A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta receives updates on the injury status of Ben White and his interest in a transfer for star Wolves winger, Pedro Neto.
White now faces a late injury test before Arsenal visit Brentford
The last international break of 2023 is over and Arsenal will return to action at Brentford this Saturday. But White will require a late test on his knee injury before Arteta can decide on his involvement. The 26-year-old suffered the issue weeks ago and missed the win over Burnley.
Reports by football.london now note that White had played through the injury but reached a point where he could not feature for Arsenal against Burnley. The Gunners do not believe he suffered a major problem. Yet it might still keep him out of the trip to Brentford this weekend.
Arsenal had hoped White would recover from his injury after staying at London Colney over the international break. But question marks still linger over the right-back’s involvement on Saturday. It could see Takehiro Tomiyasu – who calls White ‘fantastic’ – continue at full-back.
Read more about the injury situation for White before Arsenal take on Brentford, here.
Tottenham’s Udogie rates Arsenal star Saka above Liverpool’s Salah
Destiny Udogie claims Bukayo Saka is among the Premier League’s best right-wingers after defending against the Arsenal star for Tottenham Hotspur. The forward put the Italy full-back to the test in the north London derby, which ended 2-2 at Emirates Stadium, this September.
Saka often gave Udogie the run-around during the first half with the 20-year-old forced into picking up an early yellow card. The Arsenal academy product regularly enjoyed cutting onto his favoured left foot as the left-back stood off, which also led to Cristian Romero’s own goal.
Now, Udogie has outlined what makes Saka so difficult to defend against. He has also noted why the 22-year-old proved a tougher test for the Tottenham star than when he had to stop Mohamed Salah. Udogie also played the Egyptian in September as Spurs beat Liverpool 2-1.
“Saka was one of the most difficult because I never played against him and it was a derby,” Udogie told The Athletic. “What makes him difficult is the way he takes his first touch, the way he attacks you and protects the ball.
“Salah is faster, more running into the space, and he is quick with the ball. So, it was quite hard but it was ok.”
Read more about what Tottenham’s Udogie has had to say about Arsenal’s Saka, here.
Arsenal overtake Man Utd in the race for Neto’s transfer from Wolves
Arsenal have overtaken Manchester United in the race to agree Neto’s transfer from Wolves in January. That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports that the 23-year-old may be on the move this winter. He is likely to return from a hamstring injury in time for a mid-season deal.
Fears had arisen that Neto would not move away from Molineux in January after sustaining the blow against Newcastle United. But Arsenal boss Arteta and his Manchester United rival Erik ten Hag are both huge fans of the attacker and want Neto, who Wolves value at £60m.
Gunners and Red Devils executives have also put early plans into motion to convince Neto to quit the Old Gold. But Manchester United will face an uphill fight as Arsenal are emerging as his more likely choice. Talks have also taken place with his agent, Jorge Mendes, over a deal.
Read more about Arsenal and Manchester United’s battle for Neto’s transfer, here.
Arsenal and Newcastle lead the pursuit of Phillips’ transfer from Man City
Kalvin Phillips is set to leave Manchester City in the January transfer window and will favour staying in the Premier League. That is according to TuttoJuve, which reports that Arsenal are rivalling Newcastle for the midfielder who may reject any move abroad, such as to Juventus.
The Bianconeri are keen to get Phillips to Turin with Pep Guardiola continuing to show a lack of belief in him. But a move to Serie A does not appeal to the 27-year-old as much as staying in England. Arsenal and Newcastle have also taken a lead in the race over West Ham United.
Read more about how Phillips now views a transfer away from Manchester City, here.
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