A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Gabriel Martinelli impresses as Brazil lose to Colombia and the Gunners pull a U-turn over a 23-year-old’s Emirates Stadium future.
Arsenal forward Martinelli impresses as Brazil lose to Colombia
Brazil have lost back-to-back World Cup qualifiers for the first time ever after losing 2-1 away to Colombia. But one highlight to come from the Selecao’s defeat was the form of Martinelli. The Arsenal attacker scored his first senior international goal to break the deadlock early on.
Martinelli put Brazil 1-0 up through only four minutes at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez. Interim Selecao boss Fernando Diniz had afforded the 22-year-old just his second start across eight caps. But Martinelli proved why after combining brilliantly with Vinicius Jr.
Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas stood no chance of keeping Martinelli’s effort out as the Arsenal ace put Brazil ahead. Yet the Selecao’s struggles continued as Los Cafeteros replied to win 2-1. Some Brazil fans have even questioned how Gabriel Magalhaes played in the tie.
Read more about how Arsenal star Martinelli performed for Brazil vs Colombia, here.
Saliba reveals ‘the best thing’ about Arsenal teammate Rice
France defender William Saliba has revealed the best thing about Arsenal teammate Declan Rice. The midfielder has made a huge impression since moving to Emirates Stadium over the summer. Mikel Arteta paid a club-record fee but has made Rice a vital cog in Arsenal’s team.
Rice has started in all 12 of the Gunners’ Premier League games so far this season. The West Ham United academy graduate and former Irons captain has also started all four of Arsenal’s Champions League ties so far. His skills on the ball and leadership have often shone through.
But Saliba rates Rice’s courage as the best attribute the England international has brought to Emirates Stadium. The 22-year-old simply put, whilst talking to Premier League Productions: “The best thing about Declan Rice is his courage.”
Read more about what Saliba has had to say about Arsenal teammate Rice, here.
Arsenal pull a U-turn over Kiwior’s future amid transfer interest
Arsenal have pulled a U-turn over the immediate future of Jakub Kiwior amid AC Milan and a clutch of Serie A sides eying loan transfers. That is according to 90min, which reports that the Gunners will now consider letting the 23-year-old secure a short-term move in January.
Kiwior is eager to secure regular minutes over the second half of the season after a bit-part role under Arteta. He has played just 182 minutes over four Premier League appearances so far this season. The centre-half has further only started twice, including a game at left-back.
Recent reports from Calciomercato had suggested that Arsenal would refuse any transfer for Kiwior in January. AC Milan are exploring his loan transfer as they eye urgent reinforcements at San Siro. Now, the Gunners could ease their plight by letting Kiwior join until the summer.
Read more about Arsenal’s new stance on Kiwior’s transfer amid AC Milan’s interest, here.
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