This morning's Arsenal news as Gunners ramp up 'contract talks' as £33m striker 'enquiry' emerges

Arsenal are now on international break after getting off to a solid start to the season. The Gunners have picked up seven points so far, which is two points less than Liverpool and Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta will be pleased with that return, though, especially with the three points his side picked up at Aston Villa. As the international break takes hold, we run you through the early Gunners news for Wednesday, September 4.

Arteta contract talks

Arsenal are said to be pushing ahead with Mikel Arteta contract talks now that the summer transfer window has closed. Arteta is currently under contract until the summer of 2025, and he has already admitted that talks were pencilled in for the autumn.

According to HITC, Arsenal are now beginning talks with their Spanish boss over new terms during the international breaks. They speculate that the aim is to get a new contract wrapped up by the end of September. Negotiations are said to ‘intensify’ during the next couple of weeks as Arsenal look to make sure Arteta is not eyed by anyone else.

Leonardo ‘enquiries’

Arsenal are said to have held talks over a possible deal for Marcos Leonardo in the summer window just gone. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Gunners did make enquiries over the £33million striker, considering the prospect of adding a new frontman.

The report says Al-Hilal’s £33million price tag proved too much for Arsenal, who ultimately strengthened out wide with the loan signing of Raheem Sterling but ultimately decided not to sign a new striker.

Wright on Havertz

Ian Wright has praised Kai Havertz for his finish against Brighton. “Great finish,” said Wright on the Wrighty’s House podcast. “The way he took his chance, people say ‘easy chance, the goalkeeper’s in no-man’s land’.

“I tell you, 60,000 people there, the ball going through, goalkeeper in no man’s land, you go and try and lift that over the keeper and see how much you —- yourself! That’s a confidence thing, right, and he’s done it with aplomb. So I’ve got no problem with that.”