Arsenal identify new striker transfer target as Real Madrid accelerate double swoop
Mikel Arteta will be looking to return to winning ways when Arsenal lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur today. Ange Postecoglou's side will host the Gunners this afternoon in what is expected to be a feisty North London Derby.
Unfortunately for Arteta, he'll be without some big names; Mikel Merino due to injury, Declan Rice due to suspension and possibly Martin Odegaard, who suffered a knock to his ankle during the international break. Meanwhile, the Lilywhites are expected to welcome back some key players.
This weekend will prove to be a brilliant opportunity for either side to write themselves into the history books. So, with that being said, football.london have rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.
Real Madrid scout North London Derby duo
According to Spanish publication Defensa Central, Real Madrid have sent their chief scout, Juni Calafat, to North London this weekend to take a closer look at William Saliba and Cristian Romero. The report states that the Spanish giants believe the duo have 'enormous potential' and that they would be perfect for the club's project.
The Saliba and Romero, who are valued at a combined €145m (£122.5m) by Transfermarkt, both see their respective contracts expire in June 2027, which could prove to be a stumbling block in Los Blancos' pursuit. Nevertheless, Calafat will reportedly be in attendance at N17 for the marquee fixture.
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football.london says: "If I were Real Madrid, I'd go for William Saliba. The Frenchman has all the qualities to become the best centre-half in the world – he just needs to start winning some trophies to cement his legacy as such. Cristian Romero would be an excellent signing too, though Los Blancos already have Antonio Rudiger. You can't have too many hot heads at the back!"
Arsenal eye new striker in January
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are interested in signing a new striker in the January transfer window and they've identified Brian Brobbey as a target. The 22-year-old was briefly linked with a move Manchester United in the summer before Erik ten Hag got his hands on Joshua Zirkzee.
The report states that the Gunners will prioritise signing Jonathan David from Lille, though. CaughtOffside claim that Arsenal have already been in touch with the Canada international's entourage ahead of a potential switch, with his contract in France set to expire in June 2025.
football.london says: "Arsenal certainly need a new striker, but I'm not convinced that either Brian Brobbey or Jonathan David are the answer to Mikel Arteta's problems. They feel like corner-cutting targets. Just break the bank for Viktor Gyokeres!"
Odegaard injury update
Speaking to reporters on Friday ahead of the North London Derby, Mikel Arteta provided an injury update on Martin Odegaard. The Arsenal boss said: "We need some more tests so let’s see what happens in the next day or so, this afternoon probably, and see what happens, what the extent of the injury is and how quickly we can get him back.
"He’s super positive about everything. We know Martin - he wants to be there every single day but we have to wait and see. He wants to be present every game and obviously in a big game like this one, but we need to make sure that we know first of all how good he can be or not."
football.london says: "Arsenal shouldn't risk Martin Odegaard for the sake of it. If the test results come back clear, then fair enough, but there's no need to take risks with his fitness."