Premier League leaders Arsenal will face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in an intriguing battle after the international break.
Mikel Arteta’s side have started the new campaign in fine form and currently boast a four points lead over second-placed Manchester City at the summit.
The Gunners had won five consecutive matches in the league prior to a 2-2 draw against high-flying Sunderland at The Stadium of Light last time out.
Arteta will still be pleased with his side’s season so far, though, and the Gunners have put themselves in a prime position to end their wait for the top flight crown.
While attention turns briefly to the international break, it has emerged that Arteta himself has prevented one forgotten member of his squad from departing The Emirates.
As per CaughtOffside, ex-Arsenal midfielder Arteta has blocked striker Gabriel Jesus from leaving the club during the upcoming January transfer window.
Jesus hasn’t featured for Arsenal this season (Photo: Mark Pain/Alamy)
The report claims that the Spaniard still views Jesus, 28, as an important member of his squad, despite the striker having not made a single appearance so far this term due to injury.
Jesus joined Arsenal from Premier League rivals Manchester City back in 2022, having enjoyed a hugely successful period in Manchester.
He has since scored 26 times in 96 games for the Gunners, but he hasn’t featured so far this term which had sparked speculation surrounding his future in North London.
The Brazil international is contracted to Arsenal until the end of the 2026/27 season, but the report suggests that fellow Premier League sides West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Everton have all enquired about his availability ahead of the January transfer window.
Despite this, Arsenal are set to keep hold of the striker as Arteta perceives him to be a useful member of his squad who can provide competition for places in attack.