Arsenal are back in action later today amid reports of a potential transfer windfall
Manager Mikel Arteta watches video messages from supporters, ex and current players after signing a new contract at Arsenal. Sobha Realty Training Centre on October 07, 2026 in London Colney, England.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal return to Premier League action today(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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The extended international break has given Mikel Arteta plenty of time to reflect on Arsenal's first defeat of the season. This afternoon's clash with Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium offers the chance to put that setback behind them and regain momentum in the Premier League title race.
Seven successive wins across all competitions had given the reigning champions an impressive start before September's 3-0 loss at Brighton. After three weeks away from club action, Arteta will want his players to rediscover the standards they set in those opening fixtures.
There is little time to ease back into the campaign, with Lille due at the Emirates in the Champions League on Tuesday. Leeds are the immediate priority as Arsenal look to keep pace with leaders Manchester City, but developments away from the pitch also offer plenty to consider.
Reports of Inter Milan's valuation of Pio Esposito and a possible January move for former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun feature in football.london’s latest transfer round-up.
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Pio Esposito price-tag emerges
Pio Esposito of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Türkiye at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on October 05, 2026 in Bologna, Italy.
Pio Esposito will cost more than £85m(Image: Mattia Ozbot - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have reportedly been told that a bid of €100million (£84.7million) would not be enough to sign Inter Milan forward Pio Esposito. The north London club have been examining players who could strengthen their attacking options in recent months, having been linked with the likes of Eli Junior Kroupi and Julian Alvarez.
Viktor Gyokeres is currently being used as a back-up by Arteta, with Kai Havertz preferred as a starter for crucial fixtures. And Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport claims Arsenal contacted Inter during the summer to enquire about signing the 21-year-old Esposito.
However, Inter's chief executive, Beppe Marotta, is reported to have told Arsenal that even a €100m (£84.7m) offer would fall short of the club's demands. Whether Arsenal will test Inter's stance in January or next summer remains unclear at this moment.
Esposito's valuation is said to have risen significantly since he signed a new contract in September, tying him to Inter until the summer of 2032. The forward also caught the eye during his Champions League appearance against the Gunners last season.
Should Arsenal sign the Italy international, Gyokeres could slip further down the pecking order, potentially opening the door to his departure. The £64m Swede scored 14 goals as Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for a league title last season.
Arsenal eye transfer windfall
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
Folarin Balogun is being linked with a January move to Juventus(Image: Luke Hales, Getty Images)
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Arsenal could be in line for a substantial transfer windfall should former Gunners striker Folarin Balogun complete a January switch to Juventus. The Monaco forward had been expected to join Everton in a £38.5m deal during the summer window.
However, following his deadline-day medical, the USMNT star opted against the transfer and returned to Monaco. He has featured just once for the Ligue 1 club so far this campaign, though Serie A heavyweights Juventus are now monitoring the situation ahead of a potential January bid.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Balogun is among three options Juve are considering, with Nick Woltemade struggling since his loan move from Newcastle during the summer. Juve are claimed to be 'concerned' about Woltemade, who has found the net just once in four outings since joining the Old Lady.
Should Juve proceed with a move for Balogun, Arsenal could receive a huge windfall, depending on the transfer fee. The 25-year-old, who spent 15 years at Arsenal before departing in 2023, had a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause included in his Monaco deal following his £34.3m transfer.