Alexander Isak confirms Newcastle transfer stance as Mikel Arteta sent clear Arsenal message

Mikel Arteta has another week, or so, on the training pitches at London Colney before Arsenal get back to action. The Gunners will face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium after the international break as both sides hope to climb the Premier League table.

Arsenal head into that top-flight clash off the back of the draw to Chelsea - not to mention defeats to Inter Milan and Newcastle United. The north London side are nine points behind Liverpool in the title race, and Arteta's under pressure to transform his men's fortunes.

Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he could be with some big names as his list grows day by day. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.

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Isak clarifies Newcastle future

Alexander Isak has insisted that he's 'fully focused' at Newcastle. The 25-year-old striker has been linked with a move to Arsenal for a while now as he continues to impress in the Premier League.

Speaking to Swedish publication Fotbal Skanalen, as quoted by 90min, Isak said: "Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season.

"There have been many such years where it has been talked about.

"It doesn't affect me. I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there. I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else."

football.london says: "While Alexander Isak would be a great signing for any of the big clubs in Europe, he'll have to force an exit from Newcastle United to land that move. He has a contract that keeps him at St. James' Park until at least June 2027! So, the Magpies will almost certainly demand an eye-watering fee for his signature."

Premier League clubs queue up for Ajax star

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are one of four clubs monitoring the development of Kenneth Taylor. The 22-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a promising start to the campaign for Ajax in the Eredivisie, scoring two goals and providing two assists in 11 games.

The report states that the Gunners will face tough competition for Taylor's signature from Napoli, Aston Villa and Newcastle. It's said that Arsenal view the Netherlands international as a 'cheaper' alternative to Martin Zubimendi, who rejected a move to Liverpool this summer.

football.london says: "I'm sure Kenneth Taylor would be a decent alternative to Martin Zubimendi, but I'd much rather see Arsenal break the bank for the Real Sociedad maestro. He could be the difference between whether or not the Gunners can reignite their title hopes moving forward."

Raya issues brutally honest verdict

David Raya has insisted that Arsenal should have no excuses after their disappointing start to the season. The Gunners headed into the international break nine points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

Speaking with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the goalkeeper said: "We have shown last year and this season, although we have not started as we would have liked, especially the last two games due to the circumstances of the matches, with very difficult away games with one man less.

"We must not make excuses and we must move forward. We deserved more against Chelsea and Newcastle, but we will continue in the same vein, correcting the errors and looking forward, with a very good group, that we can do anything. We will be in the fight to lift the Premier League."

football.london says: "David Raya is absolutely right. Arsenal only have themselves for a poor start to the season. That said, I think the Gunners have what it takes to turn it around. Man City are without Rodri. Liverpool are yet to encounter their first proper hiccup under Arne Slot. A string of wins and suddenly Mikel Arteta's side will be full of confidence, once again."