Arsenal Round-Up, Tuesday 3rd November: Saliba Back in Training as Arteta Faces Slavia Prague Selection Headache
The big story of the day is William Saliba's return to full training ahead of Wednesday's Champions League trip to face Slavia Prague in Czechia. The Frenchman, who hasn't played a minute of the season so far, took part in the final session before the squad travelled, giving Mikel Arteta a timely boost (Evening Standard) (Football.London) (Sky Sports) (BBC Sport) (Football.London) (Football.London). The Guardian reports Arteta is confident Saliba is ready to make his first appearance of the campaign, with the defender having travelled with the squad after his long absence (The Guardian). Arteta addressed the media in Prague and gave his thoughts on the Saliba plan as well as on Max Dowman ahead of the tie (Football.London) (Football.London). BBC Sport and Football.London both note that Saliba's comeback now presents Arteta with a genuine selection dilemma at the back (BBC Sport) (Football.London).
On the Dowman front, Football.London reports the young forward could break an Arsenal record in Wednesday's game in Czechia, though an injury cost him the chance at an even bigger one (Football.London). Early team-selection previews suggest Dowman and Martin Odegaard could start, with seven changes mooted and a decision still to be made over Viktor Gyokeres (Football.London). There's also an U19s preview ahead of their own Slavia Prague fixture (Arsenal.com), while Arsenal.com have shared behind-the-scenes training snaps from the squad's preparations in Prague (Arsenal.com). Elsewhere, Football.London report that Slavia Prague's clash with Arsenal will be affected by a UEFA rule change in the Champions League (Football.London).
Looking back at the weekend, Arsenal's win over Liverpool at Anfield continues to generate headlines. Football.London say the Gunners head into the Prague trip full of confidence following that result, with manager Andoni Iraola also having his say and a "secret conversation" with Arteta emerging (Football.London). The same outlet's Seeing Red podcast team discussed the Premier League title race, suggesting Arsenal have sent a clear message to their rivals (Football.London). Arsenal.com have also posted a Bench Cam video capturing the best of Arteta's reactions from the Anfield victory (Arsenal.com). BBC Sport, meanwhile, have looked at how Arteta continues to get the best out of Declan Rice this season (BBC Sport).
On the transfer front, there's plenty of gossip doing the rounds. BBC Sport and Sky Sports both report Arsenal are keeping an eye on Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi as they look to boost their striking options for January, with Juventus's Yildiz also mentioned on their radar (BBC Sport) (Sky Sports). The Evening Standard's transfer live blog claims Arsenal are plotting a double deal as the window approaches (Evening Standard). TeamTalk report that a frozen-out £60m Arsenal player, a Spain international, is reportedly ready to consider leaving after a difficult spell in north London, with several of Europe's biggest clubs said to have been informed (TeamTalk). In other spculation, TeamTalk also report interest in a forward dubbed a "92 G/A winger" amid talk of a £67m January move (TeamTalk), while Football.London claim a decision has been made that could eventually spell the end for Gyokeres at the club (Football.London). ESPN report Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Riccardo Calafiori as they look to strengthen their left-back options (ESPN), while Football.London say Vinicius Junior's suspension situation could open the door for Arsenal to sign him next year (Football.London). TeamTalk also note Chelsea are said to be compiling weekly scouting reports on several Premier League midfielders, including Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly (TeamTalk). Football.London add that a £58m target shared by Arsenal and Tottenham has received a vote for a prestigious award from Lionel Messi (Football.London).
Away from the pitch, the Evening Standard report that summer arrival Pascal De Maesschalck has spoken about his surprise at being appointed Arsenal's academy director, revealing he has already held talks with Arteta since starting work at the club (Evening Standard). Arsenal.com have also unveiled their shortlist for the Emirates October Goal of the Month, with fans invited to vote (Arsenal.com) (Arsenal.com).
On the women's side, Arsenal.com have shared the full match replay of Arsenal Women's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa (Arsenal.com).
Finally, the football world came together in sadness following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a match in Spain. Arsenal were among the Premier League clubs, alongside Manchester United, to pay touching tributes (Evening Standard) (ESPN).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.
