Arteta is close to a new deal
Mikel Arteta is near a contract extension, according to the BBC (1). If it lands, he becomes one of the best paid coaches in the world (1). You are second in the league on nine points from three games, with four straight wins behind you. This is the reward for that run. Nothing is signed yet.
Zubimendi could push for a January exit
Martin Zubimendi may look to leave in January (2)(4). Chelsea and Real Madrid both want him (4). The reason is simple: he lost his starting place under Arteta (5). Anyone who watched the last few weeks saw that coming. If a big bid arrives in the winter window, Arsenal have a decision to make.
Real Madrid made Rice their winter priority
Real Madrid have made Declan Rice their top target for the winter window (3). His market value sits above €100m (3). This is not a rumour you can shrug off. Rice is the spine of your midfield, and Madrid rarely announce their intentions quietly.
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Napoli 0–1 Arsenal: the Italian press did not hold back
Your team went to Naples on Wednesday and won 0–1 in the Champions League opener. Read the Italian papers and you would think Napoli never had a chance. "Napoli preso a pallonate dall'Arsenal, a questi livelli vieni punito," wrote Schira (9). Even former coach Stefano Colantuono admitted the gap: "Il Napoli non ha sfigurato... c'è stata una grossa differenza nel possesso palla" (6). Tancredi Palmeri was blunter: "Il Napoli si è difeso bene. Stop" (7). Four games, four wins, one goal conceded in the last three. Sunderland away on Saturday.
Vinicius, the move that never happened
Vinicius Junior was linked with Arsenal this summer before he signed a new Real Madrid contract (8). Some Madrid fans were unhappy about that extension, given the Arsenal speculation (8). Vinicius has said he can play alongside Kylian Mbappe, and that Jose Mourinho helped convince him to stay (8).
A 21-year-old Madrid bound, Arsenal among the watchers
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed an agreed Real Madrid deal for a 21-year-old, closing the door on rival interest (10). Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all registered interest in recent months (10). Madrid move first and move quiet.
Fan reactions
The mood after Naples is pure confidence. One thread is just numbers: 20 clean sheets in 37 Champions League appearances, a stat fans are passing around like a trophy. Another sums up the run as "5/5. 4 cleansheets." The Martin Ødegaard goal against Napoli has its own celebration thread, full buildups and replays included. Join the discussion
