Real Madrid answer Arsenal transfer question as Edu replacement begins new contract talks

Mikel Arteta will be eager to return to winning ways when Arsenal face Nottingham Forest. The Gunners will lock horns with Nuno Espirito Santo's side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they both look to climb the Premier League table.

The Gunners have fallen to fourth place in the English top flight after winning just five points from their last five games, with their only victory coming against Southampton at the start of last month. Arsenal are nine points behind Liverpool in the title race, with Tottenham Hotspur a stones throw away in 10th.

The North Londoners have struggled to impress lately, but Arteta will be welcoming back some big names from the treatment room this weekend. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.

READ MORE: Arsenal guaranteed to be without three stars vs Nottingham Forest as Bukayo Saka call confirmed

READ MORE: Arsenal can finally replace Gabriel Martinelli with Edu Gaspar parting transfer gift

Real Madrid respond to Arsenal enquiry

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid have no intention of offloading Arda Guler in the January transfer window. The 19-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal recently as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options this winter.

The report states that Los Blancos remain committed to keeping Guler, who's under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until June 2029. During the international break, TBR Football reported that Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United were interested in signing the teenager.

football.london says: "Arda Guler would have been an exciting signing for Arsenal, but he wouldn't play much more than he already does at Real Madrid – not even Ethan Nwaneri can get regular game time under Mikel Arteta! That said, he should seek a loan move in January.

Arteta issues Saka update

Speaking to reporters at London Colney on Friday, Mikel Arteta provided an injury update on Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. The duo, who both raced back from the treatment room to play Chelsea before the international break, pulled out of the England squad to recharge their batteries.

"Bukayo and Declan as well, they had the first partial session today – so, very good as well," said the Arsenal boss. "I prefer when players are in a routine and rhythm to play. They couldn't do it because they were injured so we tried to facilitate everything that we could to be in the best condition for tomorrow."

football.london says: "Nottingham Forest are no walkovers and Arsenal will need to be at their very best to win all three points this weekend. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be crucial for the Gunners, so their returns will be huge boosts. No Ben White is quite the setback, though."

Arsenal begin contract talks

Arsenal are in talks over a new contract for Leandro Trossard, football.london understands. The 29-year-old forward has been at the Emirates Stadium for nearly two years, and the Gunners are keen on extending his stay.

Trossard, who current deal runs until June 2027, is believed to receive a pay rise reflective of his importance to Mikel Arteta's plans. football.london also understands that the new contract on offer will not be extensively lengthened.

The Belgium international was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League late into the summer transfer window. While a switch failed to materialise, Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling from Chelsea on loan just in case.

football.london says: "This comes as quite a surprise because I'd much rather see Arsenal go out and sign a world-class left-winger (either in January or in the summer). Gabriel Martinelli has struggled to impress lately and Leandro Trossard isn't exactly title-winning material. That said, Edu's replacement has wasted no time at all getting down to business!"