Arsenal’s players, or at least those who aren’t representing their nations, will now be afforded a welcome rest over the course of the international break.
However, whilst the Premier League is in recess, Mikel Arteta will be as busy as ever.
The Gunners have not made the start to the campaign that the Spanish coach will have hoped for.
Martin Keown has insisted that Arsenal are still in the Premier League title race, but their ambitions in this regard are hanging by a thread after a period of poor form.
There are plenty of issues for Arteta to address before his Arsenal side return to Premier League action.
Integrate Raheem Sterling at Arsenal
Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day. The winger has only been a bit part player since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, though.
Sterling promised that Arsenal fans would see the best of him. However, Arteta clearly lacks faith in the winger, who did not make it off the bench even as the Gunners needed a goal in recent clashes with Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Liverpool.
The 29-year-old is a player of proven quality, though, with the capacity to make an impact in North London. Arteta must work further with Sterling on the training ground, to help the player to acclimatise and familiarise himself with the tactical demands being made of him, so that he might play a greater role for the club going forward.
Work on fitness of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice
After several twists and turns, it was ultimately decided that Martin Odegaard won’t join the Norway squad in the international break.
The Arsenal captain only made his first start following a lengthy injury layoff against Chelsea on Sunday, and needs more time to recover his full fitness.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have pulled out of the England squad, having both sustained knocks recently.
The Arsenal medical staff will work closely with the trio over the course of the international break to get them back in action as soon as possible.
Mikel Arteta must identify striker transfer target
Arsenal need a striker, and have been in the market for one for some time. This acquisition can be put off no longer though.
The Gunners need to go to the next level in the upcoming January transfer window if they are to be crowned Premier League champions this season. The signing of a proven goalscorer is what will elevate Arteta’s squad in the manner required.
Whilst Edu Gaspar’s recent resignation as Arsenal sporting director will have impacted the club’s transfer strategy, the Gunners’ title hopes hinge on them being able to bring in the prolific forward that they are currently sorely lacking.
Arsenal need Edu Gaspar replacement
Arteta has already discussed the plan for replacing Edu, and that process will surely gather pace during the international break.
The manager needs to be able to work well with whoever is brought in to replace the Brazilian, so will surely have some say in who gets the job.
Make decision on Arsenal’s unwanted defensive trio
As well as needing a striker in the winter window, there could be outgoings to sort out too. Three Arsenal defenders are on the chopping block.
Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior, and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium to varying extents.
Arteta will likely move at least one of them on in January, and would be wise to use this international break to seriously consider which of these players could still meaningfully contribute to the Arsenal cause this season.
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