The Gunners have won just two out of their last eight games in all competitions. Their 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend sees their Premier League title challenge left in the balance.
Arsenal news: Martin Odegaard makes Norway injury call as Mikel Merino issues perfect demand
Mikel Arteta’s side already find themselves nine points off the pace. But the international break has given Arsenal a great opportunity to reevaluate.
It will also allow a number of the Gunners’ injured stars to recover from their respective issues. Take a look at the latest news from the Emirates Stadium:
Martinelli makes Van Dijk claim
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli believes that Ibrahima Konate is a more difficult opponent than Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. when picking his two toughest defenders to play against one-v-one, Martinelli told Men in Blazers: "It has to be [Kyle] Walker (of Manchester City) and Konate from Liverpool. They are both tough to beat."
Funnily enough, those comments are very similar to a claim made by ex-Arsenal star William Gallas. He said: "Right now, I think the best defender in the Premier League this season is Ibrahima Konate.
"At this moment in time, on current form, it has to be Konate. He improved a lot from last season. He's very solid.”
Odegaard confirms Arsenal stance
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has claimed that the Gunners had nothing to do with his Norway withdrawal. He said: “We have had an open and nice discussion.
“I have been talking to Ståle ever since I was injured, and of course more intensively in recent weeks. This is not about what Arsenal has said, or what Ståle has said. It’s about what my situation is.
“Yes [it’s my choice], but in consultation with the medical team here [in Norway]. This is something we agree on, but ultimately it is me who has made the choice based on what I know the body needs.”
Martin Odegaard started against Chelsea at the weekend
Where will Arsenal finish in the Premier League this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
After signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad in the summer, Arsenal could potentially raid the Spanish side yet again. According to reports in Spain, the Gunners see Martin Zubimendi as an ideal option for their number 6 position.
Arsenal are not the only Premier League side to have been linked with Zubimendi. The Reds made a move for the Spaniard in the summer, only for the midfielder to turn down a move to Anfield.
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