes of record signing Declan Rice to now emerge unscathed. Here, Mirror Football rounds up the latest news from the Emirates....
Balogun sold due to "people higher up"
Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has suggested his move to Monaco came because of what "people higher up" wanted to do, having held positive conversations with manager Mikel Arteta before his exit.
"He said that he would try to get me involved as best as he could [after Balogun returned from Reims], but of course he also told me that the people higher up were making decisions on me and seeing what would be best for me," Balogun told ESPN. "So the conversations between me and him were good, but it was more about the club, what they wanted to do.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
"It was out of my hands, that's how I felt. It wasn't something I could control. The only thing I could do was just turn up to train and work hard. So I did that"
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Folarin Balogun has opened up on his Arsenal exit (ESPN)Palmer doubt for derby clash
Cole Palmer could miss Chelsea's game against Arsenal next Saturday after suffering a thigh injury in England Under-21s' 9-1 win against Serbia on Thursday.
Palmer, 21, captained the Young Lions in their Euros qualifier at the City Ground but was forced off in the second half after suffering a dead leg. England U21 boss Lee Carsley insists he "will not be taking any chances" over the forward's fitness.
Chelsea fans were worried to see Palmer limping after Thursday's game and Carsley told reporters: "There are a few bumps and bruises and we will monitor Cole, but we will not be taking any chances."
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Cole Palmer was injured on England duty on Thursday (Getty Images)Nketiah offered international switch
Ghana manager Chris Hughton remains hopeful he can persuade Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah to switch his international allegiance.
Nketiah, 24, represented England at youth level and is even the record goalscorer for the Under-21s. And he is currently with the England squad after he was called up for Friday's friendly game with Australia and the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy next Tuesday.
Hughton said: “Some players are very definite about what they want. Some are not so sure and some want to see how things develop. I think that’s been the case with Eddie. We would never say never on him switching to Ghana. But it’s always down to what the player wants.”
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Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
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