Lille at home on Tuesday
Arsenal host Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday, 13 October, 21:00 CEST (3). You come into it off a 2–1 home win over Leeds United on Saturday and a 1–0 win at Napoli in the opening round (3).
That away result is the one to build on. A win at the Emirates would put you in a strong spot in the qualification race (3).
Real Madrid eye Merino
Real Madrid are considering a move for Mikel Merino (4). The timing is awkward for them: Merino has just reminded everyone what he does for Spain, scoring in a 2–1 win over Croatia (4).
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Arsenal's midfield depth is the question here, with Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly all in the mix (4).
Rice, Timber and Ødegaard contract talks
Arsenal are working on new deals for Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard (6). Three first-team regulars, all in extension talks. That is the calmest news of the week and probably the most important.
Kofane stalls at Leverkusen
Christian Kofane has halted contract talks at Bayer Leverkusen, and Arsenal are monitoring the striker (1). His agent Eric Depolo did not hold back: "Mogę zagwarantować, że najlepszą opcją dla wszystkich jest rozważenie definitywnego transferu do Premier League tej zimy lub przyszłego lata" (1). Manchester United are in the same race (1).
Smith: Gyokeres would go if a striker arrives
Alan Smith thinks Arsenal would sell Viktor Gyokeres in January if they sign a new centre forward. "If they did get another top striker, I think he would be sold, and he'd probably want to go, because he'd then be dropped one more place down the pecking order" (5).
Gyokeres is behind Kai Havertz right now (5). Julian Alvarez and Kofane are the names in the frame (5).
Mora race, and Lulli for free
Arsenal are accelerating contacts for Gilberto Mora, with Real Madrid also wanting him (2).
Separately, you are tracking Roma right-back Emanuele Lulli, 19, whose contract runs out after 2026-27. Chelsea and Manchester United are watching him for a free transfer next summer (7).
Fan reactions
Arsenal fans are marking 30 years since Arsène Wenger's first game in charge, a 0–2 win at Blackburn Rovers, with Ian Wright scoring twice. The current obsession is Declan Rice's passing. One thread crunches his 0.54 assists per 90 and asks whether that is a 21-assist season and a new Premier League record, and the replies are less argument than admiration. The Rice thread
