Fixtures are arriving in rapid succession for Arsenal ahead of the international break. Mikel Arteta is set to rotate his team for a Carabao Cup clash with Ipswich Town, just days after the Gunners overcame Sunderland in the Premier League. That journey to the North East wasn't without controversy. Arsenal survived a disputed penalty decision after David Raya pushed Enzo Le Fee's effort onto the post.
Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka subsequently punished Sunderland in the closing stages to secure three points for the champions. The aftermath of that penalty decision has continued throughout the week despite Arsenal's victory.
Arsenal's dissatisfaction with Saturday's officiating has led the club to open discussions with Howard Webb, the head of officiating body Pro Ref.
The discontent centres on a decision to award a penalty against Ezri Konsa following a tussle with Dan Ballard, a ruling which stood despite VAR intervention.
"I'm so upset, it is unacceptable at this level, unacceptable. It can change the course of the season," Arteta told TNT Sports after the match.
"I've seen it 10 times to make sure and I said 'it is not possible it is penalty'. It is a judo roll. That's what it is.
"This cannot happen. In my view. I have been involved in football for 27/28 years. It's not a penalty in any game, in any game, in any context in any league."
Webb is set to publicly discuss the decision on Mic'd Up live on TV tonight (Tuesday).
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Nico Paz plays during Como 1907 against Parma Calcio 1913 in Serie A at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Como, on September 14, 202
Como's Nico Paz is admired by Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal are weighing up a January move for £70million-rated Como star Nico Paz, according to The Sun. The Argentina star's former employers Real Madrid could yet block their path, though.
The 22-year-old registered 12 goals and seven assists last term as he helped Como qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
He set up two of his team's four goals as they beat RB Leipzig in the European competition last week and netted his maiden strike of the campaign in a Serie A victory at Genoa.
Paz moved to Como for just over £51m in 2024, but Real Madrid retained an option to re-sign him for close to £70m in summer 2027.
This puts Arsenal in a potential tussle for one of European club football's rising stars, who found the net once in eight appearances for Los Blancos before his switch to Italy.