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Mikel Arteta blocks Arsenal transfer as Liverpool and Man Utd eye bargain Bayern Munich deal

Arsenal will be determined to narrow Liverpool's advantage at the top of the Premier League table this weekend. After the Reds' clash against Everton was postponed, the Gunners – and Chelsea – have the chance to go within four points of first place.

Fulham will host Arsenal, who have won each of their last four games across all competitions, at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon before the Blues face Tottenham Hotspur in the late kick-off. While Mikel Arteta's side may have a skip in their step, the Cottagers have lost just one of their last five games.

In fact, Fulham have thrown themselves into the race for a European qualification race – and they're three points off fifth. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.

Arsenal keep tabs on Bayern Munich ace

According to TBR Football, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Alphonso Davies' situation at Bayern Munich. The 24-year-old defender faces an uncertain future at the Allianz Arena, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The report states that the Gunners face tough competition in the race to sign Davies, who's attracted interest from Anfield and Old Trafford. In fact, it's said that Liverpool and Manchester United have contacted the left-back's representatives.

Davies will soon be available to sign on a free transfer, and TBR Football claim that the two Premier League clubs view a deal as 'too good to ignore'.

football.london says: "Alphonso Davies would be a good signing for Arsenal, but it's not one that I can see happening. I think Mikel Arteta has fully committed himself – and the Gunners – to a pragmatic backline, which doesn't really accommodate a flying full-back. I think the Bayern Munich ace will go to Real Madrid. They love a free transfer."

Arteta expected to block offers for Arsenal defender

According to the Mirror, as quoted by the Express, Arsenal are expected to reject offers for Jakub Kiwior in the January transfer window. The 24-year-old defender has been heavily linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium this season after falling out of favour under Arteta.

Unfortunately for Kiwior, Riccardo Calafiori has stolen his thunder in north London after playing a crucial role in the Gunners starting lineup towards the end of last term. The report states that Napoli, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus are all keen on the Poland international.

While he's attracted plenty of interest, the Mirror outline that Arsenal appreciate Kiwior's versatility and intend to keep him until the end of the season. It's said that they will then re-evaluate his future in the summer – a year on from blocking his exit despite 'various proposals'.

football.london says: "I can understand why Mikel Arteta would want to keep Jakub Kiwior, but the Arsenal boss has done himself no favours. He's bought himself a new toy (Riccardo Calafiori) and suddenly the defender has been completely overlooked . I think Kiwior will push to leave in January – he clearly wants to play."

Arsenal rival Chelsea for Brazilian wonderkid

Arsenal appear to have taken a leaf out of Chelsea's book as Mikel Arteta prepares to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window. According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Vitor Reis has emerged as a potential target for the two London clubs.

The report states that Arsenal and Chelsea have been 'closely monitoring' the 18-year-old defender, whose contract at Palmeiras expires in December 2028. Reis has previously left the door open to a move to the Premier League, although – for now – he seems content on home soil.

As quoted by Goal, the centre-half said: "Everybody wants to play in Europe, but my mind is 100 percent with Palmeiras. I don't think about anything else. I want to win the Brasileirao. We don't need to think about the future right now."

football.london says: "While Arsenal want to start building for the future, I'd rather see the Gunners look at bringing in some forwards. Mikel Arteta already has a wealth of options at the back, so I don't see much point in signing Vitor Reis – unless of course he goes out on loan. Sign a young forward – whether it be a right-winger to take some weight off Bukayo Saka's back or a left-winger to stake a claim in the starting line-up."

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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023

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