Mikel Arteta appears to have suggested the unprecedented scheduling of this season's Premier League has played a part in the way Arsenal go about their transfer dealings this summer.
The World Cup will take place in Qatar from mid-November until just before Christmas and, as a result, will cause a suspension of the Premier League. Plenty of Arsenal's key players, including their ever-growing Brazilian contingent, will be away on international duty for the tournament.
As will the bulk of the Gunners' English core, with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Benjamin White and Bukayo Saka all expected to make the squad, while Emile Smith Rowe could still make the plane if he can impress during the first half of the season.
