Arsenal applied pressure on the Premier League title race with their comfortable 2-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday. The Gunners reduced the deficit to Liverpool to just seven points, after the Anfield club dropped points away at Newcastle United.
The title race is wide open with Mikel Arteta's side chasing down the leaders with the final games of the calendar year on the horizon. The stakes could not be higher going into the hectic Christmas period and there is no let up for any of the title-chasers.
Injuries are wreaking havoc across the Premier League with Liverpool handed fresh woes, while Arsenal have been forced to weather issues of their own - as Gabriel added to the concern when he missed Wednesday's win.
**Football.london** takes a look at the headlines surrounding the Gunners.
### Arsenal issue firm William Saliba transfer stance as double Real Madrid dilemma emerges
Real Madrid continue to be linked with Arsenal defender William Saliba. The Frenchman has been the subject of increasing speculation over a possible move to the Spanish giants following his seismic rise at the Emirates Stadium recently.
Saliba has been credited for being one of the key cogs in helping transform Arteta's side as they've gone from challenging in the top four to title race regulars. However, due to his string of impressive displays in north London, the centre-back has become the topic of transfer interest.
But there has been a firm stance issued according to multiple reports, relayed by [Football Fancast](https://www.footballfancast.com/arsenal-real-madrid-want-to-sign-gabriel-magalhaes-after-william-saliba/), Real Madrid are also reportedly weighing up a move for Saliba and Gabriel, with the Brazilian valued at £83million.
**football.london says:**_With the transfer window right around the corner, it is always worth remaining savvy to varying reports. Undoubtedly Arsenal's defensive duo have admirers but it will be highly unlikely that the Gunners would sell either or even both next month. With the January transfer window around the corner, Arsenal may need to reinforce their defence, with Riccardo Calafiori weathering an injury issue plus Takehiro Tomiyasu's long-term absence. However, a sale in that department regarding Gabriel and Saliba does seem far-fetched._
### Napoli eye Arsenal back-up in possible January swoop
According to reports in Italy, Arsenal are reportedly leaning towards the sale of Jakub Kiwior rather than a loan deal. It has been claimed that Napoli are weighing up a possible move for the Poland defender.
Kiwior isn't a stranger to Italian football having been brought to the Premier League from Spezia in 2023, following two years at the club. Sky Sports Italy reporter Luca Marchetti has said via Area Napoli: "Can Kiwior arrive on loan, while Danilo can be bought on sale? We confirm that both negotiations are there, but they are not simple.
"Teams that have interesting players do not lend them to you at the start of the transfer market, and those who buy focus on the needs of those who sell, looking for those who are perhaps playing less at the moment.
"The club’s work is to make Kiwior understand that he could have more space at Arsenal, but they are not giving it to him. The Gunners, for their part, have made it known that they are willing to sell but not to lend."
**football.london says:**_While Arsenal would be wrong to sell two key players in Gabriel and Saliba, there is a curious case regarding Kiwior. The Poland defender has been a stand-in option in the event of an injury to any of their defensive mainstays. This season, he has rarely put a foot wrong - coming on in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool after injury to the Brazilian and deputising for the 26-year-old against Manchester United on Wednesday night. Arteta will have decisions to make in regard to his defensive options with the Premier League title race heating up - and they cannot afford to overcompensate, should they allow Kiwior to leave._