21 October 2023 , 03:00
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Arsenal are back in Premier League action with Chelsea their next assignment as they contend with several injury problems.
The Gunners went into the international break in perfect fashion, seeing off Manchester City at the Emirates, and now want to build on that statement win. They are keeping tabs on the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, who are both managing issues.
Attention is also turning to the transfer market with Mikel Arteta ready to go again despite a lack of funds being available. More firepower is on his wishlist but the club have spent big during his tenure, which could hamper them should they eye a marquee signing.
Here's the latest from north London.
Gunners eye four, Toney ideal target
Arsenal are monitoring four players ahead of the transfer window opening against in January despite having a limited budget available.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Mirror Football understands that Arteta has made Ivan Toney his ideal target come the New Year and is determined to ensure the Gunners are at the front of the queue ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham. Toney will return from his betting ban in the January and Brentford are prepared to sell, but only if their £60million price tag is met.
That could be problematic for Arsenal, with The Athletic reporting that there ‘isn’t much budget or desire to do significant business’ in the upcoming window having spent around £200m in the summer.
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Ivan Toney is on Arsenal's shortlist (PA)Ramsdale on Raya relationship
Aaron Ramsdale has opened up on his relationship with David Raya after falling behind the Spaniard in the Emirates pecking order following his summer switch.
Ramsdale, 25, quickly established himself as the Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper after joining the club from Sheffield United back in 2021, however, Raya very much looks to be the club's new No.1 after usurping the Englishman starting Arsenal's last four Premier League games.
During the international break, the England shot-stopper conceded that he is “suffering and hurting” as a result of the current situation at his club. However Ramsdale has made it known that it has been Raya, his direct competition, who has helped pick him up in recent weeks.
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David Raya has replaced Aaron Ramsdale in goal (Getty Images)Saliba, Saka injuries
Arteta gave little away when asked about the fitness of Saliba and Saka ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea.
Saliba and Saka withdrew from the France and England squads over the international break due to injury and Arteta refused to be drawn on their status in his press conference on Friday morning with a huge London derby around the corner
Asked if Saliba's toe injury is serious, he replied: “Hopefully not. He’s been carrying that for weeks now. We had to use that time to settle and we believed it was the best moment to do that.” Arteta said he would know more about the availability of his players for the 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday after Friday’s training session.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
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