Mikel Arteta faces blunt Saudi reality as Arsenal transfer exit criticised
Arsenal suffered their first blip of the season on Saturday afternoon, as Fulham held them to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta's side made a nightmare start to the game when Andreas Pereira found the net inside the first 60 seconds. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah turned the clash on its head, but Joao Palhinha's late equaliser ensured the points were shared.
Although Arsenal have spent more than £200million this summer, that draw will leave fans wondering whether another player should be signed before the window closes on Friday. They are already two points behind Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
But who are the Gunners interested in? Here are the latest rumours from the Emirates...
Gabriel to Saudi?
Arteta has previously quashed the idea of Gabriel Magalhaes leaving the Emirates this summer, but it's too early to rule out a move just yet. As reported by CBS Sports, several clubs in Saudi Arabia are interested in signing the 25-year-old Brazilian.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Gabriel has not started in the Premier League this season, with Ben White, William Saliba, Thomas Partey, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu all selected ahead of him in defence. That has left huge question marks over his future.
Gabriel Magalhaes has struggled for minutes this season (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Who do you think Arsenal should sign? Let us know in the comments below!
Although the Premier League's transfer window closes on Friday, Saudi clubs have until September 20 to complete their business. There's a belief that if Gabriel doesn't win his place back in Arsenal's starting XI by then, he could seek a move.
"Gabi is a really important player for us and there is nothing going on with that at the moment," Arteta said ahead of the draw with Fulham.
Balogun security
Arsenal are expected to include a significant sell-on clause in Folarin Balogun's move to Monaco. The United States international, 22, is one the verge of completing a £34m move to the French side after scoring 21 Ligue 1 goals on loan at Reims last season.
Balogun is leaving the Emirates after failing to get ahead of Gabriel Jesus, Nketiah, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz in the pecking order. Some Arsenal fans are disappointed to lose the promising striker, but his sell-on clause will offer some comfort.
Tierney move questioned
Chris Sutton is staggered by Arsenal's decision to axe Kieran Tierney. The Scotland international, 26, has failed to make an appearance in the Premier League this season and will join Spanish side Real Sociedad on a season-long loan shortly.
"Kiwior at left-back, strange to be at left-back," former Celtic striker Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live while discussing Arsenal's draw with Fulham. "Kieran Tierney going to Sociedad on loan, what has he done wrong?"
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