Arsenal latest: Fabregas could do Gunners huge transfer favour as Arteta gets unwelcome news

Arsenal's pursuit of silverware across three fronts faces fresh challenges after Mikel Arteta's squad was rocked by recent developments outside the club

Following their Carabao Cup final defeat against Manchester City, Arsenal have been dealt another significant setback. And this latest development could potentially impact the club's ambitions across their three remaining competitions.

The Gunners remain firm favourites to secure a first Premier League crown in 22 years, while they're set to meet Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday (April 4). This comes alongside the forthcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Sporting CP, which follows just three days later.

However, Mikel Arteta is first hoping his players emerge from the international break with minimal damage. In that regard, his squad has already experienced a considerable setback as the season's climax draws nearer.

It's during this phase of the campaign that an unfortunate run of injuries or suspensions can significantly derail momentum. Nevertheless, the situation isn't entirely bleak as football.london examines the latest developments at the Emirates.

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Fabregas could assist Paz deal

With a view to capitalising on what's been an outstanding campaign thus far, Arsenal would be wise to begin their summer preparations early. In that regard, Owen Hargreaves has encouraged the north London outfit to consider Como's Nico Paz.

A graduate of Real Madrid's youth academy, the talented midfielder has emerged as one of the most vital components in Cesc Fabregas' setup. And Arteta would be well-advised to contact his countryman in the hope of securing a favourable deal.

Fabregas has steered Como to remarkable heights in Serie A over the past couple of seasons, with the Italian outfit currently sitting fourth and on the brink of Champions League qualification. Paz, 21, has been central to Como's impressive rise, registering 10 goals and six assists across 29 league outings.

"There's a young lad at Como, Nico Paz," Hargreaves said during a recent appearance on TNT Sports. "There's an option for him to go back to Real Madrid, but if I'm Arsenal...

"This kid – you'll see him at the World Cup. Mikel Arteta will already know that this boy will be a star and if you don't ask you don't get. A player like that could suit Arsenal."

Born in the Canary Islands, Paz has chosen to represent Argentina on the international stage and has earned seven caps under Lionel Scaloni. His performances at the World Cup (if he plays) are likely to attract considerable attention, and Arsenal perhaps cannot afford to drag their feet in any pursuit.

Paz has shone in the No. 10 role under Fabregas, who may prove reluctant to sanction the departure of arguably his finest asset. Nevertheless, Arteta could look to persuade him that a move to north London represents the ideal next step in his development.

Worrying injury update

England's latest injury news carries significant consequences for Arsenal and their campaign. Noni Madueke picked up a knock during Friday's 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay, while Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have both returned to Colney.

"I'm worried, of course, because I think he was a difference-maker today," said manager Thomas Tuchel of Madueke after Friday's result. "He started well, he was full of energy, he was ready to go.

"And I think against a team like Uruguay, who relies on one-against-ones, to isolate them there and to go in one-against-ones from every minute out there, the spaces open up and he could have been a key player for us, which he is. Very sad and upset and hopefully it's not a big injury."

The full extent of Madueke's setback, sustained during the opening half on Friday, is yet to be confirmed. Neither Rice nor Saka took to the pitch against Uruguay but have nevertheless been released early ahead of England's second friendly fixture against Japan on Tuesday.

While this was in all likelihood a pre-planned precautionary measure, it does create a degree of unease back in north London. Gunners supporters will be hopefuls both players remain fully fit and were simply stood down having fulfilled their duties, though it is difficult to think of any other two players whose absence would prove quite so damaging.