A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as William Saliba issues an eight-word verdict on a Gunners teammate and Mikel Arteta shares an update on Bukayo Saka’s injury.
Arsenal eye Man Utd target Patrick Schulte to replace Aaron Ramsdale
North London chiefs are checking out Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte as Arsenal know Aaron Ramsdale is preparing to leave. That is according to the Daily Mail, which notes that the Gunners believe their shot-stopper will target a transfer at the end of the campaign.
Ramsdale does not want to accept a second season on the bench at Emirates Stadium after falling behind David Raya. The Spaniard has manager Arteta’s undisputed trust after coming in after the September internationals and starting all available Premier League fixtures since.
Arsenal are moving to prepare themselves for the potential of Ramsdale leaving by checking out Columbus Crew goalkeeper Schulte as a likely replacement. But the one-cap USA star also has interest from Manchester United after helping the Crew win the MLS Cup last year.
Read more about Arsenal’s interest in Schulte as a replacement for Ramsdale, here.
William Saliba issues an eight-word verdict on Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal defender Saliba has issued an eight-word verdict on his centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes whilst discussing the best enforcers in the Premier League. The pair have played in 27 of Arsenal’s 29 top-flight fixtures so far this season, and 54 since the start of last term.
Saliba has only played in more of Arsenal’s Premier League matches with Saka or Ben White also on the pitch so far with 55 each. While his association with Gabriel has also helped the Gunners to enjoy 11 clean sheets this season after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City.
Seeing what Gabriel offers Arsenal each week has convinced Saliba without any doubt that the 26-year-old is the best centre-back in the Premier League. The Brazilian emphasised his French teammate’s praise at Etihad Stadium with his physical battle against Erling Haaland.
“It’s because it’s true,” Saliba told Sky Sports, before adding on if he truly felt Gabriel is the best centre-back in the Premier League right now: “Of course, of course.”
Read more about what Saliba has had to say about Arsenal star Gabriel, here.
Mikel Arteta offers an injury update on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Arsenal manager Arteta has offered an update about the injury Saka suffered at Manchester City ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Luton Town. The 22-year-old gingerly limped off at Etihad Stadium on Sunday in the 78th minute after also missing the international break.
Saka withdrew from the England squad without doing a single group training session under Gareth Southgate earlier this month. The winger developed a muscle issue and was unable to play for the Three Lions in either of their friendlies against Brazil or Belgium at Wembley.
Arteta welcomed Saka straight back into the Arsenal line-up against Manchester City only to see him leave the pitch through injury. But the Spaniard is confident the Hale End hero will be in contention to face Luton when Arsenal host the Hatters at Emirates Stadium this week.
“Yeah, he’s fine,” Arteta said during his pre-game press conference on Tuesday. “Obviously, we haven’t trained. We’ve recovered and have a short live session today to prepare for the game and we’ll see whether he’s in the best condition to start or not.”
Read more about what Arteta has had to say about Saka’s injury situation, here.