Arsenal are preparing for the game against Fulham and have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently one point behind second-placed Liverpool and have amassed an impressive 16 points from seven games at the start of this top-flight campaign.
But they face a difficult task when they head to Craven Cottage on Saturday night. Title rivals Liverpool are scheduled to face Manchester United on Sunday and Arsenal have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table if they can secure a win against Marco Silva’s side. Despite conceding just three goals all season and boasting the best defense in the league, manager Mikel Arteta could be considering signing the £52m German star to strengthen his defensive options, according to reports. Express Sport brings you all the latest Emirates news, including reinforcements during the international break and Premier League title predictions.
Arsenal interested in Nathaniel Brown
The Gunners are reportedly considering signing a young left-back despite boasting one of the best defenses in the top flight. Currently, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafioli are the main players in that position, with Julian Timber and Piero Hincapie also able to fill that position.
However, according to German publication BILD, Arsenal are interested in 22-year-old Nathaniel Braun. Brown, who is currently joining Eintracht Frankfurt in a trade, has been attracting attention this season. Born to an American father and a German mother, he was called up to Germany’s first team for the first time this month and made his debut against Luxembourg last week.
His impressive performances in Frankfurt have attracted the attention of both Real Madrid and Manchester City, with the transfer fee reportedly expected to be in excess of £52 million.
Mikel Arteta undergoes fitness boost
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhães were given international duty with Brazil last week. Despite playing 90 minutes in last Friday’s 5-0 win over South Korea, Gabriel was rested during Brazil’s 3-2 loss to Japan on Tuesday, much to Arteta’s relief.
With a crucial game against Fulham looming, Arteta will be grateful to manager Carlo Ancelotti for his decision to leave the 27-year-old out. Martinelli, on the other hand, played a key role in the defeat.
The Gunners have been plagued by injuries recently, with captain Martin Odegaard being the latest to suffer an injury. His return is expected in mid-November, making the fitness of key players like Gabriel even more important.
Patrick Vieira makes title decision
Patrick Vieira won three Premier League titles with Arsenal. The club legend believes his former club have what it takes to win the title this year.
In an interview with Sky Sports, he confessed: “I don’t know if this is a good year because the Premier League is really competitive.”
“But I think Arteta made a really strong case by bringing these players in in the summer. On the field, they’ve played a really good game so far.”
“I believe that Arsenal are some of the few teams that can win the Premier League. I think we have to expect Arsenal to be competitive and fight until the end, because the players they have been able to bring in will take the quality of the team to another level.”
