Arsenal news: Bukayo Saka update issued as Gunners respond to Real Madrid transfer raid
Arsenal are preparing for Saturday's trip to Bournemouth in their first game after the international break, with boss Mikel Arteta sweating on the fitness of a number of his stars
by Jacob Leeks · The MirrorWith the international break approaching its end, Mikel Arteta will be breathing a sigh of relief amid Arsenal's injury crisis.
Arteta has a number of players carrying issues ahead of the clash with Bournemouth on Saturday. But it appears that Bukayo Saka may well be fit enough to face the Cherries, despite going off early in England's defeat to Greece.
Three Lions boss Lee Carsley has issued a fresh update on the winger's fitness, which would appear to be good news for Arteta. Meanwhile, the Gunners are remaining relaxed over William Saliba's future, with Real Madrid eyeing a move for the defender.
But they have been warned that Saka may well present a top target for Los Blancos. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Arsenal news.
Saka injury update
Bukayo Saka looks set be fit for Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth on Saturday, despite withdrawing from the England squad through injury. Saka did not travel to Finland for Sunday's Nations League clash and was released back to Arsenal.
He had been considered a doubt for Arsenal's return to action on the South Coast. But England's interim boss Lee Carsley has issued a fresh update on Saka's fitness, which would appear to clear him to play against Bournemouth.
“Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him,” Carsley said ahead of the Finland game. “He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! How should Arsenal line up against Bournemouth? Comment below.
Gunners warned over Madrid raid
Arsenal have been warned to expect a move from Real Madrid for star man Saka. The winger has emerged as one of the Gunners' most important players and former Spurs star Darren Bent believes Madrid will grow interested in the England international.
“Real Madrid, it’s very rare they go after a player, like properly go after a player, and don’t get them. Usually, they do their homework, maybe a couple of years in advance," Bent told talkSPORT.
"It’s a concern, it has to be. Saka is another one you worry about, but I think as long as Arsenal keep progressing, keep winning trophies, then they are not going anywhere.”
Gunners respond to Saliba interest
Arsenal are unfazed by the interest Real Madrid are showing in William Saliba and believe the Frenchman will stay at the Emirates for the long haul. Los Blancos are thought to have made Saliba a key target for of next summer's transfer window.
The defender signed a bumper four-year contract in north London in 2023 and remains committed to the Gunners as they continue to challenge for silverware on all fronts under Mikel Arteta.
The 23-year-old is considered untouchable by the Gunners and the club have zero interest in entertaining future transfer bids, should they arrive. Links with Paris Saint-Germain are also wide of the mark at this stage.
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