Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta mulls some big decisions to ensure the Gunners stay at the top of the tree
Arsenal’s Premier League title defense is going according to plan as Mikel Arteta’s side turn their attention back to domestic action. The Gunners responded strongly to their shock Carabao Cup exit at League Two Fleetwood Town by securing a statement victory at Liverpool, their first Anfield victory since 2012.
Having traveled to Slavia Prague from their midweek Champions League clash, Arsenal now turn their attention to Saturday’s clash with surprise package Hull City at the Emirates Stadium. The proposed Tigers started the season with a defeat by Manchester United on the opening day and have since stabilized in mid-table thanks to a series of tough draws.
Nevertheless, Arteta’s men will be confident of picking up three points and temporarily building a six-point cushion over Manchester City ahead of their late start at Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, attention is already turning to the January transfer window, where Arteta favors attacking reinforcements with the possibility of a big exit or two. Here’s the latest news on the Gunners…
Hincapie ‘in exit talks’
Piero Hincapie could leave Arsenal just six months after completing his permanent move to the club. According to reports in Spain, the Ecuadorian defender started negotiations with “Barcelona” regarding the transfer in January.
The La Liga champions expressed interest in Hincapie in the summer and renewed their pursuit of the 24-year-old after his difficult start to the campaign. SPORTS. Hincapie endured injury problems and fell down Arsenal’s defensive hierarchy.
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He sits behind Riccardo Calafiori at left-back. At center, summer arrival Ezri Kons has impressed, while William Saliba is back after a long layoff.
With Barca looking for a centre-back, Hincapie could spend the rest of the campaign at the Nou Camp, although it remains unclear whether Arteta will approve his exit.
A new role for Konsa?
According to Rio Ferdinand, Arteta could solve a pleasant selection dilemma by deploying Konsa in a different position. Konsa has been prominent alongside Gabriel since his move from Aston Villa, but his starting place is now under threat following Saliba’s recovery from a back injury.
Reforming the title-winning centre-back partnership could leave Konsa out, but not if he is switched to the right-back he has played for England. Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand thinks it makes sense.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents show, he said: “I think Saliba is one of those guys who needs to find a place in the team. He’s very good, he’s at the top.”
He added: “Yesterday I said to my son, ‘Look at Ezri Kons, because everything he does is efficient. This is a big problem for Arteta to have.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Konsa goes back to right-back after Saliba comes back. I wouldn’t be surprised because Konsa is at the top.”