Arsenal news: Gunners given transfer hope as Declan Rice opens up on Mikel Arteta meeting

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have a chance to finish the weekend top of the Premier League table if they can get the better of reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday

Arsenal’s tough September continues on Sunday with a top-of-the-table game against Manchester City.

United’s failure to win away to theit title rivals in March was pinpointed by rival Rodri as being key to the final destination of the title. This time, however, Mikel Arteta’s side could find themselves up against it.

Not only will they be facing an in-form striker in the form of Erling Haaland, but they’ll also be missing injured captain Martin Odegaard. City won’t be at full strength either, though, with Kevin De Bruyne a doubt after being forced off against Inter Milan in midweek and Nathan Ake already on the injured list..

Declan Rice will be back for Arsenal, though, having served a one-match domestic ban against Tottenham. The England midfielder’s conversation with manager Arteta is among Mirror Football‘s latest lines from around North London.

Gunners handed Garcia transfer hope

Espanyol’s director Fran Garagarza has indicated Arsenal-linked goalkeeper Joan Garcia could still end up leaving the club. Arsenal were unable to complete a deal for the Spaniard during the summer transfer window, instead completing a late loan move for Neto.

“If you sense that there will be growth and performance, perhaps the current one could be a sale of a player without reaching completion,” Garagarza told AS. “For this exercise, we have understood that Joan is an asset and that he is necessary to achieve the objective because he acts in a very specific position.

“We could not weaken there, we couldn’t. The interest in him is not going to stop. The time to sell Joan may be at another time.”

Rice opens up on key Arteta meeting

Declan Rice has shed light on the conversations with Mikel Arteta which he hopes will allow Arsenal to go one better this season. The Gunners are coming off successive second-place finishes, though last season’s title race went down to the final week of the season.

How will Arsenal fare against Manchester City? Have your say in the comments section

“When we came back, it was like one of the manager’s first meetings – in terms of like, how can we be better this season, how can we upgrade,” Rice told Lionesses star Alessia Russo on Sky Sports.”We missed out on the league last year by two points, the year before was four points.

“So, it was how can we keep getting better and striving for more. We are really close. It is the finer details, the Villa game which let us down towards the end – we reflect on that. It was disappointing but overall such a positive year again.”

Smith Rowe makes Arsenal admission

Former Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe is enjoying his football again after leaving the Gunners for Fulham. The England international became the Cottagers’ record signing over the summer, and already has two goals and an assist after five league outings.

“I’m really confident at the moment and comfortable with everything,” he said after scoring in Saturday’s victory over Newcastle. “I’ve got to keep going and keep working hard.

“Everyone knows it has been a tough couple of seasons for me, I have to stay fit and I feel good at the moment. I’m feeling confident and happy.”

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