Arsenal may also be close to vying with Brighton to sign an exciting young talent ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
Mikel Arteta’s side have started their title defense with four consecutive league wins, taking them to the top of the table with 12 points.
The Championship side quickly rediscovered the control and defensive prowess that carried them across the finish line last season.
Their most recent success in the league came at Sunderland, where Arsenal won 2-0 without having to find their groove.
They then made adjustments for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Ipswich Town but still advanced with a tight 4-2 victory.
|
Ipswich 2-4 Arsenal |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Match statistics |
ipswich town |
arsenal |
|
have |
41% |
59% |
|
Total number of shots |
8 |
12 |
|
Shot on target |
3 |
6 |
|
expected goals |
0.72 |
0.95 |
|
created huge opportunities |
1 |
3 |
|
corner kick |
3 |
2 |
|
Accurate passing |
340 |
Chapter 521 |
|
through accuracy |
85% |
89% |
|
duel won |
53 |
42 |
|
store |
2 |
1 |
|
foul |
11 |
13 |
Arteta will now bring his key players back to the squad at the Amex Stadium, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and several other regular starters also fresh, but Arsenal cannot count on a comfortable afternoon on the south coast.
Brighton have taken seven points from four league games, with a superb performance last weekend defeating Coventry City 5-0.
Their confidence was even higher Wednesday night.
Fabian Huerzeller’s side beat Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup, drawing level from two goals down and completing a stunning comeback with three goals.
This result illustrates exactly why Brighton remain a threat, their pace and pressure will demand Arsenal’s full attention from the opening whistle.
There was also an interesting transfer battle between the two clubs following Saturday’s game.
Arsenal battle Brighton for Luka Weinhandel, talks held and favorites revealed
Austrian media outlet 4-4-2 reports that Arsenal have held preliminary talks over a possible move for Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandel.
The 17-year-old has attracted attention from England after establishing himself in Sturm’s senior squad, with Brighton considered the strongest contenders at this stage, while Aston Villa are also keeping an eye on him.
Scouts representing all three Premier League clubs have reportedly watched Weinhandel in action recently.
Arsenal are believed to have taken a further step by opening early lines of communication, although talks have yet to reach a progressive stage.
Weinhandel is a 6ft 3in midfielder who came through the Storm’s academy system and made his first-team debut in 2026.
He also helped Austria reach the Under-17 World Cup final last year, providing him with valuable experience on an important international stage, and more recently broke the record Became the youngest Austrian to score in the Europa League.
4-4-2 It is suggested that an offer worth around £17m may be enough to seal a deal.
However, there is no pressure on Sturm to cash in and the teenager is clearly happy to continue his development in Austria.
A January move is a possibility rather than a guarantee, and while Arsenal may have made contacts, Brighton’s strong interest means they cannot assume Weinhandel will be waiting for them.
The Gunners have made a clear emphasis on ensuring the performance of young players before their prices skyrocket, and Weinhandel appears to be in line with that policy.
The points issue between Arsenal and Brighton will be settled on Saturday, but the battle for one of Austria’s most promising players could take longer.