Arsenal 'rejected' Barcelona star as Bukayo Saka backs 'really good' teammate for scoring run

The Premier League is now on break for another week or so, with Arsenal going into the break knowing they are nicely positioned. The Gunners are currently in third place, just goal difference behind Manchester City in second and one point behind leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta’s men are still unbeaten at this stage, and they will be desperate to keep that going after the break. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Gunners.

Torres claim

Arsenal are said to have turned down the chance to sign Barcelona star Ferran Torres in the summer. According to Football Transfers, the former Manchester City winger was offered to the Gunners with Barca looking for money to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club.

Ultimately, Arsenal turned down the offer, according to the report, and in any case, Williams decided to stay at Athletic Club for one more year, and Barca turned to fellow Spain international Dani Olmo instead.

Saka on Havertz

Bukayo Saka has issued his verdict on Arsenal striker Kai Havertz, telling CBS Sports: "I've always thought Kai's an unbelievable player. Everyone in the dressing room did too. We're so happy that he's showing that. This season he has come out with even more confidence, I think he's scored in almost every game.

"He's going to score a lot of goals this season. He has a really good understanding around the box, when to attack it, and that's why he gets a lot of chances and that's why hopefully he'll score a lot of goals."

He added on Arsenal’s progress over recent years: “I can see my club evolving not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well. It's nice to see the different things they're doing. A lot of it is very cool. I think a lot of the hype around London, part of it is due to Arsenal. When the new kits come out you see it across all of London. I'm always looking out to see if someone has my number on. It's always a nice feeling when you see a little kid or an older man wearing one of my shirts," I'm not sure how kindly I, a 34-year-old man, take to that last line seemingly being aimed at me, but anyway. "I never take it for granted and if I can give them a bit of my time, a bit of love back to them, I'll try to do that too."

Haaland responds

Erling Haaland has responded to a question about the controversial incident that saw him throwing the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes’ head while the defender had his shirt over his head. Haaland launched the ball after Manchester City scored a last-minute equaliser against Arsenal last month. STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE ARSENAL NEWS WITH OUR DEDICATED FACEBOOK PAGE

Asked during international duty if he regrets the incident, he said: “I don't regret much in life. In the heat of the moment, things happened in that game. What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch. That's how it is.”