18 November 2023 , 04:00
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be anxiously waiting for his Gunners stars to return from international duty unscathed as his side aim to mount a title charge.
The north Londoners came into the second break of the season a point off top spot, with reigning champions Manchester City leading the charge. Arsenal currently sit third, level on points with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool having scored just one goal less than the Reds.
As usual, the Gunners have a number of their current crop away representing their countries, including the 'injured' Gabriel Jesus, who has been called up to the Brazil squad regardless of what Arsenal feel about his level of fitness. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale were all selected for the latest Three Lions squad.
With that in mind, here are some of the main headlines emerging out of the Emirates on Saturday, November 18.
Supercomputer identifies potential January transfers
Mikel Arteta is expected to make more signings in January (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY!Who should Arsenal sign in January? Comment below
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Though Arsenal forked out more than £200million in the summer on the likes of Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, as well as a loan for David Raya, they are expected to make further additions at the turn of the calendar year.
That is largely down to the injury headaches Arteta has had to deal with so far this term. Ex-Ajax man Timber sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the opening day of the season back in August and is not expected to be seen again until late January at the earliest.
The talent of Brazil ace Jesus is undeniable, but since joining the Gunners at the start of last season, the former Manchester City man has spent far too much time on the treatment table for Arsenal fans' liking. It is a similar situation for Thomas Partey, who may have also played his last game of 2023 due to a muscle injury.
In turn, Arteta feels he may need to prowl the market for new additions once more and the xGOLD supercomputer that comes from the algorithms from Total Football Analysis has eyed up who the Gunners should pursue and at what price.
Find out who Arsenal have been encouraged to sign
FA reach decision on punishment for Arsenal statement
Mikel Arteta branded the VAR system as "embarrassing" and a "disgrace" after defeat at Newcastle (Getty Images)Arsenal will NOT face any punishment after releasing a statement which stood by Arteta's rant in the aftermath of their loss at Newcastle earlier this month.
The Gunners boss issued a brutal asessment regarding the decision to allow Anthony Gordon's winner to stand despite VAR checks on three separate incidents in the build-up to the goal. Shortly after, the club released a statement backing the manager.
Arsenal called for the PGMOL to "urgently address the standard of officiating" while also claiming they had suffered "yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors". Despite this, the Evening Standard have claimed that they will not be reprimanded by the FA for doing so.
Find the full story
Havertz slammed as replacement identified
Kai Havertz has scored just one goal for Arsenal (Getty Images)Ex-Arsenal man Jermaine Pennant has already written off Kai Havertz at the Emirates and encouraged Arteta to sign Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz instead.
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
''I need to talk about Kai Havertz before I answer that," Pennant told King Casino Bonus. "That signing hasn't worked. I thought I'd give him some time to settle in, but that period is over now.
"I think he's been a poor signing. I don't understand what he brings to the team as he's not scoring or assisting. It's bizarre as Arteta seems to believe in him.
"I think Arsenal should have gone for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. His footballing IQ is off the charts! He's not a speed-merchant, but he's clever on the ball and he seems to always pick the right pass."
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