Manchester City's financial breaches have led to noise around Erling Haaland's future
Mikel Arteta, Manager / Head Coach of Arsenal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England.
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have not made contact with Erling Haaland(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
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As we approach the midpoint of the new extended international break, the Arsenal rumour mill continues to turn. Mikel Arteta’s side began the season just as they would have hoped after winning the Premier League title last term for the first time in 22 years.
They enjoyed seven straight victories across four competitions, quietening the noise surrounding their failed summer pursuit of a world class forward. However, the Gunners’ last game before the international break ended in a 3-0 drubbing at Brighton, which would have given Arteta plenty to think about for the following three weeks.
The champions return to action on October 10, when they host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium. Until then, Arteta will hope his players can get through their remaining international fixtures unscathed, with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz already suffering injury scares while representing their respective nations.
Erling Haaland transfer stance
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland's future has been the subject of speculation(Image: Getty )
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Arsenal are reportedly not working on a move for Erling Haaland, with the striker only focused on Manchester City for the time being. Haaland’s future has been the subject of speculation following news of City being found guilty of 114 Premier league financial breaches, pending an appeal.
Since the long-running financial case came to light several years ago, the club have always maintained they have done nothing wrong. But they now face the prospect of hefty punishments in the form of potential sanctions, including fines and a points deduction, which could result in key players departing.
Naturally, Arsenal have emerged in discussions online as a potential destination for Haaland, given they are set to remain in the market for a forward going into 2027. The Gunners also have the finances to sign almost anyone in the game, as shown by their pursuit of Vinicius Junior in the summer, meaning the Norwegian’s wages would not be an issue.
However, TEAMtalk reports there has been no contact between Arsenal and the striker so far, according to the 26-year-old goal phenom’s camp, as he concentrates on the rest of his season with the Etihad club.
Secret Cesc Fabregas clause
Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907 (L) and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, embrace prior to the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Como Calcio at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2026 in London, England.
Fabregas is eyeing a potential future role at Arsenal(Image: Getty )
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Cesc Fabregas’ deal at Como reportedly includes a clause that would allow his former clubs, including Arsenal, to bring him to the Emirates as their next manager. Arteta is set to sign a new contract which will take him beyond a decade as Gunners boss, having first been appointed as head coach back in December 2019.
There is no indication currently that Arteta or Arsenal want to part ways in the foreseeable future, but the success of his compatriot Fabregas with Italian side Como has led to some speculation that the former Arsenal midfielder could be eyed as a successor when the Spaniard eventually leaves.
Fabregas is understood to be happy in Como and has turned down some big clubs already, such as Bayer Leverkusen, Inter Milan and Roma. The 39-year-old is reportedly in no hurry to take the next step in his career.
But, it is claimed he has an exit clause in his contract which would allow him to leave for his former clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona, if they came knocking. Fabregas publicly praised Arsenal’s project when speaking after the 1-1 pre-season draw at the Emirates Stadium.