16 December 2023 , 04:00
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Arsenal are aiming to get back to winning ways against Brighton on Sunday - but there's more on Mikel Arteta's plate than one match.
With a mouthwatering game away to Liverpool coming up next weekend and the January transfer window looming, the Gunners boss and his players need to be firing on all cylinders and respond to Saturday's damaging 1-0 loss away to Aston Villa. Arteta and Arsenal's recruitment team, led by technical director Edu, have also shortlisted a number of transfer targets, but the real hard work will soon begin as the Gunners hope to bolster their campaigns both domestically and in Europe.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
Toney transfer blow
Brentford will be without star Bryan Mbeumo for up to three months, making it even more crucial for the Bees to keep hold of Ivan Toney. Arsenal target Toney - who's also been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United - is due to return from suspension in January and it'll be an even bigger boost for Brentford after it emerged that Cameroon international Mbeumo will miss the next 12 weeks.
Arsenal are believed to have earmarked Toney, 27, as their No.1 winter target and it was already going to take serious effort to prise the former Newcastle striker away from Brentford. "(Mbeumo) will not participate in the Africa Cup of Nations," Bees manager Thomas Frank revealed on Friday. "Bryan is a positive guy. It's tough to take, but he will come back stronger. He has a very good mindset."
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Ivan Toney will return from suspension in January (JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)Get involved! Who should Arsenal sign as an alternative to Ivan Toney? Give us your pick in the comments section.
Arteta issues positive Martinelli update
Gabriel Martinelli is set to be available for Arsenal's crucial clash with Brighton on Sunday. Having missed Tuesday's dead-rubber Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven, the Brazilian forward will be in contention as the Gunners aim to get back to winning ways - although it's not as positive for Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who was subbed off in midweek.
"Martinelli is feeling good," Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference. He'll be in contention. Mo had to be subbed. He felt something in his hamstring. It doesn’t look too serious so he’ll be with us soon we hope."
Gabriel Martinelli is expected to feature against Brighton (Visionhaus/Getty Images)Chelsea monitoring Ramsdale amid fresh injury blow
Premier League rivals Chelsea could make a move for Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale in the January transfer window, with the Blues reportedly monitoring the goalkeeper's situation. 25-year-old Ramsdale has found minutes hard to come by since the hotly-debated arrival of new No.1 David Raya in August.
ESPN claim that Chelsea are assessing the Arsenal backup and it's now been confirmed that Blues shot-stopper Robert Sanchez will miss the entire festive period. Chelsea loaned out previous first-choice Kepa Arrizabalaga to Real Madrid but replacement Sanchez is set for a spell on the sidelines, with understudy Djordje Petrovic set to deputise.