Arsenal are flying high at the top of the Premier League table with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool continuing to stumble but Mikel Arteta isn’t resting on his laurels
Arsenal are gearing up for the season’s first north London derby today as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
The Gunners went into the third international break of the season sitting pretty at the top of the table, a position they would maintain regardless of this weekend’s results. And Saturday’s action went perfectly for the Gunners as title rivals Manchester City lost 2-1 away at Newcastle United and champions Liverpool were thrashed 3-0 at home by Nottingham Forest.
After finishing runners-up in the Premier League three times in a row over the past three years, Arsenal are now firmly setting their sights on the title. The depth of Arsenal’s squad has been widely praised this season, as they have shone despite an injury crisis that could have derailed their campaign.
However, calls have been made for Gunners manager Mikel Arteta to strike while the iron is hot and agree more deals. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta urged to act
Arteta has been advised to sanction a loan move for Ethan Nwaneri, whose development is being stunted by a lack of playing time this season, reports the Mirror.
The youngster became the Premier League’s youngest ever player when he debuted in 2022 and has continued to impress when given the chance.
However, the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have pushed Nwaneri, who netted nine goals in 37 appearances last season, further down the pecking order.
It is understood that Arsenal would be willing to allow the 18-year-old to depart on a temporary basis. Gunners legend Lauren believes it would benefit Nwaneri – and possibly Arsenal’s other teenage sensation, Max Dowman – to leave the Emirates on loan.
He said: “First of all, youngsters have to play to able to develop and improve his qualities. We know about his qualities. A young player needs to play if he is to develop.
“At this moment of time, it’s very difficult for him to pop up into the team because there is a top player now.
“There are more good players in the last third so for him it’s more difficult, and it’s the same with Dowman. It’s not a bad idea to go on loan and then to play the games that you need to develop.
“Maybe he might come back. It’s not the end of the world. I believe it could be a good option for a youngster to move along and then come back later on.”
Gunners set for windfall
Arsenal are poised for a handsome profit as former right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy as he draws attention from several top Italian clubs.
The England U21 international departed the Gunners for Genoa in August 2024 in a transfer worth an initial £1.75million plus a further £1.75m in add-ons.
Norton-Cuffy, 21, has impressed in Serie A, featuring in every minute of Genoa’s league fixtures so far. His performances have reportedly caught the attention of Inter Milan and Juventus, who are now keeping tabs on the defender.
Should Norton-Cuffy decide to move, Arsenal would receive an undisclosed percentage of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause they negotiated with Genoa.
Reigning Italian champions Napoli are also reportedly interested, amidst rumours that Antonio Conte’s team have already had a verbal offer of around £8.8m rejected.
Norton-Cuffy had loan spells at Lincoln City, Rotherham United, Coventry City and Millwall before his move to Genoa. When he decided to leave the Gunners in 2024, there was also interest from several French and Bundesliga clubs.
#Arsenal #news #Gunners #bank #handsome #profit #transfer #urged #qualities
