Mikel Arteta has also reportedly sanctioned the exit of another forward.

Arsenal fan Watson is optimistic the Gunners can get back-to-back titles after an encouraging away win at Villa Park, but he's wary about Chelsea's attacking prowess.

Defender Ezra Konsa is expected to make the squad for Arsenal, suiting up against the team that sold him less than two weeks ago. William Saliba out with a long-term injury exacerbated at the World Cup, and Cristhian Mosquera has stepped at right center-back alongside Gabriel.

Arsenal's three points came from a physical game without much room to operate for either team, and the pace slowed to a crawl once Arsenal found its opener.

Arsenal are re-assessing goalkeeper Tommy Setford's future after a loan move to Las Palmas stalled. The 20-year-old had looked set to move to Spain on a temporary deal but it is understood talks have slowed and it now remains to be seen whether they can be revived.

ARSENAL and Borussia Dortmund have reached a verbal agreement for youngster Ethan Nwaneri. Elsewhere, Arsenal are weighing up a late bid for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to reports. The

Newcastle United are set to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille, despite some recent links to Arsenal and the French club’s earlier insistence they wouldn’t sell.Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez

Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign winger Malick Fofana from Lyon on a five-year contract, sources have told ESPN.