Welcome to our football.london Arsenal media watch piece. Maybe not the first, we've definitely done transfer round-ups before, and European round-ups, so I guess in some ways it's not that new at all. Anyway, we thought we would enter the world of football in a broad and roundabout manner for you and have some fun with some of the stories and captions doing the daily rounds.
Gunners target flourishes on debut
Former Arsenal target, Tammy Abraham, flourished on his AS Roma debut, recording two assists as the Giallorossi enjoyed a rampant 3-1 win over Fiorentina.
The former Chelsea striker was subject to a potential move to the Emirates this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, but eventually joined Jose Mourinho's side for £34million following reports claiming that the Blues preferred Abraham to move abroad.
The 23-year-old striker was given a standing ovation following his second-half substitution for a performance that saw him showcase what Arsenal could have had, should the west London side have opened the door to the move.
Palace want Nketiah
Crystal Palace are ready to pay £10million for the services of Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal as Patrick Vieira looks to bolster his wealth of exciting young talent, reports The Athletic.
The 22-year-old striker's contract expires at London Colney this summer and there has been no sign of a new one being offered, meaning the former England youth international would be eligible for pre-contract talks in January over a free move.
Arsenal are reportedly demanding £20 million from any potential suitors, however, and Palace face competition from an unnamed German side who have matched the Eagles' evaluation, both of which have been turned down.
The Three Lions' Under-21 all-time leading goalscorer risks finding himself falling down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta as he competes with Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabriel Martinelli, and newly Premier League-christened Florian Balogun for vital game time.
Nketiah, who was subject to being included in part of a potential swap deal for Ben White from Brighton earlier this summer, is currently nursing an ankle injury, but his opportunities have been limited and is seeking a move.
Keane berates Gunners contract situation
Roy Keane has slammed Arsenal for the club's lack of direction following the Gunners' 2-0 defeat to the Chelsea at the Emirates.
The former Manchester United midfielder claimed that there are too many comfortable players at the Gunners on high wages, leaving the Arsenal boss powerless in a bid to secure a windfall of money to build use in the market.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said: "There are players at Arsenal on massive wages and you can't shift them.
"They won't want to leave Arsenal because they are settled in London, they have a cushy life and you talk about clubs when we played, players were hungry and had a desire to win football matches week in, week out."
Keane continued, by claiming that the Arsenal board has made life difficult for Arteta in north London by offering contracts to players who wouldn't have been in his plans.
"You have players here who probably the manager doesn't want nothing to do with," Keane said, venting his frustration.
"But the club can't shift them because they give out silly contracts."
White and Tierney doubts ahead of City clash
Arteta issued an injury update following the Gunners' 2-0 defeat to Chelsea ahead of their trips to West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup in midweek and Manchester City on Saturday.
Ben White missed the London derby after testing positive for Covid-19, while Kieran Tierney and Martinelli were both substituted due to injury, with the Gunners boss now having given an update.
Speaking after the defeat at the Emirates, from which his side were greeted by boos following the final whistle, Arteta said: "They had to limp off. I don’t know, KT [Tierney] had an issue with his quad and Gabi was cramping."
The Spaniard said, when asked whether he thought their £50million centre-back would be available versus Manchester City at the weekend: "I don’t think so, no."
