Mikel Arteta concern emerges as Eddie Nketiah speaks out amid Ivan Toney chase

15 October 2023 , 03:00

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Arsenal entered the October international break on a high after beating reigning champions Manchester City in their last game.

But former captain Cesc Fabregas is not getting carried away with the Gunners' impressive performance so far this season. Instead, the iconic Spaniard has raised concerns over how boss Mikel Arteta would adapt if he loses a key player, such as when star defender William Saliba missed the run-in last season.

Fabregas' worries come as Eddie Nketiah broke his silence amid the Gunners' rumoured transfer move for Brentford star Ivan Toney in January. Here, Mirror Football rounds up the latest Arsenal news.

Nketiah opens up on Toney chase

Eddie Nketiah has insisted that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta promised he would be a key part of the Gunners team when he signed his new contract. The striker committed his future to Arsenal last year.

But his position now appears set to come under threat as Arteta eyes a move for Brentford star Ivan Toney. The Gunners are expected to make a January move for the England international, though Nketiah has insisted Arteta was clear on his plans for him.

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He told FourFourTwo: "London’s home, the club is home, but I’ve been an Arsenal fan all my life and that played a big part. Talking to the manager and the plans he had for me, and the fact he needed me… I knew I wanted to learn, develop and help this club."

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Gunners take Partey precaution

Arsenal have sent a physio to join Thomas Partey on international duty (Getty Images)

Arsenal are taking special precautions to prevent Thomas Partey from injury by flying out their own physio to monitor the midfielder while he's on international duty. Parety is currently away with Ghana for games against Mexico and the United States.

But with the midfielder having proven to be susceptible to injury in previous years, the Gunners are taking extra steps to protect his health. That includes sending physio Simon Murphy out to join him.

Partey has already missed four Premier League games this season thanks to a groin injury. He returned to play a role in the win over Manchester City and it is hoped Murphy can help to prevent any aggravation of the groin issue.

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Fabregas discloses Arteta concerns

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has admitted his concerns about how Arsenal will handle the absence of any key stars this season. An injury to William Saliba cost them dearly in the title race last season and Fabregas is worried the same may happen again.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, Fabregas said: “Arsenal use that 3-1-3-3 formation - which is six players in front of the ball. It’s about the coach trusting their defenders to be quicker, faster and recover the ball.

"Then they can play a little bit more attacking football. But you could see the difference when Saliba was playing and got injured. Mikel will tell you himself that it’s not the same way they can play.”