Chris Sutton tells Arsenal what ‘they need’ as Mikel Arteta handed double injury boost

Arsenal are now preparing for Carabao Cup action after an event-filled North London derby with Tottenham over the weekend.

The two North London sides couldn’t be seperated at the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal can still be pleased with the start they have managed, even if they have fallen four points behind leaders Manchester City at this early stage. Mikel Arteta will also be interested in the other competitions, though, and the Gunners face a tough test right out of the gate in the Carabao Cup, facing Brentford on Wednesday night.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Double injury boost

Arsenal are set to receive an injury boost ahead of facing Manchester City, with Thomas Partey on course to return, according to Charles Watts.

Watts wrote on his website: “Thomas Partey is hoping to be fit in time to return against Manchester City next weekend.

“My understanding is that Partey is ahead of schedule in his recovery and is hoping to be involved in Arsenal’s crucial home game against Manchester City on October 8. Meanwhile, Declan Rice’s back injury is not believed to be as serious as first feared and the midfielder could potentially feature against Bournemouth at the weekend.”

Nketiah criticism

Chris Sutton thinks Arsenal need to strengthen up top amid a disappointing performance from Eddie Nketiah against Totenham.

“I like Nketiah, I think he is a good player, is he a world class striker? He’s not,” Sutton told The Monday Night Club.

“Gabriel Jesus has come in for a fair bit of criticism because he’s not a natural finisher, I think he’s an excellent team player and I think he has made Arsenal stronger but he’s not clinical – he’s not a Shearer or a Harry Kane. If they want to be Premier League champions I do think they probably need to bring somebody in, but there’s not too many who are available.”