13 August 2023 , 03:00
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Arsenal got their Premier League campaign off to a winning start as they scraped past Nottingham Forest 2-1.
Eddie Nketiah gave the Gunners the lead with a sharp finish, before Bukayo Saka scored from the edge of the area to put Mikel Arteta's side in firm control. Although Forest rallied and pulled one back through Taiwo Awoniyi, Arsenal held on to secure three points.
Despite sealing an opening day win, Arsenal are still set to be busy in the transfer market before their trip to Crystal Palace next weekend. David Raya is expected to become their fourth summer recruit in a loan move from Brentford after Matt Turner departed to join Forest last week.
Here are the latest transfer rumours from the Emirates Stadium.
Tierney absence explained
Kieran Tierney was not included in Arsenal's squad to face Forest due to tactical reasons - as the Scotland international continues to be linked with a move away from north London.
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According to Football Scotland, the left-back was fit to take on Forest should Arteta have wanted to include him, but, instead, he was omitted from the matchday squad entirely.
Tierney has been subject to significant transfer interest so far this summer from Celtic among others, while Newcastle, Real Sociedad and Aston Villa have been credited with an interest.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was asked about Tierney earlier this week. He said: "I don't speak on what ifs. There's speculation around many players, naturally there's an association with Kieran and his past here and our past together but there's nothing to add to it. I want to add to the squad and if we can strengthen that I would be happy with that."
Kieran Tierney was left out of Arsenal's squad to take on Nottingham Forest (Getty Images)Arsenal's Kudus boost
Brighton's 48-hour deadline for rumoured Arsenal target Mohammed Kudus to make a decision on joining them has now expired, according to Voetbal International.
The Seagulls reached a £40million agreement in principle with Kudus' current club, Ajax, but it appears that the Ghanian attacker would prefer a move elsehwere.
That opens the door for Arteta and co, although they may be forced to pay a higher fee than the one which Ajax previously accepted. Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for 23-year-old Kudus, who can play in a variety of roles and offers Arteta the unpredictability which the Gunners boss has been craving.
Akpom set for Lens move
Former Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom is set to join Lens from Middlesbrough, according to L'Equipe (via Get French Football News).
The striker is expected to move for an initial €11m as a replacement for Lois Openda, who joined RB Leipzig earlier in the summer.
Akpom, 27, was the top scorer in the Championship last season. He was left out of Middlesbrough's trip to Coventry on Saturday.
Michael Carrick said: "You've got to understand this time of the year and the window. Things are thrown at you, situations are thrown at you, and we’re just trying to make the best of whatever it is.
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"Some of it is within our control, but some of it is out of our control. That’s the transfer window for you."