The international break can be a frustration for club fans, especially when their side is on such a positive run of form. This is certainly the case for Arsenal as their top-four challenge gathers momentum week by week.
However, Arsenal have plenty to focus on during the international break beyond simply hoping that their stars come through unscathed. With just over two months until transfer seasons gets underway again, supporters can look to players who might both join or leave the club in the summer.
Arsenal’s supporters have made their voices heard with the club seeking to understand where their attention has lingered so far. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe were absent from the England squad due to illness and fitness respectively, but the pair’s inability to attend did not leave fans scrambling for suggestions.
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The Arsenal Twitter account asked for fans’ picks of who they enjoyed watching the most in the break so far. Kieran Tierney, Granit Xhaka and Ben White headlined the tweet but it was clear that the vocal Gooners had other profiles in mind.
@PreciousMatumbu: All who were on international duty. I loved Pepe and Odegaards goals.
@Mwawasi__: Nicola Pepe
@shortyj10: Pepe was class against France
Both Nicolas Pepe and Martin Odegaard scored for the Ivory Coast and Norway respectively. The pair converted from the right-hand side. Odegaard with an excellent curling effort whereas Pepe dribbled into the French penalty area before slamming home an uncharacteristic right-footed shot into the corner.
The difference between the pair from a club perspective is that the Ivorian’s game time has been significantly limited due to the impressive form of Saka. Pepe came on to score the equaliser and help set up the winner in the 2-1 win over Wolves, however, has still been unable to earn a start.
Despite the attention for Pepe, plenty of responses called for Arsenal to move to sign plenty of potential striker targets. The club’s shortlist is a lengthy one, football.london understands that Darwin Nunez is being tracked ahead of a potential summer move. Therefore it was hardly a shock to see calls for the Uruguayan to be in focus.
@M2vn__: Buy darwin nunez plz
@Raysworld15: Where’s Nunez
Nunez has taken the Portuguese league by storm, and it is unsurprising the growing hype surrounding the player. Although however realistic a move may be, some supporters though want the club to be even more ambitious.
The idea of Erling Haaland at Arsenal is very much a pipe dream, although one supporter had an interesting theory given the frontman's choice of attire last week. The Times report that a deal with Manchester City is looking all the more likely.
Yet Arsenal may be relieved to learn that the Norwegian is heading to another Premier League side. B-Cure delved into the claims that Haaland might struggle with a transition to the English top flight’s physical demands.
Haaland has experienced several injuries at an early age and the intensity will only increase. The 20/21 Premier League season experienced 310 tackles and 500 attempted tackles compared to the Bundesliga’s 277 tackles and 438 attempted tackles.
Fewer fouls were also called in the Premier League despite the increased number of tackles. Haaland is sure to demand a serious investment in a transfer fee, wages and additional costs. Losing the forward to a serious injury early on would be a massive blow to whoever brings the striker in.
Arsenal have seemingly reduced the number of injuries they have faced this season, with only Granit Xhaka and Takehiro Tomiyasu missing extended periods. Whoever they choose to take on the striking mantle will need to deal with the rigours of the English game.
