Mikel Arteta move hands Arsenal unexpected boost as Victor Gyokeres transfer priority emerges
Arsenal brought in three new faces during the summer transfer window, yet two of them might be unavailable for Sunday’s North London Derby. Mikel Merino is out injured with a shoulder problem while fellow new recruit Riccardo Calafiori hobbled off for Italy against France on Friday.
To make matters worse, Declan Rice is suspended for the clash with Tottenham while Martin Odegaard was spotted on crutches after going off injured in Norway’s win over Austria. Questions are now being highlighted about the club’s depth in midfield.
Fabio Vieira was loaned back to former club Porto this summer, meaning Kai Havertz might be asked to drop back from his false nine role to play in front of remaining central options Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
The match could meanwhile see the debut of another Arsenal summer signing, with Raheem Sterling possibly getting first host minutes for the Gunners. Former teammate Sergio Aguero approves of his loan switch across London.
Aguero hails Sterling switch
Aguero believes Sterling will be a success for former Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, having made a deadline day loan move from Chelsea. The deal does not include an option to buy the winger.
“I think it’s a great signing for Arsenal,” Aguero told Stake.com. “Arteta and Raheem know each other very well from their time at City.
“Mikel will surely be able to find a way to let Sterling show his best game. Besides, the team is very well-consolidated, and they’ve been a tough contender over the last few seasons.
“The team has a deep bench and Raheem comes as a solid reinforcement. They’ll come out as a stronger rival for sure.”
Gyokeres ‘wants Real Madrid’
Arsenal were linked with Sporting Lisbon striker Victor Gyokeres this summer, but the Swede remained in Portugal despite similar reported interest from elsewhere. The forward has already scored seven goals in five outings this season, having tallied 43 strikes in 50 outings last term.
As per Correio da Manha, reports in Spain claim the striker’s preferred destination would be Real Madrid. Such a move seems unlikely given the club’s wage splurge on the links of Kylian Mbappe, Endrick and Jude Bellingham in recent years amid constant links with Erling Haaland.
