Arsenal are hoping a trip to the United Arab Emirates will reinvigorate them ahead of a push for silverware in the second half of the season as they regroup in a week without action
It’s a rare weekend without any action for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta and co have a week of respite to regroup.
There are seven days until the Gunners take on Leicester City in the Premier League and as a result the north London side are looking to escape the relentlessness of the football calendar. Arsenal are training in Dubai, and Bukayo Saka and Ben White have travelled, as they attempt to steer their season back on course after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
Arteta’s side are still in contention for Premier League and Champions League success, and will hope that the visit to the UAE will garner a similar response to 12 months ago. On that occasion they returned to record an eight-game winning streak in the league and scored 33 goals and conceded just four.
Mirror Football takes a look at the latest Arsenal news and rumours below.
Mikel Arteta picks summer target
After failing to sign a striker to help Arsenal’s cause in January, Mikel Arteta has already selected the forward he would like to join his ranks. The Athletic reports Alexander Isak, the Newcastle star who terrorised the Gunners backline earlier in the week, is ‘top of his list’.
The Sweden international is seen as suited to Arsenal’s system and has bagged 17 goals in 22 matches for the Magpies this term. Newcastle are already said to have set a £125million price-tag for the striker who is under contract until 2028.
Ben White return
Arsenal defender Ben White trained alongside his team-mates in Dubai as the Gunners continue their six-day trip.
The 27-year-old underwent knee surgery in November and has long been out of action for the north London team. But now there is renewed confidence his return could be approaching.
White is said to be in contention to return to Arteta’s plans in time for next week match against Leicester City. “Ben is still out hopefully after the break he will be available,” said Arteta recently.
News of his return to the training pitch will only further the club’s confidence.
Why Arsenal won’t win the Premier League
Robbie Fowler does not believe Arsenal will win the Premier League with Kai Havertz leading their frontline. The Germany international has been the subject of much debate amid the Gunners’ failure to land an out-and-out striker.
Speaking on the The LineUp, he said: “If I’m being honest, he’s (Havertz) not my cup of tea. I think he’s OK but, if you’re a team that’s got real aspirations of winning Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues, then I think you need someone better than Kai Havertz playing in that focal striker role.
“He’ll do a job but I don’t think he’s been as consistent as he would have liked. I just think there are better players out there.”
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