Arsenal sit at the summit of the Premier League table as top-flight action resumes this weekend, with Mikel Arteta eager for his squad to maintain their impressive form. The Gunners boast an unbeaten streak dating back to early September, leaving supporters buzzing ahead of Saturday evening’s clash at Fulham.
Arteta has observed his stars excel during the October international fixtures. However, he’ll be crossing his fingers they’ve reserved their finest displays for club duty as Craven Cottage beckons. Here, Express Sport brings you everything you need to know about the latest developments emerging from the Emirates Stadium this week.
Zidane hails Arsenal target – ‘He has quality’
Zinedine Zidane praised the abilities of Arsenal target Kenan Yildiz as the youngster continues to impress at Juventus. The Gunners have long coveted the forward and recently dispatched scouts to monitor the 20-year-old during his outing against AC Milan.
Whilst London neighbours Chelsea submitted a £61million offer for the Turkish sensation during the summer window – which was rejected – Arteta may include him on his January shopping list. Zidane told Fanatik of his enthusiasm for watching the prospect develop following some promising showings for the Old Lady.
The ex-Real Madrid legend said: “I like him, he is a good player. He scores goals. He has quality. He still needs to improve and prove himself.
“Juventus are doing well with Tudor, he is slowly improving. I am happy for him and for Juventus.”
Mikel Arteta sent Premier League title warning
Joleon Lescott is convinced that Viktor Gyokeres doesn’t possess the attributes required to drive Arsenal towards Premier League glory. The striker, who arrived from Sporting CP during the summer transfer window, has netted three times in 10 outings for the Gunners thus far and has left the former Manchester City defender unimpressed.
Speaking to Sky Bet, Lescott described the Swedish forward as merely “okay” and insisted he won’t be sufficient to deliver Arsenal their elusive title triumph. He said: “I would describe Victor Gyokeres as ‘okay’.
“If you’re going to win the league, your striker can’t be okay, he has to be top. I don’t think Mikel Arteta can get Arsenal over the line in the Premier League.”
The 43 year old did suggest that the north London outfit could succeed on the continental stage, stating: “But in the Champions League, it’s different.
“With the way he rotates and because of that big gap [before the knockout stages], no one knows what kind of form or fitness teams will be in.
“That suits Arsenal better than having to be consistently good every single week to win the league.”
Mosquera hails Arsenal striker’s ‘beast’ qualities
Cristhian Mosquera firmly backs Gyokeres’ capabilities, dismissing Lescott’s assertions that the striker isn’t the solution Arsenal require in attack. The Spanish centre-half praised the Swede’s excellence during training sessions and insisted he is enhancing the Gunners’ defensive unit with every practice.
In a recent interview with Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Mosquera said: “He’s a beast, an animal. Training with him helps defenders improve. There were great players at Valencia, but training with such top-level players is a huge leap.”
Mosquera has proved a reliable replacement for injured William Saliba, keeping two clean sheets and securing three victories in four Premier League outings.
The Gunners have suffered just one defeat this campaign – against reigning champions Liverpool – and appear in excellent form as domestic action resumes on Saturday.