Arsenal eye ideal international break as Saliba returns and transfer plans take shape

Arsenal head into the international break top of the Premier League, six points clear of Manchester City, with Bukayo Saka expected to be the only player unavailable through injury when it ends. Football.London outlines the ideal scenario for the club during the break, from regaining fitness to setting transfer plans.

William Saliba has returned to the squad after a back injury kept him out of first-team matches this season. He featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly before playing 45 minutes for the under-21 team. The report suggests that another match behind closed doors could help him regain fitness ahead of his competitive return, with Arsenal two weeks away from the opportunity to bring him back. The club also hope their players return from the break without injuries. Ezri Konsa will not play for England against Croatia, but will train before the match against Spain, giving him extra time to recover.

With the winter transfer window less than two months away, the report says planning and informal discussions have already begun, and Arsenal still believe they need to strengthen their attack after the summer. But it notes that the size of the squad could mean selling players to make room for signings, while also reducing opportunities for young players and affecting the team’s cohesion. The report hopes the break will help Mikel Arteta and the club’s management settle their plans.