Saka out six to eight weeks
Bukayo Saka has a quadriceps injury and Arsenal are looking at six to eight weeks without him (1). The injury came in the 2–2 Champions League draw at Bayern Munich (1).
Mikel Arteta is not putting a firm number on it yet. "We need a few more scans and opinions from the specialists," he said (1).
Your best attacker, out for most of the autumn. That is the story of the morning.
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Dowman could get the minutes
Arteta has hinted Max Dowman could help fill the gap (5). A teenager getting real minutes in a title race is a big call, and Arteta sounds willing to make it.
Everton at the Emirates, Saturday 16:00
Everton come to the Emirates on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal's 226th meeting with them (2). You are second on 18 points from seven games, and a win keeps you close to Manchester City at the top (2) (4).
David Moyes brings Everton in for it (2). Then Liverpool away on November 1 and Slavia Prague away on November 4.
Arteta wants more from Rice
Arteta is demanding emotional control from Declan Rice, and he is not hiding it. "I really see a step there on emotional dominance and control of Declan," he said. "It's something that I demand him to do because I know the person, I know the charisma" (4).
With Saka out, that leadership matters more than usual.
Eze is staying and fighting
Eberechi Eze has no intention of leaving despite a difficult start to the season and questions over his form (3). Arteta's verdict: "The way he trains every day, the way he wants it and wants to do everything it takes to change my mind and give him more minutes, has been phenomenal" (3).
Good timing. Saka's absence opens a door.
Real Madrid ready €70m for Zubimendi
Real Madrid are prepared to offer €70m for Martín Zubimendi in January (6). He is a substitute at Arsenal right now (6).
Arteta's own line on him: "Zubi a été, sans aucun doute, l'un des meilleurs joueurs d'Arsenal la saison dernière" (6), which is French for Zubimendi being without doubt one of Arsenal's best players last season. Losing him mid-season would thin the midfield.
Nusa, Scott and a striker on the radar
Arsenal are in pole position for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, ahead of Newcastle United and Aston Villa (7). The fee could reach £60m (7).
AC Milan have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in tracking Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott (8). Napoli are chasing Monza striker Varela, with Arsenal watching (10).
Slegers ready for the North London Derby
Renée Slegers called the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur "special" as Arsenal Women prepared for it (9).
Fan reactions
The subreddit is split between the Saka news and Derby nostalgia. One thread marks 22 years since the 49-game unbeaten run ended at Old Trafford, with a few choice words about Manchester United in the comments. Others are chewing over Arteta's press conference and a clip of Eze scoring with a single touch.
