Arsenal transfer news LIVE – Leandro Trossard bid, Al Ittihad offer, Nico Williams message

In England, the transfer window slammed shut on Friday night, but it remains open in other countries across the world – and this could be a problem for Mikel Arteta, who could still see players leave the club with Leandro Trossard reportedly a target for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

The Gunners began the summer by tying David Raya down to a long-term contract before signing Riccardo Calafiori. After a long-winded saga, Edu finally got his hands on Mikel Merino.

Then, on deadline day, Arsenal raised eyebrows when they signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea. Now, the north Londoners are under pressure to fend off interest from clubs in Turkey and Saudi, who are still free to make signings.

Shearer reflects on Sterling switch

Speaking on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast, Alan Shearer was delighted to see Raheem Sterling join Arsenal. The former Newcastle United striker said: “Yeah I think it’s a really good move for him.

“I think it was important that he got out and played. It would have been horrible for him to sit there and rot in the stiffs, not even maybe, not even see first-team football, never mind train or whatever with them.

“So I think it was really important for him to get out with his experience and know-how, he could be valuable to Arsenal.”

Trossard lifts the lid

Leandro Trossard has revealed what surprised him the most since joining Arsenal. Speaking to Aol last year, the Belgian said: “I maybe didn’t expect to make that many minutes, but injuries helped me a bit.

“I am however more than convinced of my own capabilities. I arrived in a great group, filled with great players -that also makes it easier for new players to adapt and reach their levels.

“It was a very busy and weird period for me, but I’m very happy that I have been able to join Arsenal. I think it’s been a great step for me.”

Arteta issues Sterling update

Speaking to reporters after Arsenal’s draw with Brighton on Saturday, Mikel Arteta was asked if Raheem Stering could make his debut in the north London derby. The Gunners boss said: “We have to see him.

“Speak to him (about) what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it and try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quickly as possible and for him to understand what we are looking for from him in the dynamics of the team. We will use that time to do that and get him involved as soon as possible.”

Trossard’s bust-up at Brighton explained

According to the Mirror, in the weeks leading up to his Arsenal move, there were disagreements between Leandro Trossard and the Brighton hierarchy. Roberto De Zerbi told the media that the winger wouldn’t feature against Liverpool due to a poor attitude in training.

Then, speaking to Sky Sports, Adam Lallana insisted that the Seagulls will be just fine following Trossard’s exit. The former Brighton midfielder said: “You only need to look at the last three games without him, I think it’s been 5-1, 4-1 and 3-0.

“So as I said to you earlier, players can leave Brighton but we’ve got enough without them. We had enough without [Yves] Bissouma, [Marc] Cucurella, Ben White, Dan Burn, when Neal [Maupay] moved on. So if Leo moves on we’ll cope. We’re coping already.”

Williams on Arsenal switch

Nico Williams has provided an update on his future at Atheltic Bilbao. The 22-year-old winger was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and Barcelona in the summer, but a deal failed to materialise.

Speaking after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, he told DAZN: “There were approaches from many clubs. I did well at the Euros and that’s a great showcase.

“I had many clubs to choose from but my heart is with Athletic Club. I’m happy here and I’m very happy here. God knows what will happen in the future.”