Good evening, Arsenal fans. Here are your evening headlines for Thursday, November 12.
Gunners join race for Leipzig defender
Arsenal have joined the growing queue of clubs aiming to sign RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate in the January transfer window, according to German outlet Bild.
The Gunners are reportedly monitoring the 21-year old, with the former Sochaux star striking an impressive centre-back partnership with Dayot Upamecano.
The French Under-21 international has a £45 million release clause included in his current deal with Julian Nagelsmann’s side, but the report claims ‘many clubs in England’ are interested in Konate.
RB Leipzig are not openly looking to sell Konate, particularly with speculation intensifying over Upamecano’s future at the club, meaning Arsenal would have to meet his full exit clause to trigger a possible deal.
Arteta to reignite interest in Emery target
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly considering a January swoop for one of his predecessor Unai Emery’s targets: RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku.
Emery wanted to sign the French midfielder before his 2019 move from PSG to Leipzig but no offer was made by the Gunners.
The 22-year-old impressed last season, creating 15 goals in 32 Bundesliga matches for his side who eventually finished third.
According to reports from SportBILD, Arteta is eyeing a move as a solution to Arsenal’s creative midfield issues in the January market.
However, in a similar situation to Konate, RB Leipzig are under no pressure to sell Nkunku and the German side will hold out for a fee of £35m.
Nkunku would also represent a cheaper option than Lyon’s Houssem Aoaur, with the Ligue 1 club confirming they are aware of Arsenal’s interest but insist his asking price remains at £44m.
Arteta’s Leeds prediction proved right ahead of Elland Road clash
Arteta’s prediction that Leeds United would secure promotion back to the Premier League in 2020/21 has proven eerily accurate ahead of the Gunners trip to Elland Road on November 22.
Arteta tipped Marcelo Bielsa to end the Whites' 16-year top-flight exile following the Gunners 1-0 FA Cup Third Round win against them in January.
Reiss Nelson’s second-half strike secured Arsenal’s place in the fourth round that night, but Arteta was impressed by Bielsa and his players.
"I do, yes," Arteta told the club website when asked if he thought Leeds would be a Premier League side the following season.
"The way they play, the manner they behave, I have followed their coach for a long time and I know how tough it will be to play against them.
"Just what he gets out of his team, how he makes them fight and challenge and run and compete, and never give up in any game or any circumstances.
"He generates belief in the players, and demands so much and that is why, in my opinion, he is one of the most successful managers."
Arsenal will be aiming to reverse their poor run of form when Premier League resumes after the international break, with three defeats in their four games, whilst Leeds have an identical record heading into this crunch tie in West Yorkshire.
